FOREVER KNIGHTS: #7 King of Assassins
Hearing My Name

“Would you?” He shifted in his seat. “I thought you only said that to try and discomfort me?”

Perhaps I could bring you back something. He considered.

“I did. But it’s true, anyway.”

“So, you’ve craved raw meat?”

“Of course.” She gave him a wary look.

“You know,” He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “What would it be like, I wonder. To hunt with you at my side? Would you be my partner in the hunt or flee me at the first opportunity?” He asked, not really expecting an answer. Thusly unsurprised when she gave none.

You’d flee.

“You and I actually have much in common.” He continued.

She gave him a disbelieving look.

“It’s true. We’re both more animal than human.”

“Yes, but I’ve a reason.” She pointed her wooden fork at him. “You, you do it for sport.”

No. I do it because it’s what I am. Ever since I became immortal I’m driven by my beast.

He gave a cold laugh. “Is that what you think?”

“I do.” She nodded solemnly.

Blowing a quick breath, he shook his head. “In all this time, Woman, you’ve not learned who I am at all!”

I’d rather hoped you would.

“I know you go help your brethren but when you come home your arms, back or chest are often torn.” She lifted her chin impudently. “I think you lie to me.”

Home? He’d never thought he’d hear her use that word to describe WaterRose.

“Do you?” He leaned forward, making the chair creak. “Is that why you won’t let me close to you?”

She set her fork down and slumped back in her chair. “Why would I let a man touch me whom gets plenty of attention when he ventures from home?”

There it is again. He liked the sound of it on her tongue. Struggling to fight the smile parting his mobile lips. But her words dawned.

I don’t get attention!

I want your attention. All over every inch of me, woman.

“What if I were to take you on one of my ventures?”

She tilted her head slowly, all the way sideways to her shoulder. White hair folding over the top of the table next to her. Shock written over her face as she considered his motives.

He took a swig of wine. “Would you try to escape?”

Her eyes narrowed. And her lips whitened.

“Yes, you would try.” He set the chalice back to the table.

Thus, why I can never take you out of these walls.

“What would happen if I…tried?” She nearly choked on the word that implied she’d not succeed.

“I’d never take you out with me again.” His voice cracked through the empty room like a whip.

“And if I did not?”

You wouldn’t be able to resist.

“Perhaps I’d let you out of WaterRose more often. Extend your freedom?” He offered quietly. “One day reach the point where I’d let you go wherever you wished,” His voice lowered. “as long as you returned to me.”

Her lips parted in interest as she drew a long breath.

He saw her eyes brighten. She’s intrigued.

He sensed her conceding, preparing to agree to his terms. He found himself leaning even further forward as he awaited the words.

Then a single word tore through his mind like a sword through his body. “Sebastian.”

Racking him hard enough he rattled in his chair.

It wasn’t the word. It was the voice. A man’s voice.

One I’ve not heard in so long… He leapt to his feet, toppling his chair and upsetting his full chalice. Tossing red wine over the tabletop and full trencher.

Elsabet hissed. Recoiling briefly from his sudden movement.

“Merlinus!” He roared back. Hoping his friend could somehow hear him. “Elsabet-”

“I know. I know.” She sighed. “You have to go.”

He was already turning on his heel. Black cloak unraveling down his back as he strode from the room and ran through the parlor and foyer. Ripping the double doors open with such force, he nearly pulled them from the hinges.

She took a sip of her drink and gripped the chalice. Staring at where he’d been sitting. Jerking when Quandary’s feral cry startled her. “Be careful, My Friends.” She whispered. “You take what is left of my heart with you.”

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