King of the Seditious
Crowns on Her Head

Blue Lark Guild, Dread Hideout

SAVAGE JAXSON

Dimurah returned with the Sleep Duster.

“Here.” Savage scooted across the bench to offer her room next to him.

She tossed a hasty glance around.

“There’s no one here that would care.” He assured.

Her eyes landed on Phalanx, who’d restrained her last night. Her face darkened.

Clearly still mad at him.

Savage covertly passed him an apologetic look. Knowing the man had done it for him.

To keep her from hurting herself trying to slay the man on her own.

Phalanx looked to have a bruised cheek for his efforts, this morning.

But he stayed far enough away and avoided looking directly at Savage to hide that they were allies.

He’s loyal.

Which was something Savage greatly appreciated.

It seemed that manner of man was getting harder and harder to come by.

“Thank you.” She murmured. Reaching over to swipe back a couple of war beads and ruffle the hair looped over his forehead and swaying back to his ears.

“Mmm.” He murmured. Tipping his head back like a pleased hound at her touch.

“If you were going to do it any way, why didn’t you before all?”

“He didn’t pull a weapon on me.”

“Did he later?”

“No. But he swung.”

“So, what did you do?” She gestured to the tea, indicating he hadn’t yet taken a drink.

His gaze fell reluctantly to it and his hand adjusted grip on the handle as he explained. “He used his bare hand as a weapon, so I killed him with mine.”

“I doubt you sawed his head off with your fingernails.”

“No. That was the work of a tool.”

She winced and seemed reluctant to ask more.

Good. I’ve no wish to tell her.

“Do you think word of it has reached King Ocnomad by now?”

“Last night likely.” He grunted. His hand still gripping the ale tankard.

“You said something last night.” She changed the subject abruptly enough he looked from the greenish swill with herbs floating atop to her face.

“Said a few things.”

“Not much.”

“Usually don’t.”

“You told Wildling to tell the King he could kill his son, himself.”

“Ah. That.” He lifted the tankard to take an enormous drink.

And then hide the fact that he nearly gagged.

“Good?”

“Delicious.” His voice broke slightly, and he had to fight the belch that rolled up from deep in his roiling stomach at the taste.

“Are you, his son?”

“My mother said so.”

“But you don’t think so.”

“I think I’m nothing like the King of Ocnomad.”

“Do you know who then?”

“I’ve not the faintest idea. And no particular interest into looking into who my mother’s lovers may have been.”

“Do you think she had many?”

“No idea.” He swallowed another long burp and made a small gasping sound.

“Are you okay?”

“Fantastic. Stomach a little upset.” He gestured nervously to his gut with waving fingertips.

She put her hand over his reassuringly. “The tea should help. Drink up.”

He nearly whimpered.

Later that night, found Savage unsurprisingly, leaned over the counter watching Dimurah serving. His gaze followed her like a hungry predator.

He’d been trying now for a few hours to persuade her to let Adrea take over tending the counter. And come back to my tent.

He reached over the counter to lightly smack her rear beneath the green cloak.

She turned around hissing. “Would you not do that?”

“No.”

“No, you’ll stop or no you won’t stop?”

“No.”

She growled in her throat. “How can you even tell where my tail is beneath this cloak?” She gestured to the oversized length.

“I know very well where it is.” He eyed her. His gaze roving over her. “I can envision you bare, right now.”

“Jax!”

“Savage Jack!” RedBayne roared from the doorway. Even before the door he’d ripped open slammed against the wall.

Yes? Savage’s blue gaze slid to him coolly. He turned, cocking his hip against the high counter and resting his elbow atop it, as he gave the mammoth man his attention.

“We must talk!”

About what?

People were hissing breaths at the barbarian’s commanding tone with their King.

“About?”

I see no reason to move from where I am, this moment.

“No’ somethin’ ye wan’ me saying out here!” RedBayne gestured around.

Savage’s unwavering gaze made others in the alehouse cringe.

“It’s bout ye’re lass!” He gestured to Dimurah.

What about her?

Savage’s eyes went sideways to see her. “Is there something I need to know?” He asked from the corner of his mouth.

“Yea.” She paused wiping the counter to lean forward. “Ye’re an ass!”

He gave her a dark glance as he lurched off the bar and uncrossed his legs to go greet the huge redhead.

“Come, barbarian.” He waved over his head as he aimed for a bench in the dark corner. The one commonly used for business.

I’ve no interest in bad news. Let’s get to the point.

“What is it?”

“King Ocnomad.”

There was the faintest curl of Savage’s upper lip.

RedBayne glanced at the motion.

Unsurprising since he doesn’t miss much.

“He’s put a bounty on her.”

Savage leapt to his feet and drew RedByane’s blade from the sheath, crossing his chest to hang near his left hip. Pressing the metal to the bigger man’s throat. Panting with rage. Take it back.

RedBayne slowly lifted his hands. Assessing Savage with alert blue eyes. “No’ me fault, Brother. I’m just hear ta warn ye.”

It isn’t his fault. He drew no weapon on me.

“Dammit!” Savage tossed the blade across the alehouse, sliding over the wood floor in a rare flare of temper.

“I understand.” RedBayne said in an even tone. “That’s why I came ta warn ye.”

“How much?” He leaned over RedBayne to whisper in a low voice.

“$1000 crowns.”

They’ll tear this alehouse apart to get to her. He turned to Dimurah. Looking incredibly defeated as his chest heaved.

She met his stare, wide-eyed.

Everyone is. He realized.

“I came to help ye.” RedBayne said. “I can get her out of ’ere.” He whispered to Savage’s back.

“Can you give me one night?” Savage turned back to him.

RedBayne nodded. Lips tight. “I’ll wait.”

“Thank you.” Savage impulsively grabbed the top of RedBayne’s shoulder. Squeezing it firmly. “Thank you…”

“I know.” RedBayne lowered his head in deference. Standing, he walked around Savage to head out of Winter Haven.

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