AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“All members of our group have sworn an oath to serve and protect you.”
This was more complicated than I realized. “Okay, well now I need you to swear that you will not harm another living creature in this town, do you understand?”
Ariston nodded.
“Did you tell anyone else in this group of yours that I was here?”
“Not yet, my queen.” He paused. “Not yet, not-my-queen. I wanted to vanquish your enemies first and revel in the light of your praise before I shared your wondrous presence with anyone else.”
I placed a hand on his shoulder. He craned his neck to gaze at my fingers as though I’d set a diamond there. “Ariston, I command you to leave this town and never come back.”
His head whipped to face me. “My liege?”
“That is my desire.”
His brow furrowed. “You do not wish me to serve at your feet? I am strong and enjoy feasting on a good liver.”
I let the last remark slide, not wanting to picture it. “I’m not in the market for any servants or protectors. I only wish to live a life in peace.” Like a normal person.
Ariston stared at me. “If that is your wish.”
“It is.”
“Very well, my… I remain your devoted subject.”
“I’ll make a note of it.”
That seemed to please him. He turned and lumbered away. Holding my breath, I watched as he crossed the bridge and passed through the gate. Only when he disappeared from view did I exhale.
“Why do you have minions?” Nana Pratt asked, startling me.
My stomach tensed. “I don’t have minions.”
“I couldn’t hear the actual words he said, but I heard his tone. It sounded like he worshipped the ground you walked on. An old beau of yours?”
I bristled. “That guy? Are you serious?”
“He did have an odd shape, but who am I to judge?”
Relief flooded my senses. She hadn’t heard the details of our exchange. Thank the gods for small mercies.
“Why did you ask him to leave town?”
“Oh, you heard that part?”
“Those were the only words I could make out. I thought my hearing would improve when I died, but I guess that’s too much to ask for.”
“I asked him to leave Fairhaven because he’s dangerous,” I admitted.
“Is he one of those assassins?”
“Not exactly.”
“Then why does he have to leave, but the killers get to stay? Aren’t they dangerous too?”
My head began to throb. I couldn’t deal with logic right now. “It isn’t that simple. The assassins have an agreement not to kill within the borders of Fairhaven.”
“That seems a bit unfair to let them run willy-nilly in the next town over. What did the people in the rest of Pike County do to deserve that?”
