Diamond in the Rough - Vivienne Savage Page 0,6

where Lacherra was present could only be to discuss two matters—the king wanted faster results, or he was aware of their failure and would demand answers.

Another reason existed that he didn’t want to consider, but prepared for just the same.

Caius fingered the marble concealed in his sleeve. He was no master when it came to sleight-of-hand, but he’d learned enough to suit his purposes years ago. Back then, he’d been but a young child on the streets prior his admittance as a pupil in the school of magic.

And afterward too, when that bitch Elora stripped him of his rights to an education, making a pariah of him merely for demonstrating keen wit and curiosity above their other students. He’d expected her of all his associates to understand the value of delving into the hidden mysteries. But from her, there had been only judgment.

The marble became a comforting weight, a single prepared spell to be released the moment he flushed it with a charge of magic. One thought. One thought and he’d obliterate them all.

Gregarus awaited them in the throne room, the overbearing monarch in the company of his knight, as predicted. As always, the room was cold and foreboding, heavy with the ever-present feeling of doom that emanated from the giant of a man standing to the king’s right. The king dripped with riches, jewels glittering on his fingers from numerous rings, his crown freshly polished and gleaming upon a dark-haired head touched with silver strands. More crept into the king’s beard. He was no longer a young man, yet his bridal hunt had been met with marked success within the kingdom. After Caius read their expressions and the easygoing posture of the knight, he relaxed.

They meant him no harm this day.

He stole a glance at Lacherra to find she’d taken a casual leaning stance against a marble support pillar midway up the length of the throne room, the long-legged beauty cleaning beneath her nails with the tip of a dagger. Yet another habit she’d have to break if she was to enter the peerage, for no true lady would do such a thing.

He also suspected any other lady would have treated the king with far more grace and respect, but he’d come to see her as different from the sniveling upper class falling over one another for the next chance to wipe the monarch’s ass with their lips. Either the woman was truly fearless, or she believed in her ability to escape any situation.

It may have been a combination of both, and for that reason, Caius took care to stay on her good side. The ones without fear were always the most dangerous. The ones without fear had nothing to lose, especially when they’d set fire already to all they owned.

And he especially needed her on his side if the true plan was to come to fruition.

“Apologies for the delay, sire,” Caius said insincerely, playing the part of a repentant and loyal servant. His cordial demeanor and deep bow concealed the utter disdain churning in his gut. Their monarchy deserved a ruler willing to dirty his hands, to do what was necessary without ordering others to the task.

“I care not of delays,” the king said, alleviating Caius’s chief concern with unexpected magnanimity.

The spymaster relaxed. “Splendid. Then—”

“I care for results,” Gregarus interjected sharply, “I care to know why you have yet to give me any.”

“Your Maj—”

“Why neither of you have produced. I thought together the two of you would provide what I needed in record time, but I seem to be mistaken. This entire endeavor to recover the jewels has only set the kingdom back several thousand in gold coins. When I hired you to work together, was it not promised to me that the Legacies and mirror would be acquired and brought to me in record time?”

“Sire—”

Gregarus cut his hand through the air. His features were granite and hard, his narrowed eyes without pity. “I am speaking.”

Caius sucked air between his teeth.

“I did not summon you both for excuses. Promises were made to me that these treasures would be in hand. I was told the dragon would be handled, that the misfit girl would be slain, and yet you are here, preparing to give me excuses. More excuses for your failures. How much longer until you give me what is mine?”

Lacherra said nothing, though the blade was gone and she stood at attention, her unnerving gaze focused on the king. She’d moved to stand beside Caius with a straight