17

Recompense

Eben was shouting in his face. Intent on hanging the animal’s head above his mantle in vengeance for her crimes.

It struck Zier that doing so would be quite a shame. She is one of a kind.

He remembered how trustingly she’d allowed him to lead her into the castle.

Zier’s brows drew together, and his chest was heaving with his anger. Furious that Eben would accuse him of purposely betraying him.

And then tell me what to do with the prize I acquired.

Yes, Zierno had intended her to be Eben’s but the thought of slaughtering her in the King’s name seemed a damn shame.

“It’s a waste of a powerful beast.” Zier objected.

“I’ll make that decision, Mercenary.” Eben hissed.

Twice today, he’s reminded me how low I am.

Gritting his teeth, Zierno collected his sword and spun. His cloak billowing around behind him as his boots clicked over the marbled floor. He adjusted it over his shoulder. Straightening where it dangled, from his recent toil.

Storming through the doors of the Receiving