Reign of Madness (King's Dark Tidings, #2)

by Kel Kade

Tieran stared at the strange man beside him in silence. Finally, he said, “You would manipulate my travel arrangements and accept the responsibility of my protection just so that I will put in a good word for Frisha in case she marries someone else?” Rezkin spied the man out of the corner of his eye and then lifted a shoulder in a half shrug. “It is not just that, is it? You manipulated the whole trip! That is why Captain Jimson said you were in charge. You arranged for the Jebais and Brandt … and what of Baron Fendendril? Did you arrange his travel as well?” Tieran asked in amazement. Rezkin continued scanning their surroundings but silently nodded once. “And, you did not even intend to compete in the tournament, did you? This entire trip was all about Frisha?” Tieran scoffed. Rezkin winced at the man’s tone. “Well, not completely. I do have other business here, but I could have more easily come alone. I admit that I gathered Frisha and the rest of you for that purpose.” The duke’s son simply stared. And, then he started to laugh. He laughed so hard he had tears coming from his eyes. “By the Maker, Rezkin, I have never heard of anything so absurdly romantic. You commandeered military personnel, a ship, and crew, and manipulated the lives of a baron and the heirs of four high noble houses for months during the King’s Tournament just to ensure the happiness of a woman in the event you do not get to marry her.” Rezkin shrugged. “Whether I marry her or not, Frisha will always...