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Boys lead to babes. Babes led to a life she didn’t desire.
Tempest enjoyed a flicker of happiness for making the decision to follow the path of a Hound, purely that she represented those who were downtrodden. She would pass the Trial. If not for her mother, then for the people who’d supported her. And to show that both commoners and women belonged in the ranks of the most elite group of fighters and spies. Everyone deserved a chance to live their dreams.
“You fought as a true warrior today. Not many get to lay eyes upon a lion and survive to tell the tale.” She swallowed hard. She didn’t feel much like a warrior. Killing that lion had been self-defense, but it still felt wrong. The poor creature didn’t deserve to die like that.
I like this girl.
She bristled despite herself. If there was one thing she hated, it was being backed into a corner or having her space invaded; both led to her coming out swinging. You can’t hit your sovereign.
I’m in way over my head. She hadn’t even discovered the whereabouts of the Jester’s court, and she was already failing horribly.
“Plus, a man does not wish to pick flowers that are venomous. There are prettier flowers in the world to decorate a man’s table.”
What if the sides aren’t human or shifter? What if they are corruption against innocent? Briggs’s question had haunted her for days. And, looking at the boy, she already knew her answer even if it meant standing against her king. Traitor.
“You like children.” Pyre stated. “That’s not a question.” “I never expected an assassin to like children.” Tempest forced herself to look at Pyre. The man’s sharp features seemed ever more pronounced in the morning sunlight, making him look less human than normal. It twisted her stomach in a way she could not describe and reminded her of the stark difference between them. A fox and a Hound.
“I can’t promise that things will get easier for you now,” he said, still stroking Tempest’s hair even though it was no longer in her eyes. “In fact, it will probably get much, much harder. But at least you know the truth. You’re always seeking the truth, aren’t you? I could tell from the moment I met you. Lies aren’t enough for you, even when they’re much easier to swallow than the truth. Even when they keep you safe.
He wasn’t naïve; he knew she was right. Pyre had already given Tempest far more leeway than he’d ever given anyone else. There was something about her that he couldn’t walk away from. She was the answer he’d been looking for.
“Pyre?” He bent his neck and sniffed at her throat, a husky groan reverberating in his chest. “Oh, luv, what a web you’ve been caught in.” “Excuse me?” she squeaked. “If you want the Jester so badly,” he whispered in her ear. “Strike true and my heart is yours, city girl.”
“I understand the risks.” “Be sure you do,” he murmured, a familiar smirk curling the corner of his mouth. “Lion-Killer. Goddess of Little Fawns. Lady Hound. You have much to lose.”
Her uncle dropped his head and glanced across the flame. It was pure accident that his gaze snagged hers. “Lass?” he called over and then stood up immediately. “Tempest, is that you?” She once more lowered her hood, smiling for the large, boisterous man who bounded over to smother her in a bone-crushing hug before she had a chance to reply. She wheezed but didn’t ask him to let go. She had sorely missed Maxim over the past month.
Just before unconsciousness took over, a disturbing thought flitted through her mind, clearly indicating that Tempest did not entirely believe Levka’s excuses for not being kinder to her over the past few years. Why had he waited until she was a Hound, and on the king’s war council, to confess his feelings?
Smart girl, I say.
