Page 34 of Emperor of Draconis

“I suppose I’ll have to look around.”

“They have employment offices. They’ll help you.” Kitty suggested.

Several of the younger girls went on and on. He was beginning to get a headache. Torr tried to focus on his food and not listen to the talk. That was why he was in his own world when everyone began to leave.

“Hey, come back to me, they’re gone.” Kitty observed.

“Sorry, but they were hard to listen to.”

“Believe me, I understand. They are young and self-absorbed.”

“Wait a minute. I’m getting a call.” He saw one of his captains was calling. It was Corson.

“My Liege, we’ve found some emails between the captain on this ship and one on another ship. They were paid by a king to sow discord and try to capture Kitty and assassinate you.”

“Which king?”

“It doesn’t say. He’s just referred to as the king.”

“Is there nothing to identify him?” He asked.

“There is something where he admits to not being close enough to you to know what you’re doing.”

“If only that helped more. Thank you for trying.” He added before signing off. Traitors among his kings. That was unacceptable.

Already he had people investigating those kings he wasn’t close to especially Frick. He was at the top of the suspect list, but it was hard to believe he was in this alone. That’s why all these kings he wasn’t close to were being checked out now.

He escorted Kitty back to their room where they made mad passionate love then fell into a deep sleep. When he woke, he felt rested and relaxed, but not for long. Still, even a short break from the usual stress helped.

This call was from the other captain. Janten had word now. “Sire, we found nothing even though we practically tore the ships apart. The prisoners are saying there is a contract out on you that many pirates want to collect on.”

“That is disturbing. I suppose we need to declare war on pirates now.”

“If you do, you will drag others not involved into this as well.” Janten observed.

“Your suggestion?”

“Get extra protection and try to see who is involved and who is staying out of this.”

“I can see the wisdom in this for now. Keep me informed.”

“I will do so, my liege.” Janten said as he hung up.

“More worries?” Kitty asked.

“Yes, they have put out a contract on me. Several pirates are said to be trying to collect.”

“Contract on us?”

“Yes.”

“Since the first attempt was poor, it may discourage others.”

“We can hope it does.” Torr admitted.

“Now it will be a waiting game.”

“That’s what Janten said.”

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