Page 75 of Bloody Business

As she was thinking that, something hard fell from the sky and shattered her collarbone.She screamed as another piece hammered her skull, slicing down her cheekbone.

She fell to one knee, crouched on the grass, stunned.A warrior would have run for cover, but she'd never been physically attacked like this.Her brains were rattled, and she saw stars.

A shadow passed overhead and she heard an eagle cry.Had the eagle dropped something on her?

She saw boots as the house soldiers raced up to her, and then things became a painful blur.She was hustled inside and a doctor called.She had a mild concussion, a broken collarbone and her scalp and cheek were cut.

The collarbone upset her the worst.It was on her left, which was her dominant side.It was going to be annoying to do everything right-handed.

It was easier to think about that than the fact she was almost killed.Almostwasn't dead after all, and the arm was an issue she could focus on.

Tashi arrived home soon after the attack.He was furious, and she heard him issuing orders in the hall.

He rolled into the living room with a deep frown less than a minute later.“Lily!I'm so very sorry.This never should have happened.”

“You can't watch everything,” she said practically.“How could anyone know an assassin would send a war eagle to drop things on my head?You have to give him points for creativity.”

“She,” he corrected her.“And the only point she got was the tip of a sword.”

“What?”Lily was still woozy, and she didn't understand him at first.“She's dead?Already?”That was fast.

“Yes.She wasn't very competent.My guards were quite motivated.”

“Oh.”Lily shivered.She would make it a point never to upset his guards.

“You've had a shock,” he said with concern.“Do you need to lie down?”

“I don't see how that can help,” Lily said irritably.“It seems more important than ever that we get this wedding over with.I would think I would be safer once I'm officially your wife, with the protection of your family name.After all, the Kan family is dead, and it's not as if I have a scary reputation.No one will be afraid to kill me.”

She had a point.“How about today?I can send for someone right now, if you're up to it.”

“I will find the strength,” Lily said dryly.“It will surely be easier than dying.”

...

Later that evening, Lily was sitting on the couch waiting for the painkillers and sleep aid to kick in.

“I apologize,” Tashi said.“This isn't how I had imagined spending our wedding night.”

“Me neither, but at least I'm alive to complain about it,” she said ruefully.

“True.We can make up for it later.Meanwhile, I received an invitation.Hegah would like to have a meeting tomorrow.As a show of good faith, he's taken care of your assassin problem.”

Surprised, she said, “How?”

“He took out a reverse assassination.Basically, anyone who assassinates you will have a price on their head.”

“Oh!I didn't know you could do that.Clever.”She frowned.“But why would he do that?”

“We'll find out tomorrow.You're welcome to attend, however...”He looked pointedly at her arm.

She grimaced.“Yes, you're right.Hegah respects strength.My arm sends the wrong message.”It would be a mistake to look vulnerable in front of a mob boss.

Although Tashi was in a wheelchair, he was also a battle mage, and he carried himself like a powerful businessman and the son of a warrior.There was nothing vulnerable about him.

“I'll be happy to share everything that happens,” he said sympathetically.“Meanwhile, I've arranged for a personal assistant for you.It's going to be boring, recovering, and she will help you go over your business accounts and take dictation for you.”

Lily perked up.“How thoughtful!”Maybe she would also use the time to plan the landscaping.“I've been meaning to talk to you about the grounds.You could use some flowers...”

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