Page 106 of The King's Man
“Yes! But—”
“Destroyed homes or camps?”
“Yes. But that isn’t the same as—”
“Demoralized their soldiers? Forced their leaders to surrender or retreat?Killed people?”
“Yes!”I snapped, giving him a flat look. “But the Shadekin aren’t conquerors! We don’t pour into another Kingdom like locusts and destroy it just because we can!”
Jann leaned down, his jaw flexing. “I think what you meant to say is that you sit in your little nest, protected by a supernaturalfog,waiting until the fight comes to you—then use cunning, subversive means to end the fight. Which is a lovely privilege if you have it. Sadly, I did not.
“I led my men against enemies that sought my death. And when we defeated them,my Kingordered the symbols of their independence destroyed. And while Melek would not be petty, I assure you that should the need arise, he’d do the same. Defeat of an enemy is in their mind,nottheir body.”
I scowled. “I’m aware.”
“Are you? Because you’re berating me for being a part of defeating the neighbors to your Kingdom,saving you the trouble.”
“The Zaryndar were never coming for us!”
“You can’t know that. You can’t know what they might have done if they’d defeated us and felt empowered,” Jann growled. “The subjugation of an enemy after the battlefield isfarmore important than their defeat on it.”
I huffed. “Andmypeople are living proof that demoralizing an enemy does not require destroying their livelihoods—or even taking their lives in many cases.”
“You’re right—haunting their dreams is far more humane,” he muttered.
My jaw dropped. “I would far rather—”
“Dee?” Jann said quietly. “Our Nephilim lives prior to Melek taking the crown have been… ruthless. I won’t deny it. But please do not hold me responsible for the choices made for my survival and those of my best friend and our comrades. We’re doing everything in our power to change the face of this world. The past cannot be changed, but the future can.”
I blinked and all the air went out of my chest in a huff.
Jann waited a moment, brows high, then reached down to sweep up his bag with his free hand, leaving me standing there, staring at him.
“What the fuck just happened?”
“I believe you tried to have our first fight, but I disarmed you with my wisdom and charm,” he said with a shrug.
I slapped his shoulder, but with a playful growl, he dropped the bag and swept me up so quickly I shrieked. He buried his face in my neck and for several seconds I forgot everything we’d been talking about as he sent goosebumps pebbling down my side with his kisses.
When he put me back on my feet, I was ready to forget about food and sleep, but Jann leaned down to meet my eyes.
“You asked if the whole Continent is like this, and the truth is—in part, yes. The symbols to each people are different, but it is our way to leave reminders when we have taken a Kingdom. You will see destruction and defeat wherever we go. You will also see the rebuilding of trade and wealth. Gault was a prick. But he wasn’t stupid.”
“And you’re… okay with that?”
Jann sighed. “Do you want me to ache for killing the man who attempted to rape you?”
I flinched. “Of course not. That was evil—”
“He was an enemy. An enemy of the state, or an enemy of my mate—I will kill either without regret if killing one keeps the other alive and healthy.”
I exhaled heavily. “But the Spire City—”
“You will see when we enter the walls tonight that all of her beauty hasn’t been destroyed. You just need to look under her skirts, now.” Then he fuckingwinked.
“Jann!”
“What?”
