Page 53 of The King of Koraha
She did not, which he knew.
“Besides, I’ve been talking to a few of the guards. It sounds as if the princess would rather have mercs in her city than have to petition the King every time she needs extra help.”
“Except they’re illegal. King Ondro outlawed them because they were getting out of hand.”
“What’s the difference between a merc captain becoming a prince or princess or another citizen with enough manpower doing that same thing? That’s how the cities in Koraha are run. The strong take control by force.”
“Not always. Remember what Najib told us about Nintri?”
“A rare exception.”
“There are others.”
“Not many. You’re not the only one to study history. And ours is filled with coups and violent changes in leadership.”
“Having mercs in all the cities will just continue the cycle. When the King had his elite forces, there weren’t as many violent overthrows because the people knew the King would send his troops if things got too vicious.”
“We can’t stop it. Besides, it’s not our job. Our job was to recover the taxes. Since there is nothing left, we need to report this to the King and let him figure out a solution.”
He was right. “Before we do that, we should bring back as much information as possible. Can we at least find out where Xerxes is before we leave? That will help the King.”
Rendor’s gaze grew distant as he considered. “It took you a full sun jump to sleep off the drug. Lonato has probably tipped off the mercs that you escaped and know too much. They’ll be following us, looking for the perfect opportunity to snatch you again. Are you sure you want to risk that?”
“What’s the perfect opportunity?”
“Secluded areas. Being out in the city after angle two-seventy. If we keep to public areas that are popular, they won’t try anything. I’ve been careful not to lead anyone to these rooms, but when I carried you back from the surface, I was rather preoccupied and not looking for a tail.”
“Could we in turn grab one of the people following us and interrogate them?”
“It’s possible. Still risky.”
“I think it’s worth it. We can find another room to rent. I also want to talk to the Water Princess and find out if she’s had any contact with the mercs.”
“All right, but you have to promise to rest for the remainder of this sun jump.” He waited.
“I promise.”
“Good. We can go down to the Water Princess’s level at the start of the next sun jump and make an appointment.” Rendor gripped the hilt of his sword. “The mercs will probably try to stop us going to that appointment.”
“Because they don’t want the princess to know they stole the taxes?”
“Yes. They’ll want to appear legitimate so she won’t have any qualms hiring them when needed.”
He raised another good point.
“Can they stop us?” she asked.
“Depends on how many they send.” Rendor grinned. “They’ll probably underestimate us. It’ll be nice to get some exercise and stretch my muscles.”
“Overconfidence can be a weakness,” she said, half teasing.
“It’s only overconfidence if you can’t back it up, sunbeam.” He pulled her close and lowered his voice to a husky whisper. “Have I ever disappointed?”
Tingles raced down her spine as heat bloomed deep inside her. “Not yet.”
He growled and swept her off her feet. “Not ever.” Rendor set her gently onto the cushion and covered her with the fur. “Go back to sleep.”
“Aww. You’re no fun.”
