Page 58 of The King of Koraha
Amusement sparked in his light blue eyes as a slow smile spread across his face. Damn, the man was good-looking and he knew it. Shyla reached out to pick up his emotions, but she was…diverted. It was as if he’d stepped aside. She’d never encountered this ability before. He wasn’t like the King, who outright blocked the power of The Eyes, but rather he slipped away, like when you tried to cup a handful of water and it was gone by the time you brought it up to your mouth.
“There is nothing to confess,” Xerxes said. “I’m thesoulof innocence.”
He must have talked to Lonato. Did he suspect she had woken The Eyes? That still shouldn’t protect him from them.
“You’re no longer the King’s commander,” Rendor said. “So it is no longer any of your business.”
“Have youconsideredthat I’m also here to find the missing taxes?” There was heat in his words.
Seven hells. Xerxes was another magic wielder.
“No,” Rendor said slowly.
Shyla focused on Xerxes with The Eyes, seeking that inner glow.
“As soon as I heard,” Xerxes said, “I’vebeen looking for information. Seems there is a new mercenary squad in Nintri and they’remyprime suspects.”
Every time Xerxes stressed a word, Shyla spotted a glowing ball of magic around his heart just like Lonato’s. It still didn’t explain the weirdness when she tried to read his emotions or thoughts. They kept slipping out of her reach.
“Why have you been investigating?” Shyla asked.
Xerxes frowned. “Iwant the coins recovered. I’d like to resumemy job.”
Son of a sand demon, he was strong and on guard. No way she’d be able to force answers from him without exhausting herself. Good thing she was on guard too and could block his commands.
“He has every right to investigate,” Rendor said to her.
Oh no. She wasn’t the only one he was influencing. Fear slid down her back with icy fingers. If they escaped, she hoped she’d be able to reverse Xerxes’ influence on Rendor. Except she hadn’t helped the Water Princess. Bile churned in her stomach.
“Where is this squad?” she asked, trying to pull Xerxes’ attention away from Rendor. “Can we infiltrate them? See if they have the coins?”
“I’mtaking care of it.Go backto Qulsary andreportto the King.Tell himyour investigation has hit adead end. There’snothingmoreyou and Rendorcan do.”
His magical commands seared into her, pushing on her to obey. They stuck to her like cobwebs. She fought the compulsion, using precious energy to brush the strands from her body.
“Commander Xerxes has it well in hand,” Rendor said. “We need to report to the King.”
“That’s being smart, Captain,” Xerxes said. “And after you makeyourreport,bothof you are toreturnto Nintri andjoinme.”
“Yes, sir,” Rendor snapped. “We’ll leave as soon as possible so we’re not gone long.”
Xerxes smiled. “You’re in luck. There’s a caravan leaving for Qulsary at angle zero. The owner needs two more guards.”
“Perfect.” Rendor grabbed Shyla’s hand. “Come on.”
She nodded enthusiastically, pretending to be enthralled, hoping his ego wouldn’t let him question why she agreed so easily when Lonato had a hard time. “Yes, let’s go.”
“Don’tmiss the show in the heart cavernbefore you leave,” Xerxes said. “You’ll want tohurry backjust to see it again.”
“We won’t,” Rendor said.
“Thanks, Commander,” Shyla gushed.
“Safe journey,” Xerxes said.
Rendor pulled her down the tunnel. The mercs blocking the way parted, allowing them to pass through. Although it about killed her, she didn’t stop Rendor. No doubt Xerxes was following to ensure his orders were carried out. Instead, she allowed Rendor to tow her to their new set of rented rooms. Only when they were inside and the door was locked did she break his grip on her hand.
“We need to pack,” he said, grabbing his bag.
