367 To Kill a King

LERRIN

Lerrin was still twisted in the tub to look at her over his shoulder. He'd never seen Suhle look so openly emotional—shock was painted all over her features, along with fear, and something else he couldn't be certain of. Grief?

"Lerrin, you can't," she breathed. "He'll kill you."

Lerrin growled. "Not if our plan works. And even if it goes wrong, I would pit myself against him."

"Lerrin—"

He turned back to his bath, unwilling to see the horror on her face, or consider what it meant. He spoke to the water. "I know you want to see this end peacefully, but you must see if that if he has begun killing his former people in cold blood, he is only one step away from descending on us here. It is crucial that I take the reins, keep control of the conflict—we are outnumbered."

"Yes, but—"