Page 88

Avera stiffened.

“Whyever would they be interested in us?” Josslyn said with a laugh.

“Because they think you lot conspired against the late queen.” Korr’s gaze went past Josslyn to Avera. “Fear not, Majesty, I ain’t going to rat you out. I knew your mother, a good woman, unlike her consort.”

“You knew them?” Avera asked keeping her voice low so as to not be overheard. Unlikely given the noise emanating from the main floor.

“Aye. The former queen visited a few times and was always kind. As for her consort…” Korr’s expression twisted into a grimace of distaste. “I had the misfortune of hosting him solo a few times in the past.”

“What did he do to create such a poor impression?” Josslyn queried.

“Let’s just say he had sadistic tendencies when it came to women. It led to the more free-spirited ones making themselves scarce when he visited. Even without that, he’s not a likable man.”

“With all the amenities Benoit had in the capital, I have to wonder why he would come here?” Josslyn tilted her head in curiosity.

Korr rolled his shoulders. “Other than indulging in his depravity out of the public eye? Not sure.”

“Did he have meetings with the pirates?” Avera wondered if that’s how he’d managed to hire the assassins.

“If he did, I didn’t see it happen. Some folk seen him spending time at the old chapel.”

“The one at the end of the pier?” Avera had seen the old building but had not explored it.

“Ayuh. Used to be they held ceremonies there for the sea faring. Blessings on their catch and sailing and whatnot. But once we lost Preacher Jonah, it fell into disuse.”

What would Benoit want with an abandoned church? Religion was a rare thing in Daerva. While some believed in gods and otherworldly powers, most just lived their lives by the laws of the land and their own morality.

“Odd,” Avera mused.

“All that to say, I don’t believe a word that foul bastard is saying about you, hence why I won’t be handing you over. No one will. We owe much to the late queen. She’d been keeping us afloat, sending us supplies to ensure we didn’t starve in the lean months.”

His claim confirmed what Avera had seen in her mother’s ledgers but even better, that kindness now helped Avera. “I appreciate you keeping quiet about our presence, although I fear our horses might give us away.”

“Already had them moved,” Korr announced. “The knights never seen them. And I helped your guard find a spot to observe where he wouldn’t be seen.”

“Your kindness is appreciated, but I have to ask, aren’t you worried the knights will find out you lied? I can’t see them being gentle if they discover you’ve helped hide us.” Avera couldn’t help but worry.

Korr’s craggy face split into a smile. “I got enough friends they wouldn’t dare. It wouldn’t be the first time some soldiers didn’t leave the Bay, although when asked, we always tell the capital they went on their merry way.”

Avera’s mouth rounded. “You’ve had problems with soldiers?”

“Not often, but some seem to think because we’re so far from everything, and no longer as fortunate in income, that they canact as they please. Our daughters aren’t their playthings.” Korr’s face darkened.

“You let Benoit live despite his actions,” Josslyn pointed out.

“It’s one thing to rid ourselves of rapists and pedophile soldiers, another to make the consort disappear.”

Having Korr on their side alleviated some of Avera’s concerns. “If I retake my throne?—”

“When,” Josslyn corrected.

“I will endeavor to bring back commerce to your bay.”

“I appreciate the offer, but how will you do so? Verlora was our main trafficker,” Korr pointed out.

“I don’t know yet, but I will find a solution. Until that happens, I will continue what my mother started. You are still people of Daerva, and loyal ones too. That deserves consideration and reward.”

“Much appreciated, Majesty.” Korr bobbed his head.