Page 8 of The Dragon King’s Claw (The Dragons of Serai #17)

Rulli walked back to the Panne residence with me, and then we parted on the sidewalk.

He spent a moment staring at the door, then lifted his chin, opened the door, and went inside.

The sound of weeping carried out. I sighed and turned toward the carriage.

The door was already open, Sir Vasren holding it for me.

“Sir Vasren, thank you for informing the extended family about the death. You saved me from repeating difficult news. That was kind of you. I very much appreciate it.”

“You're welcome, Claw Shinkai.”

I climbed inside, sat down across from the King, and pulled my notebook out of my coat pocket.

“Your Majesty?” Vasren asked.

“One moment, Sir Vasren.” A pause, and then, “Claw Shinkai, where are we going next?”

“Huh?” I looked up. “Oh. You can drop me at the Hall of Talons.”

“You've concluded your investigations for the day?”

“For now.”

“What does that mean?”

I should have lied. But the problem with being a straightforward, no-nonsense type of man is that lying is difficult. I often forgot that I should. As I did now.

I met the King's stare and said, “I'm meeting the brother-in-law at the jewelry shop he owned with the victim. But that's not for another two hours.”

“I see. Then we have time for lunch.”

“What? No. I need to go over my notes. It's part of my process.”

“You have to eat. Why not do so with me?”

“Because I doubt I'll be able to focus on the case if I'm dining with you.”

The Dragon King grinned and looked at his knight. “To the Golden Triangle, Sir Vasren.”

“Yes, sire.” Vasren shut the door before I could protest.

“I need to go to the Hall of Talons!”

“You need to eat. You also need to get to know me better. I'm going to make sure that you do.”

“You're going to make sure I do what—eat or get to know you?”

He grinned wickedly. “Both. At the same time. Don't you appreciate my efficiency?”

“Your Majesty, I—” I jerked forward with the momentum of the carriage.

The King steadied me. “You should sit beside me. It's a better ride when you face forward.”

“I'm fine where I am.” I leaned back.

“But you could be so much better.”

“Perspective.” I shook my head, ignoring his flirty grin to look down at my notebook.

“What was that?”

“Nothing, Your Majesty. At least let me go over my notes on the way to lunch.”

“Of course. And you will read them aloud so that I may offer my insight.”

I clenched my teeth, keeping my stare on my notes. How did he manage to annoy me so violently? I had never wanted to strangle someone as much as I did the Dragon King of Rushao.

But he was still my king. So, I took a deep breath and began to read aloud.