He nearly told her she lied, but he had a feeling she’d hurt him. Basil sat up on the side of the bed and tried to work through what she was telling him. Thousands of questions went through his mind at one time.
“My wife, she was killing me as well.” Piper said that was right. “And the child, you said he was my brother’s. So when I would have died, my wife and her son would have come forth and taken over the kingdom.”
“Yes. Any more tidbits you’ve worked out?” He could have easily hated her, but he didn’t. Basil might well have fallen in love with her in the last few minutes. “You’ve already gone over it. Just say it, and I’ll tell you if you’re nearly as smart as everyone thinks you are.”
“They’re taking the money that is missing from the vault. The two of them have been robbing me while I thought them dead.” She told him she’d already changed the locks on the vaults with her own magic. “Thank you. You said I’m not to die. What did you do?”
“As I said, I pulled the iron from your body, so it was no longer a threat.” He could feel himself getting stronger by the minute. “The last thing you should know is that both Grant and I gave you some of our blood. I haven’t any idea what it will do to you. Perhaps we can hope it made you smarter. But somehow I doubt that’s going to be possible.”
“Where is Grant?” She told him. “They think I’m dead? Why would you do that? There are people out there that are only loyal to me.”
“Those people that you thought were loyal are now all dead. Yes, I killed them. Also, you will need another cook, as well as an advisor. You might say I have cleaned house for you.” He didn’t know what to say to her. Or even to ask of her. “The worrying part now. You will need to worry about your wife and brother. The child is all grown up, so he will also be a threat to you. While I can’t find them, you can bet your ass that I will. Then they’re going to meet an end that isn’t nearly as nice as the rest of your staff had.”
“I don’t know what to say.” He looked at her and saw that she was changing...evolving as well. “I touched you. You’re fae.”
“Yes. I was fucking pissed about that too, but I figure it’s all magic. I have wings as well. So does Grant. Not happy about that. If I can’t change into my phoenix, you’re going to wish you’d never met me.” He told her he wasn’t so sure now. “Good. You keep that thought in your head all the time, and try not to piss me off.”
“Thank you, Piper.” She leaned forward, and he knew that whatever she was going to tell him, he didn’t want to hear. “Is there more I should know?”
“Plenty. But for now, I’ll tell you that all the money I could find that they’ve taken from the vaults is back. They’re going to figure it out soon enough. Until I tell you differently, you’re to stay in this room and only this one. It’s been fixed, so no one will see or hear you so long as you’re here. It’s the only way to keep you from being hurt. You’re weak now, as I’m sure you figured out. Until you’re back to full strength, stay hidden. If you don’t, I can no longer protect you.”
“Why are you doing this?” Piper asked him what he meant. “You didn’t have to do this. You could have just taken the job and let me die. Why? And why are you so angry about it?”
“I’m not angry at you, not really, but that you were letting yourself be made a fool of. That is not what a leader does. Yes, I had to do this. I don’t know why, but I have this feeling that I was meant to help you and that it will, in some way, help the rest of us. As I said, I don’t know why, but we’ll see. If it’s nothing, then that’s all right too. You’re alive to rule your lands, and I will have a favor from you.”
“Anything.” She told him to just get better for now as she stood up. “Piper, I literally owe you my life. Thank you.”
He wasn’t sure, but he thought she told him to fuck off as she left him there. Basil laid back on the bed and closed his eyes. It was funny, really. She was the most ungracious helper he’d ever met. Yet he had a feeling she’d kill for him. In fact, she’d already done that.
Basil let himself fall into a good deep sleep. He was safe, as was the castle and people while they were here. There wasn’t anything more wonderful than that, he thought.
Before You Go…
Share your voice and help guide other readers to these wonderful books. Even if it’s only a line or two, your reviews help readers discover the author’s books so they can continue creating stories that you’ll love. Log in to your favorite retailer and leave a review. Thank you.
Kathi Barton, a winner of the Pinnacle Book Achievement award as well as a best-selling author on Amazon and All Romance books, lives in Nashport, Ohio, with her husband, Paul. When not creating new worlds and romance, Kathi and her husband enjoy camping and going to auctions. She can also be seen at county fairs with her husband, who is an artist and potter.
Her muse, a cross between Jimmy Stewart and Hugh Jackman, brings her stories to life for her readers in a way that has them coming back time and again for more. Her favorite genre is paranormal romance, with a great deal of spice. You can visit Kathi on line and drop her an email if you’d like. She loves hearing from her fans. [email protected].
Follow Kathi on her blog: http://kathisbartonauthor.blogspot.com/
Table of Contents
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Piper: Queen’s Birds of Prey: Paranormal Shape Shifter Romance (Queen's Birds of Prey) Page 15
