The Traitor A. Lombardo (best thriller novels to read TXT) 📖

The request seemed harmless, but Robert’s expression held more concern than Kai thought possible. Drew was his oldest friend; they were nearly brothers. Robert whipped his head to the stables. Kai followed the uneasiness and watched for movement.

“My son went to Diu to deliver the city taxes. I am expecting him and his men home later this evening.”

The worried expression on his friend sent a sense of dread down Kai’s spine. “Forgive me for saying, but every time I mention Drew, you react like there is something I should fear. What should I know?”

A flurry of snow blew between them. Robert remained silent. Kai did not want to be the cause of tension. “I should leave. I came here to tell Drew that I did not murder Iver. I wanted his help proving my case, but I will not set you at odds with your son.”

“You must understand that my son loved being in service to Diu. He dedicated his entire life to the Galloway family, to you, and now that is over. I do not know what I believe. I know what I hope, but the truth has yet to come to light. If there is a way to prove your story, you must find it. Please do not ask my son to follow you on this path.”

“Who are you speaking to, father?” Drew stepped into the garden and caught sight of Kai standing in the shadow of a large tree. Anger flared Drew’s nostrils and narrowed his focus.

The depths of his friend’s rage pulled Kai back a step. “Before you overreact . . .”

Drew’s reaction was swift and unyielding as his unsheathed sword flew into action without warning. Kai ducked away from the strike and slid behind the tree. He had no weapon to defend himself, only his speed. “Please, Drew! Let me explain.” He could see the layers of anger and disbelief resting on his friend’s shoulders; he would not yield.

“I am a Diu Captain, or at least I was before you took that from me!” Drew swung his sword again this time nearly catching Kai in the chin.

Darting around the snow-covered garden to avoid his friend’s sword, Kai begged. “Listen to me, please. I need your help.”

“How dare you come here after what you did,” Drew spat. “Why would I help you? You lied to me, to everyone. You are a traitor and a murderer. Do you deny it?”

Drew stepped through the snow closer to Kai.

Robert followed and grabbed his son’s arm. “Please, Drew, before you make a mistake, hear Prince Kai out. Then we can call the guards.”

“Do not call him a prince!” Anger boiled behind Drew’s eyes. “He does not deserve the title. How could you kill Iver? That man loved you. I loved you like a brother.”

The anguish on his friend’s face bore a hole through Kai’s heart. As painful as it was, he explained everything that happen, sparing no detail, starting with the night Riome hypnotized him and learned Nola had brainwashed him into killing Iver. He explained how he slipped into his father’s room through a secret passage accessible from the music room on the floor below. Explained how Nola slid the blade into his hand and guided it into Iver’s chest. He told everything he could remember.

Drew stopped Kai before he could continue. “Lies. I do not believe you.”

Kai wanted to explain further but Drew pulled away from Robert. “I was there two days ago.” Drew narrowed his gaze. “You were barely recognizable. There was a deep gash in your cheek. I saw when Seth hit your ribs, and you doubled in pain, I am guessing from a broken rib maybe two. None of those wounds would heal in two days.”

“Healers,” Kai confessed. “Keegan has special herbs…”

Anger swept over Drew’s face. “Are you making fun of me? Do you think I am foolish? Father, call the guards. I will watch Kai, make sure he does not escape.” Drew pointed to the door as he unsheathed his sword once more.

Kai stepped closer, frantic to convince his friend. “Were you willing to believe any of what I said?”

“I do not believe the Queen tried to kill the King,” Drew said bluntly. “I cannot believe she cast a spell on you; there is no such thing. Her dedication to him over the time while you were away showed real strength and loyalty. She weeps for her lost husband. Father, go, do not stop until you reach the stables. My men should be finishing up. Bring them here.”

Robert left as his son instructed. Drew stared at Kai. Clumps of snowflakes began to fall, and Kai drew on the magic around him. There was little time to concern himself with any Katori who might notice a power shift. He needed strength now more than ever. Although Drew deserved the truth, Kai held up his hands. “I am not making you out to be a fool, Drew. I only need time to prove my innocence.”

Given the small space they shared in the garden, there was little room to avoid Drew’s blade. They circled as if sizing each other up for battle, only Kai had no weapon, and Drew’s massive shoulders left little doubt who was the bigger man.

Drew cocked his head as if ready to strike. “Why did you do it? Why should I believe anything you say? You are no prince; you said so yourself.”

The truth was a lot to process, and Kai could tell his friend was stalling. If Robert was coming with the guards, he needed to flee. “Do what? Kill Iver? I told you, I did not do this. You must believe me, please. I am still the man you knew. We were friends once. Queen Nola is behind all of this.”

“Enough lies!” Drew shouted. “I cannot let our