Before Beauty (29 page)

Today, Ever glanced at the first
few reports, mostly numbers on taxes and regional crop production.
But when he saw the letter from the Lingean king, his heart beat
uneasily, and as he read it, he found his gut instinct was right to
be worried.

Everard,

I fear I have no pleasant tidings
to bring you this day. Though you know me as the sort to keep order
in my own realm, I have had reports of a most heinous crime
committed along our northern border. Indeed, it was so outrageous I
would not give it heed until I had seen it with my own
eyes.

Ten of our region’s priests were
journeying to a small town that has recently been taken with a
terrible illness. It is my understanding that their intentions were
to assist the healers. They never reached the town though. The day
after they should have arrived in the village, a shepherd found
their bodies strewn about in a nearby field.

I regret requesting your
assistance, as it is three days’ journey from your home, but I
cannot fathom what kind of monster the murderer must be to cut down
ten men appointed by the Maker Himself. If you are at all willing,
I implore you to help me solve this mystery. My people are more
afraid by the day.

Your friend and ally,

Leon Tungsvara of
Lingea

“
I want a military contingent to
escort two of the Fortress healers to Lingea at once. Have them
examine the bodies and bring their findings backs to
me.”

“
I thought you would find that
odd.” Garin’s voice was tight.

“
Ten holy men murdered in one day
goes far beyond odd.” No wonder his northern neighbor had reached
out to him. No such atrocity had been reported in decades. Garin
nodded and went to relay the order as Ever read the next parchment,
hoping to find better news. Garin walked back in just as he
finished.

“
This one is truly odd.” He waved
it at Garin. So that was why Gigi had wanted new dresses for Isa.
“Since when do the Cobriens allow outsiders to compete to be the
royal successor?”

“
Since now, I suppose.” Garin
frowned slightly before smoothing his face. “Does that mean you’re
going to find out?”

“
It does. Apparently, we’re going
to Cobren.”

CHAPTER
TWENTY-TWO

About the
Author

Brittany lives with her Prince Charming and their
little fairy in a sparkling (albeit, tiny) castle in whatever
kingdom the Air Force has most recently sent them. When she’s not
writing, Brittany can be found enjoying her family (including their
spoiled black Labrador), doing chores (she would rather be
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