Family of Lies: Sebastian by Sam Argent Read Free Book Online

sweat dripping from his brow.
    “Whatever you say, Your Highness.” Sebastian shook his head and walked faster.
     
     
    “I’ M FEELING a bit… tired,” Turren huffed out an hour later. “Do you mind if we rest for a while?”
    “You’re slowing me down,” Sebastian said, but he stopped. His drop-off destination was still three miles away. “I have more fish. Do you want one?”
    Turren grinned. “Yes, please. I didn’t pack much because I needed to catch up to you.”
    “This could all be solved by you going back home.” Sebastian rummaged through his bag and sat down.
    “I needed a chance to give you my present.”
    Sebastian frowned. “What present?”
    Turren collapsed next to him. “An item I picked up in Anerith.”
    “Please tell me you didn’t scavenge valuables from that war-torn country.”
    “Heh,” the prince muttered. “I knew your opinion of me was low the last time we met, but have faith that I grew into a decent man.”
    “You were friends with Pratchett, so I wrote you off as a lost cause.”
    “You were a large influence too.”
    “I doubt that. Are you going to tell me what you have, or will you keep dancing around the issue?”
    Turren sighed. “I hoped to make this memorable.”
    Sebastian sighed. “Go on, blow me away.”
    Turren reached into his satchel and pulled out a rectangular object wrapped in brown cloth.
    Sebastian couldn’t help himself and scooted closer.
    Turren held out the gift to Sebastian. “You do the honors.”
    Sebastian meant to mock the man, but there could only be a book under the cloth, and he couldn’t hide his enthusiasm. He grabbed the package. “It can’t be anything too rare,” he said as he unwrapped it, revealing gold letters embroidered on red leather. It was barely worn and in better condition than his old book. “I’m not sure how I feel about this much of the people’s gold being spent on presents.”
    Turren laughed. “I appreciate your fiscal concern, but it was a gift.”
    “A gift worth a small fortune? What did you do to earn it?” Sebastian asked, but he didn’t return the book.
    “I told an old woman about you and what I had done. She said that I couldn’t give you back your memories, but I could give you hers. She went through great lengths to hide it during the purge, and she had no children to appreciate it.”
    “I’ll give you some credit. Not many are willing to talk of their misdeeds when they truly understand the callousness of their actions.” Sebastian laughed. “I don’t know if you’ve grown into a bigger fool or a clever man.”
    “Fools don’t give out books.”
    “I still wouldn’t call you a clever man, but I should stop underestimating you.”
    “Honestly, I hope you don’t. Catching you by surprise might be the only chance I’ve got,” Turren said as he leaned forward. His head slid off Sebastian’s shoulder, and he fell on the ground.
    Sebastian poked Turren’s back. “I show you a little kindness and you push your luck. Get up.” Turren didn’t move, and Sebastian glared at the unwanted baggage. “Am I supposed to check on you? If you think a ruse will force me to touch you, you’re wrong.” Sebastian rolled his eyes. “Fine, I’ll play along, but you’re going to owe me coin for this.” Still no answer. Sebastian turned Turren over, and saw sweat glistening on his face. “Turren?” He touched the prince’s forehead and it burned. Far hotter than just being tired from a long trek after injury. “What is this? Turren?” Sebastian shook him back to his senses.
    Turren grinned weakly. “Frederick was unable to remove all the poison.”
    “Poison?” Sebastian whispered. “You idiot! Why wouldn’t you mention such an important detail?”
    “I knew you were trying to leave me behind. I didn’t want you to have a reason to do it sooner.” Turren’s eyes closed and they didn’t reopen.
    Sebastian placed his hands on Turren’s chest and sensed for the poison going