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

through his body. Where his hands touched skin, something dark within Turren pulled at Sebastian’s magic, and Sebastian jerked back. “You had to pick up something particularly nasty.” He mentally inventoried Harold’s supplies and failed to think of anything to combat the poison. If Lord Pasley was treating the prince, then the only cure is probably at the castle. Sebastian closed his eyes. Dammit! “If I had known that you planned on committing suicide by stubbornness, I would have left you to die.”
     
     
    L UCKILY , THE prince had enough money in his pockets to pay for a horse. Sebastian couldn’t carry the heavy bastard, and Turren wouldn’t survive if he was left alone. The curse in Turren’s blood had drained his strength, so Sebastian transferred some of his energy to him. Gods know what the castle guards are going to do to me. I’m the man who found the prince hurt, twice. The cloak covering the prince from head to toe gave him peace along the journey. No one to call me murderer until I reach the capital. Rain came down in sheets, making his situation worse. Sebastian gritted his teeth. I don’t know what I did to anger the Gods, but I wish someone else would earn their ire.
    They rode past Trellium’s gates, and Sebastian couldn’t think of a way to drop the prince off without anyone seeing him. Turren’s condition made another tavern out of the question. As he got closer to the castle, Sebastian drew many stares from merchants who flooded the city during the day. He bypassed the line of visitors and rode up to the guards. They held up their hands to stop him, and one of them walked toward Sebastian.
    “It doesn’t matter how important you think you are, you need to get in line like everyone else,” the guard said.
    “I would rather not be here, but your prince is having a bit of an emergency.” Sebastian pointed his thumb at the man sleeping on his back. The guard frowned and used his pike to lift up the prince’s hood. Several people gasped as Turren’s handsome face was revealed, and then Sebastian was surrounded. The city gates slammed shut, and guards pulled Sebastian off his horse. Under the aim of several crossbows, Sebastian remained still. “I’m not sure if he remembers me, but please inform Captain Pembrost that my name is Sebastian Orwell.”
    “If you say so, boy, but if he doesn’t, you’ll be in trouble,” said a guard who seized Sebastian’s right arm. His hand slid away, and he drew his sword. “Drop the ward.”
    “It’s not a ward, it’s my cloak, and no, I won’t take it off.”
    “A grown man and you’re as troublesome as ever. Hello, Sebastian.” Captain Pembrost stood at the top of the steps in full armor and hurried to Sebastian’s side. “Let him go.” The captain held out his hand, and Sebastian clasped it. “What happened?”
    “He came looking for me even though his wounds weren’t healed yet. I did not seek him out,” Sebastian swore.
    “Unfortunately, I believe you,” the captain said. “Hm,” he muttered.
    “What?”
    Captain Pembrost placed his hand over Turren’s stomach. “The prince has received more healing. Did you stop by a mender before coming here?”
    “No,” Sebastian said. “That is exactly how I found him.”
    A man pushed them aside, and Sebastian recognized the court wizard’s robes. Lord Pasley swatted at Pembrost’s hands and touched the prince’s wounds. “Captain Pembrost’s assessment is correct. What is your name, boy?”
    “Sebastian Orwell, and I have no magic.”
    “He’s my other rabbit,” Captain Pembrost said.
    Lord Pasley frowned. “Orwell?”
    Uniformed men and women streamed out of the castle, and in their midst, taller and broader than his son, was King Harris. Shit. “I should go, Captain. Lord Bast is expecting me.”
    “Harold will respect your reason for delay,” the king said. He turned to the captain. “Hold him until Turren wakes and tells his story.” King Harris lifted his son