Rise of Legends (The Kin of Kings Book 2) by B.T. Narro Read Free Book Online

shocked to discover Basen had suspicions about her, some distrust even. Without psyche, Sanya never would’ve guessed. He was a much better actor than Alabell, far more dangerous as well . Sanya had to be careful. She reminded herself that Cleve and Reela were right outside, and Reela was probably strong enough to feel if Sanya made any drastic changes to Basen’s emotions through psyche.
    Why did Basen let me in if he thinks I might be the murderer? He must want to question me, and he probably assumes I would never try something with Cleve and Reela outside.
    He’s wrong.
    “A lot of people are doing what they can to protect you,” Sanya said.
    “I appreciate it, but the guilt is nearly unbearable.” There was no more levity in his tone.
    “If they’re anything like me, they want to help. You shouldn’t feel guilty.”
    “Perhaps I could ignore the guilt if I knew when this would end.” Basen’s shoulders slumped. “But it could be weeks before the murderer strikes again.”
    No, I can’t be here that long.
    “I was here last night,” she whispered, coy and hinting. “I wanted to see you, but you were...out. And now I know where.”
    “You were here?”
    She felt that he was genuinely surprised.
    “Yes. I was unable to sleep. I couldn’t stop thinking about the night Nick died. I knew I could use some comfort and thought you could as well. Or maybe I had a sense something terrible was happening.” She shook her head, feigning sadness. “Can we lie down as we talk? You might be able to sleep.”
    He glanced up at his window. Cleve was there watching. Reela stuck her head over his shoulder for a glimpse, then murmured something to Cleve. They disappeared out of view. Basen sat up straight, reluctant to speak or move. He didn’t trust her.
    “Are you suspicious of me, like Alabell is?” Sanya put her hand on his back in hopes of soothing him.
    “I’m suspicious of everyone who matches the height of the person I saw last night.”
    She stood and sighed. “I understand. I’ll try not to take offense.” She got to his doorway before he called out to her as she’d hoped he would.
    “Wait, Sanya.”
    “No, this was a bad idea,” she said while intensifying his guilt with psyche. Reela might feel it, but the half-Elf couldn’t be certain the change was unnatural.
    He came after Sanya as she reached the hall. “You don’t have to go.”
    She turned and feigned anger. “If I stay, are you going to demand to inspect me?”
    His eyes ran up and down her body.
    She scoffed and lifted her arms. “Go ahead. I can see that you want to.”
    He quickly crouched in front of her. “I’m sorry.” His hands frisked her legs one at a time, pressing up and down in a futile search.
    She spun on her heels as his hands rose to her waist. They traveled up her torso and then down her arms. Soon, they came to rest on her shoulders, squeezing gently.
    “I’m so sorry I did that. It was foolish.”
    No, it was smart. She turned and showed him a sad look. “Maybe we don’t know each other as well as we thought.”
    His guilt couldn’t have been worse than it was in that moment. Now was the time to regain his trust. She wrapped her arms around him and told him sweetly, “I know this must be a tough time for you, so I forgive you.”
    He returned the embrace but said nothing.
    “I think I should go,” she murmured without letting go. “I came here to see if I could help, but I just made things worse.”
    “No, it would only be worse if you left now. Stay. Your company will help me relax.”
    She nodded and they walked back into his room. Basen removed his shirt, and Sanya forced herself not to notice how well he was put together.
    She hung her coat over his chair. The dusty seat indicated a lack of use, and there were no books on his desk, just a short stack of scrolls that every student was given for letter writing. However, no one would be sending or receiving any mail until the war was over.
    Tauwin had