Savage by Robyn Wideman Read Free Book Online

prince raised an eyebrow. “What is that?”
    Kyra flipped her hair over her shoulder and placed her hand on her hip. “Me.” From the first time they had met, there had been an attraction between them, but Bazur had always acted professional. But she’d never fully flirted with him, something she was more than willing to do if it meant getting him to agree to be her partner. Bazur was the perfect combination of scary and trustworthy. She needed him. She would go to the badlands and bring him back or return the brooches, it was that simple. In the meantime, she would start thinking about the prince’s problem. “Do you think your reforms are the cause of the attacks?”
    “Yes. This kingdom has long been ripe with greed and corruption. The majority of the people of Draisha will welcome my reforms, but there are many wealthy Draishans who hate the idea of reform. Sadly, the list of potential people behind these attacks is too long to even start. I’m expected upstairs shortly. Is there anything else you need to get started?”
    “No. This is more than enough to get started. First, I will have to track down my partner. He doesn’t yet know he will be an investigator.”
    “Is that going to be a problem?” asked Prince Valentine.
    “I don’t think so. I know where to find him, and I can be very convincing when I put my mind to it,” said Kyra with a wink.
     

6
    BADLANDS
    THE fire crackled and spit sparks into the cool evening air as Bazur waited for the fire to burn down to cooking coals. The trip to defend Angora’s shipment of diamonds had been a success, and he was glad to be home. The royal guards were pleasant enough while he accompanied them, but them seemed equally happy to see him leave.
    Nestled into a small canyon, Bazur’s home was a simple yet comfortable dwelling. A limestone cave that nature had cut into the canyon wall. Bazur had since carved further into the rocks, linking his cave with another that was further into the rocks. Between the two connected caves, Bazur had a large roomy dwelling, cool during the hot desert days and easily heated during the nights. Strategically placed holes in the ceiling, carved at an angle to maximize efficiency, allowed in plenty of afternoon sunlight and provided ventilation for his fires. The small canyon also had a natural spring that provided a small amount of water year round. By carving a small well into his cave, Bazur had an ample supply of water at all times, a critical necessity for living in the badlands.
    As he cleaned and prepared his dinner, a couple jackrabbits he’d caught earlier in the day, Bazur waited for his guest. While checking his traps, Bazur had noticed a single traveler at a distance coming towards his canyon. The canyon, part of a larger collection of desert canyons that filled the northern part of the badlands, was not on any trading routes. Nor was it near any watering holes aside from his own. The traveler could only be coming to see him. Why was the question. Did they wish a good beating? His heart grinned at the thought.
    When a shadow crossed the entrance to the cave, Bazur called out, “Come in. Supper is not quite ready.”
    “Supper? I was hoping you’d offer me a drink. Walking across the badlands is thirsty work.”
    Bazur turned from his work. Kyra. It was a mild surprise to have the beautiful blonde thief showing up at his home. She’d never ventured into the badlands to meet him before. On the occasions where they had business, she normally left word in Pera. Not that Bazur minded. Kyra was not only beautiful, she was smart and full of fire. He would enjoy her company; she was a strong female with a tongue as sharp as any sword. She would have made a fine orc. “What brings you to the badlands? I presume you didn’t walk all this way to try my roast rabbit.” Bazur pointed to the baked clay cups sitting on one of his shelves.
    Kyra grabbed a cup and sauntered over to the well. She slowly leaned over and scooped up