Honor's Price by Alexis Morgan

got right in his face, forcing Markus to listen. “Do you want to explain to the duke why you sent his servant back to him bruised and bleeding? Especiallywhen the man’s only crimes were doing exactly what the duke ordered and then answering your question. It is hardly this man’s fault you didn’t like what the duke had to say.”
    He held on to Markus’s arm until he was sure the man had heard what he’d said and understood. Finally, the sergeant relaxed.
    Ignoring the servant now, Markus stared at Kane. “Go, but report back to me when he’s done with you. Then I’ll let you know what your duties will be for the next few days.”
    Kane bowed slightly and followed the servant to a door on the far side of the room. There were a few people standing in a row along the wall, but the two of them walked past them to the head of the line. Kane’s guide started to open the door but then hesitated.
    After a quick look around, he whispered, “Thank you, sir, for what you did back there.”
    Without giving Kane a chance to respond, he opened the door and led Kane inside.
    â€œSire, Kane is here. I’ll be outside if you have further need of me.” He left Kane standing in the middle of the room as Keirthan finished writing something down.
    Keirthan made a show of closing the ledger and setting his pen aside before he acknowledged Kane’s presence.
    Steepling his fingers, Keirthan leaned back in his chair and stared at Kane for an uncomfortable amount of time. Kane stood with feet apart, his hands clasped behind his back, not quite at full attention. Now wasn’t the time for insolence, but neither would he act cowed by the duke’s presence.
    â€œTell me, Kane, have you ever held a position of authority?”
    â€œI’ve led my share of men, Sire.”
    Keirthan nodded as if Kane had confirmed his own suspicions. “As you know, I recently lost the captain of my guard. Normally, I would prefer to replace him withsomeone I know and trust. Would you agree with that policy?”
    Where was he going with this discussion? “A man in your position should be careful about those he allows to get close.”
    Would the man recognize that as the warning it was? Probably not. Keirthan was the sort of fool who thought he was smarter than anyone else. Considering he’d murdered his own brother, he should know that attacks could come from the most unexpected sources.
    â€œThe men in my personal guard were all chosen because of their ability to fight. That’s all most of them are good for, although Sergeant Markus is a cut above the rest. What is your impression of him?”
    Kane went with the truth. “I’ve known him only a short time, Sire, but so far he has treated me fairly. Certainly, he didn’t have to help me find a job. I am grateful for his assistance.”
    Keirthan dismissed his comments with a wave of his hand. “All that is fine, but do you think he has the ability to command?”
    The ice beneath Kane’s feet grew thin. “The men follow his orders promptly.”
    The duke’s laugh was nasty. “That’s because he’s a vicious bastard and would gut them if they didn’t. That doesn’t mean he understands battle tactics or how to command in time of war.”
    â€œI don’t know him well enough to judge. I’ve known sergeants who had a better feel for command than most generals. Others can train men to fight but little more than that.”
    Evidently that answer pleased the duke. He picked up what looked like a pin off his desk and studied it.
    â€œI prefer my captains to have an understanding of magic, which Sergeant Markus lacks. You, on the other hand, have great potential in that area.”
    He tossed Kane the pin. “Put that on, Acting Captain Kane. The appointment isn’t final. We’ll revisit mydecision after you’ve had time to familiarize yourself with