Assassin's Return

By Marie Medina

Samuel has devoted the last six years of his life to serving his king as an assassin, but the adventures he was promised are starting to lose their appeal. Two years ago, he realized what was missing in his life, but he was too afraid to act on it. When the need becomes too great, he leaves in the middle of the night to return home to his best friend ... the man he fell for without even knowing it. Though he fears Quentin might not be able to accept his past, he knows he has to try to win the man’s heart.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Evernight Publishing
• Release date: Oct 4, 2017
• ISBN: 9781773394374

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Published by EVERNIGHT PUBLISHING ® at Smashwords

www.evernightpublishing.com

Copyright© 2017 Marie Medina

ISBN: 978-1-77339-437-4

Cover Artist: Sour Cherry Designs

Editor: Karyn White

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. No part of this book may be used or reproduced electronically or in print without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, and places are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

DEDICATION

To David and Patrick

ASSASSIN’S RETURN

Valladora Tales, 3

Marie Medina

Copyright © 2017

Chapter One

Valladora

3156, The Year of Blood

Quentin looked up from the vegetable garden every time he heard his nephew Jesse shriek in delight. He couldn’t help it. Even though he had grown used to his nephew’s boundless enthusiasm for everything under the twin suns, he still worried the adventurous little boy might hurt himself. Jesse had just turned two, and he could already run so much faster than Quentin had ever imagined someone so small could run. Luckily, the fence Samuel had built on his last visit had proven sturdy enough to keep Jesse from wandering, or sprinting, away from Quentin.

The letter Quentin had received three days ago had indicated Samuel would be back soon, possibly today. Part of Quentin rejoiced in his childhood friend’s return, but the rest of him remained baffled at the man’s continued devotion. Quentin’s twin sister, Lizzie, had gotten pregnant by a man who had been passing through their village—to this day, Quentin had no idea who Jesse’s biological father was. Lizzie had refused to even give him the man’s name. When she’d died in childbirth, Quentin had been left to raise Jesse alone. Samuel had returned to the village a few days after Lizzie’s funeral, and upon hearing the news had declared publicly that he was the child’s father before lamenting that Lizzie hadn’t told him about the baby. Murmurs had immediately gone up, quieting down when Samuel promised to do all he could for the child.

Quentin had been too stunned to object, even though he’d known it was a lie, and he’d stood by and watched Samuel chastise himself for not marrying Lizzie and staying in the village. Word had spread, but Samuel was so well liked and admired in the very conservative village that most hadn’t blamed him for putting his duty to the king first, especially as he hadn’t known there was a child to consider. Quentin had kept his mouth shut, as no one else seemed to disbelieve Samuel’s assertion. But Quentin knew Samuel had not been in the village anywhere near the time of Jesse’s conception, plus Lizzie would have had no reason to lie if Samuel had been the father. She’d been infatuated with him since she was twelve, and Quentin would definitely have approved of them being together. Samuel also would never have even started to court a friend’s sister without obtaining permission first. But more importantly, Samuel had always preferred male lovers. He’d often mentioned the interesting and exotic men he met on his travels. Everyone else in the village believed Samuel was an ambassador for the king, but Quentin knew what he actually was—an assassin.

As much as he loved his friend, Quentin felt uneasy about Samuel’s work. The danger worried him as much as the moral quandary did. If Samuel died, Quentin would truly feel alone in the world. He’d still have Jesse, but it wasn’t the same. Quentin was well liked, and everyone was kind to him and Jesse, yet he’d never felt he fit in, his withdrawn nature viewed as odd by most. His two attempted courtships had been disasters, so he’d given up for now. Taking care of Jesse took up all of his time anyway. His second courtship had, in fact, been more for Jesse’s sake than his own. As much as he loved Jesse, he wanted the little boy to have a mother and receive the nurturing he worried he couldn’t give.

A shadow fell across the tomatoes in front of him, and Quentin looked up. He smiled and said, Look, Jesse! It’s Daddy!

Samuel opened the gate and entered the yard, smiling back at Quentin before scooping Jesse up into his arms. Hey, Jesse!

Dada! Jesse said, beaming at Samuel.

He’s talking now! Samuel said with a proud grin.

"Yes, but he prefers laughing to talking. So far, he says Quen, dada, and cow."

Samuel looked thoughtful. But I’m hardly here. Does he really remember me?

I think so. It’s only been a few months since your last visit. And I talk about you when your letters come. Read them to him.

Samuel’s gaze cut over to him right away, looking a bit surprised. You do?

Of course, Quentin said, wondering what the look on Samuel’s face meant.

Turning his attention back to Jesse, Samuel said, My, you’re getting big! I hope you’re helping your Uncle Quen.

Quentin laughed as he wiped his hands on his trousers. He’s too little for that.

Samuel bounced Jesse, who giggled with glee and tugged on Samuel’s collar. Big, strapping lad like this? He could help you.

I do just fine by myself, Quentin said.

But Samuel eyed him. You look tired.

I am. Between the cows and Jesse, I’m always busy. If it weren’t for the fence you built, this garden would’ve gone to pot. He’s learned to climb out of his little playpen.

Samuel put Jesse down. You said you were always busy in your last letter. That’s why I’m going to stay much longer this time.

Quentin wanted that, but he hated to take advantage. The king’s all right with that?

Samuel studied him before he said, We can talk about that later.

Quentin looked down at Jesse. He’s too young to understand what we’re saying.

The other man shook his head. That’s not it. I just got here and want some time with my friend. Time I’m not thinking about my work or Jareth.

Quentin