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He was not one to reveal details about his associates. And Kyra had only done a few paintings for a powerful friend in Azmarin. If the prince was referring to those paintings, he had a broader reach than she’d given him credit for.
    “I brought you here because I have a problem. I know Hoggard told you some of the details. I need to stop these attacks and find out who is behind them. The city guards are coming up with nothing. And everyone that I’ve hired to dig around has ended up dead or missing. The best investigators Draisha has to offer and they find nothing except an early grave.”
    “What makes you think I won’t end up dead as well?” asked Kyra.
    “Actually, I fear that is a likely outcome. However, I sincerely hope that doesn’t happen. I asked Hoggard for someone unique, someone who would come at this problem with a different mindset from the normal investigators. I’m hoping that you are the answer to my problems.”
    Kyra was impressed with the prince’s honesty. It wasn’t comforting that he expected her to end up as his investigators had, but at least he was honest about it. “Well, first I will need to know as much as possible about the attacks.”
    “The attacks started six months ago. Several of my key supports have been attacked, as have their business interests. Basically anyone who supports my becoming king has become a target. I have a journal with notes on who’s been attacked. I have also made a list of who hasn’t yet been attacked, and a list of possible targets. Everything I know is in the journals.” Prince Valentine handed her the journals. “There is some very sensitive information in those journals. I’m trusting you will keep them safe.”
    Kyra accepted the journals. The prince’s notes would be a great place for her to start her investigation. “These will help tremendously.”
    “As will these,” said the prince as he handed her a pair of brooches. The brooches were the official palace insignia. “As of now, you and your mystery companion are official representatives of the Astar family.”
    Kyra nodded as the prince handed her the brooches. Having the brooches made her and Bazur two of the most powerful officials in all of Draisha. Even the city guards answered to the representatives of the Astar family. The prince was giving her every possible resource to help find out who was behind the attacks. The weight of the brooches went beyond the mere physical weight of the emblems, she was now official a royal investigator, with all the power and danger that came with the title. It was a surprisingly sobering feeling, holding a simple brooch. “We’ll do our best.”
    “I’m told your associate has a tendency to get violent. Try not to hurt anyone, but do what you must to get results. I fear the attacks are only going to escalate until no one will associate with me. I may have a noble birthright, but without political backers I cannot bring in the reforms I seek.” A look of concern washed across the prince’s face. It was obvious he wasn’t totally comfortable with bringing Bazur into Draisha.
    Kyra bit her tongue. Bazur certainly would cause issues walking around Draisha. Violence seemed to follow the half-orc everywhere he went, but she wouldn’t take on the task without him. “I realize you may have some doubts about my choice of partners, but I won’t take the job if he doesn’t agree to come. I’ve no intentions of becoming the fourth dead investigator.”
    “I understand. I have no choice but to trust your judgment. Traditional methods have failed so now I must embrace more creative methods.” The prince gave a small smile. “My grandfather is probably rolling over in his grave if he is watching me give a thief and a notorious brawler two of the most important positions in the entire kingdom. Are you even sure that he will agree? I hear he is fairly reclusive.”
    “Yes. I think I have the one thing that would entice Bazur into Draisha.”
    The