So I Married a Sorcerer (The Embraced #2)(76)

A naked young man stood before them.

He stepped behind a chair and gave them a smile. “Good morning. My name is Brody. Do you have any clothes I can borrow?

“Holy crap,” Rupert whispered.





Chapter Nineteen

Brigitta steeled her nerves before knocking on Rupert’s door. No doubt he would object to her plan of action, so she would have to remain firm and convincing.

When Rupert let her in, she noted the tense look on his face. “Is something wrong?”

“We have a guest.” He motioned toward the hearth.

There was a tall young man standing there, looking down as he quickly buttoned his shirt, his long black hair falling forward to conceal his face. He wore breeches, but no socks or shoes. He glanced up, shoving his shaggy hair back from his face, and smiled. “Hello, Brigitta.”

This man knew her? She glanced at Rupert, who had crossed his arms over his chest while studying the young man with a wary demeanor. Even Stefan was eyeing him with suspicion.

The man’s blue eyes seemed familiar, but other than that, she couldn’t recall ever seeing him before. “Excuse me, but have we met?”

“You were patting his head a few minutes ago,” Stefan grumbled.

Brigitta blinked. “What?”

“I’m Brody,” the young man announced.

“What?” Brigitta stepped back.

“He’s the dog,” Rupert muttered.

Brigitta moved closer to him and whispered, “He’s not a dog.”

“He was a dog,” Rupert insisted. “And now he’s human. Or at least, I assume he’s human.”

Brody rolled his eyes. “I am human. I’m Embraced, like the two of you. Shifting is my special gift.”

“I’ve never heard of anyone who can shift,” Stefan said.

Brigitta shook her head. “I don’t believe it. Are you playing a jest on—”

“It’s no jest,” Rupert interrupted her. “We saw him shift.”

Brigitta frowned at the young man. “I still don’t believe it.”

Brody sighed. “I could show you, my lady, but I would need to undress—”

“Not happening,” Rupert growled, then turned to Brigitta. “Believe me, the man can turn into a dog.”

Brody cleared his throat. “Actually, I’ve spent most of my time lately as a pelican.”

“Oh, crap.” Rupert turned around, dragging a hand through his hair.

“What the hell?” Stefan shouted. “You’re the pelican?”

“Oh, my…” In a daze, Brigitta wandered toward the table and sat in one of the chairs.

Stefan collapsed in the chair beside her. “I’ve been talking to the damned pelican.”

“Why were you on my ship?” Rupert asked.

“Luciana asked me to watch over her sisters as they traveled to Ebton Palace,” Brody explained.

Brigitta rubbed her brow. “So Luciana knows that you’re a…?”

“Shifter, yes.” Brody nodded. “When you were kidnapped by pirates, I thought I’d better stay close to you to make sure you were safe. And I knew Leo would want more information on the pirate Rupert—”

“You’re a spy!” Rupert charged toward Brody. “You’re working for King Leofric, aren’t you?”

Brody lifted a brow. “A dog’s got to eat.”

“Damn you.” Rupert grabbed Brody’s shirt and yanked him forward.

“Don’t hurt him!” Brigitta jumped to her feet. “He’s Luciana’s pet!” When Brody shot her an annoyed look, she winced and sat back down. “This is all very strange.”

Rupert released Brody and stepped back. “It is strange. You could have remained a pelican and no one would have ever known what you were doing. Why have you revealed yourself?”

Brody smoothed down his shirt. “Because last night I figured out who you really are.” His mouth curled up with a hint of a smile. “Ulfrid from the House of Trepurin, the rightful king of Tourin.”

Brigitta’s breath caught. The pelican had been right beside her when she’d written Ni Rupert in the sand.

“Damn,” Stefan muttered. “Does everyone know now?”

Rupert had gone very still, his gaze still locked on Brody. “What do you intend to do with that information?”

“We’ll have to keep him prisoner on the island,” Stefan said.

Rupert shook his head. “I doubt we can. Not when he can change into a bird and fly away.”

Brody lifted both hands in surrender. “I mean you no harm. I revealed myself to see if you’re interested in an alliance with King Leofric.”

Rupert’s brows lifted. “Go on.”

Brody sauntered over to the table. “It’s no secret that the current king of Tourin is an ass. Gunther is so greedy for gold that he’s been sending raiding parties across the border into Eberon to steal the golden orbs out of village churches. And he’s done nothing to stop the Tourinian pirates who have been pillaging along the Eberoni coast. I’m sure Leo would prefer an honorable king in Tourin. Especially one who would value peace as much as he does.”

Rupert followed him to the table. “Do you know King Leofric well enough to speak for him?”