#TeaserTuesday: Cassius

My favorite character in any movie is always a secondary character, rather than the main. I will watch a truly crap movie just for three minutes of screen time from an underrated actor who's one of my faves. When it comes to writing, all of my main characters are of the sort that would be secondary in another author's hands...and then I still have favorites amidst the peripheral cast. 

In the Drake Chronicles, Náli and Ragnar have been my favorites, but Cassius gives them a run for their money in Avarice. 

Cassius drew breath and said, “I suppose you’re wondering where my guards are this morning.” Casual, but with an undercurrent of guilt.

“The thought did cross my mind.”

A sideways glance proved he was frowning, a small, downward curve at the corner of his mouth that made him look thoughtful and serious. Again: if this was an act, it was a convincing one. “Lords William and Henry were tasked with guarding me overnight.”

“They aren’t lords, Cassius. ‘Misters’ will suffice.”

“Lords William and Henry,” he persisted, “began playing a dice game of some sort to pass the time. Each of them had a flagon of wine, and they began drinking, and, well…they’re rather indisposed this morning.”

“They’re unconscious, you mean.”

“I’m afraid so.”

Amelia nodded, and made a mental note to stick William and Henry with latrine duty for the next fortnight. “That sort of thing can happen, on campaign. But I’m afraid it doesn’t explain your lack of ankle shackles.” She lifted her brows, expectant.

“Ah. Yes. Well.” It was hard to tell, given the silver morning, but his cheeks were so pale she thought she saw him blush. The near corner of his mouth tugged to the side, not really a smile. “I may have availed myself of the key, which was hanging quite helpfully on Lord William’s belt.”

Make that latrine duty for the rest of his life.

Amelia swallowed down a swell of alarm, relieved and surprised when it didn’t resurge. She was concerned, but not frightened. Not panicking.

“So,” she said, “you waited until they passed out, then nicked the key from William’s belt, unlocked your shackles, and, what, went for a little dawn walk?”

“Only the leg shackles. I left these.” He hoisted his wrists in demonstration.

She felt a ridiculous urge to laugh. “I see. A prisoner with principles, then.”

Avarice of the Empire is now available! You can grab it in Kindle or paperback HERE.