Amazonia by Sky Croft Read Free Book Online

to see that not all do.” Blake smiled pointedly at
     Shale, who immediately returned it.
    “I wonder if you’ll think
     that when she’s dead.”
    Shale glared at her, Kale
     could be so awkward at times. She didn’t know what was wrong with her
     lately. Kale wasn’t only being rude, she was deliberately being
     argumentative. Shale wasn’t surprised when Blake narrowed her eyes, she
     imagined the princess wasn’t used to being spoken to like that.
    “I thought you of all people
     would be grateful for compassion, Kale,” Blake said.
    “Why’s that?”
    “Because if our queen hadn’t
     shown you some, you’d be in our jail right now,” Blake said firmly.
    Kale was breathing hard, but
     she didn’t reply. She grabbed Shale’s forearm and pulled her away, leaving
     a fuming Blake behind them.
    Shale didn’t resist, wanting
     to get Kale out of this situation before things got worse. After a few
     steps, she yanked herself free, shaking her head at Kale as she did so.

    “BLAKE?” AMBER TOUCHED
her back to get her attention.
    Blake was still frowning when
     she looked at her good friend. “Yes, Amber?”
    “What in Gaia’s name did you
     do to her?”
    “I have no idea. I’ve barely
     spoken to her. I’ve spent more time with Shale than her.” As soon as she
     said the words, things became clear. “Of course. She’s jealous.” That
     explained everything. If Kale was used to having Shale solely to herself,
     Blake’s sudden presence would make Kale feel threatened. Perhaps that was
     why Kale was being so difficult, and was also insisting on ignoring her
     request to be addressed informally, by her birth name. It annoyed her, but
     she was doing her best not to let it show.
    “Maybe she feels left out,”
     Amber said. “They seem pretty close.”
    “You’re right.” Blake nodded.
     “I’ll make more of an effort to include her.” She silently hoped that
     would solve whatever problem Kale had with her.

    “WHAT HAS GOT into you,
     Kale?” Shale was still shaking her head as they headed back to camp.
    “Me?”
    “You’re being really rude to
     Blake.”
    Kale rolled her eyes. She’d
     pulled Shale away from Blake intentionally, as she hadn’t liked how they
     were looking at each other. She could see their joint attraction clearly.
     Blake’s rank of princess made things more difficult, but princess or not,
     Kale wasn’t going to allow her to become involved with Shale. “You’re
     exaggerating.”
    “Well if Blake decides to
     punish you, don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

Chapter Three

    “NOW, KALE—”
    “Shale, not again, you’ve
     already told me five times.”
    “And I’m telling you again.
     To be invited to dinner with the queen and her counsel is a great honor,
     treat it as such. Hold your tongue.”
    “I know how to act, Shale. I
     am the elder of us, remember?”
    “Only because you were as
     impatient in the womb as you are in life.” They left the sanctuary of the
     trees and entered the village.
    “You’re just sore that I beat
     you out,” Kale goaded.
    “So you keep telling me.”
     Shale headed for the main lodge, excited at the notion of seeing Blake
     again. She kept it to herself though.
    Surprisingly, Blake opened
     the door when Kale knocked. Shale had expected anyone but royalty to let
     them in. Evidently, Blake didn’t think such menial tasks were beneath her,
     and greeted them both with a smile.
    Blake scanned Shale’s bruised
     face. “That looks painful.”
    “That’s the princess’s polite
     way of saying you look like horse dung,” Kale said.
    A slight furrow appeared
     between Blake’s eyebrows. “That’s not what I was saying at all. Are you
     all right, Shale? I didn’t get a chance to ask you earlier.”
    “I’m fine, Blake. Thank you
     for your concern.”
    Blake nodded, and moved aside
     so they could enter.
    Shale saw that the table was
     all but full, only three spaces remained. “We’re not late, are