Blood Rebellion (Blood Destiny #7) by Connie Suttle Read Free Book Online Page B

it was, I discovered quickly) was magnificent. The value of the tile alone could have fed a Third World country on Earth for several years. Who had wealth such as this? I had no idea. Small knots of men and women stood here and there inside that throne room and they gazed upon us in curiosity as Erland steered me through them, heading toward the throne and the man who sat there. Flanked by two Warlocks in uniform, the man on the throne observed us with guarded interest as we approached.
    When we reached the bottom step leading to the ornate chair and the man who sat upon it, Erland bowed low. He didn't ask me to bow with him, or kneel or curtsy (not that I would have). The man on the throne lifted an eyebrow at me when Erland straightened up from his bow. I already knew from the scent who he was.
    "Explain why your guest does not bow, before I call my guards to imprison her," Wylend Arden asked Erland calmly.
    "Even if she were not who she is, it would be foolish to attempt to imprison her," Erland talked in circles. One of King Wylend's eyebrows lifted higher.
    "You bring me a puzzle to solve?" Wylend seemed quite happy at the prospect.
    "If you wish it, my King," Erland flashed a dazzling smile.
    "Let me see," Wylend stood and walked down the steps, the two Warlock guards remaining at his side as he descended. King Wylend Arden was beardless, wore only a simple gold band on his forehead, dressed richly in a silk shirt and trousers and wore a heavy gold chain that circled his neck. His eyes and his height were Griffin's—there was no mistaking them, as well as the brown color of his hair. Narissa had been shorter—very close to my height. Kyler and Cleo had gotten their beauty and rich auburn hair from her. I was staring at my grandfather. Had I ever thought to have one? My mother always said her parents were dead and Howard Graham's were deceased before I was born.
    "Let's see," Wylend examined me carefully as he circled Erland and me. He stroked his chin lightly as he considered the conundrum I presented. "Do I get the standard three questions?" Wylend was still walking around me, much like a large cat might consider its prey.
    "If you wish it, my King," Erland repeated, grinning wider, now.
    "Very well. Is she human?"
    "Not human," Erland was enjoying this. I wanted to elbow him in the stomach. Instead, I was forced to stand there and bear the King's scrutiny. Honestly, I had no idea what to do or how he might react when he learned he had a granddaughter (or great-granddaughters, for that matter). How was Griffin going to deal with this? He had a living father. I think he imagined his father was dead and merely wanted to know the name. Who knows—with his ability to bend time, he might have gone back and watched his father from afar. That wasn't necessary. His father was here and staring at me intently.
    "Is she pregnant with your child?" Wylend asked his second question.
    "I may hold hope in that direction, but no," Erland chuckled.
    "I didn't think you'd switched allegiances again so quickly," Wylend said and came to stare into my eyes.
    "I have not, my King, although I still have desires where this one is concerned." What had he meant by switching allegiances? I was going to have to do a little digging myself.
    "Is this the new Queen of Le-Ath Veronis?" Wylend stood back, a look of triumph on his face.
    "Yes, my King, but there is something else that you must know about her," Erland vibrated with excitement.
    "I guessed correctly!" Wylend seemed quite happy with his skill at this game. "Welcome, Queen Lissa," he took my hand and kissed it.
    "My King, may we retire to your study so I may give you the last part of my information in private?" Erland asked.
    "Of course," Wylend pointed us toward a small doorway off to the side and the two uniformed guards led the way. Wylend strode before us and Erland and I followed at his heels.
    The study was luxury itself, with priceless antique maps hanging on one wall while another