Blood Ties (Noble of Blood Series Book 2) by A L Wright Read Free Book Online

bloodlines in the front of his mind.
    Just as he was about to pour another glass of liquor a knock sounded at the door. Waving at the guard standing next to the door to let whoever it was in, he turned back to the table and finished pouring his drink.
    Kurmeina hurried in through the door, packing the large book of lineages with her.
    “Sir, I ran here quickly. Whatever can be so important? Oh, you are drinking, that is not a bad sign I hope?”
    The corner of his normally serious face lifted in a fraction of a smile. He had no idea his frustrations were so easily noticed by certain court members. Of course Kurmeina was closest to him, but still... he should be more careful.
    Setting the glass back down, he turned toward her. “Not a bad sign, just something quite unprecedented. We are to be receiving guests here shortly. It seems that Yosan and Hudreia have come back to our corner of the countryside.”
    “That... that is incredible! How very well timed that Yosan would come now, after discovering that you and he share a blood relative.” Kurmeina sat down in one of the many overstuffed chairs in the room, cradling the book in her lap.
    Just then another knock came at the door, causing her to jump back up. The guard again opened the door after Mortul signaled him. In walked two ghosts from his past.
    Hudreia entered first taking in the library and Yosan followed her. Both walked in practiced silence, and dressed in their long cloaks they seemed to float along the ground. After her quick examination of the room Hudreia turned her attention to him.
    Waving the guard out of the room, he walked over and shut the door himself ensuring the privacy barriers were in place. He turned back to his guests.
    “Welcome to the Palace of the Nobles. It has been many a long year since I have seen you both.”
    Hudreia walked over and took his hand. “It is good to see you again after so long, Mortul. You have done so much to repair these lands and make them thrive.”
    Mortul raised her hand and kissed her knuckles quickly before letting go. “I have merely laid the groundwork. The humans are resilient and rebuilt quickly. It was tricky at first. I had good help though,” he said indicating Kurmeina standing nearby.
    “My lady. I am glad to see my old friend does not go it alone,” Yosan said, bowing his head towards Kurmeina.
    Kurmeina laughed. “Oh, dear. No, I am merely a scholar, a council member, and an old friend. I was never the object of his affection.” She was smiling until she saw the sad look that must have been playing on his face. “But pardon my manners. I am Kurmeina. I was scholar and teacher when we began rebuilding the villages. Now I am a History Keeper for both the humans and the Nobles.”
    “So you have records on all that has transpired since our departure?” Hudreia asked.
    “Oh yes. That and so much more.” She held out the book in her hands to Mortul.
    Not quite sure he was ready to spill out all his bad memories so quickly, he took the book from her. “Please sit, everyone. I am sure my two friends have come for a reason, but I insist that we discuss something in particular first.” He sat down at his desk, laying the book down. “Let me tell you of the woman I did love, long ago.”

Chapter 11
     
     
     
    Feelin g quite emotionally drained after telling them of his Samana and her ending bringing their son into the world, he stopped talking. Thankfully no one said anything while he wrestled his emotions back under control.
    After a long moment, he cleared his throat and continued. “After her death I never let any of our Nobles pick a Chosen out of love. All of the Choosings have been done via contract to promote fairness and to bolster our readiness should we ever face war again. I could not let any other Noble fall for a human and be torn apart the way we had been. A love sealed by Slumber is eternal. And eternal heartbreak is not something I wish upon any Noble.”
    Getting up from his