Evermine: Daughters of Askara, Book 2 by Hailey Edwards Read Free Book Online

own and lived to tell the tale. More than lived—thrived amid his freemen and spent Askara’s coin. I’d heard the argument uttered in low voices that silenced whenever I drew near.
    He’d murdered a queen’s consort, my father, and kidnapped a princess, my sister. Yet here he was, building a new colony on Feriana’s outskirts while the only thing guarding his neck from a hangman’s noose was a scrap of paper granting him limited diplomatic immunity. He was insane for accepting those terms and risking his life, but who was I to chastise him?
    “I’m sure you will succeed.” She covered a yawn. “I’m sorry to have dragged you so far for so little, but I wanted you to have ample time to coordinate the event.” Standing, she smoothed her gown. I rose as well, and she clasped my hands. Leaning in, she bussed each of my cheeks. Her fragile rainwater scent lingered. “Write me, often, even if there is nothing to say?”
    Hope filled her request, saddening me that my stray thoughts heartened her so. “I will.”
    “Good.” Her hands dampened mine. “Now, it’s well past all decent hours. We should both get some rest.”
    She made no move to leave as her fingers gripped mine. “Is everything okay?” I asked.
    White teeth sank into red lips. “Rideal has requested an heir.” She dropped my hands. Cast me a glance that ate at my soul. “I’m not ready.” Her shoulders slumped as much as they were capable after a lifetime of posturing. “Askara is in upheaval because of decisions I’ve made, and despite my affection for him, this is one request I cannot grant. My season comes next year. It must pass unseeded.” Her shoulders realigned, spine stiff and straight. “He will understand.”
    “Six years isn’t a long time.” Askaran royals were fertile once every five years. He could afford to wait when Nesvia’s obvious affection secured his place at her side. “He’ll understand.”
    Nodding, she brushed past me. “I’ll see to your escort. Will you brave Baselios a second time?”
    I think I found the horse and his master too engaging for my peace of mind. “I’d rather take a carriage if you have a spare.”
    “You’re wise to resist temptation.” Her smile made my cheeks burn.
    I had three months to screw up my courage and face Harper. My nerve endings sparked raw. I could write, hand-scrawl him a note on paper, but it surprised me to realize I wanted more. Fingers numb, my body sided with my heart against the sensible thing to do. I wanted to see him. We had been friends once. Long before we craved more than fate saw fit to grant us. Friends . The word tasted empty used in context with Harper.
    Nesvia turned the knob and gasped. “I thought you’d gone to bed.”
    I turned as Rideal shouldered through the crack she’d made in the door. He ignored me in favor of answering his wife.
    “I’d hoped to speak with you.” He frowned at me. “In private.”
    “I’m entertaining Emma.” Her finger found a dent in his cheek and pressed. I wondered if he had dimples when he smiled. “Can it wait?”
    “It will keep.” Capturing her finger, he pressed a kiss to its tip. “Hurry to bed, love.”
    “I will.” Nesvia turned from their murmured conversation. “Are you ready?”
    “Yes.” I recalled the portrait on my desk in perfect detail. “I think I am.”

Chapter Five
     
    Grit stung Harper’s eyes as he gazed across miles of desert with no end in sight.
    His sweat made a perfect adhesive for sand, and his skin took on a pebbled texture as layers of grime caked thick. He scraped at his arm, itching, and came away with nail beds full of fine powder. “Just another day in paradise.” He turned toward the male at his elbow.
    Dillon stared back through the comfort of glass, his bicolored eyes glinting as sun skipped along the lenses of his goggles. His words came muffled through fabric covering his nose and mouth. Sand gathered in the creases, shifting as his breath huffed. “Paradise