Heart of Stone by Anya Monroe Read Free Book Online Page A

anything we like. Raise tariffs to whatever we desire.”
    “How diplomatic.”
    “And the alternative is?”
    “I suggest, Your Majesty, a simple invitation, between Queen Cozette and yourself, extended to all the royalty of the countries we wish to remain trading with. Offer a ball. A gala, where Cozette can woo the kings and queens with her gentle nature, and at the same time display the riches that you have – that they could have – if they agreed to your trading terms.”
    Marcus listened curiously. Wooing them with his riches was an idea he never considered. The Palace Royale hadn’t hosted a ball in nearly twenty years. Cozette refused. Of course she willingly helped the needy children at orphanages and greeted the villagers with open arms, but besides her charity, she kept to herself. Royally.
    Marcus hated her for it.
    “Cozette will never agree,” he said with finality.
    “Only because you aren’t willing to woo her, as well,” Drake countered.
    “Cozette is not the kind of woman I am interested in wooing. She’s not the woman I married.” Marcus clenched his jaw and picked a croissant from a pastry tray. He set it back, on top of a scroll delivered by an informant that was headed, GEM TRACKER, still sealed. Marcus didn’t even glance at it. “Not everyone is as fortunate as you, Drake.”
    Marcus held back the rest of his jealousy. Drake had four handsome boys, two beautiful girls, and a wife who still doted on him. Marcus had none of those things.
    He wanted all of them.
    “Look,” Drake smoothly explained. “You need to return to the good graces of the kings of our bordering countries. As your Head Advisor, I urge you to consider this option. Everyone loves a party. No queen who receives an invitation will let her king refuse. Everyone will be eating out of your diamond-encrusted palm by the night’s end. It’s all you’ve ever wanted.”
    Marcus nodded. He knew it was much of what he wanted. If he couldn’t have a queen whom he loved anymore, at least he could remain the richest man alive.

7.
    Sophie
    Valle de Montagne, Gemmes
     
    Death. The word hung in the air after Miora spoke it, as though it was a spell cast over the wagon.
                  “Death, huh?” Sophie spat haughtily, no longer able to contain herself. “This stone reading is some omen, then? We have what, here?” She pointed to the gems laid at the five points before her. “First off I’m an ego-maniac, full of wasted pride. Then something about me being held captive and abandoned, followed by a precious retelling of my birth, which apparently didn’t even take place in the valley.” She shot Henri daggers with her eyes. “Let’s not forget that I want to travel to avoid all of this. And then the arche de triomphe , death. A big giant death.” 
                  Sophie slumped in her chair. Her shoulders inched forward, and her hands moved to her face. Anyone who didn’t know her might think this was the time she’d keel over and cry, but not Sophie. She was gearing up, ready to fight.
                  “I want a re-draw.” She lifted her head with a fake smile pasted on her face. “Yes. That’s it. A re-draw. I want stones that reveal something fanciful. About me at the Palace Royale and eating macaroons with princes and wearing black silk dresses and dancing under the moonlight. That’s the sort of reading I looked for on this summer night. Not this!” She pushed the stones away from the diamond silhouette.
                  Emel gasped, and dove for the stones, as they were nearly shoved off the tabletop. She saved them before they fell.
    “Sophie, I told you to respect Miora. Don’t shout, or you will need to leave,” Emel whispered, but it was clear it took all her self-control to do so.
    “Both of you, quiet. Now listen to me, child.” Miora leaned over the table and grabbed Sophie’s hands in hers. “Readings are rarely what you want, but are