Hidden Depths by Emma Holly Read Free Book Online Page B

with a conscience.
    And a responsibility to continue my ancestral line , the opposing side of him reminded. His blood carried magic that had lent generations of Vitul rulers better ruling instincts than the norm.
    “Your Majesty,” his butler interrupted from the doorway behind his back.
    “Lady Ellice has come by. Shall I tell her you’re in?” Anso opened his mouth and turned, but Ellice was already entering the salon.
    “You don’t need to do that,” she laughingly told the servant. “Anso and I don’t stand on ceremony.”
    “Actually,” Anso said, deciding this conversation was overdue, “he does need to. I have too many demands on me to let anyone, no matter how old a friend, stroll in at their pleasure.”
    Ellice’s smile faltered. “You can’t mean me.”
    “I do,” he said softly but firmly.
    “Oh.” She blinked rapidly, her hands clutched together before her narrow waist. She looked especially nice, draped in a rich blue gown that made the most of her Vitul eyes and her fine cleavage. Anso’s sole consolation was that tonight he was unmoved by the display. “I’m sorry, cousin. I didn’t mean to offend. My father and I were wondering if you’d like to join us for a late supper. We couldn’t help noticing you barely ate two bites at the state dinner.” Anso doubted her father had noticed anything of the sort. His Uncle Phoca was a jovial man but not particularly observant. Anso enjoyed his company, especially his stories of the Pelappo Wars. If the invitation had come from him alone, Anso would have accepted gladly and enjoyed a relaxing meal. Sadly, Ellice had the habit of treating her father like an addled child. While Anso admitted she was cleverer than her sire, he didn’t like watching it. Less intelligent or not, her father was a war hero.
    “I’m afraid I have plans,” he declined politely.
    “Oh,” Ellice said. “Well, perhaps another -”
    Anso’s butler reappeared at the door. When he cleared his throat, anger flashed across Ellice’s normally sweet face, tightening her rosebud mouth into a flat line. The expression startled Anso enough for his jaw to drop.
    “Forgive me, sire. Your ten o’clock has arrived. You did say you wanted to be informed.”
    He hadn’t, but you’d never know it from the servant’s grave manner.
    “Thank you, Harrison,” he said. “Show them to my office and assure them I’ll arrive shortly.”
    “Well,” Ellice said with a brittle laugh. “I suppose those are my walking papers.”
    Anso resisted the urge to apologize. “Please give your father my regards.” Ellice rolled her eyes and turned. “I’m not giving up,” she threw over her shoulder. “Being king is no excuse for never taking off your crown.” The butler came back as soon as he’d closed the door behind her. “Forgive me, sire. I didn’t mean to presume. Or to let her slip by me.” Anso realized the man was worried he’d be disciplined. “You did fine, Harrison. Lady Ellice should be treated with respect, but it’s true I don’t want her traipsing in as she pleases. Er, did anyone actually arrive?” The butler’s mouth gave a little twitch. “Lord Otari, sire. I put him in your office as requested.
    The warmth that spread through Anso’s chest was probably too grateful. Not inclined to play games, he didn’t keep Ty waiting but went immediately to greet him.
    “Hey, stranger,” Ty said, pushing off his desk and grinning.
    Anso hugged him and slapped his back before letting go. “Your timing is impeccable as usual.”
    “Ellice, eh? She’s not going to become less determined now that you’re king, you know.”
    Anso grimaced and dropped sideways onto the office’s antique red sofa. The furniture was mostly scarlet, the room’s walls lacquered black and stenciled with the Vitul family’s signature silver eel patterns. The effect was heavy, but here too he’d decided he’d rather leave the decor alone. Lobodon had often worked here, sometimes late