Jacinda's Challenge (Imperial 3) by M. K. Eidem Read Free Book Online Page B

dumbstruck look.
    “My mother visited you? In your home?” Barek coughed trying to cover his embarrassment and shock.
    “Yes, with you. You don’t remember?”
    “I’m sorry, no.”
    “Well, you were very young. My first son, Danton, is only a cycle older than you so your mother and I would get together and swap stories. We were the only ones with new children and relied heavily on each other in the beginning.”
    “Why only in the beginning?”
    Jacinda gave him a considering look. “I’m sure you are well aware of how Assemblymen try and,” Jacinda hesitated over her next word, “position themselves around you and your father, hoping to forward their own agenda.”
    “Yes.”
    “Well the wives do the same with the Queen and when some became aware of how much time we were spending together it caused… tensions.”
    “My mother should have been allowed to spend her time with whoever she wished.”
    “And you know that is true only up to a point, especially with an Assemblyman’s wife.” Jacinda saw the understanding in his eyes. “So we began to curtail some of our meetings. Your mother began to reach out to some of her old Academy friends that were returning from their first tour in the Coalition and she began to find other ways to relieve the pressure.”
    “By driving,” Barek spit out.
    “Yes.”
    “Which is what ultimately killed her.”
    “It was an accident, Barek.” Jacinda was unaware she had dropped his title. “Something no one could have foreseen or prevented.” When Barek only tightened his lips, saying nothing she knew she needed to let the subject drop. “So you’ve never seen your mother’s visuals?”
    “No,” he finally admitted.
    “Would you like to?”
    “What?”
    “My sister, Palma, also has albums of visuals from that time. I’m sure she would be more than willing to share them with you. I know there are some visuals she took the day of your parents’ Union. Palma assisted your mother on that day.”
    “I…”
    “Palma lives in Kisurri now and I was planning on visiting her in a few days, so I could ask if you would like.” Jacinda easily lied to Barek. She had no plans to visit her sister but plans change.
    “Kisurri?”
    “Yes,” Jacinda followed her intuition, “hopefully while I’m there I’ll be able to see the rest of my relatives. It’s been too long since I’ve seen Javiera and Leander.”
    “Michelakakis? Leander and Javiera Michelakakis are related to you?”
    “Why, yes. Leander is Stephan’s brother’s son. I haven’t gotten to see them in awhile. Unfortunately, I missed Amina graduating from the Academy and I was hoping she would still be there.” She saw Barek’s eyes flare, then quickly go blank when she mentioned Amina. Maybe Jotham was on the right track about Barek’s interest in Amina even if how he was going about it was all wrong.
    “She is,” Barek said revealing he was keeping tabs on Amina.
    “Wonderful.” Jacinda didn’t ask how he knew, knowing it would raise his suspicion and looked at the watch on her wrist. “It will make the trip that much more enjoyable. I’m sorry, Prince Barek, but I have to go or I will be late for my next appointment.”
    “Of course, Madame… Jacinda. It’s been a pleasure talking to you.”
    “Oh the pleasure has been all mine, Prince Barek, and as soon as I get those visuals I will have them delivered to you at the Palace.”
    “Thank you. I will be on planet until the Guardian departs.”

Chapter Four
    “This has been wonderful, Sis, having you here.” Palma smiled at her older sister as they sat down at the street-side table in the heart of Kisurri soaking in the warmth of the midday suns, for a cup of coffee.
    “It’s been wonderful being here, Palma. I need to come visit more often.”
    “You do. You know you’re always welcome.” Reaching over Palma squeezed Jacinda’s hand.
    “I do.” Putting her hand on top of Palma’s she returned the squeeze. “Thank you,