Royal Obsession by Cyndi Friberg Read Free Book Online Page B

between E’Lanna and Zane?”
    “I can’t think beyond this crisis,” Tal insisted. “All the complications will have to wait until we’ve rescued the twins.”
    * * * * *
     
    Echo followed Varrik back to his bedchamber in silence. She felt muddled and unsure. Why was he so intent on seducing her? She’d been bound to his bed. He’d been on top of her, ready to take her by force. So, what had changed his mind?
    He paused in the doorway, his expression grim, somehow resigned. “Can I get you something to eat, or would you like to go right to bed?”
    Tension ensured she had no appetite. However, going to bed held even less appeal. “I’m really not hungry.” She licked her lips. “But a glass of wine would be nice.”
    “I’ll see what I can find.” He left the chamber and locked her inside.
    No longer caring if he overheard their conversation, she reached out for E’Lanna. Did a woman bring you food?
    Yes. She was surprisingly civilized . After a short pause, E’Lanna said, She told me where we are.
    Where the Shadow Maze is located or just that we’re in the Shadow Maze? Echo raked her hair with her hand and looked around the chamber, searching for a weapon or anything to aid in her defense.
    How long have you known?
    I’ve had more interaction with them than you have. It didn’t take long to figure out what they are. Has Father made any progress? How long will it take him to rescue us? Varrik’s sudden compassion wasn’t going to last forever. They needed to get out of here as quickly as possible.
    Something is distorting my signal, making it impossible to trace. It might take awhile for him to… I told him we haven’t been harmed. Is that still true, or do I need to—
    I’m sure Father is doing everything he can, and as of right now, I haven’t been harmed.
    Thank the gods of the Day Moon. Aila thought that might be the case.
    Is Aila the pleasure giver?
    A wave of disbelief rippled across the link. Is that why she stays down here, to pleasure the men?
    Did you think she was one of the assassins?
    I’m not sure what I thought. I know so little about them. What do you remember about the Shadow Assassins? E’Lanna’s anxiety spiked with the question. A common reaction.
    They played a big part in the Great Conflict, but the war is over. I’m not sure why they’re still here. I remember a major campaign to find them after Overlord Lyrik took command of the City of Tears . Echo heaved a weary sigh and sat in one of the chairs along the far wall. They’ve been stealing women for generations.
    Aila is here of her own free will. There’s more to this society than any of us realized. Should I try and contact Uncle Trey or Aunt Saebin? Perhaps my information would mean more to someone directly associated with the military .
    E’Lanna was a much stronger telepath than Echo. All of E’Lanna’s gifts put hers to shame. She shook away the old resentment. They had far bigger problems right now than her childhood discontent. Everyone was at the reception. I’m sure they already know . She glanced toward the privacy panel. I think I hear him. I better close the link .
    She stood as Varrik entered the room. His piercing gaze was all he needed to make her feel vulnerable. She wasn’t about to add to his advantage. In some ways this new, courteous Varrik was harder to accept than the brutish variety. He already appealed to some deeply buried element of her nature. The last thing she needed was to contend with his charm.
    “I found blish and Bilarrian ale,” he said, pausing to secure the door. “Entertaining is not our forte, I’m afraid.”
    “What is your forte?” She kept her voice even and casual. Life as she knew it was on the line. She would not talk about the weather. “The Great Conflict ended cycles ago. Why are the Shadow Assassins still in existence?”
    He walked to the table near her chair and set down the bottles. “The House of Joon was never our only employer.” Two cups rested