The Burning Sky by Sherry Thomas Read Free Book Online Page A

problems being deferential to the Inquisitor. He was ill suited to wield power himself, but he yearned toward it as a vine reaches for a higher branch. And parasite that he was, he was probably happier the more powers the Inquisitor concentrated onto herself.
    Lady Callista’s next smile was strained. Had the Inquisitor been nasty to her? Usually Lady Callista’s smiles were entirely effortless. 
    â€œThe Inquisitor would like to speak to you about what you saw this afternoon.”
    â€œI saw nothing—I already told her.”
    â€œNevertheless, she believes that with her help, you might remember more.”
    â€œWill I still be continent when I emerge from her ‘help’?” The Inquisitor’s methods were widely feared.
    â€œI’m sure she would treat you with utmost courtesy and consideration, sire.”
    Titus assessed his situation. He must leave without delay. Yet the Inquisitor must also be placated somehow. 
    â€œYour spring gala is to take place in a few days. I will attend as the guest of honor. You may invite the Inquisitor. I will grant her a brief audience during the course of the evening.” 
    He made appearances at various state and charitable functions during the year, usually those involving children and young people. A gala was not quite the same thing, but he would stir curiosity, not controversy.
    Lady Callista opened her mouth. Titus preempted her. “I trust you are grateful that I will take the trouble.”
    It was time she remembered that he was still her sovereign.
    â€œOf course,” she murmured, conjuring another smile.
    Now they were down to mere formalities before he dismissed them. “Is there anything else that requires my attention?”
    â€œMy choice of a new overrobe for the gala,” said Alectus, jolly now that his task had been discharged by his mistress. “I cannot make up my mind, and Lady Callista claims to be far too busy.”
    â€œThousands of details need to be seen to before the gala,” said Lady Callista, in her you-silly-man-but-of-course-I-love-you-madly tone.
    â€œClose your eyes and make a random selection,” Titus said, forcing himself not to sound too impatient.
    â€œIndeed, indeed,” Alectus agreed, “as good a method as any.”
    â€œI wish you both a good day,” said Titus, his jaw hurting with the strain of remaining civil.
    Alectus bowed. Lady Callista curtsied. They stepped on the pedestals and disappeared to the reception room below.
    Titus let out a breath. He glanced at his watch: still ten minutes to make the train.
    But Lady Callista reappeared, looking suitably apologetic. “I beg your pardon, sire, I seem to have left my fan behind. Ah, there it is.”
    What did she want now ?
    â€œDo you know what curious news I just heard, sire?” she asked. “That by the bolt of lightning you saw, a great elemental mage has revealed herself—a girl of about your age.”
    Of course she would ask him about the girl—what good minion of the Inquisitor’s would not? He acted bored. “Should I care?”
    â€œShe could be very important, this girl.”
    â€œTo whom?” 
    â€œAtlantis does not expend its wherewithal on needless concerns. If the Inquisitor is after the girl, she must be valuable in some way.”
    â€œAnd why are you telling me this, my lady?”
    Lady Callista approached him and placed a hand on his arm. This close she smelled of the subtle yet potent fragrance of narcissus. “Does it not concern you, sire, that the Inquisitor is halfway to finding this possibly very significant young woman?”
    Very few of his subjects touched him without express permission. Lady Callista dared take the liberty because she had once been Princess Ariadne’s dearest friend. Her touch was warm and maternal, her person present and interested in a way that his perpetually preoccupied mother had never been.
    Titus