The Dawn Star by Catherine Asaro Read Free Book Online Page B

Majesty.”
    Stonebreaker narrowed his gaze at her. But then he indicated another chair. “Bring that one over.”
    Relieved he hadn’t found reason to take offense, Mel moved her chair next to Cobalt’s. Then they sat, stiff and formal.
    â€œYou look improved,” Cobalt told his grandfather.
    â€œHow would you know?” Stonebreaker asked. “You weren’t here.”
    Cobalt’s jaw tensed. “General Cragland told me of your illness. I am glad the paralysis wasn’t permanent.”
    â€œWell, then, it wasn’t paralysis, was it?” Stonebreaker studied him as if Cobalt were a bug under a magnifying glass. “I hope that doesn’t disappoint you.”
    A muscle twitched in Cobalt’s jaw. “Of course not.”
    Mel spoke. “May we do anything for Your Majesty?”
    â€œLike what?” Stonebreaker asked. “Take over my duties? I’m not dead yet, girl.”
    Mel stared at him. In the same moment that she said, “I would never—” Cobalt said, “Don’t talk to her that way.”
    Stonebreaker turned a hard gaze on his grandson. “You should have left her in Shazire. You only had to marry that rube. You didn’t have to inflict her on us.”
    Cobalt clenched the arms of his chair. “You will not speak of my wife in that manner.”
    Stonebreaker leaned forward. “And you will not speak to me in that manner, boy.”
    â€œI haven’t been a boy for twenty years.” Cobalt’s voice grated.
    â€œYou consider yourself a man?” Stonebreaker asked. “Why? Because you have a pretty wife?” He gave Mel an appraising glance that lasted too long for courtesy, and she sat under his scrutiny with her face burning. To Cobalt, he said, “So where is your heir, hmm? You’ve been wed over a year and I see no sign of any success on your part to father one.”
    Cobalt started to stand, his face darkening with a familiar rage. Mel grabbed his arm and held him in his chair. He could have easily thrown her off, but instead he took a slow breath and settled back down.
    With stiff control, Cobalt asked, “Has Mother arrived?”
    The king considered him. “She is here.”
    Relief washed over Mel. At least one person here would properly welcome Cobalt.
    â€œThat’s good,” Cobalt said. His posture relaxed a bit.
    â€œYes, I imagine so,” Stonebreaker said.
    Mel’s tension began to ease. Perhaps this would be all right if they kept to neutral subjects.
    â€œHow is Mother?” Cobalt asked.
    â€œAs well as can be imagined,” Stonebreaker said, “given that you killed her husband.”
    Cobalt stared at him, unable to hide his shock. Mel had no love of Varqelle, but she knew Cobalt’s grief. Watching his father die from wounds taken in battle had nearly destroyed him. Her anger brought out her words before her caution could stop them.
    â€œYou go too far,” she told the king.
    â€œPerhaps it is you who goes too far, wife of my grandson.”
    Cobalt rose to his feet, drawing Mel up with him. “We will attend you later, Grandfather.” The iron control in his voice tore Mel apart. With one sentence, Stonebreaker may have undone months of healing.
    â€œI didn’t give you leave to go,” the king said.
    â€œNevertheless, we are going.” Cobalt bowed, stiff in his anger. Stonebreaker could have imprisoned him for that defiance. He let it go—for now. Mel had no doubt he would retaliate in ways that made him look noble and Cobalt appear vicious.
    After they left the suite, Mel sagged against the wall of the corridor. She said nothing, aware of Stonebreaker’s guards at the entrance. Cobalt urged her forward. They followed an icy hall, so white and brilliant and beautiful, with blue mosaics along the vaulted ceiling. So lovely. So cold.
    Mel was upset enough that several minutes passed before she realized they