The Overlord's Heir by Michelle Howard Read Free Book Online Page A

and
anger that had divided her people and the Kabanians.
    “Are you well, my
lady?” Since Balal looked one step away from carrying her inside, Mikayla forced
her lips into a smile.
    “I’m fine.”
Truthfully, the pain in her back had steadily gotten worse. Sharp, cramping
spasms hit at unexpected intervals and she almost slipped on the last step when
he and Kavan walked her down this morning. Something seemed off.
    A loud commotion
caught her attention at the gate. Serel hurried to catch the latch allowing the
large hinge to roll back and open the entrance.
     “The Ba’asi comes
to check your health.” Balal nodded at the lone figure of a bald Raasa coming
through the gate on hapfe back. Tolan secured it as soon as he could.
         Miki frowned.
He arrived too soon. Her delivery was still a ways off. “Why has he come?”
         The Warlord
flushed and turned his head to the side, avoiding her gaze. Miki reached out
and pinched the skin of Balal’s arm. “Ow, my lady.”
         Ignoring his
wounded expression, Miki folded her arms over her belly despite the awkward
fit. “Did you send for him?”
          A heavy sigh
preceded his answer. “All are concerned. The Overlord is to return in two days
but he would not be pleased to find you have not been cared for in his absence.”
          Just the
thought of Vaan saddened Miki. Forgetting her anger at Balal, she allowed her
arms to drop to her side. “This is a waste of time. I’m fine.”
          Argan
approached with the Ba’asi at his side. The tall Warlord’s fierce expression
used to cause fear to curl in Miki’s stomach. Her mate respected Argan and
valued his opinion in most matters. Their friendship was clear for all to see. As
a result, Miki had since grown to love the gruff Warlord as well. She just wasn’t
sure if Argan felt the same.
    As soon as the Ba’asi
reached her, Miki balanced her weight carefully and offered him a formal nod. “Greetings
and welcome, Ba’asi.”
    She reached to
kiss his knuckles but the wizened old man instead patted her on the top of her
head with a smile. “A joyous time is upon you, Su-Su.” His fangs flashed and
the Raasa words slurred on his tongue. The holy man was old and Miki knew his
time would soon near. He’d join the Blessed One in the Hills and another would soon
take his place. “How are you feeling?”
    Since Balal had
gone through the effort to summon him, Miki disclosed the pain she’d been
feeling. “My back aches and I’ve no appetite for eating.” In fact, too tired to
put forth the effort, she’d skipped her morning meal.
    The Ba’asi tipped
his head to the side and studied her expression. His diamond shaped pupils
retracted. He raised a hand toward her stomach. “May I?”
    Inches away from
Miki, Balal and Kavan tensed. She glared over her shoulder at both then smiled
at the holy man who would deliver her youngling in but weeks. “Yes.”
    The Ba’asi waited
to give the Warlords at her side a chance to protest. At their silence, his
frail hand reached out to cup the top of her stomach and the heat of his palm
seeped through her yellow tunic. A resounding kick followed the touch, causing
Miki to grin but the Ba’asi’s smile slipped. He closed his eyes and worried at
his bottom lip with his fangs. Miki held her breath until his green eyes
snapped open.
    “How long have you
felt the pains?”
    His tone stressed
the urgency of her answer and Miki took a deep calming breath before
responding. “A few days.”
    He stared.
    Miki flushed. “Maybe
a week or longer.”
    Balal groaned
behind her.
    “Has the movement
been steady the entire week?” The Ba’asi continued.
    Miki nodded. “The
kicks are almost non-stop now.” His hand shifted and the frown on his face
worried her. “Is everything well?”
    Balal must have
sensed her concern and placed a hand on her shoulder. Kavan stepped closer, his
hand going to the hilt of the sword over his shoulder as if there were