The Reborn King (Book Six) by Brian D. Anderson Read Free Book Online

families with them. Still, she did not think Linis would be happy here. For that matter, the more she came to understand the duties of the High Lady, the more she looked forward to handing the reins over to someone else.
    “I am ill-suited to this post, my dear,” she said. “And I will be glad when my time here is at an end.”
    “I hope you change your mind,” said Wimolia. “The Order needs you.”
    Dina quickly changed the subject. While they finished their tea she asked Wimolia about her father, and of her childhood in Baltria. Soon, a loud bell rang out to tell everyone that the evening meal was about to be served. The girl politely excused herself and returned to her duties.
    Dina left the office and went to her quarters, where her meal was already waiting for her. During the first week she had attempted to take her repast in the main dining hall, but each time she was beset with so many requests and questions that she was unable to finish eating. It was Ertik who finally put a stop to it, stating that Dina could ill-afford to lose any more weight and insisting that she eat in her room.
    She had only just sat down when there was a knock at the door. 
    “I am sorry to disturb you,” Ertik said after stepping inside. “But I have troubling news.”
    “Not at all,” Dina responded. “Please sit.”
    Ertik obeyed and took a chair at the table opposite her. A guilty expression passed over his face as he looked at the steaming lamb and fresh vegetables on Dina's plate. He clearly hated interrupting her.
    “There is a plot against Kaylia and her child,” he said in a half whisper. “An elf plot.”
    Dina smiled and shook her head. “There have been rumors of plots for some time. This is nothing new.”
    “And I thought the same. But I believe this one to be real. The body of an elf was found just outside Althetas, his heart pierced.”
    This sent a shiver down Dina’s spine. “That is terrible. But why do you think it’s anything more than a dispute between enemies, or even a human who hates the elves. For that matter, it could even have been an enemy agent.”
    “That would be a possibility,” he replied. “But the elves who examined the body are sure that he was killed with an elf blade…and by a seeker.”
    Dina thought on this for a moment. “And how is this connected to a plot?”
    “The victim was an elf named Vixis. He was part of a separatist group who have decided to journey to the desert.”
    “So you think this group is responsible?” she asked.
    Ertik shook his head. “It's true they have been extremely vocal in their opposition to integration, and have openly tried to convince others to join them, but thus far they have not been at all violent. In fact, it was because of them that we now suspect a plot. They told us that Vixis was due to meet with another far more militant section of elves who have been angered by Gewey’s revelations about their origins. He had hoped to persuade them to join his group in traveling to the desert. But he never returned from the meeting. And it was shortly after his body was found that his comrades warned us of rumors they'd heard about a plot against Kaylia and Jayden.”
    Fear began to swell in her chest. Linis was with them and likely unaware of any danger. “What are they planning?”
    “Unfortunately, we have no details yet. But I have already sent word to Kaylia through Queen Selena.”
    Dina took a deep breath and steadied herself. “Keep me informed if you hear of anything further.”
    Ertik rose and bowed. “Without delay, High Lady.”
    Dina stared at her plate as Ertik left the room. She was no longer hungry. She called for a servant and smiled when she saw Wimolia enter.
    “I asked to be assigned to your room this evening,” the girl said. “I hope you don’t mind.”
    “Not at all,” she replied. “But you couldn’t have had any time to eat.” She stood and offered the girl her seat.
    She held up her hand. “That’s quite