Third Daughter (The Dharian Affairs, Book One) by Susan Kaye Quinn Read Free Book Online Page B

her into a similarly lifeless hulk. She released him from the touch, saluted, and swept her blade tip to the floor.
    “Oh, Dev,” she said quietly. “What am I going to do?”
    He was instantly next to her, his hand gentle on her cheek. “Why are you so troubled? The Queen has left it to you to decide, hasn’t she? You must simply refuse him, Aniri.”
    Aniri peered up into his deep brown eyes. How did he know her mother had given her the choice? “Yes, the Queen is graciously allowing me a full length of rope with which to hang myself.”
    Devesh frowned. “Your mother loves you, Aniri.”
    Aniri snorted very ungraciously. “She is the Queen first and mother second, Dev.”
    Devesh gently tucked a strand of hair that had worked loose behind her ear. “Of her three daughters, Aniri, she loves you most of all. Everyone at court can see it. And she’s given you a choice in this matter. What greater proof do you need?”
    “She is testing me, Dev. To see if I will step up to my duty.”
    His hand froze by her cheek. “But you will refuse him, right?”
    Aniri placed her gloved hand against his chest to reassure him. “I want to, Dev.”
    But her face must have given away her worries. He dropped his hand and frowned. “It is a trap, Aniri. You have to know that.”
    She leaned away. “What do you mean?”
    He gave her one of his slightly patronizing looks. “Sweet, naïve, rebellious Aniri. Someday you’re going to need to pay attention to the intrigues of the palace.”
    “I thought that was your job.” His tone irritated her.
    “Indeed it is.” Devesh smiled. “And as your secret advisor on all things political, I must warn you the Prince of Jungali is not a person you can trust in any way. Once he has you in his mountain palace, you will be his prisoner. And a very valuable hostage. Dharia will have to meet whatever demands the barbarians may propose.”
    Aniri frowned. “My mother wouldn’t send me into an arranged marriage like that.”
    “The Queen…” He gritted his teeth. “Does not always see things for what they are. Not unlike her favorite daughter.” His fingers gently traced her lips. “Aniri, my love, not all people have the best of intentions, and that goes double for the barbarians. They live a harsh life in the mountains. They are brutal to one another, and they are envious of their neighbors to the south. You would be a prized trophy for Prince Malik.”
    “I can’t believe my mother would agree to this, if the danger were such as you describe.”
    “You are seriously considering his offer, then?” Devesh’s mouth drew into a tight line.
    “War is a serious matter, Dev.” She held her hands wide, one still grasping her foil. “I have to consider it.”
    Devesh didn’t respond, just gently took Aniri’s foil and returned both their swords to the table. He paused there a moment. “Can I tell you something in confidence, my love?” He glanced at the servants at the far end of the hall.
    Aniri stepped closer. “Of course, Dev. You can tell me anything.”
    He smiled and drew her close, until she was flush against him. He kissed her lightly, but with a soft passion that spoke volumes. Then he pressed his cheek to hers, his lips near her ear. “I love you, Aniri,” he whispered.
    When he pulled back, she smiled. “I hate to tell you this, Dev, but I already knew that.”
    “If you go off with this Prince Malik, and anything happens to you, the Queen may dispense an army to come after you, but I will beat them there.”
    Aniri drew in a shaky breath. Prince Malik said he would allow her a lover, even though arranged marriages were expected to be true marriages, especially among royalty. But could she live that kind of life? A secret love on the side while performing the duties of Queen in a foreign land? The idea made her shudder. It pained her every day her love for Devesh was kept hidden. She couldn’t imagine a lifetime of it. Nor could she picture Devesh, with his love