Read Angelaeon Circle 2 - Eye of the Sword for Free Online

soon as I can.”
    “While you’re there,” said the king, “you might as well inform KingKedemeth of the Dregmoorian threat. The Eldarrans have been allies in the past, and it cannot hurt to renew the goodwill between our kingdoms. If the Dregmoorians grow impatient, we may need our neighbor’s aid. Now, a good night to both of you.”
    Trevin and Melaia rose from the bench, and Nash opened the door for them. Prince Varic stood in the hallway, a flask in one hand, awaiting his turn with the king.
    Varic shot a look of disdain at Trevin, who met it with a smug smile as he brushed past. The prince slipped in front of Melaia. Trevin turned to see him adjust her necklace, allowing his fingers to run across her throat.
    “My gold looks striking on you,” said the prince.
    “Withdraw, Varic,” Trevin muttered through his teeth.
    Melaia gently pushed aside the prince’s hand. “What’s in the flask?” she asked.
    “Dregmoorian beer,” said Varic. “I thought your father might like a taste.” He leaned toward her, his voice soft but clear enough that Trevin knew he was meant to hear. “A friendly warning, my lady. In our country losing a finger is the penalty for thievery. A man missing a finger is in no way trustworthy.”
    Trevin clenched his fists but stood steady.
    Melaia shouldered past Varic. “Main Trevin, escort me to my chamber.”
    “Gladly, lady.” Trevin hurried after her, followed by Dano, who had returned from escorting Serai, and Khareet.
    They didn’t speak until they reached the bottom of the stairwell and turned down an adjoining corridor toward Melaia’s quarters in the northeast tower. A cool breeze drifted through unshuttered windows.
    Trevin huffed. It would take more than a breeze to cool his steaming anger. “Dregmoorian beer. Would Varic try to poison your father? Tonight?”
    Melaia stormed ahead. “He wouldn’t dare. Besides, Nash will taste the beer first.”
    “What is the prince doing with your father at this time of the evening, anyway? Haven’t they both drunk enough?”
    “Perhaps my father summoned the prince, hoping he would arrive when I did,” Melaia fumed. “My father has become quite the matchmaker.”
    Trevin glanced out a window as they passed. The moon had gone behind clouds, leaving the aerie tower blood dark.
    Melaia’s steps slowed. “Trevin, I can’t marry Lord Rejius’s grandson. I have to admit he’s handsome, but he’s—”
    “Handsome? Like a venom-spitting puff adder.”
    The corners of Melaia’s mouth twitched toward a smile. “At least he doesn’t look like a warty bullfrog.”
    “He will when he grows old,” said Trevin. “He’ll be bulbous and jowly.”
    Melaia raised one eyebrow. “You can tell that? What about me?”
    “Elegant and kind.”
    “And you?”
    He smiled. “Dashing and assured, of course. Like your father but more—”
    “More balanced.” Melaia sighed. “I don’t know if I truly love my father or if I just feel sorry for him. When he’s hopeful, he’s delightful company. When he’s in despair, his presence is as heavy as a millstone.”
    “You care,” said Trevin.
    “I do care,” said Melaia. “I guess that’s love. I admire my father’s desire for peace, and I love the concern he carries for his people.”
    “No one can fault him for that,” said Trevin. “But he should be more concerned about your well-being.”
    “He tries. But he’s losing hope. He falls into melancholy more often these days. I hope I didn’t send him into the depths tonight.”
    “Why would he despair? He has the upper hand.”
    “I don’t know how far to push him. If one of us doesn’t bend, one of us will break.”
    A gust of wind fluttered the torch flames, making shadows dance in the stairwell to Melaia’s rooms.
    “Have you ever heard a voice when no one was around?” asked Trevin.
    “I hear voices from the trees. It’s a gift I inherited from my mother.”
    “What do the voices say?”
    “Sometimes they