Read Heart Secret for Free Online Page A

always been the best Healers.”
    â€œThat doesn’t bother you? That no matter how hard you try, you’ll never be their equal?”
    Artemisia blinked. “Why should it? The Heathers are from the FirstFamilies, are descended from people who had psi power on ancient Earth. My Family isn’t so old, our Flair isn’t as evolved.” She lifted her chin, held out her hands, and flexed her fingers. “I’m sure you’ve practiced your sleight of hand for a long time. If I began now, would I ever reach your level of competence? I doubt it.” A corner of her mouth quirked. “Even if I had the natural dexterity you do.”
    He nodded. “I’m good with my hands.” Then he swayed back, bumping against the mantel as if surprised at his own words. His heavy brows lowered. “I have a problem with the power of the entrenched Nobility. I also happen to agree with the Turquoise House. This situation is about saving lives, but with Heather it’s all about status. The first epidemic happened on her watch as the highest Healer of Celta. Her father had to come out of retirement. I don’t think she’ll ever forget. If she could eradicate the disease, she’d be redeemed and go down in history as the savior.”
    Artemisia stared at him. Now that she looked more closely, an element of his natural intensity was anger. Another reason to be wary. “I get the impression that you don’t want me to be with you in this project.”
    â€œI want you,” said the Turquoise House.
    â€œThanks,” she replied but didn’t take her gaze off Primross.
    He shook his head; his wide mouth thinned. “I don’t, but I don’t dare refuse you.”
    â€œWhy not?”
    â€œVinni T’Vine, the prophet, visited me this morning and insisted I follow
all
the wishes of the FirstLevel Healers.”
    Her chest went tight. No one liked hearing a prophecy featuring himself or herself. She focused on what Primross previously said. “I don’t agree that the Nobles are too powerful. I think they’re doing their best.”
    His eyes widened. He shook his head. “You are naive.”
    â€œYou’re cynical. All the FirstFamily Nobles I’ve met have been decent people.” It hadn’t been the FirstFamilies who’d demanded the Mugworts’ title be stripped from them, but other Nobles of their own rank, at the instigation of the newssheets.
    He jutted his chin at the window facing the courtyard where the HealingHall glider was pulling away. “You think FirstLevel Healer Ura Heather is decent?”
    Artemisia flushed. She’d had unkind thoughts about the lady but wouldn’t admit them. “She’s doing the best she can. If we’re in this together, I don’t want to talk politics.”
    He nodded slowly. “Done.”
    â€œI suggest you take a tour of my premises,” the Turquoise House said. “SecondLevel Healer Panax can determine how things should be arranged best for this experiment.”
    â€œFine,” Artemisia said.
    Primross’s mouth twisted, but he said, “Sure.”
    â€œThis is the mainspace,” the House repeated. “I have a MasterSuite and MistrysSuite and several bedrooms and waterfall rooms, a kitchen as well as many no-time food and drink storage units. I have a playspace and a den and a library.”
    â€œGive us the tour.” Garrett’s half bow to Artemisia held a mocking quality. “After you.”
    She sniffed and went into the hall, followed the House’s instructions, and studied the rooms. Lovely proportions but all were set up to contain and destroy the sickness with sticky white walls and no furniture. Bare, bare, bare.
    The more time she spent with Primross, the more it seemed as if she became sensitized to him. Her skin felt hot, and it wasn’t the sickness. She was all too aware of his size, the way he moved, and his