Read Royal Obsession for Free Online

as regret and guilt twisted within him. “I’ve come too far, seen too much. The new generation must…start off clean.”
    She reached across the table and took his hand between hers. “Seducing a virgin isn’t a very good start toward creating a ‘clean’ generation.”
    He snatched his hand back. “Don’t mock me.”
    She nibbled at her bottom lip and stared at her hands. “You have to let her go.”
    “I can’t. Her people will kill me either way. I will have my son before that happens.” He cupped her chin and she lifted her gaze. “Will you help me or not.”
    “Who has her sister?”
    “She’s in a holding cell.”
    “No one has touched her?”
    “She was with her lover when we caught her. We must be certain she is not already pregnant before her master is chosen.”
    “That might be your only hope.” Aila blew out a shaky breath, then leaned toward Varrik as she said, “Try one last time to seduce her. Remember she is a princess, literally a princess. Talk to her. Show her kindness. Trust her with a bit of yourself. Explain exactly what you’re trying to accomplish and why. She won’t be expecting that.”
    “Anything I tell her will be lost when I sweep her mind,” he mused. “Do you really think that will help?”
    “If she knew her sacrifice might ultimately abolish the Shadow Assassins, she is likely to be more reasonable.”
    He wasn’t convinced. Still, he had nothing to lose. He couldn’t force himself on her.
    “If all else fails,” Aila added, “bargain for the freedom of her sister.”

Chapter Three
     
     
    Is it over?
    I told you to go . Echo craned her neck so she could wipe her damp cheek against her upraised arm.
    I closed the link, but I just sensed a surge of emotion that almost knocked me over.
    He’s gone. For now . He’d left her naked and chained to his bed, but he was gone. His moment of cowardice had been no mercy. He had just prolonged the misery. Don’t say anything you don’t want him to hear. I’m pretty sure he can intercept our thoughts at will.
    Show me where you are.
    Echo closed her eyes, humiliated by the suggestion. I’m fine. Is Father coming after us?
    I only sent a brief transmission. I was sure our captors would sense a strong signal.
    To hell with that. Open the link full strength. What more can they do to us?
    Do you know where we are?
    Yes and no. She knew this was the Shadow Maze, but she had no idea of its location. If E’Lanna still thought this was just a kidnapping, Echo wasn’t going to break the news. The entire complex is underground. We could be anywhere.
    She heard the privacy pane rattle and opened her eyes. I think he’s back. Keep trying to reach Father . She felt E’Lanna withdraw but shielded the link from her end as well. E’Lanna didn’t need to experience her degradation.
    The door opened and “he” walked in. Should she ask his name? Would it make this easier or more humiliating? After locking the door, he crossed to the far side of the bed and loosened the chain so she could sit.
    “I’ve obviously handled this badly. I would like to begin again.” He took out one of his tunics and handed it to her. “I’m a warrior. I’m not accustomed to compromise.” He turned his back as if waiting for her to dress.
    “I can’t put this on with my wrists restrained.”
    With a frustrated grumble, he deactivated her cuffs. “Are you hungry or thirsty? I can replicate whatever you like while you make yourself more comfortable.”
    “Killing me with kindness. Is that your new strategy?” She rubbed her wrists, keeping the sheet tucked under her arms.
    “Do you prefer the more direct approach?”
    “No. I’m just wondering how long this reprieve will last.” She ducked her head and managed to pull the tunic on over the sheet. Keeping herself covered as much as possible, she scooted off the other side of the bed.
    “When is the last time you…bled?”
    She felt her face flame. Was he asking about her