Read Shadows Return for Free Online Page B

’faie style, from his left ear. His black curly hair was much longer, and tied back with a black ribbon.
    Phoria took the throne and waited as Seregil and Alec came forward and bowed.
    “Welcome home, Majesty,” Seregil said, suddenly very formal and respectful.
    Phoria acknowledged the greeting but did not smile. Alec stole a glance at her brother; how could womb mates be of such different dispositions?
    “I suppose you’re wondering why I’ve called you here?” the queen asked.
    Seregil made her another small bow. “We are at your service, Majesty.”
    “You three are Watchers, are you not?”
    “Yes, Majesty,” Thero answered for them all. “Under the guidance of my master, and Lord Arkoniel before him, the Watchers have served the Crown since the city was founded.”
    “So you say. Yet I believe you Watchers have also served your own interests, under this guise of self-appointed protectors. And always in secret.”
    Thero looked genuinely taken aback. “The interests of the Watchers have always been Skala’s, Majesty.”
    Phoria turned to Seregil. “And are your interests those of Skala, Lord Seregil?”
    Seregil drew himself up a little taller; Alec sensed his friend’s sudden flash of anger and prayed Phoria wouldn’t notice. “Yes, Majesty.”
    Phoria waited for him to elaborate but he let his answer hang in the air between them.
    “But you are not Skalan, and neither is your companion.” Phoria spared Alec a glance. “Your loyalty to Nysander is not in question, only your loyalty to me. You served him, not my mother.”
    “Through him we served her, and Skala,” Seregil replied evenly. “I was accused of treason once, and my name was cleared. Your mother didn’t doubt me.”
    “Careful,” Korathan murmured.
    “And you, Lord Alec,” Phoria turned the full force of that pale-eyed gaze on him. “Whom do you serve?”
    “I would never betray Skala, your Majesty!”
    The queen looked less than impressed by his answer, but Alec thought he caught the hint of an encouraging smile from Korathan.
    “My brother the prince tells me that you have lost your name in your own land, Seregil,” Phoria continued. “That instead of exile, you have been completely cut off from your own people.”
    “That’s correct—and I trust he explained that it was because Alec and I chose Skala and the kinship I have with your family over our duty to Aurënfaie law.”
    A moment of ominous silence followed, as Seregil and Phoria stared each other down. Alec held his breath, certain now of a quick journey to a Red Tower cell.
    “Is it Skala you are loyal to, Seregil, or my sister?” Phoria asked at last.
    “Majesty, if you please, I’ve known Seregil most of my life,” Thero interjected quickly. “I vouch for his loyalty with my own oath. He’s risked his life for Skala’s sake more times than you can imagine, and Alec with him. You have nothing to fear from them, or me. We all serve at your pleasure.”
    Phoria chuckled darkly. “Be assured I fear none of you. Does he speak for you, Lord Seregil?”
    “He does.”
    “And you, Lord Alec?”
    “Yes, Majesty!”
    “Then let us leave it at that for the moment. Thero, you have taken your master’s place as the head of the Watchers?”
    “Yes, Majesty. But while in Aurënen these past months there’s been little I could do on your behalf, other than help oversee the trade agreements at the behest of the princess. I hope I have served you well in that capacity.”
    “Your efforts are noted. However, it is my command that you disband the Watchers. No more secrets. If I require your aid in any fashion, I will order it, and you will answer to no one except me. Is that understood?”
    “Yes, but—”
    “I have spoken!”
    Thero pressed a hand to his heart and bowed deeply. “You have my oath, by my hands, heart, eyes, and voice.”
    “Good.” Phoria sat back, regarding Alec and Seregil again. “As for you two, I am satisfied for now. In fact, I have