Read Online Allegra's Dream (Avador Book 4, a Books We Love Fantasy Romance) by Shirley Martin - Free Book Online

the boy saddle a horse for me. It’s not far to the capital.”
    “Then I’ll go with you,” Elsa said, apparently giving up.
    “Elsa! You can barely stay in the saddle. Remember when we had to leave Elegia.”
    “We were galloping then. Let’s hope we ride at a more leisurely pace this time.”
    “And we’ll ride side saddle this time,” Allegra added. She raised her hands, then dropped them in surrender. “Very well, then. We’ll ride together.”
    Shortly after, they set out on the road to Moytura, the day warm with a slight breeze. Allegra smiled at her good fortune, for the footman had been nowhere in sight as they left the palace. They kept the horses at a canter past farm fields, the rich soil burgeoning with late spring growth. A few wispy clouds drifted by on a day bright with sunshine. Allegra continually looked from one side of the road to the other, taking in all the sights. She’d never seen so much farmland, acres and acres full of crops, so different from her own country, with all its forests.
    When they reached Moytura, she gazed about in surprise. Just look at all the people! She hadn’t expected such a large city with its many shops and other buildings, so full of men, women, and children, going here, going there, on what business she had no idea. Sounds and aromas filled the air, vendors hawking meat patties, sweet cakes, and fruits. Wide-eyed, she watched a pet monkey perform tricks, but her fascination soon turned to pity for the helpless animal.
    She didn’t know where the Ministry of State was located, but Elsa’s inquiry of a bystander sent them in the right direction, and it took but a few minutes to reach the Hall of State. The building was truly impressive, its sarsen stone gleaming in the bright sunshine. Other buildings that looked just as important flanked the Hall of State in this part of the city, profuse with trees, bushes, and spacious lawns. They dismounted and tied the horses’ reins to the low branch of an oak, then followed the stone walkway to the building’s entrance. 
    Once inside, Allegra realized she was just as lost as when she’d entered the city. Several doors led off from a wide marble floor, with officious looking people entering or leaving the rooms. As a man left a room and walked across the hall, Allegra approached him. “Sir, tell me where to find the Minister of State.”
    He frowned. “Madam, do you have an appointment?”
    Her heart sank, but she rallied. “No, but it’s very important that I talk to him.”
    A cynical look captured his face. “That’s what they all say.” He sighed. “Very well. Wait and I’ll check with him.”
    Chairs lined the hall, and Allegra and Elsa sat, Allegra’s gaze covering the vast hall.  Bright sunlight poured in through the tall wide windows. But for overcast days, she noted the many iron sconces along the wall, the candles appearing to be finely made, and no doubt, sweet smelling.
    To her surprise, the man returned shortly. “Madam, Donat Fand will see you in a few minutes.”
    “Thank you.”
    Fearing a long wait, despite his encouraging words, Allegra was gratefully surprised to see a man approach them soon after. “Come this way, madam.”
    “You wait here,” she said to Elsa, then followed the man down a side hallway. He opened a door for her, and she stepped inside.
    The Minister stood at her entrance and indicated a chair, then sat back down. “Madam, how can I help you?” Tall and thin, with graying hair, he looked to be in his fifties. Clad in a green tunic and brown trousers, he wore a gold pendant, similar to Rowan’s. Ah, Rowan, I miss you so very much.
    Allegra sat, mentally forming her question and deciding that the direct approach was best.
    She fought for composure, an agony of worry about Rowan. Would the minister believe her? “Sir, what can you tell me about Rowan Leinster? When will he return?”
    He gasped and drew back. “Madam, what do you know about Rowan Leinster? And what do