Read Online An Abyss of Light (The Light Trilogy) by Kathleen M. O'Neal - Free Book Online Page B

he asked in mock curiosity. Of course, she did, but he wanted to hear her say it. “Is that why you’re so touchy tonight? I suppose, given your husband’s political philosophies, that you—”
    “I have no sympathy for them.”
    “Don’t you? Good. It’s always nice to discover unsuspected things about confidantes.” He lifted a hand to her hair again, stroking it seductively. “And you are my confidante, you know?”
    “I’m your prisoner!”
    “Yes, but I’ve been trying very hard to make your stay here pleasant. You have privileges no one else does, don’t you? Who else in the palace sees me so vulnerable?” Of course, that was a lie. No one, ever, saw him vulnerable. In fact, he couldn’t remember the last time he’d felt that way. Perhaps four or five years ago, before coming into his proper station as master of everything important on Horeb.
    Shassy picked up the tray again, clutching it to her chest to stabilize it, and tried to push past him to go to the door. “Excuse me, Councilman, I have to—”
    He steadfastly blocked her path, smiling. “I don’t think you’ll be going tonight, Shassy.”
    “I—I must.” A spark of panic touched her voice. “The palace librarian wanted me to—”
    “I’ll send word to him you won’t be coming. He’ll find someone else to do the Mashiah’s research on ancient texts ana—” he waved a hand distastefully “—whatever else Adom ordered you to trifle with before he went into his blasted prayer room.”
    Tears welled in Shassy’s eyes. “Not tonight, Ornias, please. I can’t bear—”
    “Don’t plead, Shassy. It’s beneath a woman of your status in life. Secret though that status might be.” He took the tray from her hands and set it on the floor. As he rose, he stopped to nibble her breasts, letting his hands caress her thighs. Every muscle in her body went rigid. “Do be more polite this evening, though, will you, darling? It took me nearly a month to heal from your stab wound last time. While I’ve had everything sharp and heavy removed from the room, I suspect you could use a pillow to try and smother me—and I wouldn’t take kindly to that.” He straightened and met her eyes, smiling cruelly. “I might have to break your sweet neck for it.” His hand slid suggestively down her mahogany throat.
    “Kill me and you lose everything.”
    “Quite true. So, maybe I’ll just—hurt you? Eh?”
    Defiantly, she insisted, “I won’t stay. You’ve no right to force me to.”
    “Oh, but I’ve every right. I’m the master of Horeb and you are but a tool—”
    “The Mashiah is the master of Horeb! He rules, not you.”
    “Don’t be a dimwit. The only thing Adom rules is his own bodily functions … and I worry about those sometimes. Besides, where is he now, when all the rebels are crying for him. Hmm? He’s locked away in his prayer room having delusions of the great and mighty Milcom.”
    Shassy kicked the tray. Splintering glass exploded. Ornias stepped sideways to avoid the splash of liquids, and Shassy slipped by him, running for the door.
    He waited patiently until she’d flung it open, then remarked conversationally, “I’ll just have the guards bring you back, my dear. Would you rather I do that? Shall I offer them a reward for your return? Say—an hour alone with you?”
    Hearing her steps stilled, he turned, frowning sympathetically. “Do be sensible. We’re in this together. My goal is inextricably tied with yours. Freedom comes at a price.”
    She squeezed her eyes closed, lips trembling as she bowed her head. After an eternity of silence, she braced a hand against the door and slowly pushed it closed.
    CHAPTER 5

 
    The caves of Kayan formed an intricate labyrinth beneath the lush surface of the planet. Narrow passageways wound for thousands of miles through the hard cinnamon-colored rock. In the darkest depths of the maze existed rooms known only to Zadok.
    As he hobbled down the tunnel, he counted the turns.