Read Online Cameo and the Highwayman (Trilogy of Shadows Book 2) by Dawn McCullough-White - Free Book Online Page B

We’re talking about the palace guard for heaven’s sake.”
    “You’re good with a sword.”
    Opal turned and faced him with a look of amusement on his face. “Thank you, Kyrian, you really are a very sweet young man.”
    “I’m not sweet,” he grumbled.
    “Hmm....” The highwayman caught a glimpse of his profile in the mirror, much to his delight.
    Kyrian hurriedly pulled on his trousers. “Where is that tub? They are taking forever with the bath.”
    Opal chuckled to himself.
    “What?”
    “Nothing, nothing at all. Now then, wait until you see the mount I’ve found to carry me to the palace.”
    “Is that what kept you?”
    “Beautiful white gelding. The stable boy said they used him for parades.”
    Kyrian shot Opal a look of exasperation.
    “Don’t look so put off. He’s lovely.”
    The lad removed the chain from his neck and handed it to Opal, “Put it on.”
    Black Opal glanced down at the symbol of the sun as if it were in poor taste. “I’m really not much of a believer....”
    “Just put it on.”
    “I’m planning on wearing that charming purple jacket. Do you really think it will go?”
    There was a sudden knock at the door, followed by a large cast-iron tub that was carried in by several servants. They set it down before the fireplace, much to Opal’s delight.
    Kyrian pulled on his tattered coat and moved out the open door.

Chapter Five
     
    C AMEO EXITED HER BEDROOM . It opened into the sitting room, which for some reason seemed warm and inviting tonight. Edel sat in a corner, at a window seat, his profile caught in the golden glow of the firelight.
    “There’s the most interesting thing outside.”
    “What do you mean?” she asked warily.
    He motioned for her to come to him.
    Cameo reached Edel hesitantly, almost afraid to look outside, afraid Edel had done something as terrible as Haffef might do to her.
    Edel didn’t move.
    She looked out the glass, and her jaw nearly dropped.
    There, on a beautiful white steed, milling about in front of their end of the palace, was Black Opal!
    He was wearing one of the most audacious costumes she’d ever seen. He was astonishing.
    “That’s quite a hat.”
    “Yes....” she muttered, unable to take her eyes off of him.
    “Do you think he’s come to rescue you?”
    “Yes.”
    Edel turned to look at her, “Why don’t you invite him in?”
    “What?”
    “Invite him in.” This time it didn’t sound like a request.
    “Edel ....” she took a step back, uncertain, wondering when he was going to force her to look into his eyes and hypnotize her, but to her surprise, the idea of inviting Opal inside sounded like a good idea. Too good. She resisted. “Stop that.” Apparently he had to try that on her only once and now she was more easily suggestible.
    He glanced back out the window, a bit put off. “I simply want to meet him.”
    The idea of bringing Opal inside struck her as a terribly bad idea. He would be completely defenseless to a vampire who wished to kill him and toss him away. However, she could not deny that she wanted to see the highwayman again, and because of that the suggestion that Edel had just put in her mind was pushing any remaining logic from her head.
    Edel could feel her mood shift but sat quietly, anticipating the moment that she would voice her opinion change.
    “Let’s clap hands in a deal shall we?”
    The vampire turned toward her. “What deal?”
    “If I invite him in, he’ll be free to go anytime he wants, and you won’t injure him.”
    “I won’t.”
    She extended her hand, “You promise.”
    “I promise,” he said, shaking her hand gently.
    “And if you do break this deal, I’ll kill Chester.”
    His grasp on her fingers tightened a bit. “Don’t kill him.”
    “Please don’t make me.”
    He pulled away from her in distaste. “No harm will befall him while he’s my guest.”
    She took several steps away from him in triumph, and then she realized that she had no idea how to get to Opal.