Read Online Carnal Magic: The Wraith Accords, Book 1 by Lila Dubois - Free Book Online
Authors: Lila Dubois
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thrones—one made of gold set with pearl, the other made of silver set with emerald—were empty.
Isabel’s visit had been negotiated for weeks. Everything from the time of her arrival to the day and time of her meeting with the High King and Queen had been arranged far in advance.
Where were they?
“It appears I’m early.”
“No.” Aed, who had followed her, stepped up beside her. “The Tuatha de are here.”
Isabel examined his profile. Treacherous he may be, but the strong yet vulnerable warrior persona was still appealing. She still wanted him.
“You should announce yourself.”
Isabel looked around again, this time spotting the long banquet tables on either side of the hall in the space between the columns and the walls. Sparkling crystal goblets were filled with blood-red wine, and bowls of fruit glistened in the light of hundreds of pure white candles. The table was ready, the wine already poured, but where were the diners?
Isabel examined Aed’s profile again, debating what to do. She had every reason not to trust him but no other source of guidance.
Reluctantly taking his advice, Isabel stepped forward until she was standing on a large silver circle in the floor just before the lowest step of the dais.
“I am Isabel Santiago, Sage of the Bucharest Cabal, Counselor to Duke Drakul, leader of the Vampire.”
Light flared, so bright she could not keep her eyes open. Though every instinct she’d developed since becoming vampire begged that she run, Isabel held her ground.
When she opened her eyes, Isabel couldn’t stop herself from falling back a step, her fangs elongating as fear spiked through her. The once-empty throne room was now full.
Each chair at the banquet tables was occupied and the space between the columns was crowded with tall, pale people. While their sudden appearance was alarming, the most startling figures were those on the dais.
High Queen Albha sat in the gold-and-pearl throne, the colors the perfect foil for her red hair and creamy skin. She appeared no older than a human of thirty-five. Her tawny gown was made of brocade and velvet, the lines clean and sharp. A gold diadem decorated her brow. The white statue was a very good likeness of this formidable woman.
If the queen was warm gold, the king was polished steel.
High King Cormac appeared much older than his queen. His hair was gray and there were lines at the corners of his eyes. He wore medieval-style dress—a long emerald tunic embroidered with silver thread. His boots were black leather and worked with the same patterns as his tunic. Like his throne, the king was all tones of silver and green, his shining argent crown and jade eyes the final touches.
“Lady Isabel.” The High King’s voice was smooth and powerful. Though he hadn’t yelled, his words echoed throughout the room. “Welcome to Tara. You are our most honored guest.”
“Your Majesty, the honor is mine.” Isabel curtseyed. “I bring you greetings from Duke Drakul.”
The corner of Cormac’s mouth twitched. “Tell your duke that I too send my regards and regret that he was not able join us here.”
Isabel smiled demurely. The Warrior of Bucharest would never have let Drakul come to Tara. It was far too dangerous. Plus, Drakul hated politicking. He was good at it, but would much rather make someone else do it. “I will carry your message, and wish to extend an invitation for you and your most beautiful queen—” Isabel smiled at Albha, “—to join us, either on the Plains of Moytura or at one of the Vampire palaces in the human world.”
Mutters ran through the assembled onlookers, the first sound any of them had made. The queen’s brows rose and Isabel heard Aed groan. Let them wring their hands and whisper. Isabel was not their subject, and the invitation was not so shocking.
Cormac’s lips twitched again. “A most intriguing invitation, which the queen and I must consider.”
Isabel inclined her head to the monarchs.
“Lady
Isabel’s visit had been negotiated for weeks. Everything from the time of her arrival to the day and time of her meeting with the High King and Queen had been arranged far in advance.
Where were they?
“It appears I’m early.”
“No.” Aed, who had followed her, stepped up beside her. “The Tuatha de are here.”
Isabel examined his profile. Treacherous he may be, but the strong yet vulnerable warrior persona was still appealing. She still wanted him.
“You should announce yourself.”
Isabel looked around again, this time spotting the long banquet tables on either side of the hall in the space between the columns and the walls. Sparkling crystal goblets were filled with blood-red wine, and bowls of fruit glistened in the light of hundreds of pure white candles. The table was ready, the wine already poured, but where were the diners?
Isabel examined Aed’s profile again, debating what to do. She had every reason not to trust him but no other source of guidance.
Reluctantly taking his advice, Isabel stepped forward until she was standing on a large silver circle in the floor just before the lowest step of the dais.
“I am Isabel Santiago, Sage of the Bucharest Cabal, Counselor to Duke Drakul, leader of the Vampire.”
Light flared, so bright she could not keep her eyes open. Though every instinct she’d developed since becoming vampire begged that she run, Isabel held her ground.
When she opened her eyes, Isabel couldn’t stop herself from falling back a step, her fangs elongating as fear spiked through her. The once-empty throne room was now full.
Each chair at the banquet tables was occupied and the space between the columns was crowded with tall, pale people. While their sudden appearance was alarming, the most startling figures were those on the dais.
High Queen Albha sat in the gold-and-pearl throne, the colors the perfect foil for her red hair and creamy skin. She appeared no older than a human of thirty-five. Her tawny gown was made of brocade and velvet, the lines clean and sharp. A gold diadem decorated her brow. The white statue was a very good likeness of this formidable woman.
If the queen was warm gold, the king was polished steel.
High King Cormac appeared much older than his queen. His hair was gray and there were lines at the corners of his eyes. He wore medieval-style dress—a long emerald tunic embroidered with silver thread. His boots were black leather and worked with the same patterns as his tunic. Like his throne, the king was all tones of silver and green, his shining argent crown and jade eyes the final touches.
“Lady Isabel.” The High King’s voice was smooth and powerful. Though he hadn’t yelled, his words echoed throughout the room. “Welcome to Tara. You are our most honored guest.”
“Your Majesty, the honor is mine.” Isabel curtseyed. “I bring you greetings from Duke Drakul.”
The corner of Cormac’s mouth twitched. “Tell your duke that I too send my regards and regret that he was not able join us here.”
Isabel smiled demurely. The Warrior of Bucharest would never have let Drakul come to Tara. It was far too dangerous. Plus, Drakul hated politicking. He was good at it, but would much rather make someone else do it. “I will carry your message, and wish to extend an invitation for you and your most beautiful queen—” Isabel smiled at Albha, “—to join us, either on the Plains of Moytura or at one of the Vampire palaces in the human world.”
Mutters ran through the assembled onlookers, the first sound any of them had made. The queen’s brows rose and Isabel heard Aed groan. Let them wring their hands and whisper. Isabel was not their subject, and the invitation was not so shocking.
Cormac’s lips twitched again. “A most intriguing invitation, which the queen and I must consider.”
Isabel inclined her head to the monarchs.
“Lady
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