Read Online Challenged by Darkness (An Urban Fantasy Novel) (Befallen Tides series Book 2) by Anna Sanders - Free Book Online Page A
Authors: Anna Sanders
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have the gall to poison her twice. Not now that they had her where they wanted her.
It was hard to negate the lavishness presented to her in general. Yards of pastel dresses cinched in her size filled a walk-in closet. Using the hot springs to soothe her travel- and battle-weary body was far better than the brisk washes she’d endured at the bandit campsite. And having entertainment of any kind was easier on the mind than the steadfast worry of savage attacks. Easing back into the life of a princess wasn’t hard at all. Still, Roy or London attempted more than once to apologize further or even to attempt genial conversation, and Genevieve remained uninterested. And every now and then, the idea of escaping would flit across her mind. But she couldn’t navigate herself back to Colorado without assistance even if Winx and Keaton were still there. And besides, the holding was guarded. It didn’t take a rocket scientist to figure that out. Orion wanted her secure.
And yet, now that she knew firsthand what evil was out there, she could not shake it off. Winx and Keaton had been left alone in that B&B with nothing more than a note of apology and no further resources or aid of any kind. How furious they must be with her, if they were even still alive! Winx was still weak from her injuries and Keaton was currently irrational, operating on impulse. They would be easy pickings for Chavez and his gang. And what of Stori and Tipping?
She didn’t want to break her silent streak to ask London about them, but Genevieve just couldn’t stop the fear that bad news was on its way.
Orion Merrick didn’t look any different than the last time Genevieve had seen him. Her uncle still had an overly tough exterior with a pudgy face, the jowls hanging just the slightest bit. His dark hair hadn’t changed an inch, his clothing was as imposing as ever, and his stare was aristocratic. When he hugged her, it was a show lacking affection and warmth of any kind. It had always been that way, but now that Genevieve had been gone for so long, she’d expected to feel some sort of compassion.
“My niece. You have no idea how worried I have been!” He looked her over. “You seem very well. That sky blue suits you.”
The blue lace stitched dress did suit her, flaring about her knees and tucking around her buxom body in a way that wasn’t obscene. She thanked him for the compliment with a demure smile.
Orion led Genevieve down from the entry hall over to an elaborate dining hall where the banquet on the table seemed to go on for miles. Her uncle helped her into a seat, and once she was poised just on the edge, he sat across from her, leaving the head of the table empty.
“Your journey must have been an exciting one, Evy,” Orion began as he poured her a glass of water. “Judging from the details London and Roy have given me, you’ve proven yourself to be quite the able individual.”
Genevieve was at a loss to reply. Her uncle placed the water before her empty plate before pouring his own glass.
“All of your recent trials have not been in vain. I want to assure you.” He took a swig of water. “But now your place is at home. Where you belong.”
He clapped sharply, and five servants in the finest livery emerged in unison. They each walked to a covered dish and began to serve both of the diners. Genevieve’s heart quickened when she noticed the utility set on the belt of each worker. It mostly contained carving and serving tools, but each servant also had at least one firearm. Was that to protect, or to guard?
It wasn’t until after their plates were filled with each succulent dish that Genevieve looked at Orion again. He was staring at her in an uncomfortable way, his fingers clasped beneath his chin and his elbows on the table.
“Uncle Orion. Did you order London to drug me in order to get me here?”
“Yes.”
The verification didn’t settle her mind at all. Genevieve felt tears pool in the back of her
It was hard to negate the lavishness presented to her in general. Yards of pastel dresses cinched in her size filled a walk-in closet. Using the hot springs to soothe her travel- and battle-weary body was far better than the brisk washes she’d endured at the bandit campsite. And having entertainment of any kind was easier on the mind than the steadfast worry of savage attacks. Easing back into the life of a princess wasn’t hard at all. Still, Roy or London attempted more than once to apologize further or even to attempt genial conversation, and Genevieve remained uninterested. And every now and then, the idea of escaping would flit across her mind. But she couldn’t navigate herself back to Colorado without assistance even if Winx and Keaton were still there. And besides, the holding was guarded. It didn’t take a rocket scientist to figure that out. Orion wanted her secure.
And yet, now that she knew firsthand what evil was out there, she could not shake it off. Winx and Keaton had been left alone in that B&B with nothing more than a note of apology and no further resources or aid of any kind. How furious they must be with her, if they were even still alive! Winx was still weak from her injuries and Keaton was currently irrational, operating on impulse. They would be easy pickings for Chavez and his gang. And what of Stori and Tipping?
She didn’t want to break her silent streak to ask London about them, but Genevieve just couldn’t stop the fear that bad news was on its way.
Orion Merrick didn’t look any different than the last time Genevieve had seen him. Her uncle still had an overly tough exterior with a pudgy face, the jowls hanging just the slightest bit. His dark hair hadn’t changed an inch, his clothing was as imposing as ever, and his stare was aristocratic. When he hugged her, it was a show lacking affection and warmth of any kind. It had always been that way, but now that Genevieve had been gone for so long, she’d expected to feel some sort of compassion.
“My niece. You have no idea how worried I have been!” He looked her over. “You seem very well. That sky blue suits you.”
The blue lace stitched dress did suit her, flaring about her knees and tucking around her buxom body in a way that wasn’t obscene. She thanked him for the compliment with a demure smile.
Orion led Genevieve down from the entry hall over to an elaborate dining hall where the banquet on the table seemed to go on for miles. Her uncle helped her into a seat, and once she was poised just on the edge, he sat across from her, leaving the head of the table empty.
“Your journey must have been an exciting one, Evy,” Orion began as he poured her a glass of water. “Judging from the details London and Roy have given me, you’ve proven yourself to be quite the able individual.”
Genevieve was at a loss to reply. Her uncle placed the water before her empty plate before pouring his own glass.
“All of your recent trials have not been in vain. I want to assure you.” He took a swig of water. “But now your place is at home. Where you belong.”
He clapped sharply, and five servants in the finest livery emerged in unison. They each walked to a covered dish and began to serve both of the diners. Genevieve’s heart quickened when she noticed the utility set on the belt of each worker. It mostly contained carving and serving tools, but each servant also had at least one firearm. Was that to protect, or to guard?
It wasn’t until after their plates were filled with each succulent dish that Genevieve looked at Orion again. He was staring at her in an uncomfortable way, his fingers clasped beneath his chin and his elbows on the table.
“Uncle Orion. Did you order London to drug me in order to get me here?”
“Yes.”
The verification didn’t settle her mind at all. Genevieve felt tears pool in the back of her
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