Read Online Copper Veins by Jennifer Allis Provost - Free Book Online Page B

Oriana up the steps. Just as I was about to ask why Ayla was here, being a human of fire and no connection to metal, she helped Oriana loosen her collar and expose the skin over her heart. Based on the familiar expressions exchanged between them, it wasn’t the first time she’d done so.
    â€œThat’s interesting,” I murmured.
    â€œThey have become quite close,” Micah replied.Before I could answer, Oriana extended her hand to Sadie.
    â€œCome to me, Sadie,” Oriana commanded. “Pledge to me your loyalty, and all will be forgiven.”
    I positioned myself in Micah’s arms so I was facing the dais. It looked like we would finally have all this pledging nonsense sorted out, and before dinner at that. Sadie, however, made no move to approach the queen. Instead, she remained rooted in place.
    â€œâ€™S’okay,” Max said. “It’ll be over in a flash.”
    â€œNo.”
    â€œI’ll go with you,” Max urged, reaching for her hand.
    â€œI said
no
.”
    Every set of eyes in the hall, from the Gold Queen’s to the servants’, stared at my sister. Sadie had never refused to do anything in her entire life—from eating Brussels sprouts as a kid to taking a ridiculously overloaded teaching assistant’s position at school—all because she couldn’t bear to hurt someone else’s feelings. Yet here she was, refusing to pledge to the Gold Queen. What a great time to grow a backbone. After enduring our stares for a good solid minute, she explained herself.
    â€œWhy should I pledge my loyalty to this…this fool?” Sadie demanded. “I mean, I’m the one with the power. I’m the Inheritor of Metal, and she’s a basket case. Why are any of us following her?”
    Micah released me from his arms, but I held onto his hand. I needed an anchor in this maelstrom of ridiculosity. “Sister, she is our queen,” he cautioned.
    â€œWhy?” Sadie demanded, rounding on Micah. “She’s a nut job! Why aren’t you king?”
    Micah’s eyes went wide. “Silver is second to gold,” he began, but Sadie wasn’t buying it.
    â€œYeah, well, maybe those rankings should be reevaluated,” Sadie muttered. “Mom’s a queen, so why aren’t we following her?” She fell silent for a moment while Oriana’s outraged face got redder and redder. “No,” Sadie continued. “My loyalty is special, and I won’t be pledging it to anyone like her.”
    With that, Sadie turned on her heel and stalked out of the Golden Court. Oriana just stood before her throne, spluttering and wringing her hands while Ayla covered her breast and drew her to her throne. Micah murmured an apology to the closest attendant, and we took the opportunity to follow Sadie.
    â€œI can’t believe you did that,” I said once we’d caught up to Sadie. She was waiting for us near the metal pathways, her face having taken on a sickly green cast.
    â€œMe neither,” she replied. “I think I’m gonna throw up.”
    â€œYou’ll be fine,” Max said. “Everything you said was true. Oriana’s nuttier than a fruitcake.”
    Mom murmured her agreement, and we turned to hop onto the metal pathway. I stole a look at Micah—his brows were furrowed, his mouth a slash acrosshis face.
    â€œHey,” I said, looping his arm around my shoulders. “Talk to me.”
    He blew out a long breath, then hugged me against him. “I…I just hope that this incident does not return to haunt us.”
    We stood together for another moment, then we mounted the pathway and followed the others back to the manor. I sure hoped there were no far-reaching ramifications of Sadie’s refusal, but I knew we wouldn’t get off that easy.

10
    The five of us followed the metal pathway, and we were home in the blink of an eye. Mom was off like a shot, seeking out Dad for