Read Online Fragile Destiny (The Aether Chronicles) by Suzanne Lazear - Free Book Online

chair as he gazed at the wooden ceiling. His head popped up and
he looked toward Ciarán. “She’s the one who gave me the artifact pieces. I’d like to bring her here. I think she’d be an asset. Magnolia’s smart, funny, good with plants and machines, and she’s probably good with children; after all, she’s a girl … ”
    “Stop.” Ciarán raised his hand, expression darkening. “Kevighn, are you serious? You have terrible taste in women.”
    “I do not .”
    “Yes, you do. Must I give you examples? I hate to see you do this to yourself. Again. Also, if she’s who I think she is, she’s too young for you,” he scolded.
    Kevighn bristled. “I like them young.”
    “You’re getting too old for that.” Disapproval danced in Ciarán’s eyes.
    “Am not. And what do you mean if she is who you think she is. ” If this wasn’t Ciarán …
    The look Ciarán gave him could make a lesser man spontaneously combust. “My spies keep track of many things, including the comings and goings of some young earth court princes, who are often in the company of a girl fitting Magnolia’s description. In fact, she was just in the Otherworld. With them.”
    She was? His hands fisted. But that whelp had broken it off with her. Magnolia was safe with her brother in the mortal realm. “No, he can’t have her.”
    “Obviously I need to keep you occupied.” Ciarán looked unamused. “Let’s not start any wars. Please. There will be time for rebellion later.”
    “Do you have something else for me to do?” Maybe he could find her, bring her here, where she’d be safe.
    “Yes. Teach your nephew to hunt, spend some time with him. Help me keep the little princess happy and safe. The rebellion is starting sooner than intended.” Ciarán shot him another look.
    “It is?” That took him aback. “Elise is too young to rule, and we don’t have all the pieces.”
    “I think that between Brogan and I, we may. Everything will come in time, but if we wait too long, there will be nothing of our beloved realm left,” Ciarán said.
    “What did Tiana do now?” That woman had no idea how to rule—not that anyone dared tell her. It would mean their death.
    Ciarán looked at him with utter despair in his amber eyes. “The queen recently changed the definition of sword to include long knives. She’s been rounding up and executing people left and right, including … ” His face contorted. “Several dark court boys. She’s ordered her guards to execute them on sight; by the time I found out, it was too late.”
    “Long knives are not swords.” Outrage rose inside him. Those not from the great houses couldn’t carry swords; most peasants depended on long knives for protection and their everyday livelihood. “What’s next, bows so no one can hunt for food?”
    Slowly, Ciarán nodded. “That’s what I’ve heard, but it’s not official yet. It was one thing when her laws were just silly, but now they’re harming people. My people. I won’t stand for it.”
    Kevighn put a hand on his shoulder. “Neither will I.”
    “You’re with me?” Ciarán asked.
    He raised his glass. The queen couldn’t be allowed to destroy their home, their people. “To death and beyond.”

Five
    The Faery Queen’s Jewel
    The sun fell on Noli’s face and her eyes flickered open. V slept beside her in her bedroom. She must have fallen asleep in his arms. There were footsteps and a click.
    “Get out of my sister’s room, Darrow.” Jeff stood in the doorway, pistol aimed at them.
    V sat straight up, eyes widening as he caught sight of the pistol. “We’re fully clothed. We must have fallen asleep while researching.” He gestured to the still-burning candle lamp and the book on the floor, then hopped out of her bed with lightning quickness.
    “Jeff, will you stop? I’m not going to be amused if you and Vix aim pistols at us every time we’re together,” Noli snapped, sitting up and scowling at her brother. She didn’t need these