Read Online Heart Choice by Robin D. Owens - Free Book Online

“Though the front is equally graceful and lovely.”
    â€œYou can see the back from the river, and the lawn and gardens are so large there that it is easy to image for holos.”
    He hesitated, and she sensed that he dreaded touring the Residence.
    â€œI have the plans of T’Blackthorn Residence. Would you like me to do a preliminary survey on my own?” she asked gently.
    His gaze burned—with anger, with pain. All directed at himself, she thought.
    â€œNo,” he gritted out. His shoulders shifted, straightened as if taking on a burden. Broad shoulders.
    His calloused hand cradled her elbow as they mounted the two stairs to the large front porch and the double door. As they reached the doors they swung inward with a little creak.
    In the large front hall, checkerboarded in black and white marble, Drina sat on a black marble square, looking perfect. She was obviously posing, and Mitchella’s gaze sharpened at the cat’s smile. Drina could have definite ideas about the Residence, ideas that might be contrary to Mitchella’s.

Five

    â€œGreetyou, Drina,” Mitchella said to the small cat posing in the center of the grand hall.
    The cat mewed politely, but didn’t move.
    Mitchella glanced around the well-lit chamber. Beautifully proportioned, a marble staircase curved upward to the second story. The walls and the ceiling moldings had once been white but were now gray. That seemed to be the total damage.
    â€œThe interior is in good shape,” she said. There must have been surprise in her voice, because Straif dropped his hand and walked over to Drina, picked her up, and set her on his shoulder.
    â€œYes, no damp or mold or rot. We Blackthorns build to last.” There was a note of pain at being the sole remaining Blackthorn. “The furnishings, especially all the fabric, are bad. The Residence had enough energy to keep itself safe and sound. As for dust,” he turned back to face her, and his smile was twisted, “the Residence has been draining my energy at intervals since last night for housekeeping spells.”
    She stared at him, knowing her eyes rounded. Of course she’d heard about the great spells practiced by the nobles, but somehow this sounded—not nice. Frowning, she scrutinized him. “You look in fine shape, too.” The words came from her mouth without thought.
    His grin was swift and dangerous. “My thanks.” He shrugged, then swept his glance around the chamber. “The Residence informed me of all the basic problems. The worst is that parasite growing on the outside.”
    â€œIf that’s the case, our job will be easier. We’re in time to prevent any permanent damage.”
    One hand petting Drina, Straif tilted his head at Mitchella. “You can tell that?”
    â€œOf course. I should have options for its removal for you by tomorrow—”
    â€œWe’ll do a FirstFamilies Ritual at next full twinmoons,” Straif said.
    Mitchella goggled. She hadn’t even thought of that. He appeared casual, even rough, but she’d better not forget that despite appearances, this man was very powerful. She swallowed. “Yes, that should take care of any minor problems in the Residence.” Or any major ones .
    Mitchella said, “Everything I could do by muscle and labor, you could do by paying great Nobles or trading them favors. Why don’t you?”
    Straif raised an eyebrow and said drily, “Because in my case, I think they’d overcharge—or insist on equally great alliances or favors. It’s not wise to be too deeply indebted to FirstFamilies Lords and Ladies.”
    Nodding, Mitchella said, “I see.” T’Ash had said the same.
    â€œThat leaves us with your specialty, interior design,” Straif said.
    â€œI have drawings and holos of the Residence in the past . . .”
    His face tightened. “I’m sure I do, too. ResidenceLibrary,” he