Read Online His Seafaring Siren (Caledonia's Captives) by Lisa Adams - Free Book Online Page A

Septimus felt a dark cloud forming over him. Though he was certain no one was following them, something didn’t seem right.
    Once they arrived at the palace, Phaedra sashayed to the guard and began her story. “These food wares are to be delivered to the kitchen for the feast. Master Justious thanks the Emperor for his patronage.” Mowriyah was shaky with her light load of vegetables and Septimus prayed to the gods that she would be able to manage the bundle for a few minutes more.
    The guard looked questioningly at Phaedra and then to him and Mowriyah. Phaedra smiled playfully at the guard, who returned the gesture. Septimus couldn’t help but notice the guard’s eyes follow Phaedra through the entrance. A small wave of relief fluttered through him, but then it left just as quickly. There was never really a doubt that they would make it into the palace, but getting out could prove to be trickier.
    The trio navigated the halls of the palace with no trouble. Phaedra had claimed to have made deliveries of this type before and, like now, the residents often smiled, nodded, or waved in her direction. At least she hadn’t lied about this part.
    They entered the kitchen and Phaedra waved him and Mowriyah to the right of the doorway to offload their wares on the counter. She followed behind them and whispered, “Stay here. I will tell your sister you are here but you cannot make a scene. Grab that small bag of flour there. You need to look as commonplace as possible.”
    Mowriyah nodded and did as she was instructed. Septimus watched as Phaedra mingled around the kitchen, speaking with a few workers who looked to be friends. She shuffled her way through the people to the counter in the far right corner of the room. There Septimus noticed a girl with a fragile build and long, straight black hair that fell to the middle of her back.
    He looked to Mowriyah, who was trembling as tears welled in her eyes. Septimus leaned in closer to her. “Be calm. This is dangerous for both of you. Tell her we will be back this evening and to be ready. Then leave. We need to get out of here fast.” She nodded again.
    Phaedra signaled subtly to Mowriyah and she walked forward. He saw her posture straighten and he thought back to the wonderful performance she had given on the street the night before. She could do this. She knew what was at stake.
    She made her way across the kitchen, holding the flour as she had been instructed. The girl, presumably Leihla, turned and faced her. Mowriyah handed her the flour, and there was the slightest contact of their hands. She whispered and it was done. Leihla turned back to the counter and Phaedra and Mowriyah walked back toward Septimus. Mowriyah held a look of concern in her eyes but nothing that would make anyone suspect anything.
    The trio left the palace the same way they had entered and made their way back to Trivian’s house. He followed the two women in, closing the door behind him. Mowriyah hadn’t spoken since the palace. None of them had. He had to admit the calm silence between the two women was becoming unnerving. They sat side by side on the settee, almost statuesque, with Mowriyah between them.
    “Mowriyah, are you okay?” She didn’t move. “Mowriyah?” She blinked, as if clearing a fog in front of her eyes. She faced him, then looked to Phaedra. Phaedra gave a weak smile and Septimus noticed the tears in her eyes. Mowriyah lunged and grabbed Phaedra in a hug. She released her emotion on Phaedra’s shoulder and the two shared a moment.
    Feeling as if he was invading on a private scene, Septimus left the two women to console one another while he recalled how wonderful it felt to first see Trivian yesterday. But he is free. Leihla has been a slave, forced to do unspeakable acts...
    ***
    Waking in the soft down bed was refreshing, but there was an emptiness inside her that Mowriyah couldn’t shake. Her thoughts wandered back to her sister. Having seen Leihla was a gift. But she had