Read Online Isaura by Ruth Silver - Free Book Online Page A

an
elaborate meal. It started with fresh salad and now we were on our second
course of vegetable soup. I had no idea what we'd be eating next, so I ate is
if there were no tomorrow. Finishing every drop in my bowl.
    I glanced up every so often at the others from Shadow. They
were all occupied with their meals. I wondered how they felt about their home
having been destroyed. They were the few lucky ones, the survivors.
    Joshua finally spoke up, “Tell me how you've managed to keep
off the radar from the government for so long.” Joshua had an edge to his
voice, accusing Henry of something sinister.
    “We've managed a good front in defending ourselves. Our men
have weapons we've built and stand on guard at every hour,” Henry answered.
    Joshua's eyes narrowed. “That doesn't explain the drones.
Haven and Thena were destroyed by them. How is it that Spade is untouched?” They
must have cut a deal with the government as Torv had done.
    “We've taken down two drones in the past six months.” Henry
grinned. “Our men are that good.” He let the words hang in the air for a
moment. “Would you like to see?”
    I smiled politely, glancing from Henry to Joshua, seeing the
flustered look cross his face.
    “After dinner,” Joshua agreed and I wondered how the boys
would do alone together.”
    “I'll come with you both. I'd like to see it, as well.” I
smiled boldly hoping I wasn't interfering and at the same time I was curious
about Spade. I wanted to explore the compound but I thought it might be better
to be shown a tour first, get a lay of the land. Maybe I wouldn't be forced to
sneak out as I had in Shadow many months ago.
    “That would be nice.” Henry answered and I felt the heat
radiating off Joshua. “In fact, you all are welcome,” he invited the others. I
glanced at him, wondering why he was upset that I'd be coming along. Of all
things I thought he'd appreciate my company. I ignored the boys. The third
course of our meal arrived as fresh plates were placed in front of us and a
giant roasted turkey was set in the center of the table.
    Finishing dinner, Adelaide grew restless. I could tell she
was tired. It'd been a long day and she was rocking her chair backwards away
from the table. I had scolded her twice, afraid she'd crack open her skull.
Rane stood up. “I can take Adelaide to bed,” she offered.
    “I don't want to go to bed,” Adelaide fussed. “I want to go
with Olivia and Joshua to see the drones. Please,” she whined with big blue
eyes.
    “Maybe tomorrow.” I gestured for her to come over to me. She
groaned as she climbed down from the chair and stalked over, giving me a hug
and kiss. She then gave Joshua a hug goodnight.
    “I'm not tired,” she pleaded her case one last time.
    “Of course you're not.” I hugged her once more. “Thank you,”
I mouthed to Rane as she walked by.
    Adelaide disappeared through the door with Rane in tow. I
was surprised to see four strangers enter the dining hall. They came toward the
table and cleared our dishes without a sound. “I could have done that.” I felt
odd having someone clean up after me. “I'm fully capable you know.” I glanced
at Henry not comfortable with having someone clean up after me. I wasn't a
child.
    “Thank you, Tria,” Henry smiled at the young girl I had just
harassed. It hadn't been my intention, but I felt out of place. Henry waited
until the four disappeared out of the dining hall with all the dishes in hand. “They're
my servants.” He folded his hands together with a smile. “Don't look at me like
that.”
    “With disgust?” Joshua paused. “You have servants?”
    “They are adequately compensated,” Henry quickly answered. “And
it's not as bad as it sounds. You make it out like I'm a monster. They chose
this profession. Looking after the castle and their Duke. It's an honor.”
    “For you maybe,” I muttered. I had spent a short time as a
servant for Governor Craynor. There'd been no joy in it. I tried to