Read Online Princess of Death (Three Provinces Book 1) by Renee Travis - Free Book Online

like they are banishing us.”
    “I think it would be in our best interest to decide to leave before they can.” Nam told me gently. I had to agree with him. It wouldn’t be as hard if I told them I was leaving. I could go Bet Pagri and then head onto the Aduran Estate.  It was with heavy hearts, as clichéd as it sounded, that Nam and I went to bed that night.
    Nergal and Ekur were gone by the time I awoke the next morning, but it was for the best. It would take days for the arrangements to be made, plus I still had to inform my family.
    What’s going on? Your thoughts are chaotic.  Puabi questioned my every movement after I got out of bed.
    “We are going on a trip.”
    Good, I’m bored here.
    “That does not surprise me; you have barely left my room.”
    I leave to hunt. She sounded a little offended.
    Yanking on a simple, yet flattering black gypsy skirt and deep orange peasant blouse I didn’t even redo my hair. Jamming glasses on my face I hurried from my room realizing it was almost afternoon; I would barely make seeing my parents in the throne room.
    Taking a deep breath I opened the doors, flinching as Biri settled over my skin. I was lucky; it was only my parents, Ishtar and my brother in the room, though it did startle me that he was there. Mash was a Nannaru snob, he hated Biri.
    “Ereshkigal, what is the meaning of this, you do not just barge in unannounced.” Father’s voice was cold, clipped.
    “I am sorry but it was too important to wait,” I settled into a curtsey, knowing it would show just how serious I was.
    “Arise, but you must wait your turn.” Mother said.
    “As I was saying, Mare, Father, now that Ishtar is to be married I find the need to stay here no longer necessary. I am requesting that Aya and I be permitted to retire to the Nannaruan Estate.” Shamash’s words basically echoed the ones I was going to say. I had to control myself not to gasp or let my mouth drop open in shock.
    “I know you have already staffed the estate and it is ready for me to take up residence, there is no reason to prolong it.” Mash’s words were polite but I could sense the bite in them.
    “Of course Shamash, we were planning to discuss this with you within the week; all the arrangements have already been made. You can leave whenever you’d like.” Mother’s smile was bitter, but at least it was a smile.
    I couldn’t believe what I was hearing; they had planned to send Mash away so soon? When I asked them the same question, would I find the answer equally as sickening?
    “Aya and I should be packed and ready to leave by morning then.” Mash took a few steps back; I could tell he was curious about my issue.
    “I hate to agree with Mash,” I tried for humor, but failed, “but I have been invited to Bet Pagri. I would like to go and I figured afterwards I would go on to the Aduran Estate as it seems I am not needed here any longer either.” 
    Mash’s chuckle behind me reminded me of when he was a little boy and I wished things were that simple again. So much had changed in such a short amount of time it made my head spin.
    “Ereshkigal, we are not quite prepared for you to leave us. The Aduran Estate is not set up all the way for a full time residence.”  Father frowned at me.
    “Eshie are you serious? You’re going to leave? Before the wedding? You and Mash?” Ishtar’s voice was scared and I met her warm brown eyes as she stood next to my mother.
    “I am serious, I want to go. I am sure Mash and I will come back for the wedding Ishtar, don’t be silly.” The lie stuck in my throat a little. I was about 90 percent certain I would never set foot in the castle again. As I glanced over at my brother I could see he was thinking the same thing.
    “And as to your words father, I would not be at the estate for some time, long enough for it to be properly equipped for my arrival. Namtar and I were planning quite a long trip.”
    “That might work Ereshkigal, of course it will take