Read Online The Blood Bride (Blood Secrets) by Imogene Nix - Free Book Online Page A
Authors: Imogene Nix
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loud at the thought, before containing his mirth. Now wasn’t the time. Perhaps later, though, the thought intruded quickly, he might begin the pursuit of pleasure. With an effort, Xavier brought his mind back to the task at hand.
Turning to the microphone, he raised a hand before waiting for all to stop and give him their undivided attention. Chatter died away and the chinking glasses stilled. Everyone watched, and he felt pride once more that it was his nest that brought people who would usually avoid these receptions out to celebrate.
“Councillor Cressida, Masters and Mistresses, ladies and gentlemen, and, of course, honoured friends. Tonight we come together to welcome a nestling back to our fold. Hope has been away for several years, and returns to the manor nest from her sojourns into the dangerous world of college education.” He waited while a ripple of laughter spread its way throughout the room.
“Nests are few in number and their members are precious to all Masters and Mistresses, especially considering the losses experienced by all of us. Most especially, we remember the losses this nest endured so many years ago.” He waited, pausing while many nodded their agreement. “For that reason, among so many others, the safe return of every nestling is a time of joyous celebration and renewal. As each nest prepares to find fulfilling roles for each new member and those coming of age, so too does the nest prepare to grow once more as nestlings flourish. They form families who continue to increase the size of our nest and ultimately we, as Masters and Mistresses, petition the Council for the formulation of new nests, under the leadership and guidance of those who have gone before.” Xavier stopped for a moment as a vision of Hope, next to a man, rose in his mind. She was heavy with child and the pain he felt nearly overwhelmed him. A deep breath later, he pushed the thought and pain aside, while his mind scrambled for the thoughts that had scattered.
“The art of finding their role in protecting and helping the nest to prosper is one that we cannot take lightly.” Many in the crowd agreed and he heard their mutters. “In the case of Hope, the nest has once more taken possession of both a fine brain and beauty.” A few men chuckled at his words and he looked back towards her in time to see Hope blush prettily even as he grinned. “In Hope, we see that chance for the future of our nest, as she too takes her place and position. Please, join me in welcoming home to the nest our Hope.”
He watched, as faces smiled in the crowd and cheers rose, meeting with his while he motioned for Hope to move forward and accept the adulation. He backed away from the microphone, feeling an awareness once more of the woman in front of him.
It was clear that she controlled the nervousness with an iron will as she plastered a welcoming smile to her face. “Thank you, Master Xavier. I too would like to thank all of you for your attendance tonight. Mistress Cressida, it is both an honour and a pleasure to have you here.” He watched as Cressida accepted her words of welcome with a slight nod and smile. “Masters and Mistresses, long may your nests experience peace and prosperity. To my friends and family, there are no words that convey my pleasure in once more being within the folds of my nest. I thank you for your good wishes and constant support during my absence. I certainly hope to do the nest proud and become a member of good standing.” With that she moved away from the microphone.
He waited one more beat. “Long may the band play and the food and wine be enjoyable. Eat, drink and be merry.” A final loud cheer broke out as he joined her.
Short speeches were still welcome, he noted with a smile, turning away from the crowd. “Come, let me find some refreshment for you, Hope, and then we will open the dancing.” When he glanced at her face, he took in the scandalised look there. What had he said to put it
Turning to the microphone, he raised a hand before waiting for all to stop and give him their undivided attention. Chatter died away and the chinking glasses stilled. Everyone watched, and he felt pride once more that it was his nest that brought people who would usually avoid these receptions out to celebrate.
“Councillor Cressida, Masters and Mistresses, ladies and gentlemen, and, of course, honoured friends. Tonight we come together to welcome a nestling back to our fold. Hope has been away for several years, and returns to the manor nest from her sojourns into the dangerous world of college education.” He waited while a ripple of laughter spread its way throughout the room.
“Nests are few in number and their members are precious to all Masters and Mistresses, especially considering the losses experienced by all of us. Most especially, we remember the losses this nest endured so many years ago.” He waited, pausing while many nodded their agreement. “For that reason, among so many others, the safe return of every nestling is a time of joyous celebration and renewal. As each nest prepares to find fulfilling roles for each new member and those coming of age, so too does the nest prepare to grow once more as nestlings flourish. They form families who continue to increase the size of our nest and ultimately we, as Masters and Mistresses, petition the Council for the formulation of new nests, under the leadership and guidance of those who have gone before.” Xavier stopped for a moment as a vision of Hope, next to a man, rose in his mind. She was heavy with child and the pain he felt nearly overwhelmed him. A deep breath later, he pushed the thought and pain aside, while his mind scrambled for the thoughts that had scattered.
“The art of finding their role in protecting and helping the nest to prosper is one that we cannot take lightly.” Many in the crowd agreed and he heard their mutters. “In the case of Hope, the nest has once more taken possession of both a fine brain and beauty.” A few men chuckled at his words and he looked back towards her in time to see Hope blush prettily even as he grinned. “In Hope, we see that chance for the future of our nest, as she too takes her place and position. Please, join me in welcoming home to the nest our Hope.”
He watched, as faces smiled in the crowd and cheers rose, meeting with his while he motioned for Hope to move forward and accept the adulation. He backed away from the microphone, feeling an awareness once more of the woman in front of him.
It was clear that she controlled the nervousness with an iron will as she plastered a welcoming smile to her face. “Thank you, Master Xavier. I too would like to thank all of you for your attendance tonight. Mistress Cressida, it is both an honour and a pleasure to have you here.” He watched as Cressida accepted her words of welcome with a slight nod and smile. “Masters and Mistresses, long may your nests experience peace and prosperity. To my friends and family, there are no words that convey my pleasure in once more being within the folds of my nest. I thank you for your good wishes and constant support during my absence. I certainly hope to do the nest proud and become a member of good standing.” With that she moved away from the microphone.
He waited one more beat. “Long may the band play and the food and wine be enjoyable. Eat, drink and be merry.” A final loud cheer broke out as he joined her.
Short speeches were still welcome, he noted with a smile, turning away from the crowd. “Come, let me find some refreshment for you, Hope, and then we will open the dancing.” When he glanced at her face, he took in the scandalised look there. What had he said to put it
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