Read Online The Lord-Protector's Daughter by L. E. Modesitt Jr. - Free Book Online Page B

Mykella confessed. “I feel that something’s not right, that there might be some danger out there, but I can’t even say what that might be.” That was certainly true, if not quite in the way Salyna would take it. “I’m worried about the way Rachylana carries on about and with Berenyt. It’s not proper, and it’s not a good idea.”
    â€œShe’ll get over it.”
    Mykella had strong doubts about that, and even stronger doubts about how well Berenyt would treat Rachylana.
    â€œAre they talking about marrying you off to that autarch-heir in Dereka?” asked Salyna.
    â€œLandarch-heir,” Mykella replied. “Not in my hearing, and you’ve heard Father. He says that there aren’t any envoys coming to talk of marriage.”
    â€œThere will be. We can’t stay here, Mykella.” Salyna straightened herself on the settee. “What would we do? Who would dare marry us? Father wouldn’t let anyone of any status do so, because any sons would have a claim on being Lord-Protector, and he wouldn’t accept anyone who didn’t have position. None of us have any choice. Not even Rachylana.” Salyna shook her head. “I feel sorry for her. She doesn’t want to see what must be.”
    Mykella almost said, “That’s her problem, if she wants to be so stupid.” Instead, she went on, “We’ll have to see what happens. Has Father said anything to you?”
    â€œHe’s said that one of the Seltyrs in Southgate has a son close to my age.”
    Mykella couldn’t help but wince. Southgate was far worse than Tempre for women. It was said to be even worse than Fola or being a Squawt bride.
    â€œThey say he’s nice.” Salyna’s voice was level.
    Mykella could sense fear, not just concern, from her sister. “I do hope so.”
    Salyna rolled up her needlework. “I can only do this so long before my eyes cross. Handling a saber is easier.” She yawned, then stood. “I’ll see you in the morning.”
    â€œGood night.” Mykella closed the history and set the volume on the side table, watching as Salyna left the parlor. Her sister was disturbed and frightened of going to Southgate. Because their aunt had died there?
    Mykella needed to discover more, but, except for functions like the upcoming season-turn celebration and parade and ball, or the High Factors’ ball, or riding with escorts, she was expected to remain within the palace, and wherever she went, someone was watching. When she was out, she was never alone.
    She had to find a way to get to the Table unseen. Could she test her “disappearing” skill when she took the inside main corridor back to her chambers? Getting past the guards at night should be easier because their post was in the main corridor, well back from the corner of the palace that held the family quarters, and they walked a post between the main staircase and the quarters rather than standing in one place in front of a single door or archway.
    Mykella stood and walked to the doorway. How could she do what she had in mind? Sitting in a chair was one thing, but she needed to move. She couldn’t keep creating a new image of the hallway without her in it with every step. Could she just create the feel of everything flowing around her as if she were not there?
    She moistened her lips and eased the parlor door to the main corridor open. Then, she tried to visualize the light from the parlor flowing around her, as if the door had swung open without anyone there. Her vision seemed to dim, but she could sense the door frame and the open door when she stepped out into the main corridor. One of the guards turned.
    She had no idea if he saw her or if the light from the open door had attracted him. She closed the door, and it creaked as she shut it. After a moment, the guard turned away. She moved as quietly as she could, putting down one boot carefully, and then