Discovery: Altera Realm Trilogy by Jennifer Collins

Author:Jennifer Collins [Collins, Jennifer]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Published: 2013-06-08T22:00:00+00:00

Leaf

This was the first council meeting that didn't have Leaf's full attention. He was distracted, and he shouldn't be. Usually he sat across from Justice, who annoyed him on a good day. That man was never paying attention, always doodling away on the paper in front of him. But today Princess Helen had grabbed that seat. Leaf always had been known for compartmentalizing his life, but at that moment he couldn't stop picturing Helen in her thin blue bathing suit. Most Lycin women were strong and all muscle, but Helen had curves and soft spots that fascinated him. But they shouldn't; they couldn't.

"Leaf?"

Helen looked at him. She wasn't the one who had called his name, but he felt caught by her gaze for a moment, her face turning pink under his stare. He finally looked over to Mellisandrianna, who appeared less amused. She also looked paler than usual. "Yes, Your Majesty?"

"Are you even listening?"

"I am now."

"Security. We need more of it. I wasn't comfortable with the report your scouting party gave. I would like more guards posted at exits."

"Of course, Your Majesty."

"I would also like at least two Protectors for every royal. Call up the seconds and have them ready to start duty tomorrow."

"What would you like to do for Princess Syney?" he asked.

"What?"

Everyone at the table looked to the young princess, who stared back with confusion. At least I wasn't the only one distracted, Leaf thought.

"The Protectors are increasing to two. You need a second one," Leaf explained.

"Oh, OK," Syney said.

Mellisandrianna shot Syney an odd look. "Who's your best guard?" she asked Leaf.

"They're all well trained."

She smiled at him. "Of course, but we both know that some excel more than others."

Leaf thought for a moment. There had been a new hotshot in the ranks, Reed. He was young but strong and very eager. He said as much to the queen, who nodded in agreement.

"He shall be appointed then. Is there anything else?"

"The ball, Your Majesty. Everything will be set up for tomorrow. It will be masked, and the colors will be white and black," Justice said eagerly.

Leaf rolled his eyes. Balls and festivals were a staple in the palace, but as far as he was concerned, they were a colossal waste of time and money. He looked forward—and was surprised—to find himself staring into Helen's eyes yet again. She smiled but quickly looked away.

"Yes, yes, all good. Anything else?"

The table was silent.

"Good. Meeting adjourned." Mellisandrianna quickly stood and swept away.

Leaf stared after her for a moment, wondering what her hurry was. He shook off the thought and looked back to Helen, but she was gone. He guessed hurrying ran in the family. He looked toward the end of the table and found Syney still sitting in her seat, deep in thought. He walked over to her and sat next to her. "Are you all right?"

She jumped slightly. "Oh, jeez. Yeah, I'm fine. Just got a lot on my mind. What's this about a ball?"

"It's an annual thing—just a rather large dance.

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