Run in the Blood by A.E. Ross

Author:A.E. Ross [Ross, A.E.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: NineStar Press, LGBT, Fantasy, abduction, family-drama, mythical creatures, dark, pirates, royalty, sailors, quest
Publisher: NineStar Press
Published: 2017-12-24T16:00:00+00:00

WALKING BACK INTO the throng of people crowding the edges of the dance floor was stifling. Brynne took a deep breath, but was barely able to exhale before a tall woman with grey hair twisted in an elegant bun descended on her. The woman grasped Brynne’s hands with her wrinkled ones in an uncomfortably tight grip, though her gaze was locked on Del.

“What a beautiful wife you’ve found, my prince.” She grinned, her teeth a stark white against skin like parchment. Del smiled meekly.

“Thank you,” he said. “Brynne, this is Graella, one of my father’s councillors.”

“It’s lovely to finally meet you,” Brynne said, recognizing the woman as Charmaine’s mother, the council’s representative of the Merchant.

Graella squeezed her hand in response. Her eyes were honey brown, but without softness. She shifted focus from Brynne to Del with the sharpness of a hawk. “Reza, sweet prince, I believe the queen has been searching for you.” Del glanced around warily at these words, opening his mouth to speak, but Graella continued on, determined. “Please, leave this lovely girl with me so we might speak woman to woman. I promise I won’t let her out of my sight.”

Del frowned. He placed a supportive hand on Brynne’s back. “I won’t be long.” He walked away across the dance floor, dodging couples in the midst of a waltz. As soon as he disappeared behind a pair of dancers, Graella’s grip tightened painfully, causing Brynne to whip her head back towards the old woman.

“My, what a deal your father must have made to hoist you up to this height,” she said, as Brynne struggled.

“Ah—” She winced, slipping her hands out of Graella’s death grip. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Don’t be a fool,” she said, her thin lips shaping a sharp tone. “Wife of an heir, that’s not a position to be given lightly, and certainly not without the benefit of both parties. Even you must see this decision seems slightly lop-sided—daughter of a peasant, no foreign princess, no great scholar, no brilliant beauty…” Her voice was low and forceful, her painted eyebrows narrowing.

Puffing out her chest, Brynne tried to raise her head high. “My father gave his life for his king. Is that not enough?” She tried to arch a haughty eyebrow like Charmaine would have, though she felt the effect might have left something to be desired as Graella sighed ruefully.

“Stars, I had hoped that you were somewhat sharper than popular opinion, but it seems you truly are dull as they say.” Brynne recoiled slightly as the woman reached out and placed a withered hand on her shoulder. “For your sake, I hope you figure this city out quick, or you won’t last another month.”

Brynne opened her mouth to speak just as a massive arm reached out and pulled Graella into a reluctant embrace.

“Miss Halloran, I see my fellow councillor is giving out more of her expert advice!” The cheerful voice of the Royal Blacksmith rang out as Graella tried ungraciously to extricate herself.

“Good evening, Alphonse.

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