Seduction of the Phoenix by Michelle M Pillow

Author:Michelle M Pillow [Pillow, Michelle M]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi, pdf
Tags: Fantasy, Fiction, Romance, Erotic stories, Thieves, Adult, Science fiction, Erotica
ISBN: 9781586087777
Publisher: New Concepts Publishing
Published: 2006-03-15T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

The apology ceremony was just like Jin said. He escorted her inside the Exalted Hall and they were left alone with the royal family as they did what they must. They paid quick homage to the sky and earth. Jin’s part of the ceremony was more elaborate, consisting of a cap that he put on his head and then left on the altar. Francesca really hadn’t paid attention to his whispered words. She’d been too busy cursing her horrible shoes and trying not to think of how great Jin looked in his red ceremonial robe. After he was done with his cap, they left a jug of wine and small pastries on a low altar for Jin’s ancestors, and finally drank shui guo cha , a tea spiced with locally harvested red bavine fruit.

Afterward, Jin led her out of the Exalted Hall. The crowd cheered as he escorted her toward his private chambers. It was slow going because she was forced to take small, shuffling steps in the platforms. She’d never thought her balance training would come in so handy, and in such a bizarre way. The crowd of nobles followed in procession, talking loudly even as the royal family was quiet. Francesca was thankful that they went to the royal sleeping chambers next and even more so when Fen closed the doors, assuring that the crowd didn’t enter behind Francesca and the royal family.

Francesca sighed once they were alone in the front entryway. Without stopping to think, she pulled the red veil off her head so she could see in the dimmer light. The princes studied her intently, but said nothing. Fen took the veil, beaming widely. Grabbing Francesca’s hand, the princess shook it in excitement.

“It is done,” Fen said, smiling wider.

“Yes,” Jin interrupted, his voice strained. Fen glanced in his direction, her smile faltering some as she stepped back.

“I’m just happy that I will have a new sister,” Fen said quietly by way of excuse.

“As are we all,” Haun said, his voice hard. Francesca met the future emperor’s eyes. He didn’t mean the words at all and didn’t even try to pretend he did. Out of all the Zhangs, Francesca understood Haun’s temperament the most. He was a warrior, like she was and they shared a mutual distrust.

She could tell from studying the princes that Haun would make the most worthy combatant, but Jin’s skill wouldn’t be far behind his brother’s. Lian and Shen seemed the type to pursue more intellectual interests but she had no doubt they too could hold their own. Fen could go either way. She didn’t seem to have the temperament of a fighter, but she did have the grace.

Next, the emperor and empress came to stand before her. The empress patted her cheek, saying nothing as she stepped back. Her expression gave nothing away, but her eyes traveled over Francesca’s face as if searching for answers. Francesca kept her features blank and dispassionate. Jin’s father merely looked at her, twirling his mustache around his forefinger, before nodding once.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.