The Monarch's Mate by Miranda Bridges

Author:Miranda Bridges [Bridges, Miranda]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-11-10T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 10

I wait a whole ten seconds after Zaden leaves to jump out of the bed and follow him. After peeking outside the doors, I find the hallway deserted. My first guess is to find him at the harem since I doubt Huxley would just leave without a fight. If they are not there, then I’ll come up with something else.

My trek to that part of the palace is met with little resistance. Strangers pass me by and give me a look of curiosity or disdain but leave me alone otherwise. From their clothing, I gather some are servants, while others look to be people of importance. Either way, I ignore them. Once I reach the door, I slip inside only to find it empty. Well, shit.

Systematically I start opening the other doors, which lead to the dining room, bathhouse, and other places I haven’t explored yet. Within minutes, my search comes to a screeching halt since I haven’t found either Zaden or Huxley.

The idea of them together sickens me, but I remind myself that if he wanted to be with her, he would have dismissed the harem on her behalf long ago. She doesn’t strike me as a woman who’d let that continue. Or a woman who’d give up the chance to be queen someday.

I turn back to the main entrance, trying to decide what I should do next. As I wander through the hall, I listen for voices or anything that would give me direction on where to go. However, there’s nothing. Man, I really suck at this detective stuff. My criminal justice degree is such a fucking waste.

Unwilling to sit and wait for Zaden in his room while going insane, I head to the garden, wanting its peacefulness. As soon as my bare feet sink into the lushness of the grass, I know I made the right choice. Without a sense of urgency hanging over me, unlike the last time I was here, I stroll the grounds and take time to admire and inspect every plant. My favorite ends up being a crossbreed that looks like a gardenia mixed with a rose. The scent of it is divine.

My meandering takes me to another building past the gardens. It looks like it could be a barn or some type of storage facility. As always, my curiosity begs me to investigate. As I draw nearer to the structure, a desperate plea shatters the tranquility of my surroundings, sending adrenaline soaring through my body.

“Father, please!”

I duck behind the nearest plant, using it to shield me. Ximena’s voice is easily recognizable, and the pain in it cracks my heart. Indecision wars within me. I want to interfere, but any information I learn could save Zaden’s life. It’s the only thing that keeps me in my hiding spot.

“It’s not my fault he disbanded the harem,” Ximena says. “No one could have predicted that he’d be mated to the human breeder.”

“Your chance to serve your family and your house has come and gone,” her father says.

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