Pearseus Bundle: The Complete Pearseus Sci-fi/Fantasy Series by Nicholas C. Rossis

Author:Nicholas C. Rossis [Rossis, Nicholas C.]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Published: 2014-07-17T04:00:00+00:00

The Capital

Paul

A prison by any other name, Paul mused, his gaze tracing the arcs of his veranda, overlooking the lush forest that spread behind the tall walls. Many would kill to live in a house such as this, with its majestic gardens, pool and even electricity, thanks to a wind-powered generator. Not to mention his very own e-lib. A life fit for kings, but no more than a prison for the man who would be king.

Still, a small price for betrayal. Once he had signed over Jonia to the Prince, Altman had dragged Paul to the Capital, to “ensure his safety,” as he put it. Shortly afterwards, Cyrus had been shot by his crazy sister. Paul had been forgotten in his gilded prison ever since. He would happily exchange it for a hut in the Slums if it meant gaining back his freedom. Armed guards made sure he did not escape, but even if he did, where would he go? Most Jonians would kill him without a second thought, and he had even fewer friends in the Capital.

And yet, I’d do it all again, to keep Satori safe. The irony being, of course, that his daughter had been safe all along, having escaped Teo’s clutches. And now no one knew her whereabouts, not even Teo. Teo Altman, his former friend, now Regent of the Capital. He had played him for a fool, made him betray everything he believed in. Now Paul had lost everything that ever mattered to him.

He groaned with frustration and plonked his empty goblet on the table. The glass surface almost shattered, startling the young, exotic-looking girl who played the sitar at a corner. The nasal melody came to an abrupt end as she threw him a frightened look. Teo had been a gracious host, making sure his companion had the long, silky black hair and olive skin that appealed to Paul. Still, Paul placed little trust on the girl who warmed his bed and entertained him, confident that she reported his every move to Teo. In his mind, she was little more than a jailor, albeit a striking one.

“Sorry,” he mumbled and motioned her to continue.

The music resumed, uncertain at first, then with more confidence. It drowned out the cicadas, making him long for their monotonous drone that reminded him of Jonia. He raised himself on anxious legs to pace the veranda. When this was not enough, he walked down the stairs that led to the garden. Golden apricots and ripe peaches filled the orchard that covered roughly a quarter of the garden. Their intoxicating fragrance enticed his nostrils, and he grabbed a low-hanging peach, pulling until it broke free. He rubbed it with his sleeve. Using both hands, he twisted it until it split in half, then sank his teeth into the aromatic flesh. A drop drizzled down his chin. He used his fingers to wipe it clean. Bland. The honeyed favour filled his mouth, but the sensation failed to reach his mind. Nothing could pause his dark thoughts.

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