Free Broken Forest: Book One of the Daath Chronicles by Eliza Tilton Page B

desperate for me to have a wife. You see, I’m reaching that age when a boy becomes a man and I need to be married. Sadly, I haven’t found the perfect girl, and I ceased searching. At the age of twenty-one, I must be wed. It is tradition. Unfortunately, my birthday is in a few weeks. My Council was running out of options and acted hastily. Many girls were taken from their homes.” He looked at me, genuine concern on his face, and leaned forward. “I am sorry you were kidnapped. If I had known what was happening, I never would have allowed it. They figured if they found girls outside of Daath, one of them might pique my interest. ”
    I debated the truth of his words.
    “The girls were going to be presented to me at the upcoming ball, and I’d have to choose one. I overheard the men talk about you and knew I had to release you from that prison.” He leaned closer and grabbed both my hands.
    I wanted to pull them away, but was afraid to anger him. I’d play along, for now.
    “All this, anything you seek, could be yours if you marry me, my lady. I don’t need to see any other girls. I know you’re the one.”
    With no food in my stomach—and the constant fear and anxiety, I felt dizzy and lightheaded. My mind could not take in a lord’s proposal.
    Our destination came into view: a four story white-stoned mansion with spiraled pillars and arched windows. The narrow driveway was set against a perfectly manicured lawn broken with grey statues and geometric bushes. Gardeners tended potted flowers and multi-colored rose arches decorating a myriad of walkways. The workers bowed their heads as we rolled by.
    “Welcome to my home,” he said, sweeping his arm out towards the scenery.
    When we stopped, the driver opened Lucino’s door. Lucino exited and stretched out his hand to me. I grabbed it and swayed. Bright sunlight beamed down at me, and the heat made my stomach roll. Lucino asked a question, his voice muffled. Brown spots clouded my vision. I gripped Lucino’s hand harder. He said my name, and then I fell.

“My Lady!” I caught Jeslyn in my arms as she fainted. Her icy blue eyes fluttered open. “Jeslyn,” I whispered with the litheness of a harp. I activated my captivation spell watching the storm in my eyes reflected in hers, pulling her conscience in, knowing she could not escape. I drew closer, washing my cool breath over her face.
    “Sleep, my beauty,” I said. “Sleep, and when you awake, all will be well.”
    Her eyes closed, and the serenity of sleep filled her face.
    Willis appeared by my side. One of the few competent servants I had; although, his human form did not suit his lanky Reptilian body well. I handed Jeslyn to him. “Take her upstairs to the red room.”
    He bowed his head and carried Jeslyn inside. I wiped my hands with the handkerchief under my lapel. Lucy stepped out of the massive doorway and down the stone steps. Passing Willis, she examined Jeslyn and smirked.
    “What a delicate face,” said Lucy. “Is she your newest doll?”
    I laughed. “Ahh, my dear Lucy, that is my future bride!” Lucy raised an eyebrow and I offered her my arm. “Shall we?”
    We strolled down the curved walkway leading to the gardens. “Tell me, dear sister. When were you planning on informing me that my entire shipment of females had been intercepted?”
    “That’s why I came outside.”
    I placed my hand over her arm and squeezed. “Lucy, Lucy, you knew how important this assignment was. And one I expected you to see through.”
    “Why can’t you choose one of your many dolls to wed? I have more important things to attend to.”
    I stopped and tightened my grip. She winced as I dug my fingers into her skin.
    “Securing your rule outside of Daath is the main goal. You know this!” She struggled to pull away but I held her in place.
    “I will not be questioned,” I said. “You are under my authority. Do not forget that.”
    “And I am your sister. Your fate is the same as mine.”
    That