Free Redemption (Book 4, The Redemption Series) by S.J. West

scientists from attempting to play God in such an extreme way.
    When Bianca was born, her parents immediately placed her on the list of possible wives for the young prince of Alto. Their gamble of genetically engineering a daughter ended up paying off. Bianca’s beauty and sharp wit allowed them to climb the social ladder of Alto society rather quickly. When she came of age, Bianca was introduced to Rafael Rossi. He was completely smitten by the raven-haired beauty when they met. At the tender age of sixteen, she was married to Rafael, and within two years, Bianca was crowned Empress of Alto. It was everything her parents could have dreamed for her and more.
    Tragically, for Bianca, she actually fell in love with her husband.
    Rafael was well known for his sexual prowess with other women before and after his marriage. Due to his penchant for bringing women home anytime he wanted, Bianca chose to move her chambers to the opposite side of the palace from the emperor. Bianca was twenty now, but she held the grace and poise of someone surpassing such a young age.
    Bianca noticed our presence almost at once.
    “Anna!” she says, seeing me first before her gaze slid to Malcolm. With a gracious smile, she approaches us. Her billowy light-blue dress captures the air, making it look like she is walking against a gentle breeze. “I didn’t think I would see you until the ceremony tomorrow.” Bianca leans into me and kisses me on a cheek in greeting. “It’s been too many years since we saw one another, Anna. If Catherine hadn’t been so strict about you staying in Cirrus, I would have invited you here to stay with me. I'm so glad I get to have a chance to speak with you before the wedding. I wanted to tell you how grateful I am for what you did to rescue Kyna. I heard it was a spectacular fight between you and Lorcan. I'm just sorry I missed seeing him embarrass himself.”
    “Bianca,” I say, not wanting to waste any more time with pleasantries, “do you know where Rafael is? We need to see him right away.”
    Bianca wasn’t a fool. I could tell by the way her eyes narrowed on me that she knew something was very wrong in my world.
    “What has he done now?” she asks in exasperation. “Did he bed one of your lady servants and impregnate her?”
    From the way she asked her question, it seemed like such a thing might happen quite often where her husband was concerned.
    “No. He has something of ours that we need for him to return,” I tell her, not having the time or inclination to explain what was really going on. “Please, Bianca, can you tell us where he is?”
    Bianca looks troubled as she says, “You know, he did stress that I needed to make sure you and Overlord Devereaux are at the wedding tomorrow. He was quite adamant about it actually, which I thought was strange but didn't think to question at the time. If he took something from you, I would wager he’s waiting until this palace is full of people to negotiate its return. It’s his way I’m afraid. He's a complete coward when it comes to confronting people.”
    My heart sinks at the thought of having to wait a whole day before I can make a deal with Baal. I feel on the verge of losing my mind from worry over Lucas and Millie. I was barely able to keep control of my emotions and this delay certainly isn't helping matters.
    “Then you don't know where he is?” Malcolm asks Bianca, just to confirm.
    Bianca shrugs. “I'm sorry. I have no idea. When he disappears like this, I have no way of contacting him. I wish I could be of more help to you both.”
    “Malcolm!”
    We turn to see Brutus and Kyna walking towards us.
    “What's wrong?” Brutus asks, looking from me to Malcolm.
    Apparently, from the look of concern on Brutus' face, we aren't hiding our worry very well.
    Malcolm jerks his head to the side, silently telling Brutus that they need to speak in private.
    As soon as the men walk away, Kyna begins to tell me all about the wedding preparations. I