Free Blood Legacy: Heir to the Throne by Kerri Hawkins Page B

dark-haired beauty, offering his intact hand in greeting. “It is a pleasure, as always, Madame.”
    Marilyn caught sight of the blood on his other hand. Ryan quickly put her damaged hand behind her, but Marilyn caught the gesture.
    “Oh my,” she said, “you two wasted no time.”
    Abigail chose that moment to make her entrance. She had watched the fierce sparring from her balcony and welcomed Kusunoki’s presence. He was an extremely stable influence on Ryan, and one of the few among their Kind who lacked political ambition.
    Kusunoki bowed to the matriarch. “It seems I owe you great thanks, my lady.”
    Abigail was curious, unable to discern his meaning. The aloof Asian was one of the few of her Kind she could not read well.
    “And what have I done to earn such gratitude?”
    Kusunoki glanced at Ryan. “I am guessing you are the one responsible for forcing our crown prince’s hand.”
    Abigail nodded her understanding. Kusunoki was fiercely loyal to the Alexanders, serving Victor for centuries. He had spoken most forcefully for Ryan to assume leadership of the hierarchy when it became apparent Victor was unable to serve.
    “I believe it has been a coordination of efforts,” Abigail said diplomatically, “Ryan has been subjected to many types of ‘persuasion’ of late.”
    Ryan turned to Edward, exasperated. “Why is it that whenever the Old Ones gather, I am suddenly a child and they speak of me as if I am not here?”
    Edward was not placing himself in the midst of this battle. “Hmm,” was all he said noncommittally.
    Kusunoki settled into his spare room. It was perfect. A simple bed, a small table at floor level, an oil lamp, and an ancient Japanese tea set. A bookshelf with a few books including an original manuscript of the “Art of War.”
    Kusunoki extended his senses throughout the mansion. He could feel Victor faintly, his spirit still present, but just barely. He wished to pay his respects to his lordship. He sensed that Ryan was with her father and hoped he would not disturb her.
    Kusunoki paused in front of the double doors. Ryan sensed him and bid him welcome, but there was something else that made him hesitate, a presence that seemed very familiar, yet unknown. He pushed through the double doors, still trying to assess the feeling.
    Ryan sat at her father’s side, her back to the door, and it was not until Kusunoki approached that he identified the source of the feeling. Identified it, but had difficulty comprehending it.
    A tiny boy sat in Ryan’s lap, cradled in her arm. The child sat quietly but was very alert. Big blue eyes examined the approaching stranger with a very direct gaze. The boy glanced up at Ryan, as if assessing her reaction to the stranger, then returned his gaze to Kusunoki. Apparently Kusunoki passed muster because the child’s eyes twinkled.
    “I hope you are prepared to train another Alexander.”
    Kusunoki sat down slowly, his eyes on the boy. His resemblance to Ryan was astonishing. Kusunoki turned and then casually put his feet up on the footrest.
    “Will he be as difficult a student as you?”
    Ryan shrugged, glancing down at the infant. “Probably not. He seems to have a much better temperament than me.” A look of wicked mischief came into her eyes as she addressed her former master.
    “But then again, he is my son.”
    CHAPTER 11
    TRISTAN AND GAVIN LEANED OVER the crude map, discussing strategy. The Saxon encampment was cleverly placed, uphill and surrounded by rough terrain. The Saxon forces were also numerous, outnumbering Tristan and his men nearly two to one. Still, it was the best chance they were going to get to attack before winter set in.
    “Where is Ambrosius?” Tristan asked.
    Gavin glanced about him. “I think he is sparring. I will go find him.”
    Tristan nodded his thanks and turned back to the map.
    In the two years that Ambrosius had been with his men, he had become one of Tristan’s most trusted advisors. The boy had proven not only