Free The Darathi Vorsi Prince (Song of the Swords Book 0) by Tameri Etherton Page B

from a large bird, perhaps a feiche; and nestled among the detritus of his life, a small, leather-bound book with neatly written lines in a language sh e’ d never seen.
    “ Where do you get this stuff ?” She patted her hands on her skirt .“ And whyever do n’ t you believe in having this place cleaned? Ther e’ s dust here from the last four Ages . ”
    Myrddin scoffed a reply .“ Did you come here to besmirch my hygiene? Or was there a purpose to your impromptu visit ? ”
    “ I wanted to ask a favor. If you could intervene with the empress on behalf of the Eleri prince, I’ m sure he would be grateful. As would most of the eligible bachelors at court . ”
    “ Lliandra enjoys the hunt, you know that .” He paused in his fiddling and regarded her a little too closely .“ You are n’ t attracted to the handsome youth, are you ? ”
    “ Do n’ t be ridiculous. I t’ s just w e’ re supposed to leave on our mission, and Lliandra is preventing us. Whatever her reasoning, summer is upon us, and we should n’ t waste any more time. As it is, I do n’ t see how we can attend the Light Celebrations this Wintertide if we are meant to visit every kingdom looking for suitable donors . ”
    “ Donors ?” Myrddi n’ s chuckle did little to ease her nerves .“ Is that what you call them? Not lovers? Nor companions? Or even paramours ? ”
    “ You know what I mean. Do n’ t tease . ”
    “ Is this really about the Eleri, or is it that you wish to be away from court when Lliandra makes the announcement regarding Sir Baehlon and Lady Askell ? ”
    Faelar a’ s gut pinched at the mention of the couple .“ I t’ s true I do n’ t wish to be a part of their happiness, but I am here solely for the benefit of our empress. She must produce an heir. If she does n’ t have a female child within the next ten seasons, the crown will pass to Gwyneira. I’ m sure the princess will make a fine empress, but never in the history of Aelinae has one sister had to give up the throne for another. I’ m afraid of what might happen should that come to pass . ”
    Myrddin bent his head to his box of springs and gadgets .“ Lliandr a’ s crown is safe, for now. But you make a valid point. I’ ll speak with her tonight. In fact ,” he glanced up, his eyes luminous in the magnifying spectacles ,“I’ ll insist I travel with you and the Eleri. If her reservations are tied in any way to you and the prince having an improper dalliance while on your journey, my presence should alleviate that fear . ”
    “ You would do that? Oh, thank you, Myrddin .” She flung her arms around his neck and kissed his cheek .“ Having you along will make the search that much easier. I confess, finding a suitable donor for the empress does have me a bit vexed. Where to look? What are the qualifications? Will he even be interested ? ”
    “ My dear, you worry too much about these things. There is n’ t a man alive who would decline the chance to bed Lliandra. She is the most powerful woman in all seven kingdoms. The question you should be asking yourself is ,‘ Who will provide the empress with the Eirielle ?’ Tha t’ s the only qualification we need concern ourselves with . ”
    Myrddin ignored the fact the Eleri had not only denied Lliandra, but had publicly stated he would remain untouched until his true mate was found. Lliandra had been in a snit all that day, and Faelara feared for the princ e’ s life. The man might have survived Ull a’ s arena, but life at Lliandr a’ s court required a set of skills the Eleri obviously lacked. Fae was determined to keep Rhoane alive long enough to find this elusive donor of Lliandr a’ s heir. With the donor in her bed, and the Eirielle a reality, Lliandr a’ s power would weaken.
    Not that Faelara wished her empress harm, but a lesson in humility might be for the best. The woman thought she could play with peopl e’ s emotions, as if she owned them. They were her subjects, not her source of