Free Myopia (Young Adult Zombie Paranormal Romance) (Wisteria Series) by Bisi Leyton Page B

stop it.”
    He paused, terrified she knew his secret. “What are you talking about?”
    “Love, passion, freedom. They will probably force you into this pledge and eventual marriage because of me .”
    “You? You have a Terran?”
    What were the odds that two Famila who loved Terrans would find each other?
    “Yes, but as far as my mother and everyone else is concerned, no. There was a Terran boy I used to-- know. When my father discovered it, he sent me away to the Sixth Pillar for years and when I came back, he was gone.”
    “Was he a free Terran?”
    Scrunching her face, she shook her head. “I met him when he was free. I was studying to be an empiric and he was a Terran brought to us to observe. I do not even know what became of him.”
    “What was his name?” he asked.
    “Donat.” Her face brightened as she whispered his name. “I shouldn’t be telling this to you, but I know you of all people understand these things.”
    “You loved him?”
    “Yes.” She stroked his shoulder. “But my father just thinks I got carried away.” Slowly, she withdrew her fingers from his body and they disappeared into the long sleeves of her blue and white dress. “I know you understand how I feel, I have heard about your Terran, the human. I am jealous that you have someone so amazing.” Alba wept. “Oh, Bach, I just wish Donat was here.”
    Wrapping his arms around her, he let her sob against him. He wasn’t going to acknowledge what she said, because he was surprised she knew about Wisteria.
    “I am fine.” Pulling away, she wiped her tears with her sleeve. “I will find a way to make my father understand.”
    “I am sure these rumors will pass.”
    Nodding, she smiled at him and glided away toward the castle.

    *****

    “What do you mean, no?” Sen Aleix yelled three hours later. The giant of a man stormed down the steps from his throne to the center of the Triad hall where Bach and his brothers stood. “I have provided you with five options for an intended, four more than my father gave me, and yet you stand here and say no?”
    “Sen, I am sure there is a reasonable explanation,” Yordi implored, his voice echoing through the empty hall. “Bach—”
    “I do not want to hear you speak again, Prime Yordi.” Pushing Yordi aside, Sen Aleix grabbed Bach by the collar.
    “Sen, please,” implored Belem, Bach’s stepmother.
    “Shut up, woman. Bach, you pick one today, do you understand me? There shall be no discussion on this matter.” Letting go, he pushed Bach to the ground.
    Embarrassed, Bach quickly rose. He was glad that only his brothers and stepmother were in the room to see this.
    “Now tell me.” The Sen retook his seat. “Who will it be?”
    “Why?” Bach demanded. “I do not have to name my intended now. At least not until I have completed my Great Walk.”
    “Be quiet,” Yordi said to him.
    “No, the Sen never picked your intended, or even Lluc’s. Lluc is older. The Sen has not put him under this pressure. Why is he expecting this from me?” Bach asked Yordi, but he was really speaking to his father.
    “What the Sen is asking is not unreasonable,” Yordi remarked. “The five girls are more than suitable. D’cara , if you do not want Talia, I will be happy to trade her with mine.”
    “You want to know why I have made settling you down my priority?” the Sen asked in a low voice. “Why I had to debase myself to negotiate your pledge and concern myself with the nocturnal habits of our socialites, when I should be ensuring the prosperity and security of our people?”
    Something in his father’s tone made Bach decide he didn’t want to know the answer.
    “Because I heard rumors about you and the free Terrans—you were communing with them. I need you to show me and the Pillar they are not true,” his father continued.
    Bach couldn’t understand how his father suspected this. He’d been discreet.
    “Free Terrans? I . . . Father—what?” Yordi stuttered.
    The hall fell