Branded Mage Read Free Page A

but why tell me the rest?”
    For the first time he could recall Bren gave a slight smile. “I have always believed the more you understand someone’s situation, the easier it is to look at things from their perspective and are often more inclined to help. Now I must attend to the queen’s protection. I hope you will consider everything I have said.”
    Alone again with only his thoughts , Thad mulled over everything Bren had said. He didn’t want to be a slave, but was he being selfish? To answer his question he was not being unreasonably selfish, but selfish all the same. He didn’t feel that he should have to give up all his freedom. Maybe the queen would be willing to come to an agreement. If he were to take on the mantle of a slave, he would do everything in his power to support the throne and provide free magical items to the queen and her household. He could do that, as long as he kept his freedom to continue his partnership with Monique, and the ability to travel as long as he was not needed for a Queendom specific task.
    Shortly after nightfal l Bren’s prediction came true. He was awakened by a gentle taping on his arm. The queen stood next to his bed wearing a light pink nightgown that hung loosely on her body giving out only barest hint of what lie underneath. Her touch was soft and in the pale moonlight that drifted through the small window of his room, her alabaster skin almost glowed. It reminded him of the tales of fairies he had enjoyed as a young boy. Sitting lightly on the edge of the bed folding her hands neatly in her lap she let out a barely audible sigh.
    “For such a young man you have become a very large thorn in my side. Is working in the palace so deplorable that you would rather die?” She said cocking her head, frowning slightly.
    “No it’s just that …. No matter how hard it was … I was free.” His words even sounded childish to himself but at fourteen maybe fifteen depending on how long he had been in the dungeon he figured he was entitled to a little childishness.
    Something akin to sympathy appeared on her face. “I know it doesn’t seem fair and you would be right, but there are some benefits to be had. Under our protection you would have a much easier time when you traveled though the Queendom. Not even one of the peerages would dare harm or hinder you without fear of consequences. And I can honestly promise you would never want for anything.”
    “Will I be allowed to travel, or will I be forced to spend my days trailing behind the princess?”
    “Is that what you want, the freedom to travel within the Queendom?”
    Thad rubbed his hands over his face letting out a grunt. “It’s not just that. I have a partnership with Monique and the Rose Trading Company. I want to pursue my magic no matter where that takes me. I don’t mind helping out the Queendom, but I just want the freedom to do what feels right.”
    “What feels right?” The queen asked laying a comforting hand on his arm.
    Thad shook his head slowly. “I don’t know. If I didn’t know the princess, I might have joined with the people who attacked the palace, but having dealt with the bloodthirsty earlier in the year I was sure it was just another Ablaian plot. I doubted we would be treated any better under their militant rule.”
    The queen ’s grip tightened on his arm and a small frown replaced her typical stoic demeanor. “Yes that is something that needs to be addressed before it turns into a full rebellion. As for your problem, as long as I reign I will allow you full freedom that would be allowed to any female born, with the exception that when called upon you must present yourself before the throne in a reasonable period of time. I would also request that when in the capital you take residence within the palace, and before you leave I ask that you advise us of the expected location and duration of your journey.”
    Thad tried vainly to hide the smile from his face. She was offering much more than