Destined Read Free

companion plastered to his side once again.
    Jemyalli ran up to her and whispered. “Do you know who that is?”
    Rhoda shook her head. “No clue.” She absently wiped her hands while she tried to get the image of the sketch out of her mind. It was the first time in her life she had seen her own face looking back at her.
     
    * * * *
     
    Prince Drehl Yaghin of the planet Yacaro parted from his companion and walked out onto the balcony with the sketch carefully held in his hand. When he had some privacy, he whispered the words to restore the image and watched as the graphite and charcoal blend reformed into a striking image.
    Drehl recognized his face in the sketch. He also recognized the Guardian armour he wore on duty. He didn’t know her name, but the woman in the image between the prince and the hero was the sketch artist. She had looked shocked at her appearance in his destiny, but he was no fool. Being the Guardian—Charm--had given him insight into what was and was not possible in the world.
    If she were his destiny, it behoved him to put himself in her path.
    He smiled and rolled the sketch tightly, using his skill to reduce it until it fit inside the inner pocket of his belt.
    There was the auction yet to come, and as Prince Drehl, he was expected to spend some money on a good cause. He wondered what the sketch artist had put up as her donation to the gala.
    He would pay good money to watch a droplet of water snake down her neck and continue on until it highlighted her nipple once again. He wondered how much she would charge and would he survive the asking?
     
     
     
     

Chapter Three
     
     
    “What do you mean I have to go up for auction?”
    Jemyalli looked at her innocently. “Didn’t I mention that all the kiosks are offering one of their objects for bid? Because your stuff is only done for commission, you will have to go up there as a representation.”
    Rhoda groaned and grabbed for a glass of water, gulping it down before she realized that it wasn’t water. “Damn.”
    “Wasn’t water, huh?” Jem looked sympathetic and then brightened. “Hey, it will help your nerves.”
    “Zip it, Jem. When do I have to do this?”
    The lights in the kiosks flickered on and off.
    “Why…right now? Come on. Let’s fix your hair, get that smudge off your face and it will be over before you know it. Come on, just one portrait.”
    Tipsy from the slug of alcohol on an empty stomach, she tottered along and let Jem fix her to her satisfaction.
    The crowd was gathering in the ballroom, so Jemyalli quickly ushered her into the back, whispering to the announcer. He nodded and gave Rhoda an encouraging smile.
    Rhoda stood, her hands clenched together and her head spinning. She listened to the introduction of the auction as the announcer fired the purchasers up. He leaned over and beckoned to her.
    “And now, at a special request from the centre, I have the artist who will sketch your destiny. She is offering one portrait painted in the privacy of your home or her studio. Though she is lovely, you are only purchasing her skills as an artist. May I start the bidding at two hundred credits?”
    Rhoda stood and looked blindly out into the crowd and watched hands lift in the air as the purchase price for her time climbed. When a low and familiar voice said, “Twenty thousand credits.” The room erupted into applause.
    “I do not think we can accept any more bids. Twenty thousand credits to Prince Drehl of Sawko. Please enjoy the rest of the auction.”
    Prince Drehl stepped forward and extended his hand. Rhoda took it, and he helped her down the steps of the stage.
    She inclined her head. “Thank you for your generosity, Prince Drehl.”
    “Thank you for your discretion.” He pressed a kiss to her hand. “So, do you prefer to paint in your home or shall you come to my domicile?”
    She smiled. “My home has the lighting set for optimum results. I only need you there for the initial sketch. Have you decided on a