Edge of Darkness ~ A Darkness & Light Novel Book Three Read Free Page B

around the waist. He pulled her into a tight embrace, his mouth seeking hers for a deep, lingering kiss that stole her breath. By the time she got it back, he was in the saddle, and moving to the front of the line to join the Emperor.
    As the escort started out of Nisair, Ciara gathered her skirts and ran towards the wall. She took the steps two at a time, her thighs aching and lungs burning by the time she reached the parapet. Ariadne joined her in a much more dignified manner, and they stood, side-by-side, watching the procession.
    When it reached a curve in the road Bolin turned Sandeen off to the side and halted to look back toward the city. Ciara knew he couldn't see her from that distance, but he stayed there for some time. Her fingers went to her throat where the phantom weight of the pendant Bolin wore warmed her skin, and a smile crept across her face. Then Sandeen spun and cantered out of view, and Ciara blew out a long sigh as a sudden feeling of loneliness washed over her.
    "I'm looking forward to tutoring you in the ways of the court while Bolin's gone," Ariadne said. She turned to lean her back against the parapet, the wind playing with the loose strands of her long black hair. "Ellyanna and I are eager to spend some time getting to know you better. I think she's secretly hoping you'll allow her to help plan your pledging."
    Ciara jerked her attention from the receding column of riders. "My what?"
    Ariadne frowned. "Tell me Bolin asked you."
    Ciara's cheeks warmed, and she averted her gaze. "No. We…he told me he wouldn't hold me to a pledge. He's afraid I'll wake up one day and think I made a mistake, or that I'll find someone else."
    "And you agreed?"
    "I would never force him into anything he doesn't truly want."
    Ariadne stared at her in disbelief for a moment, then let out a laugh. "Oh, the two of you are perfect for one another. Don't ever doubt he wants you. He's made a point of letting everyone of account know what your position here is. Officially pledged or not, my dear, you are the recognized consort of the second most powerful man in the empire."
    "Oh." Ciara glanced back over the wall, a new sense of panic creeping up on her. "I think that's going to take some getting used to."
    "For everyone," Ariadne said. "In any case, I'm afraid I'll have to beg your indulgence for a few days. Things are a bit unsettled, especially in the Council. To be perfectly honest, I'm surprised Dain went with Bolin. It isn't the best time for him to be gone. I'm certain I'll be called upon to act in my official capacity in his absence. From the whispers I've been hearing, the Imperial Mages are not in the best of tempers."
    Ciara chewed her lip. "I'm guessing I'd better stay out of their sight, then."
    "They have no reason to hold anything against you."
    "Donovan wouldn't have come to Nisair if not for me."
    The Emperor's sister laid a gentle hand on Ciara's arm. "Donovan's actions were his own. As were those of Arnok and Reinhold. As I recall, you fought as hard as anyone to see they did not succeed."
    "Hopefully, the Council sees it that way as well."
    "Excuse me, Your Highness." A page came up to them and bowed low before Ariadne. He adjusted his amber sash as he straightened, and awarded Ciara an openly curious appraisal before turning his attention back to the Emperor's sister. "I was sent to advise you that Lord Vaedryn requires your presence in the council chamber, at once."
    Ariadne rolled her eyes. "You see? My brother is barely out of sight, and the mages have started in already." She pushed from the wall and leaned in to give Ciara a hug. "If you need anything, just find a servant. I'll try to get away and join you for dinner. Will you be all right until then?"
    Ciara nodded. "I'll be fine. I'd like to spend time in the gardens, if I may?"
    "You need no one's permission to do so, Ciara. This is your home now." Ariadne hooked her elbow through Ciara's and turned her toward the stairs, gesturing the page ahead of