Extol of Agnatic Dreams (The Extol Series Book 1) Read Free Page B

even realise he had been holding as she relaxed more against him. The reality of their situation was that there was nothing that Thea could do to work against any of Barret’s demands. If this was the course he wished to take, and he felt this was the only proper course worth taking, then Thea would need to accept that. Barret found no enjoyment in watching his wife suffer, and so he did try and lighten the load as much as he possibly could.
    “We must wait for the messenger to return to us. There will be an answer to our question, but it will do very little to influence the immediate future. There are no fates set in stone.” Barrett reminded her, pressing a kiss to her lips to try and relax her further. He was sure that the deal would benefit the Kingdom of Braykith enough that they would accept. Gossip said they were seeking for a strong match for their eldest son. Barret believed he was delivering that to them.
    “We must assume there are spies within our walls, whispers of what we are doing and the choices we make on the day are being carried directly to our enemies. It is important there is no change in your activities Thea.” Barret was quick to warn her. “The messenger and our allies took great care to deliver us a warning, and we must not allow his true nature to be discovered.”
    For a moment, Thea had forgotten the present danger bearing down on them. Should the warning prove true, then Evangeline and their unborn child had no future at all. It was an ugly thing to think on, and although sacrifices would be made to ensure their livelihood continued, Thea was still distrustful of Barret’s plans. Thea looked up at her husband and nodded a silent vow to do as he wished. All he wished and commanded would come to pass, and their daughter may very well be the one to keep war from their doorstep. Thea couldn’t fight for her. There was no fight to be had.

CHAPTER ONE
     
    E VANGELINE STOOD BY THE side of her bed, the sun barely illuminating her hand as it hovered above the delicate lacework that decorated her otherwise plain pillow. It had once been white, but over time, it had turned the slightest shade of cream. The intricate details had been a gift from her future husband, given when she was still too young to fully appreciate such a thing or what it could mean for her.
    Of course, it had not been directly from him. Glais had been barely older than seven when the betrothal had become part of their family’s alliance. Upon its arrival, the lace had been laid out on her childhood bed; however, it could not stay there for long. As she had grown, the lace had travelled with her, always close at hand as if somehow it connected her to Glais.
    A few years back it had finally graduated to her pillow after adorning her headboard, and so it had stayed until this day had finally arrived. For the first time in recent memory, Evangeline had slept poorly the night before. It was not questioned why this was. For anyone who knew the symbolism of today, it was expected and for good reason. Evageline was to leave the only home she had ever known to take her place as Glais’ side. There was nothing to be done about it now. Years had been invested in her education and exposure to give Evangeline the best possible start in Braykith.
    There had never been a time when her wedding was not an eventual possibility and Evangeline knew that. She never wanted anything more. Although there was a dangerous myth surrounding the Kingdom she was excited by the prospect and not afraid. As the years dropped by and she matured, as the days to her final night at her home province came to a close, Evangeline felt like she just needed one more day. One more day would never be enough and when the next day came to its end, she would be asking for another. Evangeline would stall those final moments until there was nothing but old age to greet her.
    Now, after caring for the fabric for most of her life, Evangeline was unsure exactly what she wanted