Griffin's Shadow Read Free Page B

that haughty face that she was the daughter of the King of Alasiri and that no one, not even the future Lady of Kerala could speak to her so rudely ever again.
    She took a deep breath to steady herself.
    I don’t even know for sure that Keizo Onjara will even acknowledge me as his daughter. Besides, Misune would just laugh in my face and accuse me of lying. No, I can’t be the one to announce my father’s identity. It has to come from him.
    “Ah, there’s my beautiful wife!” Ashinji strode up, looking a little harried. He patted Willow’s glossy neck, then asked, “What’s wrong? You look upset.”
    “Nothing’s wrong, Ashi. I’m just…” Jelena forced herself to smile. “I’m just anxious to be off,” she lied.
    “Hmm,” Ashinji replied, cocking his head and skewering her with his brilliant, green gaze. “I know when you’re not being honest with me, love. Tell me what’s bothering you.” Jelena sighed and told him about Misune’s rude words. “I’ll have to have a talk with my brother’s wife,” Ashinji responded through tight lips.
    “No, Ashi, please don’t! You’ll only embarrass me more. If you interfere, it will only confirm her belief that I’m weak and helpless. I can handle Misune in my own way.”
    Ashinji gathered her into his arms. “Whatever you wish, love. I’ll leave it to you. Ummm, c’mere,” he murmured, leaning in for a kiss.
    “You two really shouldn’t engage in that kind of behavior in public. It’s unseemly. I’m sure Father agrees.”
    “Sadaiyo, please. Not now!” Lord Sen growled.
    Ashinji turned cold eyes toward his brother. Sadaiyo stood just behind their father’s right shoulder, coolly resplendent in green and black brocade, despite the warmth of the morning. He wore upon his brow a circlet of gold. Heavy gold rings adorned his fingers, which today were sheathed in the finest black kidskin. He looked every inch the Heir, as gaudy as a peacock in contrast to Ashinji, who wore the plain, serviceable brown and green leathers of a common soldier.
    Sadaiyo’s expression blended equal parts mockery and amusement. “I’m only pointing out that they should demonstrate a little more restraint…a bit more decorum. Though perhaps it’s too much to expect from a girl with no breeding and a man who would marry such a girl.”
    “ That’s enough!!” roared Sen. Jelena, shocked by his uncharacteristic outburst, took a step backward and fetched up against Ashinji, who stood as rigid and still as if he had been turned to stone. “You will apologize to your brother and to my daughter-in-law, and you will treat her with the respect she is due as a member of my House. Is that understood? ” Sen’s eyes blazed with fury.
    An uncomfortable silence descended on the yard as everyone’s attention focused on the drama playing out in their midst.
    Sadaiyo’s face blanched, and his hands dropped to his sides. His eyes, normally sardonic, had gone blank, like a pair of blue-grey glass spheres. He turned to face Ashinji and bowed stiffly. “My apologies, Brother. Please forgive my rudeness. My behavior was inexcusable. My apologies to your wife as well.” He refused to look at Jelena, which chilled her more than any threat that his eyes could make. Instinctively, she groped for Ashinji’s hand, and a quick glance at his profile sent a sick wave of fear churning through her gut. At that moment, she had no doubt that Ashinji and Sadaiyo were inexorably headed for a mortal showdown if someone or something didn’t intervene.
    “I accept your apology, Brother,” Ashinji replied. His grip on Jelena’s hand tightened almost to the point of pain, then relaxed.
    As quickly as Sen’s anger had erupted, it subsided and then seemed to dissipate altogether. He slapped each of his sons on the back in turn. “Come, now, boys. Let’s not ruin a perfectly good morning. Not very dignified, arguing in front of the staff, y’know. Sadaiyo, go collect that wife of yours. Then,