Legacy Read Free

help train the students at the academy in hand-to-hand fighting. The instructors at the military school continue to hold me in high esteem and readily welcome my assistance.”
    I found myself paying more attention to his gestures than to his words as he droned on, for his movements were so fluid they seemed almost rehearsed. He paused to settle back in his chair, slowly swirling the wine in his goblet, once more perfectly posed.
    â€œOf course, I didn’t do anything special to win such admiration,” he continued. “I was simply born with enviable talents. It was natural that I would become the favored one. You can understand that, can’t you, Alera? It’s much the same with you.”
    â€œAnd how is that like me at all?” I challenged, his arrogance at last goading me to reply.
    â€œShe speaks,” he gently mocked, then elaborated. “Well, you didn’t ask to be born into the royal family, did you? I likewise didn’t ask to be the most admired man in the kingdom.”
    â€œMore admired than my father? Well, then, I suppose I should feel honored just to be here with you.”
    â€œAlera, admiration isn’t about wearing a crown. Your father is revered. But I have the eyes of an entire citizenry on me at every moment. That you cannot deny.”
    The churning in my stomach could no longer be attributed to nervousness. Just being in Steldor’s company was making me physically ill. When I did not converse further, he glanced to the other side of the room where London was sitting in a chair, booted feet resting on the oblong table.
    â€œIt’s a shame London has to be here, isn’t it?”
    â€œPerhaps from your point of view. I believe it’s important that he diligently carry out his duties.”
    â€œDon’t take offense, Princess,” he said with a chuckle. “I only meant that, if we were alone, things could be a bit more…intimate.”
    He leaned closer and reached for my hand, dark eyes lazily scanning me as if I were a gift for him to unwrap.
    â€œThat would be improper, would it not?” I reproached, picking up my napkin to spoil his attempt.
    â€œAnd have you never done anything improper, Princess?” he drawled, wearing an insufferably indulgent expression. He stood when my only response was a deep blush. “As you don’t seem to be particularly hungry, I suggest we forgo dessert in favor of a stroll in the moonlight.”
    I tried to think of an excuse, or to remember London’s advice, but my brain had stopped working. In combination with my dry mouth, I found myself speechless.
    â€œI’ll take that as a yes,” he said, slipping a hand under my elbow to direct me to my feet. “To the garden, shall we?”
    Steldor’s arm snaked its way around my waist as he escorted me from the dining room, and London let his feet drop loudlyto the floor, drawing our attention. He rose, his eyes connecting with mine.
    â€œNo need to keep such close watch,” Steldor told him with a dismissive wave. “She’s in good hands.”
    â€œThat’s an interesting assertion, considering your reputation,” London replied, not about to let the young man out of his sight.
    We walked down the corridor that London and I had earlier traversed, toward the rear of the palace and the garden that extended to the northern section of the walled city. Beyond the high stone wall stretched the forest that climbed into the foothills of the rugged Niñeyre Mountains.
    Steldor acknowledged the Palace Guards who were stationed at the rear entrance, then held one of the double doors open for me, but I vacillated, reluctant to go into the dusky grounds with him.
    â€œI’m not sure this is a good idea,” I fussed, still struggling for words, aware that my periodic lapses in speech might be attributed to girlish excitement, when in reality all I wanted was for the evening to be over.
    â€œOf