Mad Lord Lucian Read Free Page A

it move, couldn't even keep my own tongue in my blasted mouth!” Lucian threw his empty cup against the hearth, where it shattered into a million pieces.
    “I heard every snicker, every whisper, saw every grimace, and glance filled with pity. Well no more! Those people will rue the day they laughed at me.”
    Senda shook his head. He couldn't deny what Lucian said. “People were afraid; they didn't know how to react…”
    “I am still their Lord, damn and blast them! They should have treated me no different than they had before I became ill.” Lucian began coughing with such force that Senda feared the man would die from the effort.
    “ Latus eris ,” Anali whispered.
    Lucian's coughing subsided immediately.
    “I think Lucian has had enough for one morning.”
    Senda stood rooted to the spot, watching the bald Mystic lead his Lord to his bedchamber. He couldn't hear what Anali whispered to Lucian, but Anali turned and grinned.
    Dear Spirits, what have I done? The man's feral grin worried Senda. It was clear to him that Lucian was different, though up and moving. He knew he should be happy that his Lord was well. But at what cost?

THREE
    SENDA WOKE TO THE SOUND of Anali and Lucian moving about the Lord's bedchamber. He hesitated for a moment before padding silently over to the closed door.
    “I think it is time to get rid of him, my Lord.” Anali's voice drifted to Senda's ears.
    “But he has been loyal to me for many years, Mystic. I can't get rid of him. Where will he go?”
    “That is not your concern. What should concern you is the plotting going on right under your nose.”
    “I can't believe my own manservant is behind any plotting. I may have been too lenient in letting him speak his mind, but he is loyal to me.”
    “As you wish, my Lord.”
    Senda turned from the door, heart pounding in his chest. What do I do? He paced back and forth, becoming more agitated and frightened with each passing moment.
    Lucian said he wasn't going to let me go . Senda took a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves. He knew he had been correct in thinking that Anali was up to mischief. I must expose the man. But how?
    Senda dressed hurriedly. Lucian and Anali would be expecting breakfast soon. He needed to perform his duties as if he had no idea what the two men had been discussing. Senda feared what the Mystic would do if he knew Senda had overheard the conversation.
    He tried to act naturally as he made his way to the kitchens. His mind couldn't seem to focus on one thought; they scattered like leaves in a summer breeze. Senda wished there was someone he could trust, someone he could talk to about what was happening with Lucian and Anali.
    He stopped short, the barest hint of an idea forming in his mind. He bit his lip, wondering if he should bother the man with his worries. I have to have help. I am in over my head .
    Neli was waiting none too patiently for Senda to arrive. The large platter was taking up counter space that she needed to begin fixing the noon meal.
    Senda apologized profusely, claiming he overslept.
    “Well, your extra sleep has cost me! Now hurry back with them dishes!”
    Senda ducked a very well-aimed kick at his backside and scurried out of the kitchen. He took his time returning to the Lord's chambers, trying to gather his scattered thoughts. He prayed to the good Spirits to help him fool the Mystic.
    The guard barely stirred when Senda walked up to the main doors to Lucian's chambers. Senda couldn't blame the man. The guards drew straws for this particular duty. No one ever volunteered. Sitting day and night for a fortnight was not something a soldier enjoyed doing. The more seasoned veterans would often force the younger men to take their duty if they drew the short straw.
    Anali and Lucian were waiting when he entered the solar. Senda avoided eye contact and focused solely on arranging the breakfast plates and getting Lucian's tea ready.
    Soon, there was nothing more to occupy his attention. He