Mad Lord Lucian Read Free Page B

took his plate and walked toward the balcony.
    “Too good to eat with us, eh?”
    Senda glanced at Anali, too afraid to meet his eyes for long. “The weather is turning and I thought it might be nice to eat outside today.” Without waiting for an answer, Senda walked out onto the balcony.
    Lord Lucian's chambers were situated so they overlooked the lush gardens. There were exotic species from all over both continents. He had insisted they be brought to the island in their native soil in large barrels, along with barrels of more soil.
    His island home was mainly rock and shrub. Lucian hated it. And his wife Malorie had hated it even more so. Together, the pair transformed the barren landscape into a lush paradise. Malorie had spent countless hours in the gardens, pruning and plucking and weeding. Lucian had accompanied her unless his duties required otherwise.
    Since Malorie's death, Lucian had hired a man to tend to the gardens.
    Butterflies and fat nectar bees buzzed and flitted among the flowers. Birds of every kind darted in and out of the trees, singing songs of their love of spring. Senda often wished he could spread his wings and soar amongst the clouds.
    His predicament dampened his enjoyment of the morning. He was not sure he could keep up the facade. I must speak to Suasor .
    “Lucian wishes to meet the petitioners today.”
    Senda yelped as the Mystic's voice sounded right behind him. “Shall I lay out his clothing, then?”
    “That is part of your duties, isn't it?”
    Senda placed his cup on the table and stood. “As my Lord wishes.” He walked calmly to Lucian's wardrobe with Anali's chuckle following close behind.

    *   *   *

    “My Lord Lucian!” Suasor stood abruptly as Lucian and Anali strode into the audience chamber. The man and woman kneeling before him stood and gaped at Lucian and the Mystic.
    “Praise the good Sprits!” Suasor kneeled before his Lord. As he stood, he took Anali's hand. “You have brought our Lord back to us. We are forever in your debt.”
    Anali took his hand from the man's grasp, contempt flashing across his soft features. “It was my honor. But as you can see, Lucian is quite capable of returning to his duties.”
    “Yes, of course.” Suasor stammered.
    Lucian took his place in the large wooden chair. It was a replica of his throne. Lucian hated addressing people from the throne room; he enjoyed being more at eye level with his subjects rather than towering over them.
    Anali snapped his fingers, signaling a servant standing nearby to have a chair brought for him.
    “Here is the list of petitioners, my Lord.” Suasor handed Lucian the parchment with the list of names of those needing to speak to Lucian. “There is also a message that arrived this morning from Laevanya. He says you have yet to pay him your ten percent for the month.”
    Lucian's face twisted in fury. “I thought you were supposed to be looking out for things while I was indisposed!”
    “My Lord, I sent the payment weeks ago. However, there has been no word from the driver. It is possible he was ambushed.”
    “We must send someone to look for the man.”
    “I will see to it at once.” Suasor bowed and turned to leave.
    “Perhaps you should send Suasor himself to find the missing driver. You need someone you can trust for this mission.”
    Suasor's neck creaked as he turned. Anali was seated at Lucian's right hand, whispering, but talking loudly enough so that Suasor could hear.
    Lucian nodded. “I do need someone I can trust. Suasor, I want you ready to leave within the hour.”
    “As you wish, my Lord.” Suasor strode quickly out of the room.

    *   *   *

    Senda hurried through the castle, brushing past the myriad of servants and maids rushing about their duties, ignoring their cries and angry shouts as he raced to the front gates. This can't be happening! The panic mounted as he flew through the raised portcullis and out into the bright morning light.
    “Is there something I can do