Ossendar: Book Two of the Resoration Series Read Free Page A

just protecting Flare from the possibility of scandal. But another thought now occurred to him; perhaps the king was protecting Flare from allowing anything to happen between him and his half sister. He tried not to grimace at the thought.
    Elizabeth , like her older sister Cierra, seemed rather un-happy about having more competition for the throne. Her aloof manner told him more than any words could.
    The king smiled as he introduced his last daughter. “This is my youngest, Alicia.”
    Flare thought that Alicia was about thirteen or so. She had long white blond hair, and dark skin. Her eyes were a beautiful green that almost seemed to glow.
    “It's nice to meet you, Flare.” Alicia said, before he could speak.
    “The pleasure's mine,” Flare said smiling. Alicia seemed genuine, and he immediately found himself liking her. She seemed either to not notice the attitudes of her older siblings, or she didn't share their views. Either way, Flare was glad for another friendly face.
    The king stepped toward the table, “Come; let us have a seat.”
     
 
    The dinner was a stiff and unpleasant affair; wonderful food with a side of suspicion and resentment. Aldon, Danal, and Alicia seemed genuinely open to having Flare as an adopted brother, and they were friendly enough to talk to, except Danal. His lack of talking was not because of resentment, but he seemed genuinely shy. The rest did not like Flare and they didn't even try to hide it.
    Aldon seemed to carry the conversation, mainly due to his military interest in the happenings at Fort Mul-dune. When his questions ran out, so did most of the conversation.
    Prince Darion had barely touched his piece of roast ham, before he excused himself due to an early morning hunt. He was followed in quick order by Cierra, Elizabeth, and Barrett.
    'Good riddance.' Flare thought as they left. The mood was certainly more relaxed with them gone.
    “Ignore them.” Alicia said. “They always act like that, it's not you.” She smiled as she spoke and Flare found he was smiling back.
    “She's right. They always seem like they have a stick up their arse.” Aldon said and Danal giggled.
    “Aldon, do not talk like that in front of your sister!” The King said quickly, putting on a stern face.
    “Oh father. I've heard worse that that.” She said, then quickly lowering her eyes from the dour look on her father's face.
    The king leaned back in his chair. “Well, the mood certainly seemed to lift when they left. Didn't it?”
      

 
    Chapter 2
      
     
    Flare started his lessons with Dagan the next morning. The old man insisted on them starting before the sun was even up and Flare was half asleep when he stumbled to Dagan's room.
    The old man was already up and sitting in a chair when Flare arrived. He was wrapped up in a heavy blanket, apparently trying to resist the coolness of the early morning. He sat quietly sipping something from a steaming cup.
    “Good morning, Flare.” Dagan said with a smile, “Are you ready for some lessons on etiquette and history?”
    “Sure, but I hope you don't mind repeating yourself, because this early in the morning, it may take several times for me to remember.”
    Dagan's smile grew wider, “I'll try to not bore you too much. Now let's start with the family history of the Earl of Whitehorn....”
     
 
    Philip sat fidgeting in the parlor of his father's mansion, which was just a short distance from the king's palace. He sat on a small white sofa that had redwood trim, across from two chairs that matched the sofa. Across the room, a wood and glass corner cabinet held several antiques, and there was an exquisitely drawn picture of Philip's mother on the far wall. A small table was in front of the sofa, and two swords were hung crossed on the wall. He had always hated his family's house in the city. Their country estates were so much more enjoyable. His mother, the lady Alela, sat beside him on the sofa. His father was expected at any time.
    “We