Raelia (The Medoran Chronicles Book 2) Read Free Page B

what could only be described as an ancient stone dungeon. Fortunately, it was empty of prisoners—as far as Alex could tell.
    They stopped in front of a grimy cell and she was shoved none too gently into it. One of the guards immediately pressed on a touch-screen TCD terminal attached to the wall and a semi-transparent barrier appeared, zinging with what appeared to belive electricity. It didn’t take a genius to work out that the barrier could do some serious damage, but Alex still had to struggle against the temptation to touch the almost hypnotic entryway.
    When the guards took up sentry positions opposite her, Alex began pacing back and forth in the small space, preparing herself for whatever would come next. It wasn’t long before she heard the sound of approaching footsteps and a young woman stepped into view. She had dark hair and striking features, and wore a black uniform with a gold emblem stitched above her heart—two swords crossed together behind a crown.
    “I’m Warden Jeera,” the woman said without preamble, her title telling Alex that she, like Bear’s dad, was one of Medora’s peacekeepers and responsible for the safety of the kingdom. “And you just tried to carry out an assassination attempt on the king and queen.”
    Alex sucked in a startled breath, realising that her current circumstances were perhaps more dire than she’d presumed. “I didn’t—”
    “What’s your name?” Jeera interrupted.
    Swallowing thickly, she answered, “Alex.” But at seeing the Warden’s I-hope-you-can-do-better-than-that expression, she cleared her throat and quickly added, “My full name is Alexandra Jennings, if that helps. I’m Princess Delucia’s best friend.”
    The Warden raised a sceptical eyebrow. “I’ve never seen you at the palace before. That doesn’t sound like best friend behaviour to me.”
    “We only met last year,” Alex defended. “We go to Akarnae together—we’re roommates, actually. You can check if you want.”
    “You’re a student at Akarnae?” Jeera asked, her head tilted thoughtfully.
    “Yes,” Alex said. “I’m about to start as a fourth year. Provided that you let me out of this cell sometime before tomorrow.”
    Jeera’s face transformed as if she’d come to a sudden understanding. Her harsh demeanour changed into something that looked very much like amusement. “Epsilon Combat, right?”
    Alex felt confusion wash over her. How could Jeera possibly know that?
    Before she could ask—or confirm her answer—Jeera waved her hand and said, “Never mind. But answer me this: if you claim to be the princess’s best friend, why did you just attack her parents?”
    Alex shook her head in denial. “I didn’t attack them.” When Jeera’s brow rose again, she amended, “I can see how it might have looked that way. But I promise there’s a perfectly good explanation.”
    Even though Jeera opened her mouth, it wasn’t her words that responded to Alex’s statement.
    “This I’d like to hear,” came a dry male voice. “Especially given that you accosted me and my wife in the middle of our waltz.”
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Two
    Alex’s eyes widened when the king stepped into view outside her cell, but she quickly came to her senses and dropped into a curtsey. “Your Majesty.”
    “Alexandra Jennings,” King Aurileous returned. “I’ve heard a great deal about you, and none of it leads me to believe you have any kind of ill intent towards my family. So, tell me, what brought on that display upstairs?”
    “I’m not sure what to tell you,” Alex answered honestly, looking from him to the now very clearly entertained Jeera and back again. “You see—”
    “Alex, where are you? We’ve come to bust you out of here!”
    She groaned at the sound of Jordan’s whispered voice echoing along the stone corridor. Only he and Bear would think they could break her out of a palace dungeon. Actually, considering both of their gifts, they probably could get her out, but that