The Swarm Trilogy Read Free Page B

“Reformed, right? We’re supposed to teach everyone at home how peace feels. Convince them the kingdom is no longer their enemy, rather a place to be loved.”
    “And don’t forget, magic is evil and led to our downfall. We should never practice it again or face the wrath of their army.” I mimicked what had been drummed into us for years.
    “Too bad no one at home knows what we know.” Kellan whispered in my ear. His lips tickled my earlobes and sent shivers down my spine. “You are more dangerous than anyone here. You will be our salvation, Lianne, and I will stand beside you when that day comes.”
    I spun out from under his arm, grabbed his wrist and twisted his elbow behind him. I held Kellan’s arm tight and slid my left arm around his neck. His chin tilted up as I tightened my grip. I felt his breath on my arm and he swallowed carefully. It would only take a slight twist of my arm before Kellan would be on the floor again.
    “I’m one girl. I can’t take down an entire kingdom. Besides, that’s not what I want.” I felt brave, for the moment. I always felt more confident in battle.
    He gasped for air. “What do you want?”
    I loosened my grip on his neck and released his arm. Kellan turned around, my arm still around his neck, but now he faced me. I didn’t have to tell him. His lips dropped to mine and I succumbed. I’d never be a warrior when all it took was Kellan’s touch to weaken me.
    “I want to go home,” I said as we broke apart for air.
    “We will,” Kellan said. “I promise.”
    Our time was up and I had to leave him for the day. The chatter outside the walls had gained in volume. People were starting to fill the streets again, the excitement of the hangings wearing off. I still had to change out of the borrowed sparring pants and shirt and throw on my dress and shoes. I wished I could live barefoot and in pants.
    “Tomorrow?” I asked, burying my head in his shoulder.
    “It’s your birthday. I can’t wait to see you.” Kellan pushed me away from him, his hands on my shoulders. “I don’t want you to talk to anyone until you see me. No one. I mean it.”
    I stared into his eyes, firm and unwavering. I knew he meant it. There were times Kellan, who could be as funny and self-deprecating as the court jester, was deadly serious. I’d learned quickly not to tease him when he was this intense, but to listen. He’d never led me wrong before. I trusted him with my life.
    But talk to no one before him on my birthday? Certainly not a dangerous situation, but maybe it had something to do with his surprise. How many people were in on it? I’m sure my mother and sister knew nothing; he’d never confide in them. One thing I knew for sure was that this surprise was important to him. I didn’t know why, but somewhere deep inside I knew it would be a moment I’d always remember.
    I smiled. “I promise.”

CHAPTER THREE
    I ran to the castle, holding my skirt up above my ankles. I didn’t care who saw and really didn’t think it was as scandalous as I was told. There had to be more important things to worry about than a flash of bare ankle.
    I nodded to the gatekeeper and he smiled, taking a quick glance toward my feet. I wondered if my ankles were the most exciting thing he’d seen all day. Shrugging it off, I slowed down and entered the halls. I dropped my skirt and it swished around my shoes as it covered my feet.
    Mags wouldn’t like it if people complained about me behaving like a foreigner, which I was, or an outcast, which they thought I was. She wouldn’t be mad at me, but it wasn’t something she needed to be bothered with. Hopefully no one would say anything.
    I walked into Mags’ chambers, surprised to see everything was just as I’d left it. I’d still arrived before Albree. I ran, but I’d also changed before coming back. Albree should have been here first.
    “Apple, Lianne?” Mags plucked a bright, polished green apple out of the basket on her bed, wound up and