A Kiss of Darkness (Gothos Series) Read Online Free PDF

delicious banquet was laid out by the servants who took up residence in the house. On the long dining table the guests including the king’s men, the knights, and some courtiers the delicious scents wafted in the air of the open dining area. Roe deer was roasted with sliced apples, cloves, and chopped onions. Ducks were caught the night before and cooked with potatoes. Fish and fresh seafood was cooked and displayed on green leaves with sumptuous dips and dressings. Wine and mead was in copious supply, and for desert wafers with fruit and clotted cream were served to entice the pallet. Everyone enjoyed the merriment of conversation and tuned played by hired musicians. This was a momentary escapism to the serious going on that would commence afterwards. Talos was sitting among the guests only eating bread smothered in honey and water as was the way before he would divine the unseen. He looked absolutely glum clothed in a black robe with a purple sash around his waist. Sera’s sister Asura’s body language told Sera that she wanted to go to her beloved, but it would be inappropriate.
    Sera was sitting next to Calus dressed in an orange one shoulder dress of thin cotton and wrapped around her slender form. She sipped from her glass realizing there were eyes on her. Dominic was sitting at the end of the table next to King Damon. Unable to help herself she turned her head thinking she would catch his gaze, but when she looked at him his focus was on the king, talking boisterously with him. This made her wonder if she was losing her mind, or that she wanted the handsome knight to notice her. This sentiment couldn’t be helped despite her feelings for Calus or the hesitation he had shown after his comrade in arms had saved her life. Turning her gaze from him she studied the room well taking a gulp of her wine not realizing that Dominic was looking at her, amusement glistening in his blue eyes. After dinner was finished and the dishes were cleared away the king stood up and looked at the assembled party. “Ladies and gentlemen, before the Great Seeking begins I have a happy announcement that will lighten the blow of anything that might be foretold” he said with a note of humor in his voice. “Today my Captain, Lucrus Arelius will be retiring his position at my side.” He started which caused a ripple of commentary and well wishes. “In his place will Dominic Cain will be promoted to the rank of captain. It seems quite fitting since Lucrus has trained him and made him candidate years ago.” He continued. The hall filled with applause at this as Dominic stood up from his seat and gave a nod of his head. The king raised his hand and smiled at the crowd and chuckled. “With this promotion he has also chosen a bride. It has been approved by me and the girl’s guardian. Stand up Sera, of the House of Clothos” he said and waved his hand in her direction. For a moment she didn’t realize he was addressing her as she sat there with the cup half way to her lips. Upon it sinking in she raised to her feet everything going a bit hazy. This absolutely blindsided her and made her feel dizzy and caught off balance. The mingling sounds of congratulations and chortles about how this was clearly a surprise to the bride to be filled her ears. She wanted to object and cry out, but she saw that there was nothing she can do. She was a bird stuck in a net. Like a bird in a net if she struggling would be futile.
    After dinner she didn’t get her chance to talk to anyone as they were ceremonially ushered out and led to the sacred chamber where Talos would divine the secrets of the unknown. The guests went to another room to wait patiently to hear the news. The protectors of the stones were allowed to hear the proceeding with the king. Talos dressed in his dark robe, the hood pulled over his head walked to the middle of a sparse room that had a pedestal in the middle with a large bowl on it. The bowl itself was made of chiseled onyx with clear