Beguiled (Book 2 Immortal Essence series) Read Online Free PDF Page B

towel.
    “ Would you like me to dry you off, Highness? ”
    “No, thank you.” Normally I would’ve said yes. Instead, I took the towel and rubbed down my body. “So how did you come to work for Ramien?”
    She let out a high, muffled cough and I pee ked around. “You alright ?”
    “Fine, your Highness.” She curtsied, her hands clasped behind her back.
    “You can call me Venus, please.”
    “Yes, your High— er , Venus.” She produced a strapless black unisa. “A fresh unisa.” I took it and disappeared behind the dressing screen. The fabric was crushed in the spot she held. The unisa was a bit vulgar for my tastes. Had I been at home I would’ve demanded a fresh one. But I wasn’t and I didn’t want to put the wet one back on .
    After I slid the obscene, dry unisa on (it fit too perfectly , like it’d been mad e for me ), I stepped out. On the bed lay a delicate silver dress. The bodice was strapless with a gauzy piece of material going over one shoulder. Complicated flower designs were embroidered in the fabric. The bottom half of the dress flowed with material like liquid metal.
    “Isn’t it lovely?” Angela lifted it above her head. In a muffled voice she continued, “The master . . . Ramien asked that you wear this specifically.”
    “It is beautiful, but I can’t wear such an extravagant dress . I won’t.” I ripped it from her hands , my anger suddenly overwhelming, and flung it on the bed. The fear in Angela’s eyes returned. She placed her hands around her neck, as though she were being choked . Immediately regretting my anger, I said in a softer voice, “Please, Angela. I appreciate your effort. It is a beautiful gown, but it doesn’t suit my needs. I’d like a pair of trousers, and a shirt like what Michael wore . Did you see him? ” She didn’t answer, and I huffed. “Never mind.” I stomped over to the closet and threw it open. A single pair of black trousers hung next to an amethyst shirt the same style as Michael’s. I turned to Angela. “How?”
    She shrugged, and squeaked, “Your wish is the master’s command.”
    Annoyed , I pulled the trousers from their hanger and yanked them on. I did the same with the shirt , noting Angela’s expression changed from fear to a resolved resignation . “I need boo ts. ” As I spoke, a pair of black boots similar to those of the kelvieri boots (though no symbols existed in the heels) appeared. “ How the helker ? ” I asked , not expecting an answer. I sat on the downy soft chair and latched my boots over my trousers.
    The timid girl trembled though her disposition was still one of determination . “Highness, if you’ll sit here, I’ll fix your hair and do your makeup.”
    Frustration bloomed in my chest. I didn’t want my hair done and I sure a s cret didn’t need any makeup . I hadn’t come for a party. This was n’t a social visit. Michael brought me here without my permission and the only reason I’d kept my cool until this point was because Michael promised to help me rescue my parents.
    I pulled my belt through the loops and secured Tortevia in place. 
    “Re - braid my hair. And get me a cleansing tablet for my teeth. N othing more,” I grumbled . Then thinking better of my attitude, I added, “Please.”
    Angela nodded. As she worked I thought of Zar en. He must’ve realized I didn’t attend the meeting with the Chans. I imagined him beside himself with worry, which filled my chest with a sliver of hope. He’d soon discover I’d vanished. But w ould he think I ran away ? No, more likely he’d believe I succum bed to the sea. Either way, he would search for me.
    I needed a distraction , something to take my mind off my worry . “ How long have you work ed f or Ramien?” I asked, peering at Angela in the mirror. “You look to o young to work. Shouldn’t you be home with your parents?”
    “Oh, it isn’t by choice.” She gulped, covering her hands with her mouth. Then recovered. “Forgive my outburst. I