Blood Bride (Aarabassa World) Read Online Free PDF

to sit opposite the old woman. ‘Our king has passed on to the Realm of the Dead.’ At hearing this news, Rikka’s eyes remained locked on the cold stone floor, she feigned concern with a meek moan but she knew that her Master’s hand would have played a part in ending the human King’s life. 
    ‘This is a sad time for all our people,’ Heather put her hand through the bar to reach out and gently comfort the old woman. ‘But do not be weighed down further by this, think only of your own burdens at this moment,’ Heather worried that this news would only trouble the old woman more. ‘Have you no other family that can help you with your son?’ Heather’s voice was a soft whisper as she questioned the frail old woman. ‘Your son speaks of you both serving a master, do you understand what this means?’
    ‘My child,’ Rikka whimpered as a trickling tear dampened her cheek leaving a pale trail in her dirty skin, ‘he is no longer my son. When my kin know his blood is tainted with evil, they will not seek to help me.’ Rikka turned her back to the gate so Heather could no longer see her face.
    ‘Your family should always love you Rikka. It will not matter what your crimes are, they will shoulder your burden with you. Can I not contact them for you and explain your dilemma?’
    ‘Are you sure of this child?’ Rikka feigned surprise. ‘My blood is of nobility? Do you really believe they would protect me from the torturous death that the dragons wish upon my broken body?’Rikka slowly stood, Heather stood with her and looked upon a bent old woman, seemingly fragile and vulnerable.
    ‘Tell me who would shun you in old age? They cannot be very noble if they act this way, even nobility should protect their own. Your son may have to face a death penalty and then who would care for you? I say your bloodline will be your lifeline.  Now tell me who your kin are and I will ensure their responsibilities are met.’
    ‘Very well child,’ Rikka spoke slowly and steadied herself leaning on the bars of the gate.  ‘Your mother and I share the same mother.’ Rikka looked up to witness the shocked expression on the face of her niece. ‘Yes Heather. Your mother is my younger sister. She has never known of me and I in my turn have kept myself out in the cold. But now, I seek her love and embrace. I am in need of kinship. You child are of my bloodline, will you help me now?’
    ‘My … my mother has spoken of no sister, how can this be true?’ Heather spoke rashly, unsure how to react to such astonishing news. She longed for her father by her side, he would know what to do. Rikka was suddenly more refined in her behaviour and speech. If this old woman truly did speak the truth, then her family did have an obligation to aid her.
    ‘We have different fathers Heather, but that is not unusual. Your own sisters have different mothers, is this not so?’ Rikka reminded Heather.
    ‘I - I must speak with my father first. I cannot possibly know what should be done without his wisdom.’
    ‘A strange dilemma child, here you are about to face a powerful Emperor all on your own, yet you cannot make a family decision alone. Are you sure you can be successful at your quest?  The Prince child still depends upon your bravery.’
    ‘I will do all I can to save Raphael, you can be sure of that, old woman.’  Heather turned to leave, confused in her stress at this news. There was a noticeable difference in Rikka. She spoke as if from Royalty, her back had straightened and she suddenly appeared younger and almost striking.
    ‘You know child, you will make a beautiful bride.’
    Heather did not reply but wondered how Rikka could have known of Leon’s proposal. She stopped in her tracks and returned to the old woman’s cell. Rikka was now standing with imposing posture at the rear of the cell in the darkened shadow.
    ‘My grandmother, do you know her name?’
    ‘Of course I know my own mother’s name, Nealther. What test is