Candescent (The Opalescent Collection Book 1) Read Online Free PDF Page B

proceeded to look across the table, his face filled with disgust. He was looking at a child who appeared to have the same expression on her face. She was looking down at her bowl of soup. I could see a hint of curiosity in her eyes.
    “We should reach Alfur in about a month’s time if we don’t get caught in any storms on the way. Though during this time of the season I wouldn’t be surprised if-,”
                  The girl beside him pulled on Raven’s sleeve, cutting him short, making Pete’s face twist even more to glare at the innocent girl.
    “Daddy, look what’s in my soup.”
                  Raven peered over to her bowl. “What’s wrong with it Lanna? It’s like the soup you eat back at home.”
    “No, the soup back at home doesn’t have that .” She pointed a small finger at her bowl, leaning away from it.
    “I don’t have time for this.” I heard Pete mumble gruffly beside me, so quiet I hoped Raven hadn’t heard.
    “They’re just noodles sweetie,” he replied simply.
    “But Daddy they look like worms!”
    “You don’t have to eat it Lanna.”
                  His face became hard, a blunt warning to his little girl that this was still his place of business. He turned back to us, glanced down at his food to avoid Pete who now held the arms of his chair so tightly I heard his fingernails scratching the old wood. I put my hand to his, pulling his fingers from the wood and held his hand lightly. I felt him relax and silently reminded him that she was just a child and did not know any better.
                  Raven scratched awkwardly at his black and white hair and continued. “The weather could get bad and if we get thrown off course it could take days out of our way to get back.”
    “I know the Captain of this boat,” Pete remarked, resting his elbows on the table, “he’ll get you there on time.”
    “Will you be expecting us?”
                  Pete shrugged. “It all depends on how well my traveling goes. I may or may not be waiting for you by the time you reach Alfur.”
    “I can’t come with you?”
    “No.” I knew Pete was going to leave us once we reached our first port. From there he would sail to various places, taking a different route to Alfur, and in Fitzray’s opinion, the better route.
    “Why not?” He rolled his eyes over to look at me.
    “I want you to stay here with this trusted Captain and my right hand man.” I knew he was referring to Raven. “I know you won’t enjoy yourself if I drag you around with me to complete deals and sign papers. I know you want to be with me,” he paused, “but I can’t be in two places at once.”
                  My eyes darted away from him and I dropped his hand. That wasn’t what I meant.
    “If only we could be,” Raven piped up.
                  Pete leaned back starting to laugh. The conversation quickly turned into what powers they desired, including the ability to be in two places at once, which was unheard of. They started to brag about the powers they already had. This led to vivid descriptions of their poison and mostly Pete’s bragging about his mind control, which was hardly ever spoken of, but because the King himself brought it up, it was talked about like casual conversation.
                  I looked over to Fitzray surprised he had engaged in the conversation as well, but then I realized he too had been drinking the plumeberry juice Pete had shared with everyone. I was convinced Pete was already addicted to the stuff.
                  I stood up excusing myself, remembering I was not the only woman on the boat. I knew Raven’s wife was nearby. Lanna had left as soon as she finished eating and giving her soup one last glare.
    “I’m leaving. I’ll be in my cabin if you need me.”
                  Pete didn’t look up, he just waved his hand to dismiss me, almost shooing me