Daughter of Blood Read Online Free PDF Page A

unison as Sardonya’s expression darkened, but it was Anvin who replied. “Do you intend to make sure it bears fruit, Sister Spy?”
    Liankhara raised one shoulder in a half shrug. “For now, the alliance itself is sufficient for our purpose. The Heir of Night will be our blood relative, and if we bind his or her marriage back into our own kinship web as well . . .” She shrugged again, her smile thin. “A circumstance the Heir’s mother will undoubtedly be able to influence. If we play the hand this marriage deals us well, we shall see the leadership of the Derai pass to our bloodline within a generation.”
    â€œWhere it should be,” Kharalthor agreed. His heavy gaze swung between Sardonya and Sarein. “A true Daughter of Blood would put the good of her House before self-interest.”
    Sardonya snorted, but Anvin was frowning. “What of the taint? How can we keep our line free of that?”
    He sees the greater advantage, Myr thought. Possibly because they were the children of the Earl’s second wife, Paranna of Oath Hold, and half-siblings to the rest, Sarein and Parannis were only ever for themselves. But Anvin might be won over—and despite Liankhara’s accusation, Sardonya was no fool. She would detect Anvin’s potential defection and the advantage shifting to Sarein, who could rely on her twin’s unswerving allegiance. Myr’s headache pulsed in anticipation of Sardonya’s fury, darkness hovering at the periphery of her vision. Doggedly, she concentrated on a scratch in the tabletop and pushed both pain and darkness back.
    â€œThe taint came into their line from Earl Tasarion’s first, Sea House wife.” Kharalthor was dismissive, but Parannis laughed.
    â€œHow glib you are, brother. Earl Tasarion also has a Night kinswoman with the taint, one who resides in the Keep of Winds’ Temple quarter. So the only sure way to keep our line and House pure is to make no marriage and allow no child that will expose us to risk.” His smile widened as Sarein extended a hand, crooking long fingernails into his forearm. “Although we could argue that the integrity of our bloodline has already been compromised.”
    Myr’s head throbbed as Kharalthor surged to his feet, knocking his chair to the floor. “How dare you insult our father!” Two more chairs grated back as Anvin and Parannis leapt up, too, the latter laughing—until Earl Sardon spoke above the uproar, flat as iron.
    â€œSit down, all of you.” He waited until they were seated before leaning forward, his stare boring into Parannis. “Be warned: I will not have your barbs—or those your sister has sharpened for you—on this matter. As for the rest, I am out of patience with your interminable arguments.”
    Liankhara bowed from her chair. “The matter must be settled, my Father, otherwise word of our reluctance may trickle back to Night.”
    â€œDoes that matter, Sister Spider?” Now Parannis was cool, and Myr’s stomach muscles clenched. “Perhaps they need to know how little we care for what they think.”
    Earl Sardon held up his hand, commanding silence. “Not before this marriage is secured and the advantage it will bring us consolidated.” He frowned around the table. “I said that I would have a decision today and I mean it. Sardonya, Sarein: ask for whatever gilding will sweeten this bargain for you and I will consider it favorably. But be very sure, if you do not reach a decision between yourselves, then I will choose for you.”
    Sardonya, spear-straight in her chair, tossed back her long auburn hair. “Perhaps, Father, you should have consulted with us before pledging your honor and that of our House to this path. You may compel all you like, but neither of us will go willingly.”
    Myr did not dare look at her father, but despite the pain behind her eyes she did turn at Sarein’s