Hidden Darkness (Hidden Saga Book 4) Read Online Free PDF Page B

close.
                  “No. Not yet,” he said. “She hasn’t arrived, though I’m assured she’s close. Come on, let’s take our places in the hall.”
                  With my hand on his arm, we proceeded through the enormous ornately carved wooden doors into the great hall, escorted by two brawny Elven guards. They were more of an accessory than a necessity at a gathering like this, but I guessed it was important to demonstrate that Lad—and his future queen—were well-guarded.
                  We took our seats, and I looked out over the hall, over the other-worldly collection of beautiful faces and flawless figures, fighting to make myself accept it all as my new reality. I’d almost gotten used to Lad’s physical perfection. Almost. But to see so many of his people gathered together in one place—there was no question that I was not in Kansas anymore, so to speak.
                  Spotting Grandma in the front row, I lifted a hand to wave to her and Katrien and my Amma and Afi beside her. Amma lifted a bouquet of assorted fall flowers to show me she had them for later.
                  Lad’s assistant Rikard stepped up behind him and touched him lightly on the shoulder. Lad turned toward the young man, listening to his silent message.
                  Then he leaned close to me. “She’s here.”
                  The doors at the back of the hall opened, and my heart fluttered. Most of the Dark Elves I’d met had been intimidating, if not downright mean. Would this woman be like Amalia, who’d been assigned to supervise the fan pod at Nox’s house, or Ingrid who’d served as Reggie Dillon’s warden-slash-pimp?
                  For a moment, we all waited, staring at the open doorway. In walked a stunning redhead—not a grown woman, but a girl, maybe a couple years older than me. Her pictures made her look more mature. She was long-legged and slim with huge dark eyes and a serious expression. She wore a white floor-length skirt with a deep slit and a colorful, beaded halter top.
                  She looked every bit the Hollywood fashion model, striding confidently down the hall’s central aisle toward us. Ava’s beauty lived up to her photographs and then some.
                  But my eyes were drawn to her companion. He was one of the most striking guys I’d ever seen—not as handsome as Lad, but nearly so—and that was saying something. In fact, he looked a lot like him, big-framed and blond, with piercing green eyes.
                  I tore my gaze away and glanced over the crowd. All eyes were locked on the beautiful pair. Together they approached the throne, walking at a measured pace, not seeming the least bit anxious about being at the center of such focused public attention. Dark Elves through and through.
                  “Your Highness,” the girl said. “I am Ava Morten. I’m most grateful for your warm hospitality and look forward to serving you in your kingdom. Reports of your leadership glamour are well-founded.” She dipped her head in a respectful bow, showing the top of her glistening red hair. The guy beside her bowed deeply as well.
                  Lad addressed her aloud, I assumed because that’s how she’d spoken to him. “It’s our kingdom, now. You are most welcome, Ava. I’m sure your own glamour and your presence will be of great benefit to both our Courts. And I see you have a travel escort. He is welcome to stay and refresh himself before the journey back to California.”
                  Ava took a step forward, raising her palms in an imploring gesture. “If it is possible and pleasing to Your Highness, I ask that he be allowed to stay. This is Culley Rune.” There was a pause. “He is my betrothed.”
                  Lad’s head snapped back. “Oh. I wasn’t informed that you