Princess of Death (Three Provinces Book 1) Read Online Free PDF Page A

down your kitchen staffed served us.” Nergal explained.
    “Excuse me, I do not mean to be rude but, your servant is allowed to eat at the table with you?” Ekur’s question made Nam bristle next to me.
    “There are not very many people I could eat with in the East Wing, and Nam is more a friend than a servant, he could leave any time he chose. So yes, he dines with me.”
    “Ah, this is how we are as well; everyone eats together no matter their station.” Ekur looked proud of his people and it made me think better of them as well.  As I finished my thought, platters were brought out filled with Namtar and mine’s favorite foods, plus a glass of chilled pomegranate wine. A staple in Aduran cuisine.
    “How do you like the castle?” I asked between bites.
    “Your garden is beautiful.  Some of the plants you have only grow this close to the Biri border. We can keep them thriving in Bet Pagri, but they do not grow naturally or reproduce well.” Nergal sounded wistful.
    “Anything in particular” Nam asked, he too had a fondness for the gardens.
    “Yes, the Lullaby Lilies.”              
    “My prince has always found semi sentient beings fascinating,” Ekur chuckled. Lullaby Lilies were dark blue flowers that sang when hungry, lonely or during pollination season.  If allowed to sing too long their song would put you into a sleep that eventually killed you. The only way to stop their song was to offer them a drink, usually blood and usually your own.  They only did well in family groups of three or more.
    “Not my favorite flower in the garden.” We had other more deadly and prettier, that caused much sweeter destruction.
    “You also have a great library and the cemetery has very beautiful architecture,” Nergal said, between bites. I enjoyed watching him eat; he took his food like he was savoring every bite. It was creepy how much I enjoyed staring at his mouth.
    Forcing my eyes away from his lips, “so tell me about your home Nergal.”
    “I cannot even begin to tell you the beauty of Bet Pagri. You must come, Ereshkigal, and see it for yourself.”
    “That might be something I can arrange in the future, especially now that my sister is to be married.”
    “It is a shame that she was not allowed to choose her own mate,” Ekur commented.
    “She’s a princess to be queen,” Namtar looked confused.
    “Alus are allowed to marry whomever or whatever they choose,” Ekur gave me a pointed look. Blushing, I glanced down at my plate. Dinner resumed with minimal chit chat for the next half an hour.
    “We are turning in for the night. Would you care to break your fast with me tomorrow morn, alone?” Nergal stood up, his eyes catching mine and holding them.
    “Yes, of course.”
    “Then I shall see you tomorrow. Ekur?” Ekur stood and they left, swiftly and quietly.
    “Ooooh, he like likes you,” Nam nudged me, joking.
    “Oh, shut up, I’m going to my room.” Scowling I got up and began to leave.
    “Dear Diary, today I met the most handsome demon ever,” Nam followed close behind, mocking me. I swiveled and stopped him dead in his tracks.
    “You’ll pay for that.” I hissed.  He squealed like a girl as I launched myself at him, tickling him, he fell to the ground, laughter filling the East Wing.
    When I was done torturing the poor boy he and I went to our own rooms. I was a little out of breath, but humming to myself, happy. Entering my room I saw Puabi hanging upside down from her new silver perch next to my bed, her pink wings draped around herself.
    Did you have a good afternoon? Her sweet voice filled my head.
    “Yes, actually.”
    I heard from the chatty little maid, your sister is getting married. She peeked out a head to stare at me as I got into my pajamas.
    “Yes, not much I can do about that.”
    You smell like my home. Did you see Nergal?
    “Uh huh…. We’re having breakfast together tomorrow.” I couldn’t keep the grin off my face.
    Be careful. Bet Pagri has