The Consort (Tellaran Series) Read Online Free PDF Page A

peace.” The empress smiled again. “I look forward to the peace and security these talks will bring my Empire.”
    She gave them a nod of dismissal; the pair bowed again and withdrew. 
    Alari’s stomach knotted. 
    No more official duties, no more delays . . .
    The High Priestess of Lashima started forward. Jazan, along with members of his clan, proudly stepped into position and Alari willed her feet to move as the court readjusted to take their proper places for the declaration.
    Sparkling with gemstones placed to recreate the night sky as it appeared over the city at the time of the spring equinox, the doors of the sanctuary remained closed before her. The court stood arrayed before the entrance to the goddess’s sacred space; reflected in the stones there, Alari could see the black of the courtiers’ clothing, the bright garb of the ancient and bent High Priestess of Lashima as she hobbled forward on her cane, and a single jewel of blue and white.
    Alari took up her place next to Jazan, the position of her attendants forcing her even closer to him. Alari’s hands pressed against the gems embroidered into her skirt, the stones’ edges rough against her damp palms.
    Saria sent her a worried look and the empress gave her a brief, rare nod of approval. Alari sought the comfort of the goddess’ gaze but Lashima’s kindly face was concealed behind the doors of the sanctuary.
    They had now only to declare publicly for each other and the doors to the sanctuary would be opened. She and Jazan would walk inside with the High Priestess to stand before the goddess, they would clasp hands, and the last words that would unite them would be spoken.
    High Priestess Celara’s hair was snowy, her back bent with age, a thousand creases on her papery skin, but her smile was kindly, her eyes bright and joyous as befitting one who represented the goddess of Love.  
    “If you would enter Lashima’s sanctuary to be mated, speak now to your intent,” High Priestess Celara intoned. “Jazan of the Az’rayah, do you choose the First Imperial Daughter Alari?”
    Her heart pounded so hard she suddenly feared she would be ill.
    Please . . .
    “I do choose her,” Jazan said proudly.
    “First Imperial Daughter, do you choose Jazan of the Az’rayah?” 
    Alari opened her mouth to reply with the ritual words of declaration to name him in return but then, as if another spoke through her, she cried: “No!”
    She saw the astonishment of the court, felt the sudden stillness in Jazan beside her, saw the High Priestess blink.
    Alari turned her head to meet his sky blue gaze.
    “I choose Commander Kyndan Maere of the Tellaran Fleet!”
     

There was an instant of shocked silence then the eyes of everyone—the empress, the priestesses, the court, the warrior at the princess’ side—turned toward him.
    “What?” Kyndan blurted.
    He sought Kinara’s gaze and Aidar’s as well only to find his sister and brother-in-law equally stunned.
    “Daughter,” the empress hissed. “Answer High Priestess Celara proper—”
    The High Priestess, possibly the only one in all the Empire with the power to do so, held up her hand to silence the empress. 
    “Princess Alari has declared for this”—Celara glanced at Kyndan—“man.” The High Priestess tilted her head to regard the scowling Jazan. “Jazan of the Az’rayah, do you cede your claim?”
    “ He is no warrior! He is not even Az-kye !” Jazan spat. “I see what game you play at,” he snarled at Alari and her lips went white. “You think I will not meet this Tellaran filth in the Circle.” He addressed the High Priestess. “I do not cede!”
    “ Filth? ” Kyndan stepped forward, no doubt blowing all those weeks of nicey-nice diplomatic talks to dust. Kinara tried unsuccessfully to pull him back but he shook off her hold. “What the hell is going on?”
    The eyes of the court were on him but right now he didn’t give a damn about their stupid protocols. 
    He glared at them.