The Gladiator Prince Read Online Free PDF

nodded numbly and allowed Bahar to guide her to the ground, though how she climbed she did not know. Taking her hand, Bahar pulled her down the path outside the house and onto the side road that led to the forest surrounding it. It was all a blur to Phaedra.
    When he put something to her lips, she realized it was a wine sack and took a sip. It helped to take away some of the bewilderment. She handed it back to Bahar and let him help her to sit on a log.
    “Take some air,” Bahar said.
    It was only then that Phaedra realized she was not breathing. The night air felt stark and cold against the heat in her throat, and she could not keep her breath from shaking.
    Closing her eyes tight and sucking in another gulp of air, Phaedra did what she always did; she spoke to her gods, the incantations silent and powerful, repeating the chants Althea had taught her to survive her mother’s death, her father’s wrath and the profound secrets she fought to protect every waking moment. She opened her eyes and lifted them to her brother who scowled down at her. Secrets that were getting harder and harder to hide with each passing year.
    With a guttural growl she only shared with her brother, Phaedra pushed down the fear with great effort. It cleared her head enough to wrap her wits around what had happened. Closing her eyes again, she focused on what they heard, trying to fathom what her father and the mysterious Hasani had said.
    …payment of the dowry for your daughter, of course.
    …slit her throat and had her father crucified for his deception.
    …cousin finds herself infatuated with one of your gladiators.
    …I will see to it he is available tonight.
    In a horrifying moment of clarity, the solution came to her. It made her knees buckle and sweat bloom at the back of her neck. Can I do that?
    At once, she turned to Bahar. Try as she might, she could not keep the trembling out of her voice. “I know what I need to do.”
    Bahar squinted at her suspiciously. Phaedra knew he was not going to approve. “What?” he asked.
    “Tonight…” She folded one arm over the other and pinched herself, leaning away from him. “Tonight, I will watch them. I will learn from them.”
    Bahar scowled down at her in confusion, but then jumped back with his mouth open. “You cannot be serious!” he cried, spreading his fingers at his sides.
    She tilted her head back and forced herself to confront him. “I am,” she replied with conviction, then could not stop the words gushing from her mouth. “I will watch the cousin with Thane tonight. You heard the Egyptian. She is quite skilled. And I know Thane’s reputation. If I cannot learn from them, then I will… find another way.” As she searched his face, the condemnation was so evident it crushed her heart. She could feel her lips trembling. “This marriage must go through, Bahar. I cannot keep you safe here.” Hot tears scorched her cheek, and she brushed it with the back of her hand angrily.
    Bahar leaned down and grabbed her shoulders. “Listen to me,” he whispered. “If you are caught, if they find out, father will not be content to marry you off.” He pushed her shoulders back and step away from her. “He will kill you himself. I will not let you do this.”
    Phaedra launched off the log and felt her hands forming fists. The beat of her heart pounded against her eyes. Did he not realize she was doing this for him?
    “Did I ask you for your permission?” she hissed tightly.
    Bahar gasped, and his mouth hung open. She had never seen that expression in his eyes, and it frightened her. Putting her hand to her mouth, she said, “Bahar, I am…”
    Without a word, he turned abruptly and left her in the forest.
    Phaedra sank down to the log, rubbing her left arm and staring after him. Her head began to spin, and her stomach tied itself into painful knots.
    Squeezing her fists against her eyes, she repeated the words that had always served her.
    “Things will be all right.”
    They