The Royal Pursuit Read Online Free PDF Page B

wonderful feeling,”
another one agreed. “We should have thought of this sooner. We
could have avoided much heartache and despair. We could have saved
so many of our fellow Nicals.”
    The group sobered at the
realization.
    The man chose this particular moment
to make his presence known to them. He entered the room and
strolled over to one of the empty chairs and sat down as if he
belonged there. He noted their hair turned yellow at the sight of
him, even though their facial expressions remained neutral. Their
hair gave their true emotion away. Fools, he thought. They should
have shaved their heads as their ruler had done. Fear made their
enemy that much more powerful, for without fear, he never would
know he could manipulate them.
    He dismissed his observation and
leaned forward. “They are coming after you because of what you’ve
done, but you insist on sitting around as if you’re safe. Now,
that’s not very smart.”
    Their ruler finally found his voice.
“Who are you, and what are you doing here?”
    The man pretended he was offended. “I
came across the universe to protect you and you question my
motive?”
    “ I don’t know
you.”
    “ Oh, that’s easy to
resolve. I am the only one who can save you.”
    The ruler shook his head. Around him,
his companions began to openly display their worries.
    The man in white focused on their
ruler. “Do you think the Olympians will let you get by with
stealing?”
    “ How do you know about the
Olympians?” the ruler asked.
    The man picked up his cane and tipped
his hat to the left. “How could I not know? Everyone found
out.”
    “ We didn’t steal,” Dour
replied. “We merely copied their power. Surely, they understand
that.” His firm resolve was beginning to crumble.
    The man shrugged. “Call it what you
want. It doesn’t affect me. I’m not the one they’re going to
kill.”
    The Nicals glanced nervously at their
ruler.
    “ They won’t destroy us when
we explain the situation to them,” the ruler said, his voice weak.
“They can share their immortality.”
    The man raised his eyebrow, amused
that they didn’t realize the full scope of what they had done. He
decided it was in his best interest if they didn’t find out. It
could disrupt his plans. He sighed heavily. “If only it were that
easy…”
    The ruler didn’t speak.
    The man decided it was time to offer
them the hope they needed. “I will protect you. They have enlisted
the help of the Razian queen and the Palers. I am sure you are
aware of what a formidable foe they can be, especially when they
work together.”
    Several Nicals gasped.
    The man smiled to himself. Yes, they
knew all too well that Raz and Pale were an impressive
threat.
    “ They are going to kill us,
but we will die if we give the stone back,” a Nical softly
cried.
    “ Either way, we are
doomed,” another one agreed.
    “ It would appear that way,”
the man acknowledged. “Unless…” He dangled the suggestion in front
of them, waiting for them to take the bait.
    “ Unless what?” the ruler
asked, no longer trying to hide his fright.
    “ Unless I come to your
aid,” he offered, smiling benevolently at them. “I am greatly
impressed with your knowledge of the beings in this universe, and
in exchange for unlimited access to your library, I will save you
from annihilation. Do we have a deal?”
    They took a moment to look at each
other, quietly seeking out another possible solution. When none
presented itself, they nodded, one by one.
    The ruler resigned himself to the
man’s proposal. “Yes, we will do as you ask. Only, how will you
protect us?”
    “ Minor details. Don’t worry
yourself over them.” The man stood up. “I will do my part. All you
need to do is follow my instructions.”
    He proceeded to fill them in on the
part of his plan that they needed to know. The rest, he would use
at his own discretion.
     
    ***
     
    Royal Palace
    Planet: Raz
     
    In her and Hathor’s bedroom, Ann
quickly dressed