The Shadowed Throne Read Online Free PDF Page A

body.”
    â€œNone of the griffiners we sent out found anything,” said Iorwerth.
    â€œWe’ll send more,” said Laela. “I’ll go myself when Oeka’s a little bigger.”
When I think I can leave my throne an’ find it still here when I get back.
    â€œI’ll go an’ look,” Saeddryn said unexpectedly. “He was my cousin.”
    Laela liked that idea a lot. “Maybe the Night God’ll guide yeh.”
    â€œWhat of my father?” Aenae demanded. “What of the Mighty Skandar? You say he did not die.”
    â€œNot so far as I know,” said Laela. “He flew away an’ never came back. I don’t see why he’d come back t’Malvern with his human dead,” she added sadly.
    â€œIf he did return, he would have a comfortable life for the rest of his days.”
    Laela knew perfectly well that Aenae’s greatest desire had always been to fight his gigantic father to the death. “Of course. When we search for my father’s bones, we’ll search for Skandar, too. He freed the North as much as my father did.”
    â€œThere’s one other thing I want t’know,” Saeddryn interrupted. Her eye narrowed.
    â€œAsk,” said Laela.
    â€œHow do we know ye really are Arenadd’s daughter?”
    Several of the other councillors glanced at each other.
    Laela laughed weakly. “I would’ve thought yeh could tell just by lookin’. I look more like him than
you
do.”
    Saeddryn’s lips pursed. “It could be just a coincidence.”
    â€œMaybe, but when I told him my mother’s name, he knew her, an’ he knew that he’d been with her.”
    â€œThe King’s word is enough for me,” Iorwerth said stoutly. “His promise and her face are enough. Why would he lie about it?”
    Laela faced Saeddryn square on. “He planned to make me his heir even before he knew I was his daughter. The Master of Learning went through his papers an’ found documents to prove it. He was gonna adopt me—make me a Taranisäii. He only died before he could announce it—the papers are all signed an’ sealed.”
    â€œIt’s true,” said Iorwerth. “I saw them with my own eyes.”
    â€œSo did I,” said the Master of Taxation.
    â€œAnd I,” said the Master of Building.
    â€œI would’ve showed ’em to you, too, but you was off busy at the Temple,” Laela said sweetly to the infuriated Saeddryn. “I figured now was as good a time as any.” She took a scroll from her sleeve and handed it over.
    Saeddryn’s single eye scanned the neat writing. Stone-faced, she handed it back. “That’s his writing, sure enough. Forgive me for doubtin’ ye.”
    Laela bowed slightly. “It’s only right that yeh should be askin’.”
    â€œNow, on to a new issue,” Torc said. “There’s something else we ought to discuss.”
    â€œWhat is it?” said Laela. Beside her, Oeka yawned and lay down on her belly.
    â€œA Queen needs a consort,” said Torc. “It’s time ye started choosing a husband, my lady.”
    Laela’s heart sank. “I’ve been thinkin’ about it already, don’t worry.”
    â€œWe have a good suggestion,” said Saeddryn. “The noblest blood in Tara. Yer own age, too.”
    â€œOh, who?” Laela was suspicious already.
    â€œMy son, Caedmon,” said Saeddryn. “He’s another Taranisäii—it’d be the perfect marriage, t’strengthen our great family.”
    â€œHm.” Laela rubbed her chin to hide her panic. “I see yer point. Give me some time to think it over, why don’t yeh?”
    â€œOf course.” Saeddryn smiled.
    â€œD on’t do it,” Iorwerth said the instant the meeting was over and he and Laela were alone. He came closer, frowning and urgent. “Marry Caedmon, and