Wicked War of Mine (Overworld Chronicles Book 9) Read Online Free PDF

in shock. "That is Maedras Domitia Calidious. Her Paetros, Brutus, was the one the scorp devoured."
    "I wish I could have saved him," I said.
    Vallaena shrugged. "The two never got along very well, but losing anyone you have known for centuries is still quite a shock." She tapped a finger to her chin. "Brutus would never have joined the alliance. Domitia, however, is far more reasonable. I believe Brutus's death affords you a chance to bring Calidious into the fold. They are the third most powerful house."
    I grimaced. "Should I give her some time to grieve?"
    "She is in shock, not grief," Vallaena said. "Despite the interruption of the marriage ceremony, I will make sure Kassallandra doesn't cancel the festivities. Tonight is a large banquet and tomorrow evening will be the grand ball. I believe that will be the best opportunity to speak with Domitia and others."
    "Agreed," Dad said. "Domitia is the most important." He pointed out a tall man with platinum blond hair and an almost feminine beauty to his features. "That's Godric of House Salomon. He's a narcissistic son of a bitch."
    "A rather unlikeable man," Vallaena added. "It is unfortunate the scorp did not take him as well."
    "Is that his wife?" I asked, nodding toward a beautiful woman standing next to him. She wore her platinum tresses up in a mass of braids and curls like many of the woman. She had huge eyes, which should have given her an empathetic appearance, but ice-blue irises and the way she regarded everyone down her long thin nose made me dislike her instantly.
    "Gwyneth, his wife and daughter," Dad said.
    I looked around for a young girl who looked like the pair before I realized what he meant. "That's his daughter and his"—I made a gagging noise—"wife?"
    Dad gave me a helpless look and shrugged. "Daemos don't suffer from genetic defects associated with inbreeding."
    Vallaena regarded me severely. "Your ignorance about Daemos customs is something you must overcome if you wish to win their support. Do not allow your nom upbringing to taint your perceptions."
    A shudder ran through my shoulders. "I'll bet Godric can really play the banjo."
    Dad laughed.
    Vallaena pursed her lips and stared me down. A young man ran over to us and handed her a note. She looked at it and nodded. "I must attend to some other business, but I will do what I can to facilitate your efforts." She offered me a shallow curtsy. "Kohvaniss."
    "Not you too," I said.
    A sly smile spread her lips as she turned and walked away.
    "Does Vallaena have a sense of humor I don't know about?" I asked.
    Dad snorted. "Depends on who you ask. Let's walk around a little, and I'll show you some other house leaders." He led me along until we spotted a woman in silky Oriental robes. Her skin was the color of caramel, and her hair long, silky, and black. Her jade green eyes fixed on me the moment we came into view. With a wave of her hand, she dismissed a man who'd been speaking with her and walked our way. Dad cursed under his breath. He broadcast his standard charming smile at the woman. "MaedrasYuuki Wakahisa, it is a pleasure to see you again."
    She offered him a curt nod. "A pleasure, Paetros Daevadius Slade." Her wide almond-shaped eyes looked me up and down. "You are the Cataclyst I have heard so much about." She smiled faintly. "The rumors of your boldness are not unfounded, it would seem." Despite her Asian appearance, she had very little accent.
    I wasn't really sure how to approach the whole Kohvaniss thing, and since she wasn't bowing and scraping, I knew pushing the matter would be counterproductive. I had to project authority without being overbearing. Or did I need to dominate her somehow? I was sadly lacking on Daemos social skills. Considering everything I'd had to learn, that was hardly surprising. I couldn't be expected to know everything.
    "It's a pleasure to meet you, Maedras Wakahisa." I held out a hand.
    She looked at it for a moment. "A handshake? How very Western of you."
    Noob