House of Ravens (The Nightfall Chronicles Book 2) Read Online Free Page B
Author: Karpov Kinrade
a Princess?" I ask as she walks toward me.
Before she can reply, the crowds move in on us, howling for autographs and photos.
As we push through them and try to find a place in which to disappear, I'm distracted by two thoughts.
Corinne is a Princess.
And her father is coming to kill me.
CHAPTER 2
WYTT AND WITTICISMS
We scurry through the crowds and escape the invasive fan attention, finding a coffee house that boasts 'the best gourmet coffee and tea in all the kingdoms.'
I order coffee and Corinne orders tea. Once we've both had a moment to breathe, I ask again. "You're a Princess?"
She sips her tea and shrugs, a default move I can tell is her way of trying to shake off the burden of her identity. "Yeah. I try not to make a big deal out of it. I just want to be normal, you know?"
I pour several packets of sugar into my coffee before drinking it. "I get it. But that's kind of a big deal. Your father is King Varian?"
"Yes, but I didn't know he was coming here until now. My brothers aren't going to be happy. At least, Kai won't be."
"Right. The two Princes. You have a twin, right? And an older brother?"
"Yes. They both start school with me this quarter, but Kai doesn't really get along with Father. Wytt does a little better, but only marginally. We'd hoped this would be a fresh start for us all, but I suppose not."
"That jerk back at the theater, the Inquisitor—you seemed to know each other?"
Corinne frowns. "He grew up with us after his parents were arrested for treason. He was a nice kid when he was young. It's sad what he's become."
Sad… or monstrous. I don't voice my opinion though. It must be hard to see someone you knew as a child turn into someone like him.
"He looks young for a Cardinal," I say.
She shakes her head. "Many Cardinals died during the war. Now, young and strong is the preference. Like the Pope."
I nod, making a note to further research our religious orders.
We drink in silence for a few moments when Corinne smiles. "Oh, I nearly forgot!"
She pulls two shirts out of her purse and hands one to me. "I got us souvenirs from the show."
I hold the shirt up and smile. Nox Aeterna is written in silver across the chest, and on the back are large silver wings. It's more appropriate than she realizes. "Thank you. This is great."
She grins. "I'm glad you like it."
We finish our drinks, enjoying the anonymity in the large city. Once we pay and leave, I tuck my hands into my pockets and look around. "What do you want to do next?"
"I promised Wytt we'd meet him back at Castle V for dinner. He's dying to meet you, but I didn't want to overwhelm you with all of us at once. I told him it was girls only. Plus he's a total flirt, so prepare yourself. It's harmless, though, I assure you."
***
Corinne and I arrive at the dining hall and load up our trays. There are dozens of cheeses and breads to choose from. There are thin cuts of meat and juicy steaks, fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as an assortment of delicacies and desserts. The aromas are overwhelming. None of it appeals to me.
I grab a Life Force and some salad, hoping the taste doesn't disgust me, and follow Corinne to our seats. A young man rests his feet on the pristine table, watching the giant screen at the end of the hall. Two armor-clad Knights battle on the eScreen, an announcer describing their every move. The young man cheers as one of the Knights strikes a hit, and his smile is wide as he sweeps the brown hair from his purple eyes.
"Scarlett, this is my brother, Wytt. Wytt, this—"
"Scarlett Night. What a pleasure." He stands and bows and takes my hand and gently kisses it.
This has never happened to me before.
Wytt lets go of my hand and studies me. It doesn't feel invasive, just curious. "Your eyes are truly beautiful," he says. "Has anyone told you that?"
"A few times."
He nods knowingly. "Ah, but have they written of their beauty? Have they sung of their brilliance?" He clears his
Before she can reply, the crowds move in on us, howling for autographs and photos.
As we push through them and try to find a place in which to disappear, I'm distracted by two thoughts.
Corinne is a Princess.
And her father is coming to kill me.
CHAPTER 2
WYTT AND WITTICISMS
We scurry through the crowds and escape the invasive fan attention, finding a coffee house that boasts 'the best gourmet coffee and tea in all the kingdoms.'
I order coffee and Corinne orders tea. Once we've both had a moment to breathe, I ask again. "You're a Princess?"
She sips her tea and shrugs, a default move I can tell is her way of trying to shake off the burden of her identity. "Yeah. I try not to make a big deal out of it. I just want to be normal, you know?"
I pour several packets of sugar into my coffee before drinking it. "I get it. But that's kind of a big deal. Your father is King Varian?"
"Yes, but I didn't know he was coming here until now. My brothers aren't going to be happy. At least, Kai won't be."
"Right. The two Princes. You have a twin, right? And an older brother?"
"Yes. They both start school with me this quarter, but Kai doesn't really get along with Father. Wytt does a little better, but only marginally. We'd hoped this would be a fresh start for us all, but I suppose not."
"That jerk back at the theater, the Inquisitor—you seemed to know each other?"
Corinne frowns. "He grew up with us after his parents were arrested for treason. He was a nice kid when he was young. It's sad what he's become."
Sad… or monstrous. I don't voice my opinion though. It must be hard to see someone you knew as a child turn into someone like him.
"He looks young for a Cardinal," I say.
She shakes her head. "Many Cardinals died during the war. Now, young and strong is the preference. Like the Pope."
I nod, making a note to further research our religious orders.
We drink in silence for a few moments when Corinne smiles. "Oh, I nearly forgot!"
She pulls two shirts out of her purse and hands one to me. "I got us souvenirs from the show."
I hold the shirt up and smile. Nox Aeterna is written in silver across the chest, and on the back are large silver wings. It's more appropriate than she realizes. "Thank you. This is great."
She grins. "I'm glad you like it."
We finish our drinks, enjoying the anonymity in the large city. Once we pay and leave, I tuck my hands into my pockets and look around. "What do you want to do next?"
"I promised Wytt we'd meet him back at Castle V for dinner. He's dying to meet you, but I didn't want to overwhelm you with all of us at once. I told him it was girls only. Plus he's a total flirt, so prepare yourself. It's harmless, though, I assure you."
***
Corinne and I arrive at the dining hall and load up our trays. There are dozens of cheeses and breads to choose from. There are thin cuts of meat and juicy steaks, fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as an assortment of delicacies and desserts. The aromas are overwhelming. None of it appeals to me.
I grab a Life Force and some salad, hoping the taste doesn't disgust me, and follow Corinne to our seats. A young man rests his feet on the pristine table, watching the giant screen at the end of the hall. Two armor-clad Knights battle on the eScreen, an announcer describing their every move. The young man cheers as one of the Knights strikes a hit, and his smile is wide as he sweeps the brown hair from his purple eyes.
"Scarlett, this is my brother, Wytt. Wytt, this—"
"Scarlett Night. What a pleasure." He stands and bows and takes my hand and gently kisses it.
This has never happened to me before.
Wytt lets go of my hand and studies me. It doesn't feel invasive, just curious. "Your eyes are truly beautiful," he says. "Has anyone told you that?"
"A few times."
He nods knowingly. "Ah, but have they written of their beauty? Have they sung of their brilliance?" He clears his
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