Mark of the Princess Read Online Free Page A

I need." Velius replied, very nonchalantly.
    " Need ?" Tristan inquired and then gave a very worried and inquisitive look to Kaleb.
    Velius realized quickly that what he said was not what he wanted them to hear. "Yes. Need . To get my fill, you know."
    "I see, and then you are off to some other village or kingdom to get another fill?" Tristan responded with his usual sarcastic tone.
    "Yes. It is the way I live, I like it that way. I do however envy you both." Velius said, his voice no longer jumpy, as with his last response.
    "Envy? How’s that?" Kaleb asked stepping closer to hear the response.
    "Yes, well the both of you have your families and your Kingdom and you both are content with that. I have never known feeling of family and belonging and so I live the way I do … in search of it." Velius responded, looking at them out of the corner of his eye.
    "I should break out some violins and perhaps a handkerchief." Tristan stated, low enough so only Kaleb heard him.
    Kaleb raised his eyebrow at his friend and then looked back to Velius, a smile on his face. "Velius, would you like to join Tristan, myself and my family for dinner?"
    Tristan nudged the prince and gave him a very ‘what are you doing’ sort of look.
    "Sure, I’d be honored." Velius answered with a smirk on his face. "I will see you both later tonight, then."
    They walked out of the doors of the castle and proceeded in different directions. As soon as Velius was out of earshot, Tristan turned to Kaleb and asked what he was up to. Kaleb assured him that he is not as naïve as Tristan and his father thought him to be.
    "Go on…"Tristan said crossing his arms in front of him.
    "Tristan, I know Velius is hiding something and is most probably up to something. And I want to find out what something is before it occurs." Kaleb said, raising an eyebrow to Tristan.
    "Well, well Kaleb, you are not as dim-witted as I thought you were." Tristan‘s sarcastic comment followed by smile.
    "Very funny." Kaleb said mimicking Tristan's tone.
    "Tristan."
    "Kaleb."
    The two turned to see the faces belonging to the voices. Celina and Leda, two of the most beautiful faeries of Talom. Celina had long wavy blond hair and light blue eyes, she wore a red dress that was tight around her bosom, but fell along the small curves of her hips. Leda's light pink dress was a contrast to her dark coffee colored tresses that showered down her back. Her almond shaped light brown eyes were the perfect compliment to her light skin.
    Celina had a crush on Kaleb since they had met in school. Leda on the other hand, grew fond of Tristan as time had passed and they all would spend time together exploring the forest and going to dances.
    "Where are you two headed?" Celina asked, her gaze fixed on Kaleb.
    "No where in particular, really." Tristan responded.
    "Well, we were going to go riding for a bit. Would you like to come?" Celina asked, a hint of longing in her voice.
    Tristan looked at Kaleb who shrugged his shoulders in content agreement. "Sure. But it can only be for a while. We are having a guest for dinner, and I cannot be late." Kaleb responded.
    "Well then, let’s go!" Celina said excitedly as she turned and led the way to the stables with the others following close behind.
     
    The horses trotted along the worn paths of the Forest of Lanat inside Talom.
"Do you hear that?" Kaleb asked Tristan quietly enough so that the girls would not hear him.
    "No, what?"
    "Music, and It seems to be coming from Meira." Kaleb said, listening carefully. He could just barely catch the sound of the music flowing through the air.
    "I’m convinced you have some sort of power with hearing as well as sight, because I can not hear anything." Tristan said smiling mischievously at his friend.
    "Well, shall we find out where it’s coming from?" Kaleb asked, still too low for the girls riding ahead of them to hear.
    Always up for adventure, Tristan shook his head in agreement.
    "Celina, Leda, I’m afraid we must be