Pure Desire [Pure 3] (Siren Publishing Allure) Read Online Free

have just received is harsh reality but factual.” Noor watched the hem of his gown sweep over the carpet as he moved with graceful and poised movements, appearing to float more than walk as he came directly in front of him. He kept his arms folded and hands hidden in the wide sleeves. His expression remained subtle, eyes lowered, as he spoke in a dulcet tone. “What you just learned must not be trusted with anyone outside these walls.” Noor nodded to let him know he understood. “My name is Acabus DeFornay, one of the Oridus guardians, and chosen by the empress to bring the grievance news of my planet’s perilous situation to Sanguine officials in hopes aid will come to assist us with dealing with the current emperor Theopolis Agaci. There is no need for me to go into details, as I’m sure you are capable of understanding what you just learned. The only point I will repeat is the emperor’s reign should end at all cost, or our lives on Oridus, as we know them, shall cease to exist. Everyone within his grasp is in jeopardy, as he does not intend to halt at destroying Oridus, but to seize as many planets as possible and force them to assist in this absurdity to conquer the galaxy and obtain universal power.”
    What was it about world dominance that every nutcase dreamed of securing it? Noor thought before shifting his attention to Jenkins McGovern, who was speaking.
    “As you see, this goes beyond Oridus. Already, the emperor has broken every damned treaty enacted, started war with smaller defenseless planets surrounding Oridus, and indiscriminately set to annihilate anyone who gets in his way. This includes the elderly, women, and children. The bastard doesn’t care who he murders. If the planet’s army he tries to overthrow resists, he forces them to join him by enslaving their families as hostages. The intel we have so far puts the army he amassed at well over two hundred thousand soldiers. That’s enough to march against Sanguine and give us some serious concerns. At the rate he is collecting forces, he could have a sizable amount of men at his disposal within months.”
    Councilman Farrow leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms in front of his chest. His features stern, he eyed Noor. “Emperor Agaci is the closest we’ve come to having someone potentially succeed in a coupe to overthrow the political rule of the eight planets who govern our sector to ensure peace continues within our galaxy territories. You understand we will not allow this to happen, and intend to stop his insane farce through whatever means necessary. Of course, the government has tried interplanetary sanctions, negotiations, but unfortunately, these techniques are useless with someone who is clearly disinterested in considering the proper rules of engagement to avoid a war.”
    Jenkins McGovern slammed his fist on the table. “The bastard wants a fight and damn it, we want to give it to him, but our hands are tied by the bureaucratic red tape that decries exhausting every possibility to bring the emperor under control without violence. And even then, the expectation is for us to sit on our hands and try to reason with a narcissistic maniac and talk till we’re blue in the face. What happened to the good old days where we kicked ass first and asked questions later? We’ve become too soft,” he grumbled.
    Councilman Farrow said, “I’m not in agreement with how our government wants to handle the situation, either. Where the emperor is concerned, it’s obvious more persuasive tactics are necessary, strong persuasion, maybe even war, but in taking such directions, we have to consider innocent lives are at stake on both sides. Also, it wouldn’t be wise to jump into a war without an exit plan. Besides, we are after the emperor, and that is our single target, for now.”
    “Sirs, if I may ask a question?” Noor said. He waited until all three men gave him their attention. “The file mentioned Emperor Agaci can only remain as