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

leader of Oridus until the next Intended and heir to the thrown is born. It is Oridus law, one upheld by the guardians and the nation of people. This referendum was put in place to prevent exactly what Emperor Agaci is attempting,” he said. He paused. “There was a mention of a distant relative with child who resides just outside the boundaries of Nexudus. If the child was immediately ordained, it would thwart the emperor’s power. Doesn’t this mean the guardians could take over leadership until the child came of age?”
    The men exchanged glances.
    “We just learned last evening the mother and boy were slaughtered while they slept. Even the women’s three young daughters were murdered. I assume the emperor wanted to be thorough,” Jenkins McGovern muttered.
    “If you know this, why can’t he be arrested for treason against Oridus and dethroned? It seems a simple solution, albeit I know it is not, but you understand where I’m coming from,” Noor said. He looked at Abacus DeFornay for validation.
    The guardian’s tone sounded solemn, attesting to his distress. “Before the empress met her untimely death, she entrusted certain details about the emperor to me, as I mentioned before. For obvious reasons, I haven’t shared this information with the other guardians because I don’t know who to trust. If I tried to gain any other confidences, it could mean my death. The emperor is lacing many pockets with ducats and promises of power in his new order. Should he succeed, no one wants to be on the losing side, Mr. Rynoir.”
    He asked a question out of curiosity or maybe to validate a gut feeling he had about guardian DeFornay. “Sir, if you don’t mind me asking, why did you risk your life to come to Sanguine and ask for assistance, knowing it could mean your death if the emperor finds out?”
    The guardian gave a faint smile as he studied the skyline through the open blinds. “The empress and I had become confidants after her marriage to the emperor. Her life wasn’t easy, and she looked to me for counseling on important matters and over time, to provide solace during her darkest days.”
    Noor nodded, understanding. Abacus DeFornay clearly had a fondness for the empress that went beyond proper protocol. “Tell me what you are not saying.” He scanned the group of men, perceptively letting them know he was done with chitchat and wanted facts. If he was going to put his butt on the line, they owed him the truth.
    Councilman Farrow said, “Yesterday we learned of an interesting development. There is a woman who exists who can bear the next Intended child. So far, Emperor Agaci doesn’t seem to know about her and we want to keep it that way. We need to move on her with haste.”
    Noor turned shifted his attention to Jenkins McGovern. “We suspect the emperor has spies within our government, but we can’t prove it. This woman’s life could be in jeopardy, even as we speak. She needs to be secured and brought to Sanguine as quickly as possible.”
    It seemed simple enough. However, he wasn’t foolish enough to believe there was anything uncomplicated about retrieving the woman and placing her into protective custody or he wouldn’t be sitting here in front of some of the most powerful figures of Sanguine discussing how to manage the task. Noor felt an uneasy feeling creeping into his gut as he reminded himself of the men and their positions in the room.
    Noor shifted in his chair, leaned forward, and rested his elbows on the table. “Give it to me straight.” He didn’t direct his request to anyone in particular and waited on one to drop the bombshell.
    Councilman Farrow met his stare. “As far as we know, the woman is clueless about her heritage. She has no idea she’s of royal blood, and certainly isn’t aware she is a key player —the only one who can bring down the emperor.”
    “We can suffice to say she knows nothing about this matter, planet Oridus, Sanguine…or that we exist.”
    Noor’s