Rebel Heart Read Online Free Page A

fists were clenched, her eyes blazed and he gave in almost told her.

 
    The words formed even as he squelched the desire to give her at least that much. "For all I know this room has ears as well. I don't dare speak any words that might bring our daughters harm or you for that matter. They are our heirs."

 
    "May I go to the gliders with them?" She pulled Tori close, giving her a hug, tears spilling from her eyes.

 
    The door opened and DeMontville's scribe stood in the opening.

 
    Tori strode to her father, "I will make you proud," she told him.

 
    Nessa's courage seemed to have wilted away. The tilt to her chin had vanished and her eyes were clouded with tears. DeMontville knew Nessa did not deserve purification or the punishment. He wrapped his arms around both girls, the moment so tender and desperate he knew he would hate himself into eternity for not being able to prevent this. Tori, on the other hand, there wasn't a doubt in his mind. She would have eventually come to this. Her lack of common sense coupled with her fiery temper would have placed her in a compromising situation. He only hoped the good sisters at the convent would find a way to calm her temper and help her think rationally in every situation.

 
    He stepped back, "Did anyone check their luggage?" He was suddenly concerned Tori might take something she shouldn't.

 
    "Whatever for?" Tori asked.

 
    "You did understand you were to bring nothing with you save your clothing and a few personal items. Everything else will be provided for you. And you, Tori, were expressly forbidden your research."

 
    "My bag was searched and no contraband was found," Tori said with an indignant air about her.

 
    "And Nessa's?" he asked.

 
    "My baggage passed inspection also," Nessa said.

 
    "Are you satisfied?" Tori asked.

 
    "Tori, don't be so hard on father. We will survive and we will be stronger for the adventure."

 
    DeMontville laughed. "I would have expected Tori to think on this as an adventure not you Nessa."

 
    "I'm trying to look on the positive side."

 
    "There is nothing positive about purification," Lady DeMontville said. It is an archaic and brutal means of keeping diseases from infiltrating the cities."

 
    "Seems a bit strange that we have to be purified in order to leave," Tori said.

 
    "You must go through the cleansing process because you reentered the city. It should have been done that very day but I, like the fool I am, tried to prevent it from happening."

 
    "Sir."

 
    "Quentin Morray and five others just set their gliders down in the terminal."

 
    He thought the day was as bad as it was going to get, but now with Morray in the terminal, all hell could brake lose.

 
    "Thank you."

 
    Lady DeMontville's face had just turned a ghostly shade of grey. She knew how dangerous that man was to the twins. Trust no one.

 
    "I would like five guards sent to my office before we take the train to the terminal. Keep me informed."

 
    "Jonathan," DeMontville said, surprised to see him. Jonathan Reese was a cousin to his twins and a renowned debater. He was overjoyed to see someone he could trust turn up at his door at this moment. Trust no one... He would be wise to remember that even with Jonathan. Every man had his own agenda be it good or bad.

 
    "I brought four of the city guards. They are friends of mine. I too was in the terminal when Morray showed up there with his entourage. I don't believe in coincidence. So when I heard your request, I volunteered for the assignment. I would like to see my two little cousins make it to their destinations safe and sound."

 
    "Then let us be on our way. We have one stop before we board the train."

 
    "The chambers?"

 
    "Yes."

 
    "Are they prepared?"

 
    "They know what will happen if that is what you mean. But I doubt if anyone can truly be ready for such a fate."

 
    "I am ready. You don't have to talk as if we aren't here," Tori said. "I've been told that while the