The Rising King Read Online Free

version of the flamboyant style my dad picked for his soldiers. I refused the shiny, look-at-me hardware and settled for dark gray soft-as-butter leather with antique brushed-silver buttons. “How long have they been out there?”
    “A little over three hours.”
    I grow still and stare at her in disbelief. Why didn’t she tell me sooner? “Teag’s under attack and you just let me sleep?”
    “They haven’t attacked yet, and you needed rest.”
    “But I’m the heir to Teag’s throne. Doesn’t that mean something?”
    “Of course it does.”
    I have no doubt Kera is the only one to think so. It’s obvious no one else wants me here. My position is clear. The bulk of my dad’s magic won’t be given to him until he can be trusted not to go psycho on a Norman Bates level, which means as the heir to Teag, I’m supposed to have final say on everything. Clearly I don’t. Even though the council didn’t like the idea of me being co-regent, my father insisted and not because he’d suddenly gone all proud-daddy on me. He insisted because he wants to keep the power in the family. Allowing someone else in the position would be asking for a coup while he’s powerless.
    All that I understand. What I don’t get is Kera. Lately she could teach Lucinda a thing or two about being overprotective.
    Kera rakes her teeth against her lower lip. “You’re not happy with me.”
    I have no doubt my face reflects my irritation. “We’ll talk about this later. Right now I need to know what’s going on. Why aren’t they attacking?”
    “Wyatt believes they are afraid of the Ruined City, at how sections can collapse almost instantly. They risk losing too many men if that happens.”
    Wyatt’s instincts are good, and he’d been instrumental in defeating Jason. It’s why Kera’s dad and even mine allowed Wyatt—a stranger from the human realm—to lead Teag’s army after so many of its leaders were killed.
    Bringing Wyatt into Teag had been a last-minute decision, one I’m glad I made. It takes me and that crazy human to curtail my dad’s love for spectacle, which hasn’t been easy. After Jason’s death, my dad had the council magically rebuild portions of the city in ways that seem over the top, especially the coliseum. Its Roman design with frescoes of death and magical mayhem have raised quite a few eyebrows. When questioned, good ol’ Dad said it was built for games and “other pursuits.” Nothing more.
    It’s those “other pursuits” that’s got more than me a little worried. It’s no secret my dad is power-hungry. He’s gotten to where he is by being a tyrant, and though he’s trying to change, it hasn’t been easy.
    “There’s more,” she warns. “The council has interfered again, leaving us unprepared to deal with an attack. Wyatt is furious.”
    I sling my sword across my back. “Why am I not surprised?” I take Kera’s hand and pull her through the door and into a long hall, down a flight of stairs, and through several rooms until we enter a massive room that’s buzzing with activity.
    Signe, Kera’s best friend, spots us immediately. She darts through the crowd, her red curls bouncing around her face and her full skirts floating around her legs, until she reaches Kera. “Where have you been? We’ve had an influx of refugees who’ve been attacked by Dark Souls and could use your healing talent.” Her gaze flashes to me and she leans near Kera and whispers, “Is he okay?”
    “I’m not sure,” Kera whispers back. “He looks all right, but who can really say? He’s been through a lot.”
    “Humans are so fragile.” They both toss me a quick, pitying glance and shake their heads.
    “I can hear you, you know. And I’m not all human. I’m fine.”
    Kera pats my arm like I’m completely deluding myself. “Of course you are.”
    I sigh and push a strand of dark hair out of her eyes and draw my fingers down the side of her neck. She has the softest skin…
    I’m perfectly willing to