Royal Obsession (Shadow Assassins 1) Read online

  * * * * *

  Charlotte paced the training hall in the Conservatory, her footfalls absorbed by the springy floor. What was taking so long? She glanced at the high, arched doorway leading to the mediation chamber and heaved an audible sigh. The Seeker Circle had convened hours ago. Usually these rituals produced results within minutes.

  “The wedding guests have either departed or joined the search,” Saebin said as she came up beside Charlotte.

  Consumed by worry, Charlotte hadn’t heard her approach. “I’m sorry this tainted the wedding, but we’re grateful for all the support.”

  “They are the first daughters of the Royal House of Aune. This affects all of us. The honeymoon charter just left. It took some convincing to talk Crystal into leaving, but Lyric wouldn’t let her stay.”

  “I’m glad. Every disruption is another victory for these lunatics.” Charlotte slipped her hands into the pockets of her tailored pants, longing for Tal’s embrace. “I’ve negotiated interplanetary treaties without breaking a sweat, but this…”

  “Involves two of your children. It’s a completely different kind of stress.” Saebin glanced toward the meditation chamber. “How long have they been at it?”

  “Too long.”

  “What have they learned while Lyrik and I were debating with the bride?”

  “Not much. The girls are safe, as yet unharmed, or so E’Lanna claims. Tal said he sensed a slight deception, as if she was hiding something. They’re being held underground, but the room she showed him was lit by firestones.”

  “Then they’re still on Ontariese.”

  “It’s likely they’re still here, but firestones can be modified to work off world.”

  Saebin rubbed her forehead, and Charlotte noticed the purple shadows under her eyes. Did she look as tired as her half-sister? Probably worse.

  The chamber doors swung open, and six robed Mystics filed out. Tal moved immediately to her side. Charlotte’s heart sank when she saw his frustrated expression.

  “Her signal is being distorted.” His long dark hair coiled tightly, revealing his agitation. “We repeated the cycle three times, and the same thing happened each time. We followed the link until it scattered, fragmented into hundreds of entwined threads.”

  “What does that mean?” Saebin asked.

  “I’ve never seen anything like it. I’ve encountered powerful shields that wouldn’t allow us to proceed, but this was different. Something, or someone, was interfering with her signal, modulating it so drastically that it was unrecognizable.”

  “Will my gift help? I’ve never participated in a Seeker Circle, but I’m obviously willing to try.” Charlotte clenched and unclenched her hands. She had to do something, anything. If she didn’t distract her mind, she’d go crazy.

  “The Seeker Circle worked. Locating her signal is not the problem. We must decipher the distortion or find another way to track her. Lord Drakkin is searching the Wisdom of the Ages to see if he can find reference to this phenomenon. Lor is going to take me to the exact location where the abductions took place. Sometimes strong emotions will leave a concentrated trail.”

  “Did you get them to admit how far it’s gone?” Charlotte asked.

  Saebin’s brow furrowed, but she waited for Tal to answer.

  “Zane and E’Lanna are lovers and have been for some time. Lor admitted to flirting with Echo, but they exchanged nothing more intimate than a kiss.”

  “And Zane is still alive after this admission?” Saebin asked.

  “His commander was there to pull me off him, or he might not have survived.”

  Saebin smiled. “Trey has always been fond of Zane. Are you opposed to a match between E’Lanna and Zane?”

  “I can’t think beyond this crisis,” Tal insisted. “All the complications will have to wait until we’ve rescued the twins.”