The Sword Unbroken - SAMPLE CHAPTERS

Chapter Three Part II

Etiana was not pleased with his scheming. She attempted to squash the conversation several times, but Rerdas kept at it. It was far too good of an opportunity to pass up. Umber's affection opened an unexpected pathway to the kind of power, protection and onyx they had not possessed since Aunt Uralta had fallen ill.

He enlisted the help of their closest family friend in his efforts, one of the only people in Kirinoll who knew the full scope of their desperate situation. Earl Dantin Heckly was one of Uralta's oldest and most loyal friends. He had proved himself their ally time and time again.

Heckly was a portly figure with a trim white mustache bristling over his thin lips. He came from a family of modest holdings, but since taking control of his father's trading businesses, he had acquired substantial wealth and an even more valuable network of contacts. Yet even with all his means and interesting friends, he spent his most contented nights in the warmth of the Toriem cottage. Rerdas thought Heckly's favorite activity might be sitting back and watching him spar with his damned obstinate cousin.

"Dantin," Rerdas began, stretching an arm toward the Earl opposite him, "Etiana will not listen to reason. We have a priceless opportunity within our grasp—"

He was interrupted by an irritable snort from his cousin. "You're a fool, Rerdas. And I won't have you make me into one too!"

"What is it?" Heckly asked. Hammond swooped up beside him to refill his mug with fresh tea.

"I was on a hunting trip with His Highness—"

"The trip with the yarrow buck?" Dantin asked.

"Who told you about that?" Rerdas yelped. His cheeks stung with a mortified flush.

"Oh, I can't remember...one of the ladies, I think. I'm glad to hear you didn't kill the damn thing. I was in a panic when she started telling me that story. But don't worry. Most of the prince's companions think it was funny."

"Wonderful," Rerdas said miserably. Etiana grinned at him, and he narrowed his eyes. "But that's not what I was going to tell you about. I spoke with the Duke of Umber after the hunt, and he seemed especially interested in Etiana."

"Oh, blessed Eternals, would you leave the goddamn Duke of Umber alone?" Etiana snapped.

"How did you discover this interest?" Heckly's bushy eyebrows shot up his forehead.

"He brought her up numerous times, and then invited us to his next ball!"

"There is not the slightest possibility that the Duke of Umber is interested in me. I met him once, and it was ages ago," Etiana said.

"You may have made an impression, my dear," Heckly said. "And Rerdas is right. This is a great opportunity, if handled correctly."

Rerdas grinned triumphantly, slapping his open palms on the table.

Etiana ignored him. "Dantin, you can't seriously think that the duke would even consider marrying me! To throw myself at him would make me the laughing stock of the entire court!"

"Well..." Heckly trailed off. He pressed his lips together and exchanged a knowing glance with Rerdas.

"Nobody said you had to marry him Etiana," Rerdas said. "Just...make him happy."

"You idiots want me to be his mistress?" Etiana screeched.

"He's one of the most powerful men in Kirinoll. He'd be an invaluable patron," Rerdas countered. "And it's a better plan than risking everything on a sullen battleboxer far past his prime."

"Consider it this way, Etiana. Even if you don't sleep with him, you can still earn the Duke's favor. It is immensely valuable to be within the shadow of his protection. Things are shifting quickly in the Queen's palace...and no one seems to know exactly what she and that awful advisor are up to," Heckly said. His nose wrinkled distastefully at the mention of Advisor Yadi.