Broken Forest: Book One of the Daath Chronicles by Eliza Tilton Page B

Jeslyn said, looking around. “She’s always talked about Daath.”
    “Then you must stay and bring her here. It’s the least I can do for the horrible way you were treated. If, by the ball, you still do not accept my proposal, I will not force you to stay.”
    “It’s very kind of you, but…”
    “Will you not give me a chance?”
    Her fingers tapped against her thighs. I held my composure, playing the dashing lord.
    “You are most gracious, but this is not my home.”
    “I understand, and again, I apologize for the kidnapping. If you can wait until after the ball, I will personally escort you home, if that is what you truly desire.”
    She glanced at the fountain, then at the roses sprouting from the nearby bushes. “How soon can we send word to my family?”
    “You can script a letter to them tonight and at dawn I will send my fastest courier. He would arrive faster than we could travel.”
    She breathed in, then faced me. “Very well. I will stay for the ball, but I cannot promise you anything more.”
    I smiled, knowing she would give me so much more.

The twelve members of The Council sat around a black table debating our next move. The Eldest of the order, Eldesar, spoke.
    “It is time,” he said, “for you to retreat from Daath and return to Mirth.”
    “Retreat?” I said. “I have invested over a century in that place!”
    Eldesar raised his hand. “This is not a discussion. We have made our decision. Your carelessness has brought too many wondering eyes. We will not risk all we have accomplished to appease your hobbies.”
    I folded my hands, trying to contain the fury boiling within me. Teeth clenched, I said, “I was following this Council’s orders to find a bride.”
    “You could have taken a female from Daath,” said the elder across from me. “That’s what you should have done!”
    “Enough,” Eldesar said. “You will present this bride to the nobles at the ball. This marriage is for appearance. The nobles would find it odd that a young lord of your age would be unwed. There will be much talk amongst the lands once Daath is revealed. We must tread carefully. You’re absence in Daath will be reported as special business. It has been too long since you visited our people. This visit will remind you of your duties.”
    No one understood the plan better than I. “Eldesar, my awakening is fast approaching. I will leave after my ritual is complete. Preparations have already begun.”
    Eldesar regarded me from under his hooded cloak. He was an ancient, wise beyond years and older than any of the other members. It was no secret he disliked me, but that hatred traced beyond me, back to when my father was a prince on this Council.
    “We have found the humans who attacked your men. They will be disposed of shortly. Complete your ritual and then return home,” Eldesar said, arousing unified agreements.
    “We will meet again in seven days.” Eldesar lifted his dreary hand and flicked a dismissal at the group. “Leave.”
    I rose and he pointed at me. “Not you.”
    Holding back my annoyance, I sat down.
    “Do you know how we stay in power?” he asked.
    “Because we are the superior race,” I stated.
    “Wrong. Patience.”
    “Patience?” I said in surprise.
    “Yes, our vision takes time.”
    “Why not now? With our technology and magic we could easily wipe the humans out.”
    “A war with the humans would cause great destruction on this planet. No, our current plan is the only way. Once our people are in the right places of power we can begin the transition. The humans will have no choice but to serve or die. This planet is the key to our survival.”
    He paused and pulled back his hood. Power emanated from his black eyes and dark green scales covered his skin. He spoke in the ancient tongue. “Your fascination with their females is becoming troublesome. I expect you to end your obsession. Be careful of your next actions, very careful, or your reign in Daath will be over.” He