Any Price by Gail Faulkner Page A

The death of Alexander the First in his attempt at her rescue is the last public record, but it is not the last private record of her life. Our queen escaped the Mongolians and returned. Her lover was dead, his brother on the throne of both kingdoms, and she was pregnant. It was her own family who had made a deal with the Mongolians to have her and Alexander killed. Survival meant she must flee the reach of the current king and her own family.
    “My ancestor did not flee to the west with her because then everyone would know our queen lived. The bond between them was never broken though the connection in the way of our people could not be maintained. My ancestor and each succeeding generation have known your family survives. We did not know where or when we might find you, but we have always known you exist.
    “If you become very still and shut out other distractions, you will find you can feel the three of us.” Calm in the face of the shock from both Kenna and Lore, Yuri continued. “It’s not as if we can listen to what passes between the two of you. It’s totally separate from your communication. Yet if she wants, her highness can send her emotions or needs to any one of us.”
    Stunned silence followed Yuri’s explanation.
    After a moment Lore turned to Kenna. “Well? Can you feel them?” he questioned.
    “How should I know?” Kenna snapped, shocked he was focusing on the connection part of all that. “The very-still-and-quiet business hasn’t happened.”
    She was certain Lore’s agile mind would get to the really bad part of her being a “descendant” fast. Now was the time to get information from Yuri. He probably wouldn’t be answering her questions when she was in a cell. “What do you know of my family?”
    Yuri shrugged. “Nothing yet, my lady. You will tell us what you wish when you wish it. Our knowledge is limited, though perhaps we have a bit more comfort in this event than you and my lord. The connection grows? We are happy but surprised at how you affect us.”
    “Are you some secret society?” Lore demanded, choosing not to discuss what exactly was growing about the connection. His natural caution would not let him expose any part of this that might endanger Kenna.
    “Sir, we do not speak of it. If you were not the match to my lady, you might never have known of us. We are not a secret society as you are thinking. There is no agenda.”
    Lore stiffened. “Explain. I expect details.”
    “Sir, I will be happy to provide all the information I have. However, this ride does not afford us the time required. What I can tell you is my lady Kenna is the descendent of the last queen of Kersonov. There is no question of this.”
    Kenna glanced at Lore worriedly. “Yuri? Why are you convinced I am some relation to your lost queen?”
    “I am sorry to add to your burden. I know this because you affect everyone of your kind. Only a direct descendent of our lost queen could accomplish this.”
    “So, the link between Lore and me has something to do with the priestess?” Kenna pressed.
    “Your connection with my lord has nothing to do with a priestess. I used the priestess word only to try and explain the importance and unusualness of our kind’s abilities.”
    Lore took up the questions. “And your family is connected to Kenna how?”
    “Sir, my family has served her ladyship’s family since before recorded time.”
    Kenna paled visibly and shrank into the door of the car. “You don’t know me. You’ve never met me before.”
    “Please, my lady. I don’t wish to alarm you. You are tired and understandably concerned. This is not bad. Those of us who know you, who you really are, wish only to protect you. We are pleased that you have chosen to return.”
    “Are you listening to us somehow?” Kenna wanted to know.
    “No. We do not listen. We feel the result of your connection to the king. It is difficult to explain. Like a power plant switching on.”
    The limo pulled to a stop beside