His Highness the Duke (28 page)
Read His Highness the Duke Online
Authors: Michelle M. Pillow
Tags: #Romance, #Paranormal, #Supernatural, #Shapeshifter, #Arranged Marriage, #space ship, #Dragon Lords 5, #dragon shifter
It wasn‘t odd for the spirits to disagree, especially if they‘d disagreed in life, but
Jin didn‘t like the almost desperate look on his great-grandmother‘s face.
―Enough!‖ Emperor Zhang demanded. Both women jumped.
―But death, Grandmother?‖ Jin repeated, not wanting his elders to fight. ―Do you
really think that—?‖
―She was caught in the act,‖ An argued. A slow smile spread over her features.
―The crime of attempted theft may not be enough for such a sentence, but the fact that
she used the ancient form of Wushu when doing it would be. Long ago, it was declared
illegal. For the safety of the people, those who practice must be put to death. We cannot
risk its teachings being passed on. Read the scrolls, they will tell you. Law is the law.‖
―And I am emperor, not you,‖ his father answered.
An‘s lips pressed tightly together. Jin took a deep breath. He didn‘t know much
about the Wushu Uprisings, except what he had read about in the ancient scrolls and he
didn‘t remember the death law An spoke of.
―There are many things for us to consider,‖ his father said at last. The emperor
ran his fingers over his mustache, looping a long piece over his forefinger. He pulled his
hand down, stroking the long whiskers before patting them against his chest. ―If she is
gifted in Wushu as you say, we must find out how she learned. If her master taught one
person, he could‘ve taught more.‖ Turning to his son, he continued, ―I leave it to you to
discover what we must from your bride. For now you must be attentive to her. Show
the people that you were serious in your word. And, if the courts deem her guilty and
she is put to death, you will go into mourning for her. I am sorry, my son, but there was
a reason you were guided to do as you did. It might not be for marriage, but to watch
her and discover her secrets. If she was hired to take the jade, we must know by whom.
And if she truly practices Wushu, we need to know who trained her.‖
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Michelle M. Pillow
―This is ridiculous,‖ An protested. ―We should be rid of her at once. If my son
wouldn‘t have interfered, she would be tried and hung for her crimes.‖
―No offense, Grandmother, but the world belongs to the living.‖ The empress
studied the woman with a calm expression. ―Your duty is to guide, not to dictate.‖
An‘s already translucent features paled and dimmed. A sensation of anger
washed over Jin. His great-grandmother was upset by his mother‘s harsh words. If he
didn‘t know better, he would have said her eyes teared. ―Very well, my child. See how
well you fare without my guidance in this.‖
With a strong gust of wind, the woman dissipated into thin air, leaving them
alone. Jin wasn‘t worried. The spirit might be angry now, but she would come back. She
always did.
―You should not have said that to her,‖ Emperor Zhang said to his wife. ―I know
you are upset with her, but she is still our elder and we must respect the dead.‖
―And why shouldn‘t I remind her of her place? The woman is dead and yet she
intrudes in our lives like she is still ruler of this house. Her guidance is welcome, but I
will not be dictated to. The sooner she learns that, the sooner this will be a peaceful
household. She had her time of rule, this is ours.‖ The empress turned to her son. ―Jin,
this argument is not for your ears. You are a good man, my son. You are wise and we
trust you to do what you must. Right now your duty is to introduce yourself to your
bride.‖
Placing fist to palm, Jin bowed. His mother was right and he would do what he
must. As he walked from the hall, he glanced around for his grandfather‘s spirit. The
old man was nowhere to be found.
Thank you reading The Raven Books. We hoped you enjoyed this extended first chapter excerpt
from Michelle M. Pillow. Zhang Dynasty: Seduction of the Phoenix is available in ebook and in
print from www.TheRavenBooks.com.
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His Highness The Duke
Novels by Michelle M. Pillow Checklist
Futuristic
Dragon Lords
The Barbarian Prince
The Perfect Prince
The Dark Prince
The Warrior Prince
His Highness the Duke
The Stubborn Lord – Coming 2012
Book 6-8 – Coming 2013
Lords of the Var
The Savage King
The Perfect Prince
The Bound Prince
The Rogue Prince
The Pirate Prince
Zhang Dynasty
Seduction of the Phoenix
Temptation of the Butterfly
Space Lords
Frost Maiden
Fire‘s Maiden – Coming Soon
Galaxy Playmates
Sapphire
Diamond
Quartz
Xena
Red Light Specialists
Alternative Reality
Divinity Series
Lilith Enraptured
Fighting Lady Jayne
Taking Karre
Keeping Paige
Ariella‘s Keeper
187
Michelle M. Pillow
Last Man on Earth
Paranormal
Lords of the Abyss Series
Mighty Hunter
Commanding the Tides
Captive of the Deep
Call of the Lycan Series
Call of the Sea
Call of the Untamed
Call of Temptation
Pleasure Cruise Series
Pleasure Cruise
Date with Destiny
Pleasure Island
Ghost Cats Series
Animal Instinct
Carnal Instinct
Primal Instinct – Coming Soon
Faire Justice
Good with His Hands
Portrait of His Obsession
Scorched Destiny
Portrait of the Night
Silk
Dark Paranormal
Tribes of the Vampire
Redeemer of Shadows
The Jaded Hunter
Eternally Bound
Contemporary
Matthews Sisters
Bit by the Bug
Along for the Ride
Recipe for Disaster
Degrees of Passion
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His Highness The Duke
Fierce Competition
Opposites Attract
Mountain‘s Captive
Christmas Curse
Historical
Maiden & the Monster
Emerald Knight
Pride & Prejudice: The Wild & Wanton Edition
Historical Paranormal
Naughty Cupid Trilogy
Cupid‘s Enchantment
Cupid‘s Revenge
Cupid‘s Favor
Portrait of His Obsession
Fantasy
Realm Immortal Series
King of the Unblessed
Faery Queen
Stone Queen
Anthologies
Talons: Seize the Hunter
Stop Dragon My Heart Around
Sex in the Office
Black Lace Quickies 5
Taming Him
Prisoner of Love
Lady Jaided Paranormal Passions
Nonfiction
The Write Ingredients Cookbook
Young Adult Titles writing as Naomi Kalling
www.NaomiKalling.com
For a complete, up-to-date list, visit www.MichellePillow.com
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