Empire of Bones Read Online Free

great deal of time in the Imperial Archives, for example. Are you researching something?”
    “Aren’t your spies following me? I figured they’d already told you what I’m looking into.”
    “Perhaps I should actually hire some. I’m certain there’s a conspiracy going on somewhere that I should know about.”
    She gave her father a stern look. “Don’t try to fool me. Everyone knows you have secret police to spy on everyone.”
    “Secret police? I had no idea.” He smiled. “Seriously, I haven’t felt the need to set my spies on you. I’m certain they have far more pressing matters requiring their attention. What have you been researching?”
    Kelsey crossed her legs. “If only it were something spies would be interested in. I’ve just been reading up on the old Empire. Speculation on what sparked the rebellion that led to the Fall. I wanted to see if I could find anything in the restricted stacks about it.”
    “Hmmm…The rebellion and the pre-Fall Terran Empire,” her father said, his eyes sharpening. “That is worthy of study. I seem to recall seeing quite a few new books on the shelves on the subject in the library. What’s driving this sudden interest?”
    “I read a first person account of the exploration mission Grandfather sent out. The book has been out for over a decade, but I missed it somehow. Maybe I was a little too young to be interested back then.” Or too distracted by her family situation.
    “It’s a fascinating story,” she said. “Imagine exploring the worlds of what used to be the Terran Empire. Finding the ruins of civilization. Searching for lost Terra. That kind of thing could excite anyone. You really should consider sending out another expedition.”
    He nodded thoughtfully. “That’s a good idea. I’ll look into it.”
    “You should. So, what is this mission that’s taking my half-brother away for so long?”
    “Well, that’s an interesting story—”
    The buzzer on her father’s console sounded. He tapped the screen. “Yes?”
    “I’m sorry to disturb you, Your Majesty. Commander Mertz has arrived at the first checkpoint.”
    “Send him up as soon as he’s in the Palace.”
    Her father stood. “I should go get dressed. I wouldn’t want to have you tell me what a disgrace I am for wearing this jacket to dinner again.” He pulled her into a hug and kissed her cheek. “Please, do try not to blame Jared for my actions.” A smile crept across his lips as he looked into her eyes. “See you in a bit.”
    Kelsey watched him leave and sighed. As much as she doubted she’d be any more comfortable with her half-brother, she’d try for her father’s sake. She headed for her room. She had just enough time to make herself presentable.
     

Chapter Three
     
     
    Jared exited his grav car at the secure parking lot just inside the security checkpoint. The Imperial Guardsmen then scanned his person completely. He knew better than to bring anything with him on these visits. That was an invitation to have it confiscated. These people made the security sweeps at Orbital One seem negligent. He sent his holiday gifts weeks in advance rather than bringing them himself.
    As the silent man in pressed whites ran a wand over him, Jared wondered what became of the gifts he gave his half siblings. They probably threw them out. Prince Ethan most likely burned his.
    The Imperial Family sent a combined gift, almost certainly picked out by his father. Usually something useful to a serving officer, though expensive.
    When he was a child, his mother regaled him with stories about when she worked in the Imperial Palace. He’d hung on to every word and dreamed of what he’d ever do if he met the Emperor.
    Of course, he’d had no idea just how well she’d known the ruler of the Empire.
    He’d graduated the regional Fleet academy and was taking his final acceptance physical here on Avalon. It was significantly more thorough than anything he’d gone through before, but he hadn’t