Exile Read Online Free

painfully aware of that, Indigo. I’ve never been under any illusions of obedience from you. For a woman, you have proven to be rather…” he picked at some imaginary bit of dust on one sleeve, “… independent. You are your father’s child. No one could keep him from doing anything he felt strongly about either.”
    That dark gaze considered her and she was reminded of her father’s eyes. On rare occasion, she could see the family resemblance. Those flickers of physical similarity were the only likenesses between Theron and his late brother. Where her father had possessed a vile temper, she had never heard Theron so much as raise his voice. Theron dedicated his life to the service of the king, most often acting as a royal emissary to handle delicate political situations. Her father had died trying to abolish the king’s slave trade with Lyra. They were so very different it was hard to believe they had grown up together.
    Theron heaved a sigh and glanced down into his wine, ending the mutual silence. “Sometimes I wish you were my son.”
    A feeling of warmth infused her at his words and she smiled to show her appreciation of the sentiment. From him, there probably was no greater compliment, especially considering that he had three sons, all of whom had followed whatever path in life proved easiest, seeking recognition through their father’s name rather than their own accomplishments. His remark betrayed his approval of her determination, despite frequent attempts to convince her to act in a manner more befitting a lady.
    “Thank you,” she said.
    He shrugged off her gratitude. “You will return to your schooling soon.”
    It was a statement, not a question, and she understood that he would press her in that. It was one thing to endanger her social status with the dissolution of her engagement. There was little chance of him fighting that knowing Jayce had hurt her before and would do worse given the chance. Theron would not tolerate her falling down in her training as a healer, however, especially given how skilled she had proven to be. Status as an accomplished healer could earn her a stable place in society without marrying a man of rank, though she didn’t doubt he was already searching out new prospects for her.
    She gave a slight nod, glancing with a spark of apprehension at the scroll sitting on the table beside her. It was a request from Headmaster Serivar for her to attend him at her earliest convenience in his offices at the Caithin Healers Academy. The missive had arrived three weeks ago. So far, it had not suited her to go see him. She convinced Master Healer Siddael, who had led the healers in the campaign to help Yiloch overthrow his father, to approve a leave of absence from her schooling for a month after their return from Lyra. It had been easy to do. He was so impressed with her healing skills during their time in Lyra that he allowed her the same time off for recovery that the more senior healers from the campaign received.
    “You know more than many of your peers already,” Siddael had said. “If we hold you back a little, they may feel less threatened by you.”
    There would be much catching up to do, but a smile touched her lips at the thought of Headmaster Serivar waiting on her convenience.
    “Yes. I’m going to speak with the headmaster this afternoon.”
    “I’m glad to hear it.” He set his empty goblet on the table and rose from the chair. “You’ve had your adventure. It’s time now for you to turn your attention back to your future. If I can be of assistance…”
    She detected the smallest hint of discouragement behind the offer. He would provide her anything she needed, she knew, and he respected her more because she asked for almost nothing. The offer was given so that he could appreciate her refusal.
    She stood to walk him out. “Thank you, Uncle, but I am fine.”
    The satisfaction in his smile reinforced the correctness of her answer. “So you always are, dearest