THE LAST SECRET KEEPER Secret Keeper series books 1-4

CHAPTER 10

The blazing heat from the blacksmith's forge wasn't helping matters, Lanecea roasting beneath her black cloak as Storm held her, pressed firmly against his side. It would likely be inappropriate for him to carry her upon his shoulders, and besides, her belly was far too large for that now. Lanecea's senses were heightened as she listened to Storm teach their children about the art of forging weapons, a skill she believed all men should learn but it was the flexing of his muscles that was wreaking havoc on her mind, the woman aware of every heartbeat as she remained protected within his embrace. Although surrounded by her enemies, they would have to take down Storm to get to her.

That knowledge and her deep trust in Storm didn't prevent Lani from jumping out of her skin as a cardinal approached, nodding discretely at the pale woman before sliding a folded note against the palm of her hand then continued down the dirt path, market booths on either side. Lanecea was already glued to Storm's side, but she pressed closer to him, if that were possible, the warmth from his body seeping through her embroidered gown. 

Llia had no interest in the blacksmith, passing out her allotted coins to children as they passed by, clutching their parent's hand regardless if they were poor or not. The children smiled at the princess before their parents led them away each group heading toward the Vatican.

Lanecea discretely slipped the piece of paper into Storm's hand before turning her attention away from the muscular blacksmith and his beautifully crafted weapons, the woman constantly on the lookout for vampires, of which there were plenty in the market, their soulless eyes meeting hers from behind their stalls. 

"It is odd, don't you think, that they should be selling relics of saints?" Lanecea lowered her voice so only Minerva was able to hear her. "You'd think it would burn their skin."

"Not when they are forgeries," Minerva settled the matter, discreetly eyeing the vampires who attempted to fit in with the crowds of merchants before she turned her attention to Storm. "Your Majesty, I would like to show the children the relics on display at that booth. I believe they will also be selling penance..."

"What's penance?" Reaghan reached for the goddess' hand as Storm nodded in agreement, allowing Minerva to lead the way from the blacksmith's stall.

"People purchase penance for a fee with the promise that it will release their loved ones from purgatory sooner."

"What's purgatory?"

Thorson grinned at Lani, the young man experiencing purgatory at that very moment as he was unable to have physical contact with the queen without drawing attention.

Minerva shook her head, reading Thoron's straying thoughts. His struggle to focus all morning was something she would bring up to his father later, the young man's education far more important to the goddess than his carnal needs.

"Purgatory is where the Catholics believe souls go after they die to make up for their mistakes on earth before they are granted entry into heaven. These con artists are swindling people from their money as they prey on their consciences. Of course, they would give every last cent if it meant they could free their loved ones from torment sooner. Before we reach the booth, I want you to pay close attention to the objects they claim are the relics of the saints - remnants of the apostle's bodies, a piece of Jesus' robe from his crucifixion, you name it, they have it."

Minerva really enjoyed teaching the children, leading Revna and Reagan by their hands to the booth, Llia still focused more on passing out the coins in the pouch that matched her gown.

"I'm here," Storm assured Lanecea as they stopped directly in front of the vampire, her man pulling her in front of his body instead of his side as their family examined the vampire's wares.