Julia Latham League of the Blade 01 Thrill of The Knight

Archiwum

[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]

began as little tremors, but turned into shudders of pain as he closed the
door
behind him.
Though her throat was tight from suppressing her tears, she would not cry
again.
It was time to grow up, to understand that responsibility and duty were what
mattered. She could think of no other way to protect her people to protect
Page 154
ABC Amber Palm Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcpalm.html
John except by marrying Bannaster. Putting it off would serve no purpose.
But she felt as fragile as glass, ready to shatter if anyone touched her.
John s
last caress had almost sent her over the edge. She wanted to beg him to take
her
with him, but in the end, her resolve had held, and she could have some pride
in
that.
She knew she loved him; this was a real, adult love, not the girlhood fantasy
she d always imagined she d wanted. It had to be real, because giving it up
hurt
like someone had plunged a sword into her heart. Not telling him of her love
hurt the worst of all.
She washed herself with cold water, then dressed with deliberate care,
wishing
she could wear one of her own gowns. She had to look her best.
Because she knew what had to be done.
Chapter 24
G etting out of the castle proved far easier than getting in. The sun was
setting; servants were returning home to their villages. People streamed out,
and soldiers didn t bother to search them.
John wore his cloak and hunched his shoulders, walking slower rather than
quickly. Soon enough he was out in the open countryside, where it was easy to
fade into a copse of trees and away from the villagers.
He found his horse waiting for him in Rachel s paddock, and he quietly
saddled
it and left. As true night was descending, he reached the military
encampment.
Many fires dotted the meadow. On the outskirts he gave the call of a skylark,
and Ogden and Parker appeared on either side of him.
They led him to where Philip was gnawing the last meat from a bone. He waved
it
jauntily.
John put his hands on his hips. Elizabeth has decided to marry Bannaster.
Philip tossed the bone into the fire and rose to his feet. That might mean
taking your babe into the enemy s household.
John frowned.
Philip put up both hands. As if I didn t notice the time you were spending
alone with her? I could hardly think you would keep your hands to yourself.
John turned to Parker and Ogden. Summon Sir Jasper and his soldiers
immediately. The wedding is supposed to take place in the morning.
You mean to attack? Philip asked in disbelief. Lady Elizabeth doesn t
want
Grimly, John said, For once, she s not the one in command.
Elizabeth knocked on Bannaster s door the door to what had been her parents
suite. It was opened by the man s squire, who gaped at her, then stepped back
so
that Bannaster, lounging in a chair near the fire, could see her.
Bannaster gave her a slow grin. You can tell your mistress that sending you
here to plead for her will not work. The wedding will take place in the
morning.
I am here on my own behalf, she said simply, trusting in the mystery of her
words.
Bannaster cocked his head. Then he nodded at his squire, who stepped out into
the corridor, closing the door once Elizabeth had gone inside. She remained
still, not even frightened, feeling calm and in control. That was all she
needed
to get through each day.
Bannaster slowly rose to his feet and came toward her. He was not as tall as
Page 155
ABC Amber Palm Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcpalm.html
John, but he was formidable, a man used to power. Instead of stopping before
her, he walked about her as if on an inspection.
Before her once again, he took her chin in his fingers and lifted it. She
stepped back.
No touching? he said, wearing a half-smile. Is that not what you came here
for?
She removed her wimple and his smile faded as her hair, which she d brushed to
a
lustrous sheen, fell down in long curls about her body.
When Bannaster spoke again, his voice was husky. Seducing me will not stop
me
from marrying your mistress either.
I don t wish to stop the wedding, she said. But you will not be marrying
the
woman in the tower. You ll be marrying me.
He started to laugh, but it faded away in his confusion. Why would your
mistress think I would accept a maidservant in the place of an heiress?
Because I am not a maidservant. I am Lady Elizabeth Hutton.
Nicely done, he scoffed.
She went on as if she hadn t heard him. I exchanged places with my
maidservant
so that I could devise a method to thwart your plans. But I could not, so now
I
surrender to save my people.
He stared at her in disbelief. Tell your mistress that I will not be tricked
into marrying someone else.
Tis no trick, my lord. You have won; you have defeated me. Ask me any
questions concerning my parents or the betrothal you are vowing to see
nullified.
You could have been taught what to say.
Ask anyone, far and wide, about my identity. I have struggled every day to
keep
it from you and from your servants. My sisters even arrived while you were
gone,
and I had to send them away. Did you not say that your revelation about Lord
Russell s identity came from Rodmarton Castle? And that day you drunkenly
tried
to force yourself on me
I did not try to
Did you not see how my people rallied to defend me? There was no fire in
that
kitchen, except the one started by my cook.
He looked confused and troubled.
Did you never ask anyone what I looked like? she asked.
Lady Elizabeth has the reputation as a beautiful, fair-haired maiden.
And what color hair has the woman in the tower? It is certainly not fair.
His eyes suddenly glittered as his face went pale. If you are lying to me, I
will discover it easily on the morrow, before the wedding.
He stalked toward her, and she moved, keeping furniture between them.
It will be a relief for my people to cease pretending to ignore me.
She wasn t sure why he was so positive he would know the truth in the
morning,
but she didn t care. Now she had to stop what he might try in his anger.
He reached for her, but she danced aside, keeping away from the bed.
You must stop this harassment at once, my lord, she said firmly.
And why should I? I ve been lied to, made a fool of. Those people down below
have been laughing at me all along.
They do not consider this a laughing matter, but one of life and death mine,
as
well as theirs, should they be caught. They offered up their silence for me
Page 156
ABC Amber Palm Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcpalm.html
out
of loyalty. And they will be loyal to you, if the king makes you earl.
If?
There is no guarantee. The betrothal contract stipulates that the next earl
will be the Russell heir.
And I ve proven how worthless he is. You should be glad I rid the castle of
such a coward.
But it was obvious he didn t believe his own words. John had been the
superior
swordsman in their battle. Bannaster tossed aside the stool between them.
I have conditions before I marry you, Lord Bannaster.
He threw back his head and laughed. Ah, leave it to you to lighten the
moment.
I will make you an excellent wife. I will manage your castles, be devoted in
public, and produce heirs.
And my part will be& ? he said sarcastically.
That you do not touch me until our wedding night. And you must promise no [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]

zanotowane.pl

doc.pisz.pl

pdf.pisz.pl

himalia.xlx.pl