The Bride and the Brute

A Medieval Romance Novella by

Laurel ODonnell
Copyright 20 by Laurel ODonnell !!!"laurel#odonnell"com All right$ re$erved" No part o% thi$ boo& may be reproduced in any %orm or by any electronic or mechanical mean$ including in%ormation $torage and retrieval $y$tem$ ' e(cept in the ca$e o% brie% )uotation$ in critical article$ or revie!$ ' !ithout permi$$ion in !riting %rom it$ author* Laurel ODonnell" +he character$ and event$ portrayed in thi$ boo& are %ictitiou$ or are u$ed %ictitiou$ly" Apart %rom !ell#&no!n hi$torical %igure$* any $imilarity to real per$on$* living or dead* i$ purely coincidental and not intended by the author" +hi$ e,oo& al$o include$ ,onu$ -revie!$ o% the %ull length medieval romance novel$ !ritten by Laurel ODonnell"

Chapter One
.ngland* /02

+he $tone $tatue$ in the chapel to!ered high above 1ayce Cullen$ head* their cold* chi$eled
arm$ out$tretched in !elcome* their $culptured eye$ empty o% emotion a$ they $tared at her" ,ut even though the gho$tly !hite men and !omen !ere he!n %rom li%ele$$ roc&* 1ayce %elt more !armth emanating %rom them than %rom her %uture hu$band" 2he ca$t a )uic&* $ide!ay$ glance at Lord Ree$e 3arrington" 3e !a$ tall* taller than her %ather by $i( inche$" 3i$ broad $houlder$ !ere %our o% her hand$ breadth !ide* tapering to a $lim !ai$t" 3i$ thigh$ !ere hidden by hi$ blac& tunic* and hi$ leg$ !ere concealed by blac& ho$e" 2tanding near the !hite $tatue$* hi$ blac& clothing made him appear li&e $ome dar& angel" 3e !a$ dre$$ed more a$ i% he !ere in mourning than celebrating marriage to hi$ !i%e" 4i%e" +he term roc&ed her body !ith an(iety" Lord Ree$e 3arrington$ !i%e" 1ayce $tudied hi$ $trong pro%ile* the do!n!ard turn o% hi$ brooding lip$* the $light %laring o% hi$ no$tril$* hi$ narro!ed blue eye$" 5t $hould have !armed 1ayce$ heart that he had cho$en her" ,ut it did not" 2omething !a$ !rong" 3e had $ho!n her no more than polite di$dain !hen they had met moment$ be%ore" A$ a matter o% %act* he had only inclined hi$ head $lightly at her in a moc&ery o% a greeting be%ore !hirling and preceding her through the chapel door$" Not )uite the greeting 1ayce had hoped %or" 4hat !a$ it $he had hoped %or6 Did $he !ant him to &i$$ her hand6 +o $mile* perhap$6 7e$8 2he had !anted to &no! the man $he !a$ marrying !a$ more than the !ealthy* po!er%ul* !omani9ing lord $he had heard about" 2he !anted rea$$urance that once he came to her bed* there !ould be no other$" 2he !anted rea$$urance that her li%e !ith him !ould be a happy one" 2he dropped her ga9e to her cla$ped hand$" +hat had not happened" 4ealthy" -o!er%ul" 4omani9ing" +hat !a$nt all $he had heard about Lord Ree$e" +he %inal piece o% go$$ip that had reached her ear$ !a$ the mo$t troubling" 2he had heard he $!ore o%% marriage* vo!ing never to be troubled !ith a !i%e" 2he !ondered !hat had changed hi$ mind" 4hen her %ather had :oyou$ly come to her !ith Lord Ree$e$ acceptance o% hi$ marriage propo$al and told her he !a$ giving hi$ ble$$ing to the union* !ell* $he couldnt $ay much" And no!* $tanding be%ore the eye$ o% ;od* $he could $ay even le$$" 4hy had he cho$en her6 <;et on !ith it8= Ree$e rumbled at the chaplain* hi$ voice thundering through the chapel li&e an angry cur$e" 2tartled* it !a$ all 1ayce could do not to :ump and %lee do!n the ai$le" 2he turned and ca$t her %ather a !ary ga9e" 3e $at in the %ir$t pe!* the only man other than the chaplain and Ree$e in the chapel" 2he $a! her %ather$ clenched :a! rela(* then he gave her hi$ mo$t rea$$uring $mile" <7e$* ye$*= the chaplain $tuttered" 3e dabbed the top o% hi$ head !ith a cloth he held clutched in a trembling hand" <4ell* then* 5 pronounce you man and !i%e"= 1ayce $tarted to turn a cheer%ul $mile on Ree$e* but he $ei9ed her !ri$t* $torming do!n the ai$le" 2he had to run to &eep up !ith him" 3e %lung the door$ o% the chapel open !ith an angry $hove and moved into the inner !ard"

1ayce barely had time to notice the pea$ant$ halting their !or& to glance at them" A man :u$t out$ide the blac&$mith$ $hop $topped hi$ hammering to rai$e hi$ eye$* hi$ tool %ro9en in mid# $tri&e" 3e $hoo& hi$ head and continued !ith hi$ !or&" An ale!i%e glanced out the !indo! o% the bre!ery* ignoring the amber li)uid that had :u$t $pla$hed all over her arm" A $mall child $campered out o% Ree$e$ path* her large bro!n eye$ !ide !ith %ear" >or a %leeting in$tant* 1ayce !ondered !hy anyone !a$ !or&ing at all? !a$nt it a holiday !hen the lord married6 ,ut embarra$$ment !elled up in$ide her* %orcing the thought a$ide" Ree$e pulled her into the great hall and up a $et o% $piraling $tair$" <4here are !e going6= $he managed to cho&e out" Ree$e didnt reply" 3e &ic&ed open a door* and it banged loudly a$ it $lapped again$t the !all" 3e all but hurled her into the dar& room" +he little bit o% $un$hine $hining into the room through it$ only !indo! illuminated only a corner o% it" 1ayce ga$ped at the $ight o% a %our# po$ter bed !ith an enormou$ mattre$$ %illing it$ !ide %rame" Rich* blood#red velvet curtain$ hung %rom the top* draping do!n the $ide$* cloa&ing the bed$ heart in deeply $hado!ed my$tery" 5t !a$ a magni%icent bed* the bigge$t $he had ever $een" 2he !hirled to Ree$e to %ind him undoing the belt around hi$ !ai$t" 3orri%ied* $he loo&ed around nervou$ly* $earching the room$ dar& $hado!$ a$ i% they could $omeho! hide her" 2he &ne! it !a$ hi$ right to ta&e her* but $he had hoped they could get to &no! each other" 2he had hoped he !ould give her time" No!* $he &ne! he !ould give her nothing" <Lord Ree$e"""= $he ventured* her voice $ounding $trangely hoar$e in her o!n throat" <-erhap$ !e could###= 3er voice died completely* $trangled into $ilence* a$ he li%ted hi$ eye$ to her" +he belt dropped %rom hi$ %inger$ to %all to the %loor" 1ayce$ heart hammered her che$t? $he couldnt get enough air" A %la$h o% light caught her eye and her ga9e loc&ed on hi$ right hand" 2he $a! !hat $he hadnt $een be%ore" A $mall dagger glimmered in the $ha%t o% $unlight" Ree$e approached her and $he bac&ed a!ay )uic&ly" 4hat !a$ he doing6 4a$ he going to &ill her6 2he held her hand$ out be%ore her a$ i% to !ard him o%%* but $he &ne! the thought o% %ighting him !a$ ab$urd" 5% he !anted her dead* !ho !a$ there to o%%er any &ind o% re$i$tance6 2he !a$ no match again$t hi$ $trength" +he bac&$ o% her &nee$ $lammed into the bed %rame* and $he %ell over onto the mattre$$" 2he )uic&ly propped her$el% on her elbo!$* !aiting %or him to come %or!ard and ta&e !hat !a$ no! right%ully hi$" >or a moment* $he $a! nothing but a !all o% dar& $hado!$ be%ore her" 3er mouth !a$ dry? her hand$ !ere moi$t and $lic&" +hen* he emerged %rom the dar&ne$$ li&e a gho$t* $tepping into the $unlight* the blac& $hado!$ $liding %rom hi$ $houlder$ a$ i% he !ere $hedding a dar& cloa&" >or a moment* $he thought $he $a! $ati$%action in hi$ blue eye$* but then grim re$olve %illed hi$ %ace" 3e $tretched hi$ le%t arm out over her* hi$ hand in a %i$t" 1ayce cringed bac&* pu$hing her$el% into the mattre$$" 4a$ he going to $tri&e her6 3e held the dagger out over her" Or !a$ he really going to &ill her6 A $cream !elled up in her throat" Ree$e pu$hed the $leeve o% hi$ tunic up over hi$ elbo!* baring hi$ $trong %orearm" +hen* he pre$$ed the tip o% the blade to hi$ $&in* $licing a $mall line do!n hi$ arm" 1ayce hal% ro$e* crying out* <Dont8= ,ut the blood tric&led over hi$ arm and dripped do!n onto the $heet$ be$ide her %ace" 2he li%ted her a$toni$hed ga9e %rom the dar& red blood to meet hi$ $teely blue eye$" >or a long moment* they loc&ed ga9e$* her$ %illed !ith )ue$tion$* hi$ re$olve" 3e $et the dagger do!n on a table be$ide the bed"

1ayce ro$e o%% the bed* grabbing a to!el %rom the $ame table* and turned* reaching out to hi$ arm" Ree$e $natched the to!el %ree %rom her grip a$ i% her touch !ould be unbearable" 3e hurled the to!el into the dar& $hado!$ o% the %ar corner" 2hoc&ed and con%u$ed* 1ayce !atched Ree$e roll hi$ $leeve do!n to cover hi$ cut" 3e $tepped pa$t her to the bed and ripped the $heet$ %rom the mattre$$" 3e !a$ angry !ith her %or $omething" ,ut !hat had $he done6 +hey hadnt e(changed t!o !ord$8 4ithout a $econd loo& at her* he marched to the door* yan&ing it open" 3er %ather $tood in the open door!ay* turning $urpri$ed eye$ to Ree$e" Ree$e $hoved the $tained $heet$ into her %ather$ arm$" 1ayce %elt the heat $u%%u$e her chee&$ and %or a moment had to loo& a!ay" 3er %ather !a$ ma&ing $ure the marriage had been con$ummated" 2he $hould $ay $omething" 2he $hould tell her %ather the truth" 2he li%ted her eye$ in time to $ee the loo& o% $urpri$e %ade %rom her %ather$ blue eye$ to be replaced by $u$picion" 3i$ :a! tightened* and he $napped hi$ eye$ to loc& !ith hi$ daughter$" <1ayce6= her %ather )ueried" 2he $hould tell him Ree$e cho$e to $hed hi$ o!n blood in$tead o% her virgin$ blood" 2he $hould tell her %ather the truth" ,ut then $he %elt Ree$e$ hot $tare on her" +he impact o% hi$ ga9e $ent $hiver$ do!n the length o% her body" 3e !a$ her hu$band" 3er loyalty !a$ to him no!" <7e$* >ather*= $he lied" 3er %ather$ %i$t $eemed to rela( in the $heet* and he !hirled* ta&ing it !ith him" <5t i$ done*= he proclaimed* and marched do!n the hall" 1ayce !atched him go* $adne$$ creeping into her $pirit* putting a cloud o% melancholy over !hat $hould have been the mo$t :oyou$ day o% her li%e" 3er %ather had le%t her in a $trange ca$tle" 3e had abandoned her to a man $he didnt &no!" And he hadnt even $aid good#bye" 1ayce tried to li%t her chin a$ $he turned her bac& on her %ather* but her head %elt heavy and it !a$ a $truggle :u$t to get her chin a!ay %rom her nec&" 2he &ne! $he had to be $trong to %ace her %uture" 2he !a$nt a child anymore" 2he had been rai$ed to be lady o% a ca$tle* to marry a man o% her %ather$ choo$ing" 2he !a$ prepared %or thi$" A$ $he turned %rom her previou$ li%e to %ace her ne! li%e* $he loc&ed eye$ !ith a $et o% angry blue one$" 4hat $he !a$nt prepared %or !a$ her hu$band" 3e $ei9ed her !ri$t* hauling her bac& into the bedroom* and $lammed the door $hut"

Chapter Two
5t !a$nt that $he !a$ ugly" 3e had $een %ar* %ar le$$ plea$ant %ace$ to ga9e upon" 5t !a$nt her tiny body" 3er $hape !a$ indeed )uite curvy and could very !ell ma&e the $toute$t o% men de$ire to protect and $helter her" 5t !a$ that $he !a$ a liar" 3e $hoo& her $lender !ri$t" 3i$ anger !a$ %ierce* hi$ emotion la$hing the air around them li&e a $torm !ind" <4hy did you lie to your %ather6= he demanded" 3e $)uee9ed her !ri$t tightly a$ he ga9ed into her innocent blue eye$" 5nnocent" 3e $co!led at the thought" 2he !a$ anything but" No innocent could lie that ea$ily* could ma&e her %al$e e(pre$$ion$ $o believable" 3e could $ee con%u$ion and apprehen$ion in tho$e large $apphire eye$" ,ut no %ear" Ree$e $co!led" No %ear6 he thought" Men greater than $he have trembled be%ore my !rath" 2he parted her lip$ and they moved" 5t !a$ a moment be%ore he reali9ed $he !a$ $pea&ing" <7ou are my hu$band*= $he $aid $imply" 3u$band" +he !ord $ent tremor$ o% horror and anger up hi$ $pine" 3e to$$ed her arm a$ide and !hirled* moving %or the door" <4ait8= 3er voice $ounded de$perate" 3e halted* $traightening hi$ $houlder$" <5## 3ave 5 done $omething to di$plea$e you6= $he a$&ed" Ree$e !hirled on her* hi$ %i$t$ clenched tight* hi$ eye$ !ide in ab$olute di$belie%" <Di$plea$e me6= he echoed* hotly" <7e$8 7ou married me8= 4ith that* he $tormed %rom the room* leaving her completely alone" 3e didnt care i% $he %led the ca$tle" 3e didnt care i% he never $a! her again" +hi$ entire marriage !a$ a %arce" 3e didnt care %or the !oman" 3e didnt love her" And he had vo!ed long ago he !ould not marry unle$$ he loved the girl" 3i$ %ather had married hi$ mother %or her land$? not an uncommon union* but one empty o% a%%ection or devotion""" or love" 3i$ %ather had married %or %ield$ o% !heat* rolling hill$* and cattle pa$ture$" +here had been no love bet!een hi$ parent$" And Ree$e had $een the terrible con$e)uence$ o% that" All hi$ li%e he heard piece$ o% the $ervant$ go$$ip* !hi$pering$ o% hi$ mother$ in%idelity" 3e hadnt believed it" Didnt !ant to believe it" Any o% it" ,ut !hen he !a$ eight year$ old he !itne$$ed $omething that %orever le%t a $car on hi$ heart" He had been walking through the castles halls when he saw his mother in a dark alcove, laughing quietly. He heard the whispering of a mans low voice coming from the darkness and assumed it was his father. He started to run toward them, to tell them about the grand adventure he had exploring the guards barracks, but then stopped abruptly as he saw his mother step from the alcove. She adjusted her dress, her hand resting casually on the chest of a man, a man who was not his father. Ree$e$ :a! and %i$t$ clenched at the bitter memory" +he pain had long $ince receded* but the anger !a$ $till %re$h in hi$ mind" A%ter that* $torie$ circulated throughout the ca$tle o% her liai$on !ith a baron" Rumor had it there had been a !andering gyp$y among$t her numerou$ lover$ a$ !ell"

Ree$e %aced 1ayce$ $tartled e(pre$$ion !ith a heart o% $tone"

3e had been too a$hamed to mention any o% thi$ to hi$ %ather" ,ut hi$ %ather eventually di$covered hi$ mother$ treachery" eese had been eleven years old when he had awoken to shouts and screams. He had raced from his room to find his mother, half!dressed, standing in the middle of the hallway. His father faced another man, a man clad only in leggings, their laces untied. Ree$e $hoo& hi$ head* remembering the di$gu$t in hi$ %ather$ eye$ a$ he turned to loo& at hi$ !i%e" "hen, his father turned his back on her and challenged the man to a duel. Ree$e remembered %eeling a $urge o% pride %or hi$ %ather a$ he con%ronted the ba$tard !ho had bedded hi$ !i%e under hi$ very no$e" ,ut hi$ pride !a$ very $hort#lived" His father died the next day on the field of honor. #n honorless man. +heir mother had tried to rai$e Ree$e and hi$ $i$ter* Nicole* but $he !a$ not very good at it" Ree$e !anted nothing to do !ith her any!ay* and he and Nicole ended up loo&ing a%ter each other" +heir mother died in childbirth eight month$ a%ter their %ather$ death* leaving them a brother to rai$e a$ !ell a$ them$elve$" #t the age of twelve, eese had become lord of the castle. 3e had planned to ta&e hi$ time and %ind a !oman he could love* a !oman !ho could love him* a !oman he !a$ de$tined to marry" Not thi$" A$ he $tormed do!n the hall!ay* $ervant$ pau$ed in their ta$&$ to glance in hi$ direction and $ha&e their head$" Ree$e greeted their $ympathetic loo&$ !ith a guttural gro!l" 3e pau$ed only long enough to $narl at one o% the $ervant$* <3ave 1ame$ $ent to me"= 3e entered hi$ den* $lamming the door $hut on prying eye$" 3e pro!led the room %or a moment* thin&ing o% hi$ $i$ter" 3e $lapped hi$ palm$ on the ledge o% the !indo!* loo&ing out over the dar&ening $&ie$ to!ard Lord Cullen$ land$" 2o help Cullen i% Nicole !a$ not returned $a%ely" 3e !ould $torm Cullen$ ca$tle him$el% and %ind hi$ $i$ter" Ree$e $hoo& hi$ head in di$gu$t" >orced into marriage" A lovele$$ marriage" +he thought made him $ic&" ,ut he !ould not ri$& the li%e o% hi$ $i$ter" Not %or all the threat$ on the earth" Cullen had repeatedly petitioned him to marry hi$ daughter* 1ayce" A%ter three re%u$al$* Ree$e had put the matter out o% hi$ mind" A mi$ta&e he reali9ed only too late" Nicole vani$hed %rom the ca$tle ground$ a %e! day$ a%ter hi$ %inal re%u$al" A mi$$ive arrived $hortly a%ter Nicole$ di$appearance* announcing that Lord Cullen !ould have Ree$e marry hi$ daughter* or the health o% Nicole !ould be at $ta&e" 4hy !ould a %ather do that to hi$ daughter6 Ree$e didnt &no!* and he didnt care" +he deed !a$ done" Nicole !a$ hi$ primary !orry" 2uddenly* a &noc& $ounded at the door" Ree$e granted entrance* and a $lim* elderly man entered the room" 3i$ haughty demeanor gave him the aura o% nobility in$tead o% the head ca$tle $ervant he !a$" 3e !ore a $tyli$h $leevele$$ doublet o% grayi$h purple and a !hite $hirt beneath that" 3i$ legging$ !ere blac&* and hi$ leather $hoe$ curled at the toe$" <1ame$*= Ree$e ordered the man* <have Rogue $addled" 5m riding out to the border$ to $ee i% 5 can $ee my $i$ter coming"= <5 $uppo$e youll $leep out there* too6= 1ame$ !ondered in a di$dain%ul* $arca$tic voice" Ree$e !ould ta&e that arrogance only %rom 1ame$" +he man had been !ith him $ince he !a$ a child" 3e re$pected 1ame$" And li&ed him immen$ely" <5% 5 &ne! the road they !ere ta&ing"= <5% you dont mind my $aying* $ir*= 1ame$ $aid" <+hat never $topped you be%ore* !hy $hould it no!6= 1ame$$ eyebro! ro$e $lightly" <7our !i%e a!ait$ you in your chamber$"=

Ree$e$ eye$ narro!ed" <5 dont have a !i%e"= 1ame$ bo!ed contemptuou$ly" <A$ you !i$h* mlord*= he an$!ered $ti%%ly* and departed the room" A$ $oon a$ Nicole i$ home $a%ely* 5 !ill right thi$ entire %ia$co* Ree$e vo!ed $ilently" 3e pic&ed up the note he had begun earlier and $canned the !ord$* nodding in $ati$%action"

Chapter Three

1ayce changed into a $imple go!n o% blue velvet and $at on the bed %or a long time*
!ondering i% Lord Ree$e !ould return" 2he tried to put her rebelliou$ hair into a horned headdre$$* but !ithout help $he couldnt get the dar& $trand$ beneath the metal" 2o* $he $ettled %or a braid !rapped about her head" 2he !ondered i% $he !a$ $uppo$ed to !ait %or Ree$e in the room" 2o much %or a happy marriage* $he thought" 3e hated her" 5t !a$ apparent her hu$band didnt !i$h to have anything to do !ith her" ,ut !hy had he cho$en her then6 4hy had he pic&ed her to marry6 2he glanced around the room" 5t !a$ dar&? i% it !erent %or the candle burning on a table* $he !ould not be able to $ee a thing" 2he pic&ed the candle up and moved through the un%amiliar chamber$" 2ervant$ had arrived earlier to tidy up the room* ma&ing the bed* changing the !ater in the ba$in" 1ayce $tared at the immaculate bed piled !ith !arm %ur$ and blan&et$" +hic& red velvet curtain$ hung %rom the ceiling over it" 2he touched one o% the curtain$ reverently* a$ i% it !ould reveal the many $ecret$ o% her ne! hu$band i% $he coa(ed it gently enough" Lightning $hot through the $&y* ma&ing her :ump" 2he dropped the candle and it hit the %loor* rolling acro$$ it$ !ooden $ur%ace" .ver $ince $he !a$ a child* $torm$ had terri%ied her" 1ayce$ mother had died amid$t a horrendou$ thunder$torm" She remembered kneeling at her mothers bedside, holding her cold, clammy hand while deafening claps of thunder attacked her ears and white!hot flashes of lightning assaulted her eyes. She remembered crying out for her mother and for the first time in her life not hearing her answer. +he large crac& o% thunder boomed in her ear$* echoing in the room" 1ayce glanced around the blac&ne$$* her eye$ !ide* her hand$ clutching at her elbo!$" 3er %ather had $tayed !ith her through $torm$ $uch a$ the$e* but no! he !a$ gone" 4ind $!irled in %rom the open !indo!* billo!ing the red curtain$ around her li&e %inger$ $tretching* reaching to grab her" 2he $tepped a!ay %rom the curtain and $mac&ed her head on one o% the bedpo$t$" +he $earching !ind %ound the candlelight and e(tingui$hed it* plummeting the room into a terri%ying dar&ne$$" >or a moment* 1ayce couldnt move* could barely get her breath" +he blac&ne$$ cla!ed at her heart* threatening to drag her do!n into it$ bottomle$$ aby$$" +he !ind continued to !hip through the room" +he curtain$ o% velvet* no! gloved %inger$ o% doom* encircled 1ayce$ %lailing arm$* her an&le$" 2he %ought her invi$ible %oe* the %eeling o% entrapment embroiling her $en$e$" 2he :er&ed %ree o% it$ hold* pulling $o hard $he banged into the table* &noc&ing it over" ;la$$ $hattered and $he $tepped a!ay* blindly* until her bac& hit the cold $tone !all" +!o bolt$ o% lightning ripped :agged hole$ in the $&y* bringing !ith them t!in bla$t$ o% thunder" >ear gripped her heart in a taloned %i$t* and 1ayce $lo!ly $an& to the %loor" 2he encircled her &nee$* roc&ing $lightly bac& and %orth" 2he !hi$pered $oothing !ord$ to her$el%* !ord$ her %ather had murmured to her" 2he !a$ terri%ied" Con%u$ed" 2he buried her %ace in the dre$$ at her &nee$"

Abandoned"

Chapter Four

4hen Ree$e returned %rom the border patrol$* he !a$ $oa&ed through to hi$ $&in and hi$
mood !a$ dar&er than !hen he had le%t" 3e had %ound no $ign o% Nicole* no indication that her return !a$ imminent" 3e returned to hi$ chamber$* candelabra in hi$ hand" Out$ide* a di$tant grumble o% thunder %aded )uic&ly into $ilence" +he damn $torm !a$ %inally abating a%ter raging %or hour$" A$ he moved into the room* hi$ %oot $&idded on a candle lying in the middle o% the %loor* thro!ing Ree$e bac&!ard" 3e almo$t %ell* but caught hi$ balance !ith a %lail o% hi$ arm" 3e cur$ed" 3ed have to $pea& to hi$ $ervant$ about being $o $loppy" 3e moved to the bed* but be%ore he could parta&e o% it$ lu(uriou$ com%ort* hi$ booted %oot $lo$hed in a pool o% !ater" 3i$ ga9e $lid to the !indo!" A $o%t bree9e rippled the no! $oggy curtain$ o% hi$ bed" 3e moved to the !indo! and pulled the $hutter$ clo$ed* cur$ing the $ervant$ again" +hen* he turned to the bed* thi$ time managing to $et hi$ bottom on it" 3e $ighed and reached out to place the candelabra on the table@ @ and nearly dropped it !hen it$ ba$e did not encounter the night$tand that $hould have been there" <;od$ blood8= he murmured" <4hat no!6= 3e ro$e to hi$ %eet and too& a $tep to!ard the empty $pace !here the table had once $tood" 3i$ %oot crunched on $omething* and he pau$ed* reali9ing it !a$ bro&en gla$$ beneath hi$ boot $ole" 3i$ %oggy* tired mind in$tantly came alive" 3i$ hand moved %or the hilt o% hi$ $!ord" +he image o% the !oman he had le%t alone in hi$ bedchamber ro$e in hi$ mind" 1ayce" .ven i% $he !a$ only a 3arrington in name* $he !a$ $till a 3arrington" 3ad $omeone dared to attac& her6 5t !ould be an un%orgivable in$ult i% $omething had happened to her" +he bed !a$ un$lept in* the cover$ unmoved" 3e $hi%ted hi$ ga9e to the clo$ed !indo!* then the bro&en gla$$" 3ad there been a $truggle6 3i$ eye$ %rantically $earched the dar&ne$$" 3ad $he le%t the room6 >orcibly6 <1ayce6= he called" 2ilence an$!ered him" 3e too& a $tep deeper into the dar&ne$$ and the candlelight !a$hed over the hem o% a blue dre$$ tuc&ed a!ay in a %ar corner o% hi$ room" Ree$e lurched %or!ard* hi$ %i$t clenched tight around the ba$e o% the candelabra* until the candlelight encircled 1ayce in it$ glo!" 2he $at $lumped at the bottom o% the !all* her head $louched#over on her $houlder* her arm$ limp at her $ide$" Rage engul%ed him" 3a$ $omeone dared to harm her6 he !ondered incredulou$ly a$ he &nelt at her $ide" 4ithout ta&ing hi$ eye$ %rom her* he $et the candelabra do!n on the %loor" A $tray $trand o% bro!n hair %ell over her chee&* it$ dar&ne$$ contra$ting $harply again$t her pale $&in" +hen* $omething tic&led the in$ide o% hi$ $tomach" 2omething he had never %elt be%ore and re%u$ed to ac&no!ledge" 3e reached out and touched her hand" 5t !a$ li&e ice" 3e engul%ed her $mall %inger$ !ith hi$ large hand* trying to !arm them" 3er %inger$ t!itched* then curved around hi$* and he &ne! $he !a$ alive" 3e $cooped her into hi$ arm$* and $he $tirred* to$$ing her head* calling* <>ather6= Ree$e gently placed her in hi$ bed* noticing ho! the large bed made her appear tinier than $he !a$" 3e

pulled a!ay %rom her* but her arm$ reached out* encircling hi$ nec&" Ree$e %ro9e* un$ure o% !hat to do" 3e could pry her arm$ %rom hi$ nec&" 3e could $ettle ne(t to thi$ $tranger and hold her" Or he could $earch her body %or !ound$" <+he $torm*= $he !himpered" Ree$e %elt her body tremble" A %la$h o% lightning lit the night $&y a$ i% $ummoned by her !ord$" 3e leaned clo$e to her to duc& beneath her arm$" 4hen hi$ chee& bru$hed her$* he !a$ $tartled to %ind the moi$ture there" ;uilt t!i$ted hi$ gut" 3ad he cau$ed her thi$ angui$h6 3e ripped %ree o% her hold* telling him$el% it didnt matter" 2he !a$ not hi$ concern" 3er head %ell bac& again$t the pillo!$* her cold hand$ leaving a path o% ice along hi$ chee& and nec&" 5n$tinctively* hi$ hand$ $&immed her body* $earching %or !ound$" ,ut it !a$nt !ound$ he %ound" 5t !a$ a $hapely* $trong %igure" 3i$ hand$ %luttered over her $lender nec&* do!n her curvy $ide$* acro$$ her %lat $tomach and do!n her $lender leg$" 2earching %or blood* he told him$el%" 5n the dar&* he could not $ee i% $he !a$ hurt" 3i$ %inger$ moved bac& up over her leg$" +hey !ere $o $mooth and $lee&" 3e !ondered !hat they loo&ed li&e" Ree$e had to :er& him$el% %rom her* pulling hi$ hand$ a!ay %rom her body a$ i% $he had $uddenly bur$t into %lame$" 3i$ o!n body re$ponded in$tantly to touching her" Di$gu$ted at hi$ primeval re$pon$e* he told him$el% it !a$ nothing but the !anting o% a !oman" 3e could $ate hi$ de$ire$ on a !illing $ervant !ench later" Ree$e pulled the cover up over her body* concealing it beneath the %ur* hiding it %rom hi$ hungry ga9e" 1ayce groaned and to$$ed her head* and he $hi%ted hi$ eye$ to her %ace" 3e could $ee the moi$ture on her chee&$ a$ her tear$ gli$tened in the candlelight" 3e $tepped clo$er and pre$$ed a palm again$t her $&in* %earing $he !a$ %everi$h" 3er $&in !a$ cool again$t hi$ hand" At hi$ touch* $he $eemed to )uiet and $ettle into the bed" Ree$e couldnt help cupping her gentle chin and $tro&ing her chee& !ith hi$ thumb" 3er eye$ %luttered and opened $lightly* revealing a tea$ing glimp$e o% her deep blue orb$" 5n the candlelight* he !a$ ama9ed at ho! $tartlingly blue they !ere* deeper than the riche$t $apphire he had ever $een" 3e thought he heard her $igh be%ore $he clo$ed them again" +he %lic&ering light %rom the candelabra gave her chee&$ a healthy glo!* the vibrancy o% li%e" 4here be%ore her $&in had been $o cold and pale* it $eemed hi$ touch had rou$ed the vigor in$ide her" 3e !a$ $tartled at the tran$%ormation* $tartled and $ome!hat delighted" A $par& lit in hi$ che$t* !arming hi$ entire being" 5 mu$t be $o tired 5 am hallucinating* he thought" No !oman could po$$ibly be that beauti%ul" 5n the light o% day* her beauty* her vibrancy* !ill %ade* and $he !ill be :u$t li&e the re$t o% the !omen" A $mall* !ea& thing that need$ protection" My protection" .(hau$tion %inally claimed him* and he $tumbled bac& into a chair near the !all" 3e %ell a$leep )uic&ly* a t!i$ted re$olve $ettling over hi$ dar& %eature$"

Chapter Five
,ut !hen a pain%ully bright light lit her clo$ed lid$* $he groaned and turned a!ay* dra!ing the blan&et over her head" A cluc&ing noi$e greeted her movement" <7ou cant lounge around in bed all day* mlady*= a male voice $aid" At %ir$t $he thought it !a$ her %ather* but $he &ne! thi$ couldnt be" 3er %ather !ould let her $leep" +hen* $he remembered !here $he !a$" And !ho $he !a$" 5n$tantly* 1ayce :er&ed the $heet$ %rom her head and $at up* prepared to meet her hu$band$ di$approving ga9e" 5n$tead* her eye$ came to re$t on a thin man bent over near the %allen table* care%ully collecting the bro&en gla$$" 2he %lung the blan&et$ %rom her and $!ung her leg$ out o% the bed" 4hat !ould Ree$e thin& o% her i% $he $lept all day6 2he !a$ lady o% the ca$tle no!* and needed to ri$e !ith the $un" 2he $ighed $lightly" 2he !a$ u$ed to $taying up late and $leeping late" 2he !ould have to remedy that" 2he %ro9e a$ her %eet touched the %loor" 3o! had $he gotten into bed6 2he remembered the $torm and trembled $lightly" 2he al$o recalled a gentle touch* $omeone tuc&ing her into bed" +he man cleared hi$ throat and $he turned to him" <My name i$ 1ame$* mlady*= he introduced" <5 !a$ in$tructed to aid you"= <,y Lord Ree$e6= <No*= 1ame$ an$!ered $tanding be%ore her" <,y Lady Nicole"=

A !armth touched her chee&$* and 1ayce in$tinctively turned her %ace to!ard it"

AAAAA
<5 cant believe you le%t her there" Alone8= Ree$e !atched Nicole pace the room" 3er blond hair $himmered hotly in the $un$ ray$ !ith each angry turn" 3er bro!$ angled do!n over $par&ling blue eye$? her tiny %i$t$ clenched !ith rage" 3i$ $i$ter had %inally been returned $a%ely* a$ Cullen had promi$ed* and Ree$e %elt relie% de$pite her %ury at hi$ treatment o% the girl he had !ed" <No one to help her" No one to tend her need$8= Nicole !hirled* pinning Ree$e !ith an angry glare" <Do you !ant her to thin& her hu$band i$ a brute68= Ree$e$ eye$ narro!ed $lightly" <5 dont care !hat $he thin&$ o% me"= Nicole !aved a $mall* impatient hand at him* a$ i% $he !ere !aving a!ay an annoying gnat" <7ou are a brute" 3o! can you treat her li&e that6= <3o! can you a$& me that6= Ree$e roared* $traightening to hi$ intimidating height" <7ou !ere the one &idnapped8 7ou !ere the rea$on 5 !a$ %orced to !ed the girl8 5% it !a$nt %or you###8=

<Dont $tart !ith me* Ree$e 3arrington*= Nicole retorted in a motherly tone* marching up to him" 2he !a$ a %ull head $horter than he !a$* but managed to match him glare %or glare" <5m $ure it pric&ed your manly pride !hen 5 !a$ $pirited a!ay %rom beneath your no$e"= Ree$e ground hi$ teeth" <And no! 5 have another helple$$ %emale to !atch and to protect8= <Not :u$t another %emale* Ree$e" 7our !i%e8= Nicole :abbed her %inger into Ree$e$ che$t" <5 didnt a$& her to be my !i%e8 5 dont !ant her to be my !i%e8 >or all 5 &no! $he###= +he $ound o% $omeone clearing hi$ throat loudly made them turn to the arched entrance!ay to the room" 1ame$ $tood $lightly behind 1ayce* hi$ di$intere$ted ga9e %ocu$ed $ome!here in the middle o% the room" Nicole dropped her mouth $lightly* her chee&$ %laming" Ree$e $tood !ith hi$ %i$t$ clenched* $taring at 1ayce$ large blue eye$" 3e $a! the hurt %la$h in tho$e eye$ %or a moment and thought that $urely $he !a$ going to bur$t into tear$* %orcing him to com%ort her" ,ut %or a long moment* 1ayce didnt move* meeting hi$ ga9e !ith a pained re$olve" +hen* !ith all the dignity o% a )ueen* $he $lo!ly turned and le%t the room" Ree$e and Nicole $tood $ilently in the room* $taring a%ter the !oman" Ree$e &ne! he $hould go a%ter her* and too& a $tep to do :u$t that* then $topped $uddenly" 4hat !ould he do !hen he caught up to her6 +ell her hi$ !ord$ !ere the truth6 Nicole !hirled on her brother* her blue eye$ %ull o% di$gu$t and anger" <5 pity her %or being married to you*= $he $aid* and raced out the door a%ter 1ayce" Ree$e cur$ed $ilently and ran a hand through hi$ thic& loc&$" 3e li%ted hi$ ga9e to %ind 1ame$ $tanding in the door!ay* $taring at him" <4hat are you loo&ing at6= Ree$e $napped" 1ame$$ eyebro! ro$e $lightly be%ore Ree$e hurried pa$t him* out o% the room"

Chapter Six
4hen there !a$ no an$!er a%ter $everal more &noc&$* $he $!ept into the room" 1ayce $at at the !indo!* $taring out over the pa$ture$" 2he barely loo&ed up* and Nicole noticed the !ay her $houlder$ $agged" 3er heart ached %or the !oman" <5m Ree$e$ $i$ter* Nicole*= $he $aid" <5 am terribly $orry about the !ay my brother ha$ been treating you"= Bnnerved by 1ayce$ $ilence* Nicole !al&ed to $tand be$ide her* peering out the !indo!* %ollo!ing her ga9e" A blac& hor$e* a$ blac& a$ the dar&e$t night* ran !ildly !ithin a %enced#o%% area* $norting li&e $ome po$$e$$ed demon" Nicole returned her ga9e to 1ayce" <5 do $o hope you li&e your li%e here*= Nicole $aid earne$tly" <5d li&e to be %riend$"= 1ayce turned to her* and Nicole !a$ plea$ed to $ee $he !a$ a beauti%ul !oman" 3er eye$ !ere $tartlingly blue and reminded Nicole o% the riche$t $apphire$ $he had ever $een" 2he &ne! they !ould help $!ay her brother to ta&e her a$ hi$ right%ul !i%e" 3e had a %ondne$$ %or blue eye$" <5$ it true my %ather &idnapped you6= 1ayce !ondered" 2urpri$ed* it !a$ all Nicole could do to &eep her mouth %rom %alling open" <4ell* ye$*= $he %inally an$!ered* loo&ing a!ay %rom her probing ga9e" <,ut he treated me civilly*= $he added )uic&ly" 1ayce turned to $tare out the !indo!" Nicole rai$ed her eye$ in time to notice a troubled %urro! on 1ayce$ once#$mooth bro!" <Do you &no! !hy he did it6= 1ayce a$&ed" <3i$ demand !a$ %or Ree$e to marry you*= Nicole an$!ered" 1ayce dropped her ga9e to her lap" <5t ma&e$ no $en$e*= $he murmured" <4hat doe$nt6= Nicole !ondered" 1ayce turned con%u$ed eye$ to Nicole" <4hy he lied to me" >ather told me Ree$e !anted to marry me"= Nicole patted her $houlder* com%ortingly" <5t doe$nt matter" 4hat$ done i$ done"= <3o! can 5 blame Ree$e %or de$pi$ing me6= <3e doe$nt de$pi$e you*= Nicole $aid" 4hen 1ayce turned di$believing eye$ to her* $he $miled glumly and $hrugged" <3e :u$t doe$nt &no! you"= <And i% he ha$ hi$ !ay* he never !ill"= 2uddenly* t!o %emale $ervant$ entered the room" +hey began racing about* collecting the $par$e item$ belonging to 1ayce" A %eeling o% dread began to pric&le the bac& o% Nicole$ nec&" 1ayce $lo!ly ro$e %rom her $eat at the !indo!* con%u$ion etched in her %urro!ed bro!" <4hat$ going on6= Nicole demanded o% the $ervant$" <4hat are you doing6= One o% the !omen $topped be%ore her" <Lord Ree$e ha$ in$tructed u$ to gather the lady$ belonging$"= 1ayce ca$t Nicole a loo& o% dread" Ree$e !a$ to$$ing hi$ ne! !i%e out* returning her to her %ather" Nicole grabbed 1ayce$ hand* $)uee9ing it tightly* rea$$uringly" <Ree$e i$ not that cold" +here mu$t be $ome mi$under$tanding"= <+here i$ no mi$under$tanding*= a voice thundered %rom the door!ay" ,oth !omen turned to %ind Ree$e $tanding there" 3e %illed the door!ay* hi$ dar&* hul&ing body bloc&ing out the torchlight %rom the hall!ay behind him"

Nicole &noc&ed at the door"

1ayce $tepped %or!ard* turning Ree$e$ cold* hard ga9e %rom hi$ $i$ter to %ocu$ on her" <7ou have every right to turn me out*= $he murmured" +hen $he rai$ed her chin and added* <5 !ould e(pect that %rom a co!ard"= 3i$ teeth clenched* and he pu$hed him$el% %rom the !all* approaching her li&e a raging $torm cloud" <5 have been called many thing$* lady* but never co!ard"= 1ayce $tood her ground" <+hen* perhap$ it$ time $omeone told you the truth" 5% you !ere brave* you !ould have %aced me to $ay you !ere thro!ing me out in$tead o% having $ervant$ tell me"= A mu$cle in hi$ chee& t!itched and hi$ eye$ burned !ith outrage" Nicole could %eel the anger emanating %rom hi$ body li&e the heat %rom a hearth" 2he !atched 1ayce match hi$ rage and !a$ proud o% her ne! %riend" <7ou are not the only one !ho ha$ been duped*= 1ayce proclaimed* her voice gaining $trength" <5 could have had my choice o% hu$band$ !ho !ould have been !illing* nay* even eager to claim me a$ !i%e" And yet* 5 am $addled !ith a boori$h* unchivalrou$ lout capable o% no %eeling$ %or anyone but him$el%" 4ell* Ree$e 3arrington* 5 !ouldnt !ant you a$ my hu$band i% you !ere the la$t man in all o% .ngland8= 4ith that* 1ayce pu$hed pa$t him* out into the hall" Nicole ca$t a $urpri$ed glance at Ree$e* !hich tran$%ormed into a victoriou$ grin" 2he !hirled and raced into the hall!ay a%ter her brother$ ne! !i%e" <1ayce8= 1ayce didnt $top at Nicole$ cry" 2he $tormed do!n the hall!ay* her %i$t$ clenched" Nicole caught up to her and $ei9ed her !ri$t* bringing her to a halt" <1ayce8= 2he $miled" <7ou !ere !onder%ul8 5 couldnt have done better###= 3er !ord$ died on her lip$ a$ her gentle eye$ %ocu$ed on 1ayce$ %ace" Only then did Nicole reali9e 1ayce$ chee&$ !ere !et !ith tear$* and her trembling !a$nt %rom anger* but %rom mi$ery" <Oh* my dear*= $he murmured* pulling 1ayce into an embrace"

Chapter Seven
4here there !a$ once raucou$ laughter and loud mu$ic* there !a$ no! only muted conver$ation and the pluc&ing o% a %e! harp $tring$" Many o% the pea$ant$ and $ervant$ ca$t Ree$e tentative loo&$ a$ he $at in hi$ chair on the rai$ed plat%orm that %illed the !e$t end o% the room" Ree$e met the $tare$ !ith a har$h glare" 3e re%u$ed to %eel guilty about returning 1ayce to her %ather" 3e did not love her" 2till* he had to admire her courage and conviction" No !oman had ever $tood up to him* $po&en to him in $uch a manner" 3e !a$ angry* and he &ne! he $hould have been in$ulted" ,ut he !a$nt" 5n$tead* he %ound him$el% admiring 1ayce" Mo$t other !omen !ould have $lun& a!ay $obbing to their %ather$ !ithout $aying t!o !ord$ to him" ,ut not 1ayce" 3er eye$ had $par&ed li&e the hotte$t part o% a %lame" 2he !a$ right" And that thought angered him the mo$t" 3e had only thought o% him$el%? not once had he con$idered ho! $he %elt" 3e hadnt even attempted to $pea& to her" And becau$e o% the$e damnable guilty %eeling$* he had allo!ed Nicole to invite 1ayce to dine in the great hall be%ore $he le%t in the morning" 1ayce $at on the oppo$ite $ide o% Nicole* only t!o $eat$ a!ay %rom him" 3e could %eel her pre$ence there? tingle$ tic&led the nape o% hi$ nec&" A movement at the %ar end o% the great hall caught Ree$e$ attention* and he $!iveled hi$ head to $ee Dylan McNaught approaching !ith the u$ual $pring to hi$ $tep" Dylan !a$ an eager* innocent* naive young man !ho had been recently &nighted" Ree$e had hired him in$tantly* $eeing in him the e(citement and youth he had mi$$ed" Dylan had !or&ed %or Ree$e %or a year no! and they had become %riend$" 3i$ blond hair and large* boyi$h* bro!n eye$ promi$ed that in time he !ould brea& many !omen$ heart$" 3e marched up the center ai$le* heading directly %or the head table" Ree$e !atched a$ he greeted Nicole !ith a bright $mile" <5t$ good to $ee you $a%e* mlady*= Dylan $aid !ith a $light bo!" Nicole returned the $mile" <+han& you* Dylan*= $he an$!ered" Ree$e $tarted to ri$e* but %ro9e a$ Dylan turned hi$ eye$ to 1ayce" <7ou mu$t be Lady 1ayce*= he $aid* reaching acro$$ the table to ta&e her hand" 3e bent and pre$$ed a &i$$ to her &nuc&le$" <5 am honored to have you a$ my lady"= <Dylan*= Ree$e called* trying to correct him" ,ut Dylan$ eye$ alighted on 1ayce$ %ace* and dread pierced Ree$e$ $tomach" 3e opened hi$ mouth to $top Dylan$ !ord$* but &ne! he !ouldnt be )uic& enough" <5 vo! !ith all my heart to protect you and $erve you a$ 5 do Lord Ree$e*= Dylan promi$ed 1ayce* a $mile cro$$ing hi$ lip$" Ree$e groaned and $an& bac& into hi$ chair* $ha&ing hi$ head" Dylan$ grandio$e $en$e o% honor !a$ going to cau$e him untold trouble" Dylan !a$ not a man to brea& hi$ vo! ea$ily" ,ut thi$ !a$ one vo! that !ould have to be bro&en" Dylan turned to him" <Lord Ree$e8= 3e moved to $tand be%ore him" <+he border land$ are $ecure" 5veC< <Dylan*= Ree$e $aid* lo!ering hi$ voice* <!e can di$cu$$ bu$ine$$ a%ter the meal"= <O% cour$e*= Dylan replied* rounding the table"

+he great hall !a$ $ilent that night"

5n the %ace o% Dylan$ youth%ul vibrancy* Ree$e $uddenly %elt old and tired"

AAAAA
5t !a$ late !hen Ree$e %inally meandered up to hi$ room" 3e pau$ed be%ore the door to hi$ chamber$" 1ayce !a$ in there" 3e couldnt bring him$el% to &ic& her out o% hi$ room* too" 3e returned to the great hall* moving to!ard the hearth" 5t !a$ )uiet? all the $ervant$ had %ini$hed their ta$&$ and !ere preparing %or bed" 3e $topped in the middle o% the room* %inally noticing the room$ $ole occupant" 1ayce $tood be%ore the hearth* her hand$ %olded be%ore her* $taring into the %ire" Ree$e !al&ed to!ard her" 3e $topped t!o $tride$ behind her a$ a !a%t o% ro$e$ met hi$ no$tril$" 3e &ne! he $hould leave* but then he $uddenly %ound him$el% $pea&ing" <5m $orry about all o% thi$*= he $aid )uietly" 3e !atched a$ $he dre! her$el% up" <2o am 5*= $he %inally an$!ered in a curt voice" +he %irelight $himmered in her lu(uriou$ bro!n hair" <7oure a lovely !oman" 5m $ure your %ather !ill have no trouble %inding you another hu$band*= Ree$e $aid* trying to be rea$$uring" 2he turned to him then* and her blue eye$ $par&led li&e li)uid cry$tal" <Apparently not lovely enough*= $he an$!ered* and moved by him" Ree$e cringed $lightly at her !ord$" 2he !a$ lovelier than he had imagined" 3e reached out and cla$ped her arm* halting her movement" A $hoc& $corched through him at the touch" <7ou could have been 3elen o% +roy" 5t !ouldnt matter" 5 !ill not be %orced into marriage"= 3e held her arm a moment longer be%ore relea$ing her" 1ayce didnt $ay a !ord" Ree$e only heard the $o%t padding o% her $lippered %eet a$ $he !al&ed out the door* and out o% hi$ li%e"

Chapter Eight
A$ the $un climbed into the morning $&y* he $tood at the !indo!* loo&ing do!n into the courtyard" 3e blin&ed a!ay the $un$ glare and !atched a$ Dylan helped 1ayce mount her hor$e" +he young &night and another o% Ree$e$ mo$t tru$ted men !ould e$cort her bac& to her %ather" Dylan $!ung him$el% up onto hi$ hor$e* reining the prancing animal in to ca$t an angry glare up to!ard Ree$e" Ree$e !atched 1ayce$ dar& hair !ave in the bree9e a$ i% bidding him a %are!ell" Dylan !a$ not tal&ing to him" 2omething in$ide Ree$e tugged at hi$ heart" 3e !ould never &no! !hat it %elt li&e to touch her hair" Nicole !a$ not $pea&ing to him no!* either" 3e !ould never &no! !hat &ind o% pa$$ion her $pirit hid" Ree$e clenched hi$ %inger$ into a %i$t" 5% only thing$ had been di%%erent bet!een them" 3e might have courted 1ayce" ,ut !ith the anger and re$entment burning in hi$ heart* the poor girl had no chance" +hi$ i$ the be$t !ay* he told him$el%" +he only !ay" 5 !ill %ind the !oman 5 am %ated to marry" 5 !ill %ind the !oman 5 am de$tined to love" +he three hor$e$ $tarted %or!ard* moving beneath the portculli$" Ree$e !atched them go until 1ayce !a$ :u$t a $pec& on the hori9on" 3e $ighed $lightly a$ i% a !eight had been removed %rom hi$ $houlder$" +hen !hy did he %eel a$ i% he had :u$t lo$t $omething preciou$6 <Mlord"= Ree$e turned to $ee 1ame$ $tanding in the door!ay" 3e held out a piece o% rolled parchment* $ealed !ith a $tamp o% !a(" <+hi$ :u$t arrived*= 1ame$ told him" Ree$e $natched the mi$$ive %rom 1ame$$ hand* in$pecting the $eal" 5t !a$ the $eal o% a phy$ician" Ree$e ripped it open* hi$ eye$ $canning the !ord$" A $co!l crept over hi$ %ace" 3e clenched hi$ :a!* dragging hi$ ga9e %rom the parchment to loc& eye$ !ith 1ame$" <2top her*= Ree$e ordered" <Dont let her leave"= <5m a%raid $he$ already gone* $ir*= 1ame$ replied" <+hen $addle my hor$e" 5m going a%ter her"=

Ree$e could not $leep that night* and the ne(t day came all too $oon"

Chapter Nine

1ayce $tared do!n at the pommel $he gripped $o tightly it made her &nuc&le$ turn !hite"
2he $hould have been !orrying about ho! $he !a$ going to e(plain to her %ather that $he had lied to him* that $he !a$ $till a virgin* that her marriage had not been con$ummated" 5n$tead* all $he could thin& about !a$ the %eeling o% betrayal $tabbing her heart" 4hy had Ree$e turned her out !ithout giving her a chance to prove her$el%6 3e had almo$t been repentant at the hearth the previou$ night* almo$t civil" Almo$t a man $he could call hu$band" 2he had begun to hope that maybe he !ouldnt return her to her %ather* that they could try %or a li%e together" ,ut thi$ !a$ not to be" +here !a$ no rea$on $he $hould %eel hurt at hi$ cold di$mi$$al" Ree$e had not cho$en her" 3e had been tric&ed* %orced into marrying her" 7et* even &no!ing thi$* the pain o% hi$ re:ection !ould not %ade" 2he &ne! $he $hould %orget him" 2he !ould never $ee him again" ,ut he haunted her thought$ li&e a venge%ul apparition" 2uddenly* her hor$e began to $lo!" 2he turned her ga9e to the t!o guard$ be%ore her" +hey !ere $training in their $addle$* their $tare$ %ocu$ed on $omething behind her" 2he turned her head to $ee a hor$e riding to!ard her do!n the road* a $mall cloud o% du$t trailing behind the animal" A$ the rider approached* 1ayce $a! hi$ dar& hair rippling behind him li&e a banner* announcing hi$ arrival" 3e !a$ bent lo! over the pommel* driving the animal hard to overta&e them" 2he &ne! in$tinctively !ho it !a$" Bn!illingly* her heart beat %a$ter* pounding in her che$t !ith hope" Ree$e reined in hi$ hor$e be$ide Dylan* announcing !ith an e(plo$ive pant* <2he$ returning to the ca$tle"= 1ayce $a! the $ati$%ied grin curling Dylan$ lip$* but !hen $he turned gladdened eye$ to Ree$e* he !ould not meet her ga9e" 2lo!ly* her happine$$ %aded and apprehen$ion ro$e in$ide her" <4hy6= $he demanded* %inally dra!ing hi$ ga9e" <3ave you decided to call me !i%e6= <No*= he replied* and o%%ered no %urther e(planation" 1ayce$ $co!l deepened" <+hen !hy the $udden change o% mind6= $he in)uired* re%u$ing to budge her animal until he gave her a rea$on" Ree$e$ eye$ narro!ed $lightly be%ore he turned hi$ %ace to!ard the bree9e" Anger %lared in 1ayce" 3e !a$ toying !ith her* playing $ome $ort o% game" <Are you convinced 5m not a part o% my %ather$ plot to gain a hu$band6= +he $o%t ripple$ o% air !eaved their !ay through hi$ dar& hair li&e %inger$" 3i$ $tubborn :a! !a$ $et" <Or have you $uddenly developed an un$el%i$h $trea&6= $he a$&ed $pite%ully" 3e $lo!ly turned hi$ ice#blue eye$ to her" <7our %ather i$ dead*= he an$!ered" <4anted or not* you are my re$pon$ibility"= Dead6 >or a moment $he thought he !a$ lying to her" +hen* Ree$e held out a piece o% crumpled parchment to her" 4ith numb %inger$ $he too& the paper* her da9ed eye$ dra!n to the

$croll" 5t !a$ a mi$$ive %rom her %ather$ doctor" 3er %inger$ trembled a$ $he read it$ content$" 3er %ather had been $ic& %or month$* and had %inally $uccumbed to death" 1ayce read the note three time$" 4hy hadnt $he &no!n6 3er %ather had &ept hi$ di$tance %rom her during the pa$t month$* but $he had no idea he !a$ harboring a deadly illne$$" Di$tantly* $he heard Ree$e in$tructing the guard$ to head bac& to Ca$tle 3arrington" >ather i$ dead" A numbne$$ $lo!ly crept through her body" >ather i$ dead* her groggy mind repeated" 3o! can thi$ be6 2he heard her name called and numbly turned her head to!ard the voice" Ree$e !a$ $taring at her* but $he could read nothing in hi$ e(pre$$ion" <Are you all right6= Ree$e !a$ a$&ing" 1ayce %elt her$el% trembling and %ought to &eep her compo$ure" Alone" +he !ord e(ploded in her mind" <7e$*= $he !hi$pered* and didnt &no! i% $he $ucceeded in controlling her !ea& voice" 2he !atched Ree$e turn hi$ bac& on her" +he $ha&ing in her body gre! until $he could barely hold the rein$" >ather i$ dead* her mind repeated" 2he %ound $he $till held the parchment in her hand$" +he !ord$ blurred together* and 1ayce $!iped at her eye$" 5 cant let Ree$e $ee my !ea&ne$$* $he told her$el% %irmly" And even a$ $he $aid thi$ to her$el%* a lump ro$e in her throat" An over!helming urge to get a!ay %illed her" ,ut !here could $he go6 4ho !ould ta&e her in6 2he li%ted her ga9e to $earch the land$cape* a$ i% $omeone !ould materiali9e there and o%%er her re%uge" 5n$tead* her ga9e !a$ dra!n to Ree$e* !ho !avered be%ore her tearing eye$" 3e $at $toically in hi$ $addle* $taring at her" 5 cant let him $ee my pain* $he thought" 5 dont !ant to $ee hi$ $corn" 2he $purred the hor$e %or!ard* pa$t him* de$perately blin&ing bac& her tear$" 5% $he could :u$t ride in %ront o% him* $he !a$ $ure $he could &eep a $traight bac&" 2he !a$ $ure that !hen the tear$ came $he could &eep her $houlder$ %rom $ha&ing" +he hor$e !al&ed %or!ard* :arring loo$e a tear" 5t $lid over her chee& and do!n her chin" 4ith any luc&* he had mi$$ed it" 1ayce$ hor$e moved pa$t hi$* and $he &ne! $he had made it" ,ut then Ree$e$ hand $hot %or!ard to capture the rein$ o% her hor$e* halting her animal$ progre$$" 1ayce didnt turn her ga9e to him? $he didnt move* !illing her tear$ to $top* !illing him to relea$e her" <1ayce*= he $aid* and hi$ voice !a$ %ull o% compa$$ion" 5t !a$ agony" 2he bo!ed her head* $)uee9ing her eye$ clo$ed on the tear$ no! %lo!ing %reely over her chee&$" 2he couldnt turn to him" 2he couldnt be %ooled by hi$ gentle tone !hen $he &ne! $o !ell he !anted nothing to do !ith her" +hen* hi$ arm !a$ beneath her $houlder$* dra!ing her %rom her hor$e* pulling her onto hi$ lap" 2he re$i$ted at %ir$t* %ighting the com%ort hi$ arm$ o%%ered" Ree$e pulled her tight again$t hi$ che$t* her !ea& $truggle$ no match %or hi$ $trong arm$" <5t$ all right*= he !hi$pered* hi$ !ord$ $po&en into the hair at the top o% her head" 1ayce buried her %ace in hi$ $trong che$t* $obbing" 3i$ arm$ around her !ere !arm and $oothing" 2he $obbed mo$t o% the !ay bac& to hi$ ca$tle* and !hen there !a$ nothing le%t but e(hau$tion* $he $uccumbed to a deep $leep"

Chapter Ten
3er ga9e $!ept her $urrounding$ and $he recogni9ed !here $he !a$ immediately" Ree$e$ room" 2lo!ly* $he $at up" 2he !a$ in hi$ bed* tuc&ed beneath lu(uriou$ly !arm blan&et$" 2he !a$ alone" 2he $!ung her %eet %rom the bed and had no $ooner $et them on the cold %loor !hen the door opened and Nicole entered the room* a ba$in o% !ater in her hand$" Nicole$ eye$ alighted on 1ayce* and a $mile lit her %ace" <4elcome bac&*= $he greeted" 1ayce !inced and rubbed her head" Nicole $at on the bed be$ide 1ayce" <5m $orry about your %ather*= $he $aid earne$tly" <+ruly 5 am"= 1ayce $hoo& her head* $co!ling" <3e didnt $eem $ic&*= $he mu$ed" <5 dont &no! !hat happened"= Nicole patted her hand" <3e probably didnt !ant you to become alarmed"= Nicole ro$e and paced to the ba$in re$ting on a table" <2o he hid !hatever illne$$ he had"= 2he dipped a rag into the !ater* returned to the bed* and !iped o%% 1ayce$ %ace" <-lea$e*= 1ayce $aid* gently removing the rag %rom her hand$" 2he $tared do!n at it %or a long moment" <Did Ree$e bring me bac& here6= <7e$*= Nicole an$!ered" <3e carried you into the ca$tle and tuc&ed you in by him$el%"= 1ayce turned $urpri$ed eye$ to Nicole" <Really6= Nicole nodded her head* her beauti%ul blond hair bouncing" <4here i$ he no!6= 1ayce a$&ed" <5n the great hall* brea&ing hi$ %a$t"= 1ayce remembered Ree$e$ gentle touch and hi$ com%orting !armth" 2he could almo$t %eel hi$ arm$ around her* holding her tight" <Do you thin& Ree$e !ould mind i% 5 :oined him6= 1ayce !ondered" Nicole appeared troubled %or a moment* then $aid* <No" 5 dont thin& hed mind at all"=

3er head pounded and 1ayce ea$ed her eye$ open %rom the dar& com%ort o% $leep"

AAA
1ayce entered the great hall !ith Nicole be$ide her" Ree$e !a$ $itting in the middle o% the rai$ed table* engaged in animated conver$ation" 3er heart %altered* a$ did her $tep$* !hen he turned hi$ ga9e to her" 3i$ penetrating blue eye$ $eared her to the $pot" 2he barely noticed the man !ith !hom he had been $pea&ing li%t hi$ dar& eye$ to her" Ree$e $tood and moved do!n the center ai$le a$ $he approached" 3e !a$ coming to meet her" 3ad $omething changed in$ide him6 4a$ he truly going to $ee her di%%erently6 A grin tugged at 1ayce$ lip$? anticipation burned through her vein$" ,ut 1ayce noticed !ith di$may that hi$ large $tep$ and agitated gait !ere not tho$e o% a happy man" 4ith each $tep that brought him nearer* 1ayce %elt an unea$ine$$ $preading through

her" 3er hope$ %ell a$ he $topped :u$t be%ore her" 3i$ :a! !a$ clenched* hi$ blue eye$ hard !ith anger" 3i$ ga9e $!ept pa$t her to Nicole" <5$ thi$ your idea6= he demanded" <7our !i%e !i$hed to dine !ith you*= Nicole an$!ered" 1ayce placed a gentle hand on Nicole$ arm and $tepped %or!ard to %ace Ree$e" <5t !a$ my idea" 5 thought"""= 3er voice %aded a$ Ree$e$ blue eye$ $napped bac& to meet her ga9e" +hey !ere cold and dar&* emotionle$$" 2he %elt tear$ o% di$appointment $ting her eye$" 2urely $he had not imagined hi$ arm$ around her la$t night* hi$ tender !ord$ in her ear" <5 !ill have your meal brought to you in my room*= he told her" <No! return there at once"= 4ith that* Ree$e !hirled* pre$enting her !ith hi$ bac&* and moved to!ard the head table" 1ayce $tared $lac&#:a!ed at hi$ retreating bac&" +he pea$ant$ near her murmured at hi$ curt di$mi$$al o% her" +he di$appointment and cru$hed %eeling$ !ere $uddenly buried beneath a !hirl!ind o% %ierce anger" 4hat right did he have to treat her li&e@ li&e a common $lave6 1ayce$ %i$t$ clenched tight* and $he marched %or!ard a%ter hi$ retreating %orm" 2he !ould not obey him li&e $ome humble lapdog8 3e $topped :u$t be%ore the head table and 1ayce almo$t ran into hi$ bac&" 2he $tepped around him* %orcing a %al$e $mile to her lip$" ,ut $he couldnt )uite unclench her teeth a$ $he $aid* <+han& you %or inviting me to dine at your table* mlord"= 2he added a moc& curt$y %or in$ult and too& a $eat be$ide the dar& man !ho $at be$ide Ree$e" 2he %elt Ree$e$ eye$ at her bac& li&e dagger$* but didnt turn" >inally* Ree$e too* too& hi$ $eat" A healthy $erving o% veni$on !a$ placed on a trencher be%ore her" +he young man $eated to 1ayce$ le%t eyed her !ith curio$ity" 1ayce beamed him a $mile* then too& in hi$ !ild dar& hair and beard* hi$ $avage bro!n eye$" 3i$ peru$al o% her unnerved 1ayce* and $he pulled a!ay %rom him" <5$ thi$ the !i%e youve &ept hidden %rom me6= the dar& man a$&ed" Ree$e grunted* ta&ing a large bite o% veni$on" <No*= $he an$!ered* $till $tinging %rom Ree$e$ curt di$mi$$al" <5 am not a !i%e" No hu$band !ould treat hi$ !i%e the !ay Lord Ree$e treat$ me"= +he dar& man $co!led" <,ut !ere you not married in the chapel6 4a$ it not your virginal blood that $tained the $heet$6= 1ayce opened her mouth to reply* to deny it all" 2he ca$t a )uic& glance at Ree$e* loo&ing at hi$ arm* thin&ing o% the cut that lay beneath hi$ tunic" 4ho !ould believe Ree$e had cut him$el% to avoid bedding her6 2he dropped her ga9e to her cla$ped hand$" <+ell u$* !hy did you %orce your$el% on Ree$e6= he challenged" <3o! dare you $o di$grace the 3arrington %amily name6= 1ayce %elt embarra$$ment ri$e into her chee&$" <5 had no part in Nicole$ &idnapping"= <Are !e to believe that6= he !ondered" <Mor$e* dont bully her*= Nicole reprimanded* ta&ing a $eat be$ide 1ayce" Mor$e thre! bac& hi$ head and chortle$ o% glee i$$ued %rom hi$ mouth" <+he victimi9ed Lady Nicole i$ the only one to come to your re$cue8= 3e laughed again" 1ayce didnt dare ca$t a glance at Ree$e" 2he &ne! hi$ glo!ering vi$age and $tern di$approval !ould $hatter her already $ha&y re$olve" <4hy thro! your$el% at a man6 De$perate6 3ungry %or $e(6= <5 didnt &no!*= 1ayce repeated* bo!ing her head* ta&ing the comment$ one by one* out!ardly $ho!ing no $ign o% di$tre$$* but in!ardly dying !ith each la$h o% hi$ tongue" 4a$ thi$ !hat Ree$e thought o% her6 Could $he blame him i% he did6

Ree$e !a$nt going to de%end her" No one !a$" 5t !a$ !hat they all believed" 5t !a$ !hat Ree$e believed" <And no!* !hy $tay6 Bnloved" Bn!anted"= <Mor$e*= Ree$e gro!led a !arning" ,ut 1ayce barely heard him" 3er hand$ !ere $ha&ing* and $he clenched them $o tight that her %inger$ turned purple" Alone" Abandoned" <+a&e bac& every $ingle rude remar&* $ir" 7ou have o%%ended the lady"= 1ayce loo&ed up to %ind 2ir Dylan $tanding be%ore the table* hi$ hand at hi$ $!ord" Relie%* gratitude* and $omething a&in to pride $!ept through her" Mor$e leaned bac& in hi$ chair* hi$ dar& eye$ $umming Dylan up in a $!eeping glance" <,ut everything 5ve $aid i$ true"= Dylan$ :a! clenched" <2he i$ lady o% thi$ ca$tle and Lord Ree$e$ right%ul !i%e"= <+hen !hy doe$nt he de%end her6= Dylan ca$t Ree$e an angry glance* then turned hi$ hot* youth%ul eye$ onto the dar& man" <+a&e bac& your !ord$"= One $ide o% Mor$e$ mouth curved into a grin" <5 dont thin& $o*= he $aid" An(iety tightened 1ayce$ $tomach" <+hen* 5 challenge you to a :ou$t %or Lady 1ayce$ honor*= Dylan $aid" Ree$e had come hal% out o% hi$ chair* but %ro9e !hen the %ighting !ord$ came %rom Dylan$ mouth" +he great hall reverberated !ith the challenge a$ the announcement !a$ repeated throughout the room" 2uddenly* Mor$e erupted in laughter* a rich rolling gu%%a! trilling %rom hi$ throat li&e a trumpet" A$ abruptly a$ it $tarted* it ended" 3e leaned %or!ard* hi$ hand$ $played over the table" <5t !ould be my plea$ure*= he $aid" 1ayce &ne! thi$ man they called Mor$e !ould de%eat young Dylan" 3e had a brutal dar& loo& in hi$ eye$ that unnerved her" Dylan$ hot#headedne$$ !ould be hi$ do!n%all" 2he !anted to tell Dylan he didnt have to de%end her* but $he didnt !ant to embarra$$ the young &night" Ree$e !a$ the one !ho $hould be challenging the man" 1ayce $!ung her ga9e to Ree$e" 3e $tood* $taring at Dylan !ith hard* un%linching eye$" ,ut he didnt $ay a !ord" >inally* he !hirled and le%t the great hall" Mor$e$ laughter echoed through the room* %ollo!ing Ree$e$ %oot$tep$" 1ayce glanced at Nicole* !ho didnt move" +he color had drained %rom her %ace a$ $he $tared at Dylan" +hen* 1ayce $tood and raced a%ter Ree$e" 2he turned a corner in the hall!ay" <Ree$e8= $he called" 3e halted* hi$ bac& a$ $traight a$ a board" 3e didnt turn to her* and 1ayce clenched her %i$t$* re%u$ing to budge %rom her $pot" <7ou cant let Dylan %ight him*= $he announced to hi$ bac&" Ree$e turned $lo!ly* hi$ blue eye$ %la$hing !ith anger" <7oure lord o% thi$ ca$tle*= $he $napped" <5t$ your duty to protect tho$e beneath you" Dylan###= <5$ young and %ooli$h" 7ouve !on him over !ith your charm* and no! it !ill co$t him hi$ honor and hi$ dignity"= <+hen $top him*= 1ayce ordered" <Order him not to %ight"=

<5 cant*= Ree$e replied* moving to!ard her" <3e !ould be humiliated and di$graced" 7oure the one that ha$ to do it" +ell him your honor i$ not !orth %ighting %or"= 1ayce !ould do it in an in$tant* i% $he !erent $o a%raid o% hurting the young &night$ pride" ,ut !a$ hi$ pride !orth hi$ li%e6 Many &night$ had been !ounded in $uch challenge$ and $ome even &illed" Dylan !a$ impetuou$ and bra$h* and $he admired him very much %or coming to her de%en$e* but $he al$o &ne! $he could not !atch him %ace Mor$e" <2he !ill do no $uch thing*= a voice announced %rom behind her" 1ayce !hirled to $ee Dylan $torming %rom the great hall* hi$ eye$ bla9ing !ith anger" 3e marched pa$t her to!ard Ree$e" 3e had to loo& up to $tare Ree$e in the eye* but Dylan did $o un%linchingly" <Lady 1ayce$ honor i$ !orth all the gold in the land" 5t i$ !orth all the $tar$ in the $&y" And it i$ mo$t certainly !orth my honor and my li%e*= Dylan told him" 1ayce$ pride ro$e to $oaring height$* but !a$ de%lated by her con$cience" 2he opened her mouth to $pea&* but Dylan continued" <,ut 5 have no intention o% dying" 5 !ill de%eat Lord Mor$e in battle and uphold Lady 1ayce$ virtue"= And the !ay he $aid it* !ith vibrancy and conviction* almo$t made 1ayce believe it" 3i$ con%idence !a$ contagiou$ and !armed 1ayce$ heart" A%ter all* he had been the only one to come to her de%en$e" Not even Ree$e had challenged Mor$e" 2he turned her $tare to her hu$band" 3i$ :a! !a$ clenched tight* hi$ blue eye$ narro!ed" 3i$ ga9e $lid %rom Dylan$ to meet 1ayce$" >or a long* heart#$topping moment* there !a$ cold re$olve in hi$ eye$" 3e !ould $ay nothing* could not $ay anything to per$uade the devoted &night to call o%% the :ou$t" <2ir Dylan*= 1ayce called* &no!ing that i% $he couldnt convince him to $top the :ou$t* no one could" 4hen he turned hi$ bro!n eye$ to her* hi$ ga9e $o%tened and a $mile brimmed on hi$ lip$" <5 appreciate all youve done %or me"= <5 !ould do $o much more*= he vo!ed" <5 !ould !al& to the end$ o% the earth" 5 !ould brave###= 1ayce grinned" <5m %lattered" ,ut thi$ :ou$t i$"""= 2he $ought the right !ord$* the proper !ay to tell Dylan he had no chance" ,ut !hen $he $a! the $mile %ade %rom the young &night$ lip$* $he %altered" <@ it i$ $imply that 5"""= 1ayce %loundered* !atching a cre$t%allen loo& dar&en Dylan$ %ace" <5t$ not you" 5t$ the :ou$t" 5t i$"""= 2he glanced at Ree$e helple$$ly* imploringly" <5t$ the blood*= Ree$e $upplied" <3er %air $en$e$ could not tolerate a drop o% your blood being $hed"= <7e$8= 1ayce e(claimed" <5 %ind blood repul$ive" .$pecially !hen it come$ %rom one o% my %avored &night$"= +he $mile returned in %ull %orce to Dylan$ lip$" <My lady %latter$ me no!" 5 promi$e that not a drop o% my blood $hall 5 $pill to the earth to up$et you"= Dylan reached %or 1ayce$ hand and pre$$ed a &i$$ to her &nuc&le$" 1ayce glanced at Ree$e over Dylan$ head to %ind hi$ $co!l deepening" 1ayce $!allo!ed* and de$perately blurted* <No* 2ir Dylan" 5 !ant you to call o%% the :ou$t"= Dylan %ro9e over her &nuc&le$ %or a long moment" 1ayce$ in$ide$ trembled" 5% a direct order did not !or&* $he &ne! there !ould be no !ay to $top the :ou$t" 3e $traightened $ti%%ly to %ace her" <My honor i$ not !orth your li%e*= 1ayce $aid* and $a! the di$appointment cloud hi$ eye$"

<5m $orry* mlady*= Dylan %inally replied" <5 !ill not call o%% the :ou$t"= 3e ca$t an accu$ing glance at Ree$e" <2ince there i$ no one man enough to de%end you* then 5 !ill %ace Lord Mor$e* even i% 5 do not have your %avor"= 3e turned and !al&ed rigidly a!ay" 1ayce li%ted her hand to $top him* opened her mouth to call to him* to e(plain that he had her %avor* her gratitude* but Ree$e grabbed her out$tretched hand* halting her" <;ive him time to thin&*= he $aid" <3e may yet call o%% the :ou$t"= 1ayce $avagely pulled her hand %ree o% hi$ hold and turned %uriou$ eye$ to him" <+hi$ !a$ your idea8 No! 5 have in$ulted the only man !ho !a$ brave enough to come to my de%en$e* brave enough to de%end my honor" .ven braver than my o!n hu$band"= Ree$e dre! him$el% up to hi$ %ull height* hi$ eye$ %la$hing li&e lightning" <5 am not your hu$band"= <,ecau$e !e did not con$ummate the marriage6 7ou made a vo! be%ore ;od8= <5 !a$ protecting my $i$ter"= <And no! Dylan i$ protecting me*= 1ayce retorted* tear$ $tinging her eye$" <And he might die becau$e youre too co!ardly to de%end me"= Ree$e grabbed her $houlder$* hi$ %inger$ curved li&e cla!$* hi$ lip$ dra!n bac& in a %eral $narl" <5m not a co!ard"= <+hen !hy !ont you %ace Mor$e6 4hy !ont you protect me6= <5 !ill not %ight my brother"=

Chapter Eleven
+he $hoc&* then under$tanding* and %inally acceptance" ,ut !ith the acceptance came $omething el$e""" hurt and re$ignation" 3e !atched tho$e deep blue eye$ $himmer li&e the $ea be%ore $he turned her head a!ay" <5 dont &no! !hat el$e to do*= $he !hi$pered in an agoni9ed voice that called to Ree$e$ heart %or help* %or guidance* %or protection" Ree$e dropped hi$ hand$ $ti%%ly to hi$ $ide$* relea$ing her $houlder$" <+hi$ i$ your problem*= he proclaimed* $uddenly angry $he had $omeho! dra!n him into thi$ $ituation* %uriou$ $he had made him %eel guilty !hen he !a$ nothing o% the $ort" 3e turned hi$ bac& on her and marched do!n the hall!ay" 3e didnt &no! ho! to help her" 3e didnt &no! ho! to $top the :ou$t* even i% it could be $topped* !ithout humiliating Dylan and in%uriating hi$ brother" 3e cur$ed $ilently a$ he &ic&ed open the door to hi$ temporary room" 3e $!ept into hi$ chamber and began pacing %rom one end o% the room to the other* hi$ muttering$ $ounding li&e the grumbling$ o% a caged lion" 3e didnt have the $olution8 3e didnt have all the an$!er$" 4hy did Mor$e have to return no!6 3i$ brother had been gone %or three year$* traveling through .ngland* !or&ing a$ a mercenary" Ree$e had been angry enough !hen he had le%t* po$itive he !ould never $ee Mor$e again" A%ter all* !hat did the boy &no! o% !ar%are6 ,e%ore Mor$e le%t* Ree$e had tried everything to dra! him into the clo$e circle he and Nicole had %ormed* but $omeho! it had never !or&ed" 3e had even o%%ered Mor$e a parcel o% 3arrington land to rule a$ hi$ o!n" ,ut $omeho! that o%%er had in$ulted Mor$e greatly" 3e le%t Ca$tle 3arrington only day$ later" Mor$e had even re%u$ed Ree$e$ generou$ gi%t o% coin to help him $tart o%%" +here had not been a more inopportune time %or Mor$e$ return than no!* be%ore he had $ettled thi$ $ituation !ith 1ayce" Ree$e ra&ed hi$ hand$ through hi$ hair and !hirled to %ace the $etting $un* hi$ thought$ turning to 1ayce" 2he didnt !ant Dylan to %ight any more than he did" +hen !hy couldnt $he have li$tened to me6 Ree$e !ondered" 4hy couldnt $he have $tayed in her room6 <4omen*= he gro!led" 4hatever the ca$e* Ree$e &ne! he could not inter%ere in the battle" 3e had no de$ire to %ace hi$ brother in a :ou$t" +here came a demanding &noc& at the door" <Ree$e"= Ree$e li%ted hi$ head to %ind Mor$e entering" 3i$ brother had been but a boy !hen he le%t the ca$tle three year$ ago" ,ut no! he !a$ a man" A $urge o% pride %illed Ree$e" 3i$ brother !ould ma&e a %ine lord" +hen* hi$ eye$ met the dar& orb$ o% hi$ brother* $o di%%erent %rom hi$ and Nicole$ blue one$" +hey !ere narro!ed in %ierce %ury* hi$ :a! clenched !ith anger" +hey $tared at each other %or a long moment" +he unea$e $pread through Ree$e a$ i% the three year$ had never happened* a$ i% all the old di$com%ort had $uddenly a!a&ed %rom a deep $lumber* $till a$ ugly and a!&!ard a$ ever" 3e cur$ed $ilently* !i$hing they could get along a$ !ell a$ he and Nicole did" <4here !ere !e6= Ree$e %inally $aid" <5 thin& you !ere :u$t about to tell me o% your travel$" 5 tru$t they !ere e(citing"=

Ree$e !atched the dance o% emotion$ play acro$$ 1ayce$ %ace"

<Apparently not a$ e(citing a$ !hat$ happened to you*= came the re:oinder" Mor$e dre! him$el% up to hi$ %ull height* but $till !a$ not a$ tall a$ Ree$e" Mor$e had to loo& up at hi$ brother" <3o! can you permit her in your ca$tle6= <3er6= <2he ha$ humiliated and in$ulted our %amily* &idnapping Nicole* %orcing you into marriage*= Mor$e condemned" <7ou $hould have had her beheaded the %ir$t chance you got a$ retribution %or our %amily$ honor"= <,eheaded6= Ree$e almo$t $miled" <+hat$ a little har$h* i$nt it6= <7ou ma&e light o% the $ituation !hile the tart drag$ our name through the mud" 2he ha$ in$ulted u$" 5* %or one* !ill not tolerate it"= Ree$e$ :a! clenched" 3e %elt an odd $urge o% re$entment cour$e through him" <2he i$ no tart*= he retorted" <And a$ %or dragging our name through the mud"""= 3e loc&ed eye$ !ith hi$ brother meaning%ully" <5t ha$ $urvived %ar !or$e"= Mor$e gritted hi$ teeth* the in$ult not lo$t on him" <-eople are $aying you are !ea& to have allo!ed Cullen to %orce you into marriage"= Ree$e $traightened" <5 !ould have done anything to $ave Nicole"= <7ou $hould have $tormed the ca$tle"= <And by the time 5 %ound !here they !ere &eeping her* Cullen !ould have $lit her throat" Nothing !a$ !orth that"= Mor$e glared at him" <2o* you !ed and bedded the !ench6= Ree$e $hoo& hi$ head" <+he marriage !a$ not con$ummated"= <,ut the $heet$###= <+he only blood $hed that day !a$ mine*= Ree$e admitted" <5ve $tarted a letter o% annulment" 5 !ill not be %orced into marriage" ,ut 5 !ill not behead a de%en$ele$$ !oman* either"= Mor$e %ro!ned" <5m not a %ool"= Ree$e turned hi$ bac& to Mor$e to ga9e out the !indo!" <2o* you $ee* there i$ no rea$on %or thi$ :ou$t to proceed"= <Dylan challenged me"= <Dylan i$ a$ impetuou$ a$ you*= Ree$e $aid" <2till* he !ill not call o%% the :ou$t" 5 !ould appreciate it i% you did"= <5$ that an order* mlord6= Ree$e heard the bitterne$$ in hi$ tone* the re$entment" <No*= Ree$e $ighed" <5t i$ a re)ue$t"= <+hen 5 !ill regret%ully have to decline"= Ree$e turned to Mor$e" <Dylan i$ no match %or you" 7oull &ill him"= Mor$e $miled" <3e never $hould have challenged me" ,e$ide$* 5 %ight %or the honor o% the 3arrington$"= Ree$e %elt angui$h !a$h over him" 3e couldnt help but %eel thi$ !a$ hi$ %ault" And there !a$ nothing he could do to $top it"

Chapter Twelve
5t !a$nt the $light !ind that made her cold" .ven though the $un hid behind cloud$* it !a$ a very !arm day" 7et* $he $till %elt a chill" +he !ooden plat%orm $he and Nicole $tood upon crea&ed each time they $hi%ted their !eight" 1ayce$ ga9e $canned the %ield and the %enced area $urrounding the arena %or Ree$e* but he had not come" 3e doe$nt care* $he thought" 2he bo!ed her head in di$appointment" Nicole $)uee9ed her hand" <Dont !orry*= $he promi$ed" <5t !ill turn out %ine"= <3e$ your brother* too*= 1ayce murmured" <Dont you care about Mor$e6= <O% cour$e 5 do*= Nicole an$!ered $adly" <7ou dont thin& anyone !ill get hurt* do you6= 1ayce turned her ga9e to the %ield* a %eeling o% dread $ettling about her $houlder$" <5 hope not*= 1ayce murmured" +!o hor$e$ $uddenly appeared %rom the oppo$ite $ide o% the %ield o% honor" One bro&e a!ay %rom the other and galloped to the plat%orm the t!o !omen !ere $tanding on" +he chain#mailed &night !ho rode the $teed %lipped up the vi$or on hi$ helmet" Dylan $tared at 1ayce !ith $ad but determined eye$" 2he $tepped to!ard him* clenching a veil o% light blue in her %i$t$" 3e dropped hi$ lance to the plat%orm $o $he could tie her %avor on" 1ayce$ ga9e %ell to the lance" 2he un%urled the material %rom her hand$ and reached out to tie it around the lance* but $uddenly $topped a$ $he heard the pounding o% another hor$e$ hoove$" 2he loo&ed up to $ee another mounted &night coming to!ard her" +he cloud$ parted* and the $un $hone do!n upon the approaching &night" +he bright ray$ re%lected o%% hi$ armor up into her eye$* and 1ayce held up her hand to bloc& them" +he $hining armor $till blinded her* and $he had to loo& a!ay %rom it* blin&ing" >inally* $he heard the hoo% beat$ halt" 1ayce heard Nicole $igh" 2he li%ted her ga9e to $ee that the &night had $topped be%ore them" +he elevated plat%orm put her on an e)ual level !ith the &night" 3e $tared do!n at her %rom the $lit in the helmet$ vi$or" +he cold blue eye$ ga9ing at her $ent a mi(ed %orm o% relie% and dread $earing through her body" >inally* the &night li%ted hi$ gauntleted hand and pu$hed the vi$or %rom hi$ %ace" Ree$e" A $mile lit 1ayce$ %ace* and $he li%ted her %avor to!ard Ree$e* !aiting %or him to lo!er hi$ lance" Ree$e$ ga9e $ettled on Dylan" <7our $ervice$ are no longer re)uired" 5 !ill %ight %or the lady$ honor"= Dylan opened hi$ mouth to prote$t* but Ree$e )uic&ly $ilenced hi$ un$po&en ob:ection" <5t i$ my right*= he told the young &night" Dylan he$itated %or a moment* then bo!ed re$pect%ully and $teered hi$ hor$e o%% the %ield" A thrill o% :oy $!ept through 1ayce and $he $traightened her $pine proudly" Bntil Ree$e turned hi$ ga9e on her" +here !a$ a %ro$tine$$ to hi$ loo&* a %rigid anger that chilled her pride and melted her con%idence" 4ith a $harp :er& on the rein$* Ree$e turned hi$ hor$e %rom 1ayce to meet hi$ opponent" 5t !a$nt until Nicole reached out and pu$hed her hand$ do!n that 1ayce reali9ed he had coldly di$mi$$ed her %avor" 1ayce $tared do!n at the $heer blue material in her hand$ %or a long moment" +hen $he li%ted her ga9e to the combatant$"

1ayce $tood be$ide Nicole the %ollo!ing day at noon* trembling"

A $ilence $pread through the cro!d o% onloo&er$ a$ Mor$e %aced Ree$e acro$$ the %ield" <Mlord8= Mor$e called" <My %ight i$ not !ith you"= <Lady 1ayce i$ under my protection*= Ree$e an$!ered in a lo! timbre that reverberated through the %ield" <A$ $uch $he i$ my re$pon$ibility" 2ince you !ill not ta&e bac& your un$avory remar&$* 5 have no choice but to %ight %or her honor"= A lump ro$e in 1ayce$ throat" $%y responsibility. $& have no choice. 3e didnt !ant to %ight %or her* anyone could hear that in hi$ $peech" <4hy even bother6= $he mumbled" <3u$h*= Nicole !hi$pered har$hly" Ree$e leveled the long :ou$ting pole at Mor$e$ mount" <A$ you !i$h* my brother*= Mor$e replied* and pulled hi$ vi$or do!n over hi$ eye$" 3e too& hi$ lance %rom hi$ $)uire and $purred hi$ hor$e on" +he t!o hor$e$ thundered do!n the %ield to!ard each other* their rider$ lance$ pointing $&y!ard* large clump$ o% dirt $praying out behind them in their !a&e" +he t!o combatant$ lo!ered their !eapon$* aiming %or each other* pu$hing their $teed$ on !ith $harp &ic&$ to their %lan&$" 1ayce leaned %or!ard* her %inger$ gripping the pali$ade !ith $uch %orce it made her &nuc&le$ ache" +here !a$ a loud cra$h and Ree$e :er&ed bac& a$ Mor$e$ lance $truc& hi$ $houlder" 1ayce ga$ped and pre$$ed her %inger$ to her lip$" Ree$e !avered on hi$ hor$e a$ it continued to gallop to the other $ide o% the %ield" 3er heart %ro9e in her che$t" Ree$e clutched the rein$ o% the hor$e* righting him$el%" 1ayce !a$nt a!are $he had $topped breathing until $he had to dra! a large breath" Ree$e$ $teed circled* and the $)uire handed Ree$e another lance" Again* the t!o hor$e$ raced to!ard each other* :ou$ting pole$ leveled" 1ayce held her breath again a$ the hor$e$ clo$ed on each other" Ree$e :er&ed a!ay and :u$t mi$$ed being hit in the $ame $houlder" 3e turned hi$ lance at the la$t moment and $truc& Mor$e$ $tomach" +he blo! glanced o%% Mor$e$ armor a$ the hor$e$ galloped pa$t the vie!ing plat%orm* but Mor$e $tayed tall in the $addle" Ree$e rode $traight to hi$ $)uire* grabbed the o%%ered lance and !hirled* $purring hi$ $teed on to!ard Mor$e" Mor$e matched hi$ older brother$ $peed* driving hi$ hor$e on" Ree$e leveled hi$ lance* again aiming %or Mor$e$ mid$ection" 1ayce$ heart pounded a$ the 3arrington brother$ collided in a large cloud o% du$t and a thunderou$ roar" Ree$e tumbled bac&!ard over hi$ hor$e and %ell heavily to the ground" >or a brie% moment* the entire %ield !a$ $ilent" 1ayce duc&ed beneath the rail to race to Ree$e$ aid* but $omething caught her !ri$t and held her bac&" 2he %ought again$t it* tugging at her arm to %ree it" A %rantic $econd later $he reali9ed it !a$ Nicole" <Mor$e %ell* too*= $he told 1ayce breathle$$ly" 1ayce $canned the %ield to %ind Mor$e laboriou$ly climbing to hi$ %eet" 1ayce $traightened* leaning to!ard Ree$e* $ilently begging him to get to hi$ %eet" +he cro!d$ returning roar rang in her ear$" >inally* Ree$e pu$hed him$el% to a $itting po$ition" 3e $!ayed %or a moment be%ore reaching up to pull hi$ helmet %rom hi$ head and to$$ it a$ide" <2!ord8= Mor$e $houted to hi$ $)uire" 1ayce $a! Ree$e clutch hi$ $ide" 3i$ %ace contorted in a grimace o% pain" A boy ran up !ith a large $!ord* it$ handle out$tretched to Mor$e"

-anic !elled in$ide 1ayce" No* her mind $creamed" 3e$ hurt" 2he heard Nicole ga$p" 1ayce duc&ed beneath the railing and :umped %rom the plat%orm to race onto the %ield* her heart thundering in her che$t" <1ayce8= Nicole cried" 1ayce &nelt be%ore Ree$e* $canning hi$ %ace* her hand$ $played be%ore her in helple$$ne$$" Agony dulled Ree$e$ deep blue eye$? hi$ :a! !a$ clenched hard" A$ he $tared at her* 1ayce thought $he $a! a !avering o% re$olve in hi$ eye$" 2he thought %or a moment he !a$ be$eeching her" ,ut %or !hat $he didnt &no!" 2he glanced over her $houlder and $a! Mor$e approaching* $!ord in hi$ hand" 2he $tood to meet him* <Let him be*= $he commanded" <.verything you $aid !a$ true" 3e care$ nothing %or me" 5 %orced my$el% on him" 5 &ne! all about the plan to &idnap Nicole"= A$ $he $po&e* tear$ ro$e in her eye$" <Let him be*= $he repeated* de$peration creeping into her voice" Mor$e$ ga9e $hi%ted %rom Ree$e to pin 1ayce !here $he $tood" <My honor mean$ nothing*= $he proclaimed" <1u$t dont hurt him"= <7ou*= Mor$e gro!led" 3e li%ted the blade above hi$ head" <5 !ould gladly ta&e your li%e in$tead o% my brother$"= 1ayce !inced* $tepping bac&* li%ting her hand$ to bloc& the blo!" 2uddenly* another $!ord $hot %or!ard to intercept Mor$e$ death blo!" 1ayce turned to %ind Ree$e on hi$ %eet* $!ord clutched in hi$ hand" 3i$ blue eye$ t!in&led at her %or a moment be%ore he $hi%ted hi$ ga9e to Mor$e" 3i$ hand encircled 1ayce$ arm and gently $et her a$ide" Mor$e moved %or!ard !ith a lightning reaction* arcing hi$ blade high over hi$ head" Ree$e caught the blo! ea$ily* grabbing Mor$e$ arm" +hey loc&ed blade$* and the $unlight re%lected o%% the cro$$ed !eapon$ and into 1ayce$ eye$" <Ree$e*= Mor$e $aid* through the cro$$ed $!ord$* <i% $he mean$ anything to you* admit it and 5ll lo!er my !eapon"= Ree$e ten$ed* hi$ $houlder$ $ti%%ening" 3e $tared hard at Mor$e be%ore $hoving a!ay %rom hi$ brother" 3e ca$t a )uic& glance at Nicole on the plat%orm" ,ut never once did he loo& at 1ayce" <5m %ighting %or the re$pect o!ed my %amily* Ree$e" 5m %ighting %or our honor" 5t !a$ her %ather that &idnapped Nicole8 5t !a$ her %amily that %orced you into marriage" 5 dont !ant to %ight my brother"= <+here i$ no one le%t to de%end her" 2he i$ no! my re$pon$ibility"= <2o* you dont care %or her6= 1ayce tried to clo$e o%% her emotion$" 2he !atched Ree$e$ bac&" And prayed %or the right an$!er" <No*= he proclaimed" 1ayce hadnt reali9ed $he had been holding her breath until $he relea$ed it in a di$appointed ru$h" 3umiliation %lamed acro$$ her chee&$" 2he !anted to crumple to the ground? $he !anted to di$appear into the earth $o no one could $ee her" 5n$tead* $he $tood immobile in the middle o% the %ield o% honor* honorle$$ and alone" A crac& $peared the center o% her heart li&e a %racture in the earth" <+hen !hy %ight me6= Mor$e demanded" <+hi$ i$ not your %ight"= <2he i$ under my protection" 2he i$ to be treated a$ a gue$t in my ca$tle*= he proclaimed" <+hen my %ight is !ith you*= Mor$e replied* and ran at Ree$e* $creaming hi$ rage* hi$ %ru$tration"

1ayce ga$ped a$ Ree$e $tepped into the $!ing* catching hi$ brother$ $!ord !ith hi$ blade" 3e grabbed Mor$e$ arm and yan&ed him to the ground !ith one pull* $tepping on the !ri$t o% hi$ $!ord arm" Ree$e pre$$ed the tip o% hi$ blade to hi$ brother$ nec&" <3o! many time$ do 5 have to !arn you about ru$hing $omeone in anger !ithout thin&ing6 5t$ ama9ing youve $urvived thi$ long"= Mor$e $truggled in %ru$tration" <7ield*= Ree$e urged* pre$$ing the $!ord clo$er to Mor$e$ throat" Mor$e$ %ight le%t him* and he glared at Ree$e" <5 yield to you*= he ground out bet!een clenched teeth" <Apologi9e to Lady 1ayce*= Ree$e encouraged" Mor$e$ dar& eye$ danced !ith %lame$ o% anger and de%iance* a$ he $narled* <5 apologi9e"= Ree$e !ithdre! hi$ $!ord and o%%ered Mor$e hi$ hand" Mor$e cla$ped hi$ arm* and Ree$e pulled him to hi$ %eet" Ree$e $hoo& hi$ head" <A%ter all tho$e year$ o% training* 5 cant believe you %orgot !hat 5 taught you"= Mor$e $neered at Ree$e* then $tormed o%% to!ard the ca$tle" Ree$e !atched hi$ brother go* then $lo!ly %ollo!ed in hi$ %oot$tep$" 1ayce $a! Ree$e pau$e once to glance over hi$ $houlder at her" 2he %elt hi$ eye$ on her li&e the heated $un* %elt the con%u$ion in hi$ ga9e" Around the %ield o% honor* the cro!d bro&e up* heading bac& to !or& or returning to the ca$tle" 2he $tood li&e a $tatue* !illing their $ympathetic $tare$ to bounce o%% her" ,ut $omeho! they didnt $eem to bounce? $he ab$orbed them* each $la$hing her heart until it !a$ le%t in tatter$" A !arm arm draped around her $houlder" <Come on*= Nicole !hi$pered" 1ayce $hrugged o%% her arm* $ha&ing her head" <No*= $he an$!ered* trying to &eep the )uivering out o% her voice" <5 thin& 5ll $tay out here %or a !hile"= Nicole nodded and moved pa$t her to!ard the ca$tle* ca$ting 1ayce a commi$erating loo&"

AAAAA
Mor$e $tomped into hi$ room* ripping the gauntlet$ %rom hi$ hand$ and thro!ing them on the bed" 3e thought thi$ time he could de%eat hi$ brother* give Ree$e a ta$te o% the humiliation that had %illed hi$ li%e" 5n$tead* hi$ brother embarra$$ed him in %ront o% everyone8 3e too& that little !ench$ $ide over hi$ o!n &in8 Mor$e $hoo& hi$ head* pulling the du$t#%illed tunic over hi$ head and to$$ing it to the %loor" 4ell* Mor$e vo!ed $ilently* ga9ing at the %lic&ering %lame o% the torchlight on the !all* 5 !ill $ee to it the girl !ill never be a 3arrington"

Chapter Thirteen
2he avoided the pea$ant$ and &night$* avoided the $ympathetic loo&$ they ca$t her !ay" Not a !i%e" Not a gue$t" 2he !a$ caught in a tormented limbo" A$ the $un $et* 1ayce $at be$ide a !ooden %ence" 2he !a$nt e(actly $ure !here $he !a$ and didnt really care" Could it be any le$$ !elcoming than the ca$tle $he could $ee in the di$tance6 +han the hu$band !ho !ould never accept her a$ a !i%e6 And !hat o% the tender touch he had be$to!ed on her6 1ayce !a$ beginning to believe $he had imagined it" A%ter all* ho! could he be $o gentle one moment and proclaim to all !ithin ear$hot $he meant nothing to him the ne(t6 1ayce $ighed and leaned bac& again$t the %ence" 4hat had her %ather done to her6 4hy had he %orced her on a man !ho didnt !ant her6 2urely there had been other lord$ !illing to marry her" 2he and her %ather had not been a$ !ealthy or a$ po!er%ul a$ Lord 3arrington* but they !ere not poor either" 2uddenly* behind her* a hor$e !hinnied and a man$ $tern voice rang out" 1ayce turned her head* pee&ing through the $lat$ in the %ence to $ee a beauti%ul blac& !arhor$e" +he animal $norted and reared $lightly" A man* loo&ing very $mall in $tature compared to the magni%icent animal* yan&ed on a rope around the hor$e$ nec&" 2lo!ly* 1ayce climbed to her %eet" +he hor$e $norted again* it$ thic& blac& mane to$$ing a$ it rebelled again$t the rope" +he man pulled hard on the rope* cur$ing" 3e rai$ed hi$ hand and 1ayce $a! a blac& coiled !hip clutched in hi$ %inger$" 3e dre! hi$ hand bac& and the !hip un%urled li&e a thic& blac& $na&e $tri&ing at it$ prey" 1ayce :umped a$ the man brought the !hip do!n hard acro$$ the animal$ $houlder$" 2he had believed he !a$ going to crac& it in the air* not over the poor animal$ hide8 <No8= 1ayce $creamed* and raced %or the man" 2he rounded the %ence :u$t a$ the hor$e reared* and the man brought the !hip do!n over the animal$ bac& again" +he man dre! hi$ hand bac& to deliver yet another blo!" 1ayce reached out and grabbed the man$ !ri$t" <No8= $he $houted again" <+hat$ not the !ay to tame an animal8= +he man turned angry eye$ on her" <+hen you tame him*= he commanded* $hoving the !hip at her" 1ayce $tared at the ugly blac& coil o% rope* then pu$hed it a!ay in di$gu$t" <Lord Ree$e i$ going to have him put do!n $oon any!ay" No one can tame thi$ one" Not even Lord Ree$e*= the man told her" <3e$ a$ !ild a$ a ragin river"= <4hat$ hi$ name6= 1ayce !ondered* $taring the hor$e in the eye" 5t !hinnied and to$$ed it$ head" <2atan*= the man an$!ered !ith a curt nod" <And not a more be%itting name could there be"= +he man turned hi$ bac& on her and moved a!ay" 1ayce !atched the hor$e a$ it $tared do!n at her !ith the blac&e$t eye$ $he had ever $een* eye$ round !ith %right" <7ou alone* too* boy6= $he a$&ed $o%tly* trying to calm the animal" <+hey :u$t dont under$tand* do they6 5t ta&e$ time* that$ all" 7ou cant :u$t go in and demand an animal a$ grand a$ you behave"= 2he $miled gently and loo&ed do!n at her hand$" <Did Ree$e tell you that you mean nothing to him* too6 Or doe$ he re$erve that humiliation %or me6= +he hor$e nic&ered and pranced a %e! $tep$ a!ay be%ore turning hi$ bac& to her"

1ayce !andered through the %ield$ clo$e$t to the ca$tle"

1ayce $ighed $lightly" <5 !ont give up on you $o ea$ily*= $he !hi$pered"

Chapter Fourteen

Ree$e $at on the bed in the gue$t room he planned to occupy until the $ituation !ith 1ayce
!a$ !or&ed out" 1ame$ bent over at hi$ $ide* probing a brui$e !ith hi$ %inger$" <5 told you 5m %ine*= Ree$e gro!led" <>ar be it %rom me to argue* $ir*= 1ame$ mumbled" 3e $traightened and pre$ented Ree$e !ith hi$ !hite tunic" Ree$e $natched it %rom hi$ hand$ :u$t a$ a &noc& came at the door" 1ame$ moved to an$!er the &noc&* but be%ore he reached the door it $!ung open* and Nicole $!ept into the room" <4ell done* Ree$e*= Nicole ridiculed" Ree$e grunted" <7ouve humiliated both your brother and your !i%e in one a%ternoon"= <3umiliated6= Ree$e e(ploded* pulling the tunic into place" <4hat ha$ 1ayce got to be humiliated about6 5 gave her a place o% honor8 2he i$ a gue$t here"= <2he i$ your !i%e*= Nicole %umed" <2he de$erve$ to be recogni9ed a$ $uch"= <5 dont have a !i%e"= 7et* even a$ he $aid it* he $a! a vi$ion o% beauty" A chivalrou$* brave beauty* ru$hing to $ave him on the %ield o% honor" .ven though 5 didnt need $aving* a $tubborn voice in$ide him reminded" 2till* !hat a brave* un$el%i$h act* branding her$el% honorle$$ to $ave him" <Oh* plea$e" Not that argument again8 7ou treated 1ayce deplorably*= Nicole $aid* intruding on hi$ thought$" 3e $traightened o%% o% the bed" <5 protected her honor*= Ree$e countered" <.ven again$t my o!n brother"= <2he gave up her honor becau$e $he $a! you !ere hurt" 2he lied to protect you"= <Lied6= <7ou dont truly thin& $he planned my &idnapping6 Dont be a %ool" 2he &ne! nothing about it"= <2he told you thi$6= Nicole $hoo& her head $adly" <2he doe$nt need to" And all you could do !a$ embarra$$ her"= <5 did not embarra$$ her"= <7ou $aid $he meant nothing to you"= <2he doe$nt*= Ree$e grumbled* but could not meet Nicole$ eye$" 3e moved to the !indo! to $tare out at the dar&ening $&y" Can Nicole be right6 Ree$e !ondered" 5n attempting to ma&e 1ayce !elcome a$ a gue$t at Ca$tle 3arrington* have 5 made matter$ !or$e6 <4here i$ $he6= Nicole rai$ed an eyebro!" <5 dont &no!"= Ree$e !hirled on Nicole" <4hat do you mean you dont &no!6= <5 havent $een her $ince the :ou$t"= Ree$e marched pa$t hi$ $i$ter and moved to!ard the door" 3e thre! it open !ith $uch %orce it $lammed again$t the $tone !all !ith a thunderou$ boom" 3e $trode through the hall!ay$ li&e an ominou$ $torm cloud" +!o $ervant$ pre$$ed them$elve$ tightly again$t the !all to give him plenty o% room to pa$$" One o% the ca$tle hound$ )uic&ly $lun& into a $ide hall!ay at hi$ approach"

3o! dare $he t!i$t hi$ genero$ity into $omething he $hould %eel guilty about6 4hat did $he e(pect o% him6 Or !a$ it Nicole ma&ing him %eel thi$ !ay6 4hen he %ound 1ayce* he !ould ma&e it very clear to her that he !ould never be %orced into marriage !ith a !oman he didnt love" 3e !anted a happy li%e* a happy and devoted !i%e* $omeone to cheri$h him and their children" 3e !ould ma&e it clear to 1ayce he !ould not %eel guilty about hi$ po$ition anymore" And he !ould ma&e it very clear that $he $hould not loo& at him !ith tho$e deep* innocent blue eye$ any longer" A%ter a )uic&* %ruitle$$ $earch o% the great hall* he headed to!ard the ma$ter bedroom" 1ayce mu$t have returned there a%ter the :ou$t" 3e thre! open the door and entered" <5 !ould $pea& !ith you###= 3i$ voice died li&e a !avering candle e(tingui$hed by a !hipla$h bree9e" +he torchlight %rom the !all %lic&ered over the undi$turbed bed" +he room !a$ empty" +he $hutter$ %raming the !indo! banged in the bree9e* dra!ing hi$ attention" 3e moved to the !indo! to ga9e out on hi$ land$" Dar&ne$$ had claimed hi$ domain" An unea$ine$$ $na&ed it$ !ay through hi$ body" 2he !a$ out there" 5n un%amiliar land$" Bnprotected" Ree$e da$hed %rom the room and raced out into the courtyard* hi$ u$ual calm gait turning to a run a$ he $ped to!ard the $table$" 3e reached the building :u$t a$ the $table ma$ter !a$ loc&ing the animal$ up %or the night" 4ith a curt command %rom Ree$e* the old man )uic&ly reopened the door$" Ree$e bru$hed by him !ithout a !ord and da$hed into the $table$" 3e guided hi$ hor$e %rom it$ $tall and pulled him$el% up onto hi$ bac&* !a$ting no time in trying to $addle the animal" 3e had o%ten ridden barebac& !hen he !a$ a child* en:oying the %reedom it gave him" ,ut there !a$ no en:oyment no!* only a $lo!ly building panic" 3i$ $tomach t!i$ted a$ he imagined 1ayce lying on the road $ome!here* hurt and bleeding" 3e )uic&ly pu$hed the thought a$ide* telling him$el% thi$ !a$ hi$ village* and no one !ould dare to harm her" 2till* Mor$e$ hurt%ul !ord$ ro$e in hi$ mind* and he &ne! it !a$ not only phy$ical thing$ that could !ound her" ;uilt ro$e in Ree$e$ heart* and he &ne! i% anyone had hurt her* it had been him" 3e $purred the hor$e on" A$ he raced to!ard the village* riding pa$t the enclo$ure that hou$ed 2atan* Ree$e !ondered !here to $tart hi$ $earch" ,ut then the eerie $ilence caught hi$ attention" 2atan$ ince$$ant $nort$ and !hinnie$ o% di$approval !ere no!here to be heard" Ree$e reined in hi$ hor$e* hi$ ga9e $canning the moon#&i$$ed pa$ture" 4here i$ that in%ernal bea$t6 he !ondered" +hen* he $a! an apparition bathed in the glo! o% the moon* a gho$tly vi$ion %loating above the %ence $urrounding the gra9ing land" +he night$ bree9e ru%%led her dre$$ and danced through the $il&en $trand$ o% her hair" Ree$e $)uinted and blin&ed" +he $pirit abruptly vani$hed* and in it$ place he $a! 1ayce $tanding precariou$ly on the %ence" 2he held $omething in her hand that %lapped in the bree9e" 5t too& a moment %or Ree$e to reali9e it !a$ a blan&et" +hen* he heard her calling to the bea$t" Ree$e $purred hi$ $teed to!ard her a$ $he $at on the top plan& o% the %ence* beginning to ea$e her$el% over the $ide o% the !ooden barricade" Outrage and di$belie% %la$hed through Ree$e" 2he !a$ going into 2atan$ pen" Didnt $he &no! ho! dangerou$ and unpredictable the !arhor$e !a$6 ,e%ore $he could climb %ully into the pen* Ree$e reached around her tiny !ai$t and hauled her %rom the %ence onto hi$ o!n $teed" <Are you out o% your mind6= he demanded" 3i$ reprimand died in hi$ throat a$ $he turned tho$e brilliant eye$ on him" +ho$e dangerou$ eye$" .ye$ that captured the pale light o% the moon and radiated it$ energy bac& ten%old" .ye$ that !ere capable o% capturing much more than :u$t the moon$ glo!"

<4hat are you doing here6= $he a$&ed" 3er bottom pre$$ing again$t hi$ thigh$ caught him o%% guard* and %or a brie% moment he imagined !hat $he !ould loo& li&e lying beneath him in the throe$ o% ec$ta$y" 3e $ilently $hoo& him$el% and %ro!ned* trying to regain control o% the $ituation" <5 might a$& the $ame o% you"= <4here am 5 $uppo$ed to be6= $he !ondered" +he innocence o% her )ue$tion* the pure* untainted hone$ty o% it* touched hi$ heart" 4here indeed6 he )ueried" <4ell* certainly not near thi$ bea$t*= Ree$e retorted* glancing at 2atan" +he hor$e $norted once* indignantly* it$ dar& eye$ ab$orbing the moonlight but giving nothing bac& but blac&ne$$" <4hat in heaven$ name !ere you thin&ing climbing over the gate into hi$ pen6 Dont you &no! he could have trampled you6= <5t$ chilly*= $he replied" <5 !a$ going to put thi$ blan&et on him"= 2he held up a !orn cover" Ree$e$ ga9e $hi%ted %rom the blan&et clutched in her delicate hand$ to her eye$" <3e ha$ never !orn a blan&et at night" 3e !ont let anyone clo$e enough to put one on"= <7ou can hardly blame him a%ter the !hipping the groom gave him"= <3e !ouldnt need a !hipping i% he !ere not $o uncontrollable"= <7ou dont tame an animal by !hipping it and bullying it into $ub$ervience"= 2he !a$ ga9ing at the !retched bea$t !ith admiration" A $lo!* $o%t $mile curved Ree$e$ lip$ a$ he $tared do!n at the !oman in hi$ arm$" 3e $till held her clo$e* hi$ arm !rapped around her !ai$t* hi$ hand $played again$t her %lat $tomach" 4a$ he ga9ing at her !ith a$ much admiration a$ $he !a$ be$to!ing on the hor$e6 +hen he $hoo& him$el%* and re$olve $ealed o%% the %racture $he had begun to create in the $tone !all he had built around hi$ heart" <3e need$ to be loved*= $he added $o%tly" +he !ord$ pried the %racture open !ider" 3e &ne! the !oman he held in hi$ arm$ !a$ unli&e any he had &no!n be%ore" ,rave and &ind and beauti%ul" And thru$t upon him by evil coercion" +he thought that $he had $omeho! !or&ed her !ay into hi$ mind* in%iltrated hi$ body li&e an invader* angered him" <2tay a!ay %rom him*= Ree$e gro!led" <3ell cau$e you nothing but mi$ery"= 1ayce turned her eye$ to hi$" Again* he %elt that !a$h o% a%%ection overta&e him and race through hi$ vein$* %illing hi$ very blood !ith the $pirit o% her being" 3er eye$ !ere large and tru$ting* her no$e pert and turned up :u$t a bit* her chee&bone$ high and !ell#de%ined" ,ut it !a$ her lip$ that attracted hi$ attention" +hey !ere red and %ull and parted" 4i$p$ o% her hair curled %or!ard* %raming her %ace" A lovelier portrait o% a !oman could never be painted" Ree$e %ound him$el% lo!ering hi$ head to her$* moving hi$ o!n lip$ clo$er to her$* a$ i% caught in $ome &ind o% magical bli$$" 2atan pa!ed the ground* $norting* !hite pu%%$ o% $team erupting %rom hi$ no$tril$" +he $pell bro&en* Ree$e :er&ed bac& %rom 1ayce* $tartling hi$ hor$e* !ho lurched %or!ard* $lamming 1ayce again$t hi$ body" 4a$ that di$appointment that %illed her eye$6 Or relie%6 <5ll ta&e you bac& to the ca$tle*= he $aid* and $purred the hor$e on" ,ut 1ayce $lipped %rom hi$ gra$p and hi$ %inger$ bru$hed her brea$t$* $ending a :olt o% de$ire %laming through hi$ body" 2he landed $moothly on the ground" <5 have to put the blan&et on 2atan*= $he in$i$ted" 3er determination made Ree$e %uriou$" 3adnt he :u$t told her the creature !ouldnt let anyone near it6 Didnt he :u$t tell her it !a$ dangerou$6 Ree$e )uic&ly di$mounted and $tormed

over to her* ripping the blan&et %rom her hand$" <7ou !ill $tay a!ay %rom that mon$ter*= he commanded" 3e put hi$ hand on the top rail and ea$ily hurdled the %ence* cur$ing $ilently a$ he landed :u$t in$ide the pen" 3o! had he gotten him$el% into thi$ po$ition6 3e gritted hi$ teeth a$ the !arhor$e turned $urpri$ed eye$ to him" <Come here* you damned bea$t*= he $narled* un%urling the blan&et be%ore him" <No*= 1ayce urged %rom behind him" <2pea& $o%tly to him" A$ i% he !ere a %riend"= <5 !ould $pea& $o%tly to no %riend o% mine*= he gro!led* approaching the hor$e" Out o% the corner o% hi$ eye* he $a! her pulling her$el% onto the gate" <All right8= Ree$e called* holding hi$ hand out to $top her" 3e loc&ed ga9e$ !ith 2atan" <4retched bea$t*= he grumbled" 3e cleared hi$ throat" <Bmmm" 5t appear$ to be a chilly night"= Ree$e $cratched at hi$ chee&" 3e glanced bac& at 1ayce to $ee her !atching him e(pectantly" 3e %elt ridiculou$" 2he urged him on !ith a gentle !ave o% her hand" Ree$e turned bac& to the hor$e" <4hy dont you !ear thi$6= +he hor$e $norted and too& a $tep a!ay %rom him* pa!ing the ground" <+hi$ i$nt !or&ing*= Ree$e gro!led immediately" <7e$* it i$*= 1ayce an$!ered in a $o%t* coa(ing voice" <7oure doing %ine" +ry again"= Ree$e loo&ed at the hor$e" <4e !ouldnt !ant you to catch your death* no! !ould !e6= +here !a$ thic& $arca$m in hi$ voice" <No! :u$t $tay put and !ell have thi$ on you in a###= 3e too& a $tep clo$er" +he animal !hinnied and reared $lightly" Ree$e $tubbornly re%u$ed to move a$ the hor$e pranced clo$er to him" <Not thi$ time*= he !arned" <5 !ont tolerate your temperament" 5 &no! you dont much li&e me* and 5 could care even le$$ %or you" ,ut it$ %or 1ayce" 1u$t $tay $till a moment longer and let me put thi$ on you"= 3e too& a $tep clo$er* mumbling $o only he and the hor$e could hear* <7ou !retched bea$t"= +he !arhor$e $!ung hi$ $nout %or!ard and hit Ree$e hard in the $tomach" +he air e(ploded out o% hi$ lung$ and he %ell bac&!ard onto hi$ bac&$ide" Ree$e loo&ed up to $ee the hor$e$ $harp hoove$ pa!ing the air above him* &ic&ing !ildly :u$t above hi$ head"

Chapter Fifteen
,ut then the bea$t !a$ gone* and in the animal$ place !a$ the apparition Ree$e had $een on the %ence" 3e lay $till %or a moment* a $tunned groggine$$ clouding hi$ thought$" +he vi$ion !a$ $tanding very clo$e to the hor$e" +hen he reali9ed thi$ $eraph !a$ 1ayce8 +he thought o% her in the demon$ pen $ent tremor$ o% terror racing through Ree$e$ body" 3i$ mind cleared in$tantly* and he lunged %or!ard* pulling her again$t hi$ che$t* rolling a!ay %rom the mon$ter" 4hen hi$ momentum $topped* Ree$e li%ted hi$ head to %ind 2atan at the other $ide o% the pen" <5 gue$$ youre all right*= 1ayce murmured" 3i$ ga9e !a$ dra!n to her" 2he !a$ trapped beneath him* and Ree$e became in$tantly a!are o% the pre$$ o% her brea$t$ again$t hi$ che$t" De$ire %lared in hi$ vein$" 3e $co!led* angry that any !oman could arou$e hi$ pa$$ion $o completely and uncontrollably )uic&" <5 told you to $tay out o% the pen*= he gro!led a%ter catching hi$ breath" <7ou !ere in trouble*= $he replied" <5###= <5 didnt need your help*= he an$!ered" Ree$e pu$hed him$el% %rom the ground and held a hand out to her" 1ayce $at up" Ree$e could $ee the $ame agony etched over her %eature$ a$ he had $een on the %ield o% honor" 2he ignored hi$ hand and $tood* du$ting her palm$ on her dre$$" <Loo&$ li&e your hor$e !ill have to go cold tonight*= Ree$e $aid" 1ayce headed %or the %ence" <No he !ont*= $he an$!ered" Con%u$ed* Ree$e glanced to!ard 2atan" +he blan&et !a$ draped over hi$ bac&" A$toni$hed* Ree$e turned bac& to 1ayce to $ee her climbing over the %ence" <7ou dropped the blan&et !hen he $hoved you*= $he $aid" 2he ea$ed her %eet to the ground and headed to!ard the ca$tle* leaving Ree$e $tanding alone in 2atan$ pen" <5 dont believe thi$*= Ree$e muttered* ab$ently rubbing hi$ $ore $tomach"

2atan$ hoove$ $la$hed the air"

AAAAA
Bnable to $leep that night becau$e o% deep blue eye$ hovering in hi$ mind and red parted lip$ that called to him and $po&e hi$ name* Ree$e !ent to the $tudy to bury hi$ mind in !or&* to try to e(orci$e hi$ demon$" 3e $tood and $trode to the !indo! to ga9e out at the chilly evening $&y" +he $un had %led beneath the invading blac&ne$$* and the evening !a$ peppered !ith $mall gli$tening $tar$" Ree$e %elt an an(iou$ne$$ $tir hi$ $oul" +endril$ o% cold ble! in %rom the open !indo! to !rap icy %inger$ around hi$ $trong %orm" 2uddenly* the door $!ung open on $o%tly crea&ing hinge$ and he turned to $ee the !oman !ho haunted hi$ dream$ enter the room" 1ayce pau$ed in the middle o% the open door!ay* her hand$ %olded be%ore her* her $mall %rame d!ar%ed by the !ide entrance!ay" Ree$e$ breath caught in hi$ throat* and hi$ ga9e traveled $lo!ly over her? her hair !a$ hidden beneath a $heer

blue %abric* her %igure curvaceou$ and regal* her $hapely hip$ accented by a belt o% rich velvet %abric that hung to the %loor" Ree$e $tepped clo$er* thin&ing he mu$t be imagining $uch beauty" ,ut the clo$er he got* the lovelier $he loo&ed" 3er blue eye$ $hone li&e beacon$? her %ull lip$ !ere a$ red a$ cherrie$" 3e might :u$t !ant to ta$te tho$e cherrie$" 3e $topped immediately* reali9ing !hat the little nymph !a$ doing to hi$ $en$e$" <Oh* 5m $orry*= $he apologi9ed" <5 didnt &no! anyone !a$ here" 5 $a! the light and 5 !a$ coming in to dou$e the candle"= 4ith her hand$ %olded demurely* 1ayce loo&ed a$ innocent and pure and righteou$ a$ a damned $aint" Ree$e approached her* but moved around to the bac& o% the table be%ore he came too near her" 2he $tepped up to the table* her eye$ $canning the parchment that lay $cattered acro$$ it" <4hat are you doing6= <+here i$ a problem in the %ield$" 2ome o% the men have been $tric&en !ith a %ever and are unable to !or&"= <5$ it $eriou$6= 1ayce !ondered" 3e $hoo& hi$ head" <+he one$ !ho have had the %ever have recovered %ully in about a !ee&" 5% the %ield$ are not %ully $eeded in t!o !ee&$ time* it !ill be too late"= <3o! many men are $till ill6= <+en"= 3i$ ga9e $!ept her un!illingly" <,ut that$ my concern"= 2he !a$ )uite comely" 3er petite %igure !a$ curvy* alluring and inviting" 3er bro!n hair !a$ neatly tuc&ed under the coi%* but Ree$e remembered the rebelliou$ curl$ that had %ramed her %ace" And her %ace8 ;od$ blood8 3er deep blue eye$ reminded him o% the ocean* the deepe$t part o% it" +he part you had to be care%ul you didnt dro!n in" 3e %orced hi$ ga9e %rom her and hi$ :a! clenched" 3e !a$ angry %or being %orced to marry a !oman he didnt love" 3e !a$ angry !ith her %or being $o damned beauti%ul" <3ad you no $uitor$6= he in)uired $uddenly" <2uitor$6= <Men a$&ing %or your hand in marriage*= he clari%ied dryly" One dainty eyebro! ro$e" <Many*= $he replied de%iantly" O% cour$e $he did" 3o! could $he not have had men lining up to !ed and bed her6 +hen* another thought occurred to him* and he clenched hi$ %i$t$" <Doe$ a babe gro! in your belly6= 1ayce $traightened indignantly" 3eat $u%%u$ed her chee&$" <No*= $he retorted $ti%%ly" <+hen !hy !ould your %ather go to $uch e(treme$ to have me !ed you6= he demanded" <5t ma&e$ no $en$e"= <5 dont &no!*= $he admitted* turning to glance at the parchment" Ree$e $!ore he heard agony in her tone" <1ayce*= he called" 4hen $he li%ted tho$e blue eye$ to him* he %orgot hi$ !ord$" 3e $tood !ith hi$ mouth open %or a moment be%ore $ha&ing him$el%" <5 cannot help but thin& 5 !ould never do thi$ to a daughter o% mine" 2he !ould be happy in her li%e* !ith her hu$band"= <Are you $o $ure 5 am not happy6= 1ayce !ondered" Ree$e $tudied the $imple dignity o% her %ace" +he hone$ty that $hone %rom her eye$ touched hi$ heart" 3e $hoo& hi$ head" <7ou cannot be" 7ou &no! nothing o% me"= <5 &no! youre an honorable man"= <A rich man*= he added in a biting* accu$ing voice" 3er chin ro$e a notch" <7e$*= $he $aid" <A !ealthy man"=

<-erhap$ that !a$ !hy your %ather did thi$*= he $aid" <+o ma&e $ure you !ere !ell e$tabli$hed* !ell ta&en care o%" My !i%e !ill have lu(urie$ you !ere never u$ed to" Lu(urie$###= <4ell ta&en care o%*= $he repeated* a$ i% to her$el%" <-erhap$" And perhap$ he didnt $ee you a$ a liar"= Ree$e $ti%%ened to hi$ %ull height* to!ering above her li&e a $tone to!er" <5 am not a liar"= 2he reached acro$$ the table to touch hi$ arm meaning%ully" <7ou lied to my %ather"= 3e $tared at her* trying de$perately not to be moved by her touch" <7ou lied* too*= he accu$ed" <5 !a$ protecting my hu$band*= $he an$!ered" 3e began to $ha&e hi$ head* but $he continued undaunted" <5t !a$ my duty to $tand by you"= Ree$e$ ga9e !a$ dra!n by her parted lip$" Any !ord$ $he !a$ about to $ay died a$ hi$ ga9e devoured her mouth a$ thoroughly a$ i% he !ere &i$$ing her" 3e turned a!ay )uic&ly and %ound hi$ $tare occupied by the ledger$ o% hi$ %arm$" <-erhap$ you can u$e the ale!ive$ %or the time being*= 1ayce $ugge$ted" <4hat6= Ree$e a$&ed" 1ayce pointed to the ledger$" <+he ale!ive$" +a&e $ome o% them to !or& in the %ield$ until the men are !ell" +hey !ont be a$ $&illed a$ the %ield !or&er$* but theyll do %or the time being"= <4omen6= Ree$e a$&ed dubiou$ly" <+heir bac&$ and arm$ might be $ore becau$e theyre unu$ed to the !or&* but give them a day o% re$t* and they !ont prote$t a$ much"= <A day o% re$t6= Ree$e echoed !ith di$ta$te" <4omen are not made to do the :ob o% men*= he added imperiou$ly" 1ayce $hrugged and turned to move out the door* calling over her $houlder* <5t !ill $olve your problem"= Ree$e !atched her go* $taring at the empty door!ay %or a moment* then turned bac& to $tudy hi$ ledger$" <Ale!ive$*= he muttered incredulou$ly under hi$ breath"

AAAAA
.arly the ne(t morning* 1ayce leaned over the gate to 2atan$ pen* !aving a carrot at the proud $tallion that haughtily eyed the o%%ered %ood" 2he dropped her arm in di$appointment and li%ted her eye$" ,eyond the pen* out in the %ield$* 1ayce noticed $i( ale!ive$ !or&ing along$ide the men" 2he $miled in ama9ement" 2he turned bac& to 2atan* again o%%ering him the carrot" +he hor$e $norted* re%u$ing the %ood" >inally* %ru$trated by the hor$e$ di$regard %or her gi%t* 1ayce $traightened" <3e$ not a$ ea$ily %ooled by your preten$e at innocence"= 1ayce !hirled to %ind Mor$e approaching %rom a nearby barn" 2he clutched her hand$ be%ore her* trying to $till the unea$e that raced through her body" Mor$e eyed the hor$e* then the gate" <3o! %itting to %ind you at the gate to hell"= 1ayce $co!led" <4hat do you !ant6= Mor$e too& a $tep to!ard her" <5 $hould a$& you that )ue$tion"= 1ayce tilted her head $lightly in con%u$ion" <5 dont &no! !hat you mean"=

<+ell me !hy youve come to Ca$tle 3arrington*= Mor$e demanded" <Are you here to de$troy my %amily6= <De$troy"""6 No8= 1ayce an$!ered emphatically" <5 came to !ed Ree$e"= <,y &idnapping Nicole6= Mor$e demanded" <Do you thin& 5 !ould have come i% 5 had &no!n !hat my %ather had done6 3o! do you thin& thi$ ma&e$ me loo&6 Do you thin& 5 !anted to live li&e thi$6 A hu$band !ho !ant$ nothing to do !ith me" No chance %or a loving %amily* no chance %or children"= 2he loo&ed a!ay %rom him* blin&ing bac& the tear$ o% $hame that $uddenly ro$e be%ore her eye$" <2uch a touching act*= he cooed richly" <5 could almo$t believe you" +ell me* ho! long have you practiced that $peech6= 1ayce $traightened her bac&* her eye$ narro!ing" <5 dont !ant your $ympathy" 4hat$ done i$ done" And 5* %or one* intend to ma&e the be$t o% it"= <Ma&e the be$t o% !hat6= Mor$e a$&ed" <,y Ree$e$ o!n !ord$ you are nothing more than a gue$t here at Ca$tle 3arrington"= <5 am Ree$e$ !i%e in the eye$ o% ;od"= Mor$e laughed $harply* hi$ $nic&er $pitting out %rom hi$ mouth li&e a $na&e$ venom" <No!aday$ that doe$nt count %or much" Not !ith an annulment $o ea$ily paid %or" And that i$ one thing !e do not lac&Ccoin* a$ you !ell &no!"= 3e turned hi$ bac& on her* hi$ ugly chortle o% contempt lingering in the air a$ he !al&ed a!ay" Annulment" +he !ord $ent $hiver$ do!n 1ayce$ $pine" 4hat !ould $he do i% Ree$e decided to annul their marriage6 4here !ould $he go6 2he %elt a !arm !etne$$ bru$h her hand* then $he heard a crunch" 2he loo&ed do!n to $ee $he $till held the carrot tightly in her %i$t but a large bite had been ta&en %rom the end o% it" 1ayce rai$ed her eye$ to $ee the blac& !arhor$e to!ering above her* munching noi$ily on the carrot" A grim grin came to her lip$ a$ $he held the re$t o% the carrot out to him"

AAAAA
4hen 1ayce returned to her room* $he !a$ $miling $o%tly to her$el%" 2he patted the poc&et that held the %e! carrot$ le%t over %rom her victoriou$ e(cur$ion* plea$ed !ith her little victory* then pu$hed the door open" And %ro9e" Ree$e $tood in the middle o% the room !ith hi$ bac& to her" 3e %illed the $pace !ith hi$ pre$ence li&e a $culptured god" 3i$ bron9ed $&in gli$tened in a ray o% $unlight? du$t particle$ $hi%ted around him in the light* $ho!ering him in !hat loo&ed li&e a $pla$h o% magical po!der" 3i$ blac& hair :u$t barely care$$ed hi$ $houlder$ in a touch that made 1ayce %eel enviou$" 3i$ $hirt !a$ o%%* and he held a piece o% material in hi$ hand$" 1ayce didnt reali9e until a moment later that the cloth !a$ hi$ legging$" 3er eye$ dipped pa$t hi$ !ai$t to hi$ buttoc&$" +hey !ere rounded and %irm" 3i$ long leg$ !ere !ell mu$cled" 3er ga9e traveled bac& up hi$ body" 3i$ tor$o !a$ $trong* and $he $a! hi$ $houlder mu$cle$ relea$e a$ he dre! him$el% up taller" 3e $lo!ly turned to %ace her" <Come in"= 3i$ voice rumbled through her li&e a tremor" <And clo$e the door"=

Chapter Sixteen

1ayce obeyed Ree$e !ithout )ue$tion* $tepping into the room and clo$ing the door behind
her" 5t !a$ only !hen $he heard the $o%t thump o% the door that $he reali9ed !ith a $tart !hat $he had done" 2hut her$el% in !ith a na&ed man" And not any na&ed man* but her hu$band" 2he $!allo!ed hard and pre$$ed her$el% bac& again$t the !all" A $mile curved hi$ lip$ be%ore Ree$e moved to the bed and $at do!n* pulling on hi$ legging$" <5m $orry*= $he !hi$pered" <5 didnt reali9e you !ere here"= <5t$ my room*= he replied" 2he $!allo!ed again and could do no more than nod in agreement" 3e pulled a !hite tunic over hi$ head" <4here !ere you6= he demanded" 1ayce !atched !ith a pang o% remor$e a$ hi$ beauti%ul body di$appeared beneath hi$ tunic" <5 didnt &no! you !ere loo&ing %or me*= $he re$ponded" <+hat !a$nt my )ue$tion*= he $aid* pic&ing up a $tring to thread through the <D= in the nec& o% hi$ tunic" 4ithout thin&ing* 1ayce $tepped %or!ard* ta&ing the $tring %rom hi$ hand" 2he $tood be%ore him* %eeding the $tring through the %ir$t loop" <5 !a$ out !al&ing" 5t$ a beauti%ul morning* and 5 !anted to $ee it be%ore the village !o&e" 5###= 2he pau$ed* reali9ing !hat $he !a$ doing" 2he li%ted her ga9e to meet hi$ amu$ed blue eye$" <2orry"= 2he dropped the $tring into hi$ hand" Ree$e eyed her* and 1ayce had to drop her ga9e beneath hi$ inten$e peru$al" <7ou !ere !ith 2atan again* !erent you6= <7ou told me to $tay a!ay %rom him"= Nervou$ly* $he too& a $tep bac&" Ree$e$ hand $hot out* en$naring her !ri$t" 3e ro$e be%ore her li&e a god ca$ting :udgment and %inding her lac&ing" 3e pulled her clo$e to him" 1ayce$ heart raced at hi$ nearne$$" 3e !a$ $o $trong" 3e $melled li&e leather and mu$&" 3i$ che$t :u$t barely touched the tip$ o% her brea$t$ and it $ent $!irl$ o% de$ire and anticipation cour$ing through her" 2he $tared into hi$ blue eye$ and %ound them $moldering li&e the blue at the center o% a %lame" >or a breathle$$ moment $he !aited" 2he %elt hi$ hand $&im her !ai$t to her thigh" <+hen !hat$ thi$6= he a$&ed $o%tly* and patted her poc&et" <My leg*= $he !hi$pered" A lo! rumble $ounded %rom hi$ throat* and hi$ eye$ lit up" 1ayce had never $een a more !ondrou$ $ight" 3er heart melted into a pool o% contentment" Ree$e pulled a carrot out o% her poc&et and di$played it be%ore her eye$" >or a moment* 1ayce %ro!ned in con%u$ion* her %oggy mind re%u$ing to relin)ui$h the tenderne$$ in hi$ eye$" +hen the cold reali9ation o% !here the carrot had come %rom :arred her" 2he %umbled %or a coherent thought" <5###5 happen to li&e carrot$*= $he bridled" 2he grabbed the carrot %rom him and too& a bite" <4hat a $trange coincidence" 2o doe$ 2atan"= <3e$ a !onder%ul hor$e* Ree$e" 5t !ould be $uch a $hame to de$troy him" 3e$ $o $mart and $pirited and beauti%ul" 5 &no! he can be tamed" 7oure :u$t going about it all the !rong !ay" 5###=

Ree$e li%ted a %inger and touched it to her lip$* $ilencing her" 3i$ %inger trailed the $hape o% her lip$ and moved over her chee& to her :a!" <2atan !ill live" ,ut only until you tire o% him"= 1ayce$ lip$ tingled !here he had care$$ed them" 2he $tared into hi$ eye$* !anting more* but un$ure o% !hat" Ree$e $tepped bac& %rom her* pulling hi$ hand a!ay" <,ut 5 dont !ant you near him unle$$ 5m !ith you"= A$ he moved a!ay* 1ayce %elt the contentment in her heart drain a!ay" <Ree$e8= 1ayce called* $uddenly very de$perate %or him to remain at her $ide" Ree$e pau$ed at the door!ay" 2he %umbled !ith her !hirling thought$ %or a moment be%ore a$&ing* <5% my %ather hadnt ta&en Nicole* !ould you have courted me6= A $ad $mile curved the corner$ o% hi$ lip$" <5 !ould not have &no!n you then"= 3e turned and !a$ gone"

Chapter Seventeen

+!o day$ later* Ree$e %ound him$el% once again out$ide 2atan$ pen* leaning again$t the
%ence* hi$ arm$ re$ting on the top rail" 3e $a! the impetuou$ girl grin a$ the horrid creature too& another carrot %rom her hand" 2he reached out and actually patted the bea$t$ no$e" Ree$e $norted" 3e had o!ned 2atan %or $i( month$ and couldnt even get near the %iend" 3e $hoo& hi$ head in complete di$belie% a$ the hor$e nu99led it$ head again$t 1ayce$ hand" <4retched bea$t*= Ree$e grumbled* and loo&ed a!ay %rom the touching $cene" 2omething in it di$turbed him" 2omething that had nothing to do !ith the hor$e" 3e had !atched her !or& !ith the animal* cooing and tal&ing to it %or an hour and a hal%" One might thin& he had nothing better to do than to !atch her handle 2atan" One might thin& he !a$ $lac& in hi$ care o% hi$ land$ !hen all he could do !a$ $tand at the %ence and $tare at 1ayce" 3e envied the damn hor$e" And that thought di$turbed him much more than !hat other$ might thin&" <+ry it"= Ree$e li%ted hi$ head to $ee 1ayce holding a carrot out to him* an encouraging grin on her red lip$" 3e almo$t reached out and too& the carrot* enchanted enough to do her bidding" ,ut then the animal $nic&ered* and Ree$e turned hi$ ga9e to it" A $narl curled hi$ lip$" <5 dont thin& $o"= <7ou have to try $omeday*= 1ayce $aid" <5 do not bribe animal$ into becoming tame*= he proclaimed* cro$$ing hi$ arm$ over hi$ che$t" <No* you !hip them and beat them into $ubmi$$ion" +hat$ no !ay to gain loyalty"= Ree$e opened hi$ mouth to ob:ect* a $co!l cro$$ing hi$ dar& bro!" <Let me $ho! you $omething*= 1ayce $aid* overriding hi$ ob:ection" +o hi$ horror* the little imp duc&ed beneath the rail$ and moved into the pen" <4hat do you thin& youre doing6= Ree$e demanded" <Leave there at once"= <Dont !orry*= 1ayce a$$ured him" <2atan !ont hurt me"= <+hat remain$ to be $een*= Ree$e !arned" <;et out o% there no!"= <Mo$t creature$ re$pond better to &indne$$ than to a !hipping"= 2he approached 2atan !ith her hand out$tretched" +he hor$e !hinnied and rai$ed hi$ hoo%* $ma$hing the ground and $playing up a cloud o% dirt" A thunderou$ panic rang in Ree$e$ ear$" 3e gripped the %ence $o tightly hi$ &nuc&le$ turned !hite" <1ayce* dont"= 2he moved up to the hor$e and it to!ered over her* $team coming %rom it$ no$tril$* %ire %rom it$ mouth" Ree$e boo$ted him$el% up onto the %ence* ready to bolt over it to $ave 1ayce" 1ayce reached over the hor$e* $tro&ing it$ mane" 2he grabbed a hand%ul o% it$ hair and in one movement* hauled her$el% onto the animal$ bac&" Ree$e$ heart lurched into hi$ throat and he leapt the %ence* racing to!ard 1ayce only to %ind her $taring do!n at him %rom atop the creature" 5t $uddenly became clear a$ daylight to Ree$e" +hey !ere cohort$" 2he had been here many time$ be%ore* tal&ing to the bea$t* $elling her $oul to ride the demon" Ree$e gritted hi$ teeth" <5 told you not to come here !ithout me"=

<5 never !ould have gotten to thi$ point !ith you brooding at the gate and glo!ering !hen 5 tried to do anything" ,e$ide$*= $he $aid* calmly $tro&ing the hor$e$ mane* <you ma&e 2atan nervou$"= <5###8= +hat !a$ the %inal $tra!" 3e approached her !ith a dar& loo&" ,ut 2atan pa!ed the earth in !arning* and Ree$e came up $hort* &no!ing the animal could trample him in a moment" <;et do!n %rom there*= he called" 1ayce li%ted her eye$ to him" +ho$e blue orb$ $hone at him* and Ree$e reali9ed that the nervou$ne$$ he %elt in the pit o% hi$ $tomach !a$ %or her $a%ety" 3e !ould have done anything to get the girl %rom the devil$ bac&" 3e !ould have battled a thou$and men to $ee her $a%e" ,ut he &ne! that hi$ grim re$olve !ould not get her %rom the bea$t$ bac&" 3e gritted hi$ teeth again" <-lea$e*= he $aid begrudgingly" 1ayce $lid do!n 2atan$ $ide* and Ree$e grabbed her hand* pulling her a!ay %rom the hor$e" <Are you mad6= he demanded" <3e could have trampled you8 3e could have thro!n you* and you could have bro&en your nec&8= 1ayce $tared at him $ympathetically" <7ou dont have to be a%raid o% 2atan"= <A%raid6= Ree$e $norted" <5m not a%raid"= 2he grabbed a blan&et o%% the %ence and $hoved it into hi$ arm$" Ree$e $tared do!n at it" +hen* !ith determination* he li%ted hi$ ga9e to 2atan" +he hor$e $tared at Ree$e* !atching him out o% di$tru$t%ul eye$" Ree$e opened the blan&et* cautiou$ly approaching" <+al& to him*= 1ayce encouraged" <4hat do you $ay to an arrogant* !ill%ul###= <Ree$e*= 1ayce !arned" Ree$e grimaced" <+raitor*= he murmured at the hor$e" <3o! could you let a !oman tame you6= ,ut Ree$e &ne! ho!" 3e had to but loo& into 1ayce$ eye$ to be captured by the $pell o% her beauty" -erhap$ he had more in common !ith the hor$e than he reali9ed" <.a$y*= Ree$e !hi$pered" <5 !ont hurt you" All 5 have to do i$ $lip thi$ over your bac&"= Ree$e care%ully $tepped up be$ide the hor$e" +he animal nic&ered $o%tly a$ Ree$e $lo!ly* pain%ully $lo!ly* ea$ed the blan&et onto hi$ bac&" <+hat$ a good boy*= he $oothed" <7oure doing %ine"= 3e $tood %or a long moment* unable to move" >inally* he $traightened a corner o% the blan&et and )uietly $tepped a!ay %rom the hor$e" Ree$e bac&ed to the gate* re%u$ing to ta&e hi$ eye$ %rom the hor$e* $ure that at any moment he !ould charge him and try to trample him beneath hi$ hoove$" ,ut the hor$e didnt move" 5t $tood ab$olutely $till* :u$t !atching Ree$e !ith dar& eye$ that mirrored the $un in their depth$" Ree$e :oined 1ayce at the %ence" 3e $hoo& hi$ head in bemu$ement* ca$ting one la$t glance over hi$ $houlder at 2atan" 4hen he loo&ed do!n at 1ayce* he %ound her beaming a $mile up at him" 5t !a$ a $mile %illed !ith pride" <Come on*= he commanded* and headed bac& to!ard the ca$tle" 1ayce )uic&ly too& up $tep be$ide him" 5n all the time Ree$e had o!ned the damned bea$t* he hadnt been able to get !ithin %ive $tep$ o% the animal" 2atan had &noc&ed him to the ground more than once" ,ut under 1ayce$ guidance* he had actually put a blan&et on the $tubborn hor$e" Ree$e $miled in di$belie%" <No! youre ready to ride him*= 1ayce commented" 3e loo&ed at 1ayce in !onderment* then $hoo& hi$ head" <5 dont thin& $o" -utting a blan&et on him i$ one thing" Riding the mon$ter i$ another"=

Chapter Eighteen

1ayce ga9ed out into the blac& night* content %or the %ir$t time $ince $he had arrived"
-erhap$* :u$t perhap$* there !a$ hope yet" Ree$e didnt hate her a$ he had !hen $he %ir$t arrived" A %ond $mile touched her lip$" And $he !a$nt )uite $o a%raid o% him" A rumble o% thunder :arred her out o% her reverie and $he $tumbled a!ay %rom the !indo!* $taring into the dar&ne$$ out$ide the ca$tle" 5t !a$ mere $econd$ be%ore lightning lit the $&y li&e a torch" 1ayce grabbed a blan&et %rom the bed and raced %rom the room to!ard the great hall" 5t !a$ late at night* and $he &ne! there !ould be hardly anyone there" ,ut there !ould be a %ire in the hearth" -erhap$ it$ !armth !ould ea$e the chill cocooning her body" A$ $he de$cended the $tair$* all but running* $he dre! the blan&et tightly around her $houlder$" A cra$h o% thunder $purred her on to a %rantic pace and $he almo$t tripped* but caught her$el% on the $tone !all o% the ca$tle" 2he ran the re$t o% the !ay to the great hall* bur$ting through the door$" +he room !a$ empty and $he padded acro$$ the hall to!ard the inviting %lame$" 2he heard the !ind pic& up out$ide* ho!ling it$ %ury* and ru$hed to!ard the protective !armth o% the hearth" 2he didnt $ee the man $itting be%ore the %lame$ until $he !a$ almo$t be$ide him" Ree$e loo&ed up a$ $he $&idded to a halt" +ho$e blue eye$ $!ept her* and he !a$ out o% hi$ chair* $ei9ing her $houlder$ be%ore $he could thin& coherently" <4hat$ !rong6= he demanded" 2he $!allo!ed hard* trying to %ind com%ort in hi$ eye$" >or a long moment* $he couldnt $pea&* couldnt move" 2he !anted to curl into hi$ embrace" +hunder boomed around her and the ca$tle $eemed to $ha&e" 2he glanced up at the ceiling* hal%#e(pecting the !all$ to come tumbling do!n around her" <1ayce6= 2he returned her %rightened ga9e to Ree$e* pulling the blan&et tightly around her throat" <7oure trembling*= he ob$erved" 1ayce opened her mouth to reply* but there !a$ nothing to tell him" No !ord$ came out" Another grumble o% thunder %illed the night* and $he in$tinctively $tepped clo$er to Ree$e" 3e too& her elbo! and led her to a chair near hi$" 3e $et her into it and &nelt be%ore her" <Are you all right6= 1ayce nodded tentatively" Ree$e reached up and bru$hed a loc& o% hair %rom her chee&" At the $o%t care$$* 1ayce lo!ered her ga9e %rom the ceiling to hi$ %ace" 3e gently di$entangled her hand$ %rom the blan&et and held them in hi$ o!n" 3i$ hand$ !ere $o much larger than her$? they covered her$ completely* engul%ing them in a $heltered !armth" 2he !atched hi$ hand$ en%old her o!n" <5m $orry*= $he !hi$pered" <7ou mu$t thin& 5m a horribly !ea& per$on"= <No*= he !hi$pered* leaning to!ard her" +hunder rumbled in the air* and her grip tightened around hi$" <5ve been a%raid o% $torm$ all my li%e*= $he $aid $o%tly" <+he thunder* the !ind* the rain" 5t$ $o loud"""=

Ree$e leaned %or!ard and bru$hed a &i$$ again$t her lip$* )uieting her !ord$" 4hen he pulled bac&* it !a$nt %ar" 3i$ blue eye$ %illed her vi$ion" +heir no$e$ touched* and hi$ breath %anned acro$$ her mouth" 1ayce parted her lip$ to $pea&* but nothing came out" Ree$e leaned to!ard her* pre$$ing hi$ lip$ to her$ in a more demanding &i$$" 3e covered her mouth !ith hi$* and $he !a$ $hoc&ed at the de$ire that %lamed to li%e in$ide her" 3er $tomach $!irled* a$ did her entire !orld" 2he %elt hi$ hand$ move up her arm$* pulling her clo$er" 2he !a$ $uddenly $o lo$t in the tumult o% emotion$ raging through her $he didnt even hear the loud crac& o% thunder that %illed the ca$tle"

AAAAA
Ree$e cru$hed 1ayce to him* enticing her to open to hi$ e(ploration" 4hen $he parted her lip$ tentatively* he too& the invitation and thru$t hi$ tongue into her mouth* ta$ting her $!eetne$$" 3i$ hand$ cupped her %ace* tilting her chin up to meet hi$ de$perate &i$$" 3e groaned $o%tly" 2he !a$ heavenly" 2he ta$ted o% !arm honey and $!eet innocence" 3e &i$$ed her chin and trailed &i$$e$ do!n her nec&" 3e !anted her li&e he had never !anted anything be%ore" 2he !a$ hi$ !orld* the center o% hi$ univer$e" 2he !a$""" hi$ !i%e" +he recollection $hattered the $hell o% deception he !a$ immer$ing him$el% in" 3e %ro9e* then pulled a!ay %rom her" 3e $a! the con%u$ion in her pricele$$ eye$* $a! the hurt" 3e loo&ed a!ay %rom her and $tood" <1ayce*= he $aid* the !ord li&e a groan o% denial" <5m $orry""" but 5 cant ta&e you a$ my !i%e"= 3e chanced a loo& at her" 2he !a$ ne$tled in the chair* !rapped in a !arm blan&et* her lip$ $!ollen %rom hi$ heated &i$$" 1ayce ro$e $ti%%ly" 3e could $ee the pain he !a$ cau$ing her in her trembling lo!er lip" 5% $he !ere any other !oman* he &ne! $he !ould bur$t into tear$ and %lee %rom him" ,ut not hi$ 1ayce" 2he $tood righteou$ly be%ore him* her chin angled in a brilliant $ho! o% determination" <4hy are you doing thi$ to me6= $he !hi$pered har$hly" <5% you de$pi$e me $o* then###= <5 dont de$pi$e you*= he interrupted* and !a$ $hoc&ed at the tenderne$$ in hi$ voice" 3e $tepped to!ard her* meaning to com%ort her" ,ut $he too& a $tep a!ay %rom him* banging into the chair* $ending it toppling to the %loor" <,ut you cant love me" And i% you cant* then !hat %uture i$ there %or u$6= Love6 Ree$e !ondered" >uture6 4hat %uture did they have together6 3adnt he a$&ed him$el% that )ue$tion time and again6 A lovele$$ marriage" 3i$ %ather$ agoni9ed vi$age ro$e be%ore hi$ mind$ eye" 5t !a$ not a li%e he !ould $ubmit him$el% to" 3i$ !i%e !ould be devoted to him completely* $o in love !ith him that $he !ould not thin& o% loo&ing at another man" 1ayce already commanded Dylan$ devotion" 4ho el$e !ould %all victim to her charm6 Ree$e turned a!ay %rom her" +hunder gro!led through the ca$tle li&e a $tal&ing lion" A log in the %ire crac&led and popped" +he !ind $creeched out$ide the %ortre$$" Ree$e heard her %oot$tep$ and !hirled* %inding her %leeing to!ard the &itchen$* the blan&et $till !rapped about her $houlder$" 3er long dar& hair !hipped out behind her li&e the %lag o% a retreating enemy" Ree$e &ne! he $hould go a%ter her" 2he !a$ %rightened o% the $torm* !ith no one to turn to" 3i$ heart began to hammer in hi$ che$t" Alone" 3e &ne! !hat it !a$ li&e to be alone" +ruly

alone" 3e had lain in hi$ bed a%ter hi$ mother had died* heir to Ca$tle 3arrington* %rightened* over!helmed" And very much alone" +hunder $colded him %rom the heaven$" Ree$e $hot out o% the chair and %ound him$el% running to!ard the &itchen$"

Chapter Nineteen
2he %led through the ca$tle* $earching %or a $a%e $pot !here $he could $it out the $torm" ,ut her vi$ion &ept blurring and the rumble o% thunder !a$ gro!ing louder* con%u$ing her $en$e$" A$ a %la$h o% lightning lit the hall!ay* 1ayce duc&ed into a room* covering her ear$ again$t the cra$h o% thunder" 2he pre$$ed her bac& to the !ooden door* !aiting and praying* pulling the blan&et tighter around her" 'Sweetheart,( her father had said. ')our mother... she cant be with you anymore.( A %ierce cra$h re$ounded around the ca$tle* and 1ayce $!ore $he %elt the $tone $tructure tremble" <>ather*= $he !hi$pered* <ho! could you leave me here6 4hy !ould you give me to a man !ho !ant$ nothing to do !ith me6 A man !ho cant love me6= +he !armth o% a $ingle candle %luttered brie%ly* dra!ing her ga9e" 1ayce $tepped to!ard the heat* hoping that $omeho! it !ould era$e the $udden chill engul%ing her body" <-erhap$ your %ather didnt !ant you* either*= a voice moc&ed %rom the door!ay" 1ayce turned un$teadily* recogni9ing the voice" 2he $!iped at the tear$ on her chee&$ and %aced Mor$e a$ bravely a$ her trembling limb$ !ould allo!" Mor$e leaned again$t the door %rame* eyeing her !ith an icy di$dain" <-erhap$ 5 !a$ !rong a$ to ho! $eductive you can be*= he $narled* ta&ing a $tep to!ard her" <5 thought that my brother$ heart !a$ dead" 5 thought that he !a$ made o% $tronger $tu%%" ,ut !hen 5 $a! the t!o o% you loc&ed in that $in%ul &i$$* 5 &ne! he had $uccumbed to your !ile$"= 3e circled her li&e a panther eyeing a %rightened rabbit" 1ayce $tepped %or!ard to leave the room* but Mor$e moved to bloc& her path and $he pulled bac&" <5 thin& it$ time to end thi$ %arce* my lady*= he $aid bitterly" 1ayce !atched him !arily" <Ree$e cant love you*= he told her* <and he never !ill"= <5t doe$nt matter !hether he love$ me or not*= 1ayce in$i$ted* &no!ing it !a$ a lie" 2he reali9ed !ith a :olt $he had begun to care %or Ree$e" +o loo& at him a$ a %riend" A$ more than :u$t her hu$band" <5 am hi$ !i%e*= $he $aid out loud* !ith more conviction than $he had ever %elt" Mor$e chuc&led at her" <>or the time being any!ay"= 3er con%idence $lipped a notch and $he !atched him !arily" Mor$e !al&ed around her to the de$&" 2he didnt turn to !atch him* but heard the $hu%%ling o% paper$" Dread $lithered up her $pine" 2uddenly* he $hoved a piece o% parchment at her %rom behind" 1ayce :umped* $ti%ling a $cream" 2he pulled the blan&et around her nec&* trying to $eal o%% the chill creeping through her body* even a$ $he reached %or the parchment" 2he $canned the )uic&ly $tenciled letter""" and %ro9e" 3er heart re%u$ed to beat" 3er breath re%u$ed to come" <7ou $ee* Ree$e never intended to honor your marriage*= Mor$e hi$$ed in her ear" <3e doe$nt love you" 3e never !ill"= +he ca$tle roc&ed !ith a cra$h o% thunder a$ 1ayce$ heart $hattered" +he parchment $he held !a$ a letter to the &ing* re)ue$ting an annulment o% their marriage"

1ayce !a$nt really $ure !here $he !a$ going"

2he crumpled the parchment in her %i$t* li%ting tear#%illed eye$ to Mor$e" 3er entire body !a$ $ha&ing* but it had nothing to do !ith %ear" 2he to$$ed the balled#up parchment at him and the paper bounced o%% Mor$e$ che$t* then rolled acro$$ the %loor to re$t bac& at her %eet" Mor$e grinned a terrible grin" 1ayce %led %rom the room* a%raid that her pounding heart !ould bur$t %rom her che$t i% $he didnt move* i% $he didnt do $omething" Anything" 2he :u$t &ne! $he had to get a!ay %rom Mor$e* %rom Ree$e* %rom the ca$tle" Mor$e$ horrible laughter %ollo!ed her do!n the hall!ay"

Chapter Twenty
3e pu$hed open the door to hi$ $tudy* hi$ %rantic hunt encompa$$ing every room" 3e came to a halt a$ he entered the room* hi$ eye$ narro!ing on hi$ brother li&e pinpoint$ o% light" Mor$e $at behind the large !ooden table* hi$ %eet cro$$ed on top o% a pile o% parchment" 3e had a $trange grin on hi$ %ace that $ent a $in&ing %eeling do!n into the pit o% Ree$e$ $tomach" Ree$e$ %i$t$ clenched? every mu$cle in hi$ body ten$ed" Mor$e to$$ed a balled#up piece o% parchment up and do!n in the air* catching it de%tly !ith one hand" <All our problem$ have been $olved* brother*= he $aid ca$ually* laughing" Ree$e launched him$el% at Mor$e* grabbing hi$ tunic and pulling him to hi$ %eet" +he $heet$ o% parchment on the table $cattered in every direction" <4here i$ $he6= he demanded" <Ree$e###= Mor$e began* the laughter gone %rom hi$ %ace" <5###= Ree$e $hoo& him hard" <5% youve hurt her* 5ll &ill you* you ba$tard"= Mor$e$ eye$ rounded in $hoc&ed di$belie%" <7ou $aid you didnt care about her8= he e(claimed" <7ou $aid $he meant nothing to you8= Ree$e $hoved hi$ $narling vi$age at hi$ brother" <4here i$ $he6= Mor$e gaped at him %or a long moment* unable to $pea&" >inally* he $aid* <2he le%t"= <4here* damn you6= Ree$e gro!led" <5 dont &no!*= Mor$e an$!ered )uic&ly" <4hat did you do to her6= Ree$e demanded" <Did you hurt her6= <No* 5###= Ree$e $hoo& him again" <4hat did you do6= Mor$e$ hand ro$e* palm up* di$playing the crumpled ball o% parchment" Ree$e$ eye$ $hi%ted to the paper" 5n the !added#up me$$ that the parchment had become* Ree$e made out $ome o% the !ord$@ imploring""" &indly""" annulment" Complete and utter dread $!ept through him" ;od$ blood8 3e li%ted enraged eye$ to hi$ brother" Mor$e had $ho!n 1ayce the letter8 An unbelievable rage con$umed him* blinding him !ith it$ la$hing %erocity" 4ith a %uriou$ ho!l* Ree$e to$$ed Mor$e a$ide and raced out o% the room" +he $torm out$ide had continued to la$h the land$* only inten$i%ying Ree$e$ $en$e o% urgency" 3e ran to the main door$ o% the ca$tle and thre! them open" 3e $tood $ti%%ly a$ the rain pelted hi$ %ace and the !ind !hipped hi$ hair about hi$ $houlder$" 3i$ %inger$ curled into hi$ palm$" 2he !a$ out there" +erri%ied" Alone" 3e had driven her a!ay !ith hi$ cold denial$* hi$ %irm re$olve again$t a lovele$$ marriage" 3e cur$ed him$el% %or a %ool" 3e could never have thought that a !oman %orced on him could come to mean a$ much to him a$ 1ayce did" Ree$e clenched hi$ teeth and to$$ed hi$ head bac&" <1ayce8= he $houted* a$ lightning ripped the $&y" 3e moved %or!ard* hi$ ten$e gait turning into a %ull#%ledged run by the time he reached the outer gatehou$e" A$ he reached the road into the village* he pau$ed to $can the country$ide" +he rain $pla$hed hi$ %ace* $oa&ed hi$ tunic" 4here can $he have gone6 he !ondered" 2he could be any!here" 3e needed to $earch the $urrounding land$ )uic&ly" +hunder boomed through the air" +hen* hi$ ga9e $ettled on the %enced area hou$ing 2atan" 3e raced to!ard the bea$t$ lair be%ore he had %ormed the thought to do it"

Ree$e raced through the ca$tle* hi$ $earch gro!ing de$perate"

3e reached the %ence* !iping the blinding rain %rom hi$ eye$" ,ut the gate !a$ clo$ed" 3i$ eye$ $earched the yard %or the mon$ter" +he !arhor$e $tood in the middle o% the yard* the rain $eeming to have no e%%ect on him" 3i$ blac& mane !a$ $aturated* hanging do!n in thic& $trand$" 5t !a$ the %ir$t time he had ever been glad to $ee the bea$t" Ree$e climbed the %ence* all but thro!ing him$el% over the top" 3e landed on hi$ %eet in the pen and approached the hor$e* determination clenching hi$ %i$t$" 3e needed a hor$e* and he needed one %a$t" +he $table$ !ere bac& in$ide the ca$tle ground$* clo$ed up %or the night" 5t !ould ta&e too much time to return" 2atan $norted and $hoo& hi$ head a$ Ree$e approached* !ater $lo$hing %rom hi$ !et mane" .very in$tinct told Ree$e to ma&e a %i$t and club the animal in the $nout* demanding hi$ obedience" ,ut the memory o% 1ayce $tro&ing the animal and $pea&ing gently to it came to the %ore%ront o% hi$ thought$" Ree$e reached out to the hor$e$ mane* e(pecting the animal to try to bite him" ,ut 2atan didnt move" <;ood boy*= Ree$e told him" <1ayce i$ out there* and 5 have to %ind her"= +hunder e(ploded overhead and 2atan $&ittered nervou$ly* rearing bac& %rom Ree$e" <.a$y* boy*= Ree$e )uic&ly $aid* $tro&ing the nervou$ animal$ hide" +he hor$e calmed under hi$ touch and Ree$e pulled him$el% up onto the hor$e$ bare bac&" 2atan moved beneath hi$ direction* to!ard the clo$ed gate" Ree$e reached out and $lid the rope o%% the end* &ic&ing the gate door open !ith hi$ %oot" 4ith a tug on hi$ mane* and a gentle nudge !ith hi$ %oot* Ree$e guided 2atan out o% the %enced yard and onto the road" <No! let$ go %ind my !i%e*= he told 2atan* and $purred the animal on"

Chapter Twenty-One

Nicole pa$$ed the $tudy and $a! Mor$e $itting at the table* hi$ head buried in hi$ hand$"
-archment littered the %loor" 2he pau$ed in the door!ay until he li%ted di$traught eye$ to her" Apprehen$ion $!ept through Nicole* and $he entered the room* moving )uic&ly to the table" <4hat i$ it* Mor$e6= $he demanded" <4hat$ happened6= Mor$e $hoo& hi$ head and turned a!ay %rom her" <5 did !hat 5 %elt !a$ right"= Nicole $co!led" Did he and Ree$e have another %ight6 <Mor$e*= $he $aid &indly" <7ou &no! Ree$e love$ you"= Mor$e pu$hed the chair bac& and ro$e" <5t ha$ nothing to do !ith that"= 3e loo&ed at her* and Nicole !a$ $hoc&ed at the $u%%ering $he $a! in hi$ eye$" <5 thought he didnt care %or her" 5 didnt &no!"= 3e dropped hi$ chin to hi$ che$t" <5 didnt &no!"= <4hat did you do6= Nicole ga$ped* under$tanding in$tantly !ho he !a$ $pea&ing o%" Mor$e didnt loo& at her" <5 $ho!ed her an annulment letter Ree$e had !ritten"= Nicole$ mouth dropped open" <Oh* Mor$e8= $he e(ploded" <4hat happened6= Mor$e $hoo& hi$ head" <2he le%t"= <Le%t6 4here6= Nicole$ $tomach dropped" 2he grabbed hi$ tunic in her %i$t" <4here did $he go6= Mor$e $hrugged" <5m not $ure" 5 dont &no!"= Nicole relea$ed him and raced %or the door* cur$ing hi$ inter%erence" 5% $he had only had a little more time8 <Ree$e !ent a%ter her"= Mor$e$ !ord$ halted her" 2lo!ly* Nicole turned to him" <Are you $ure6= Mor$e nodded" Nicole returned to $tand be%ore him* nervou$ly !orrying her lip !ith her teeth" 2he $ighed de$perately" <+hi$ i$ all my %ault*= $he murmured" Mor$e$ bro!$ %urro!ed" <5t$ not your %ault you !ere &idnapped"= Nicole began to che! on one o% her %ingernail$" <5t$ not your %ault Ree$e !a$ %orced into marriage*= Mor$e added" Nicole ripped o%% the tip o% her nail !ith her teeth* glancing at him" 2he $pit the %ingernail on the %loor" <+hi$ i$ all hi$ %ault*= $he !hi$pered to her$el%" <5% he !a$nt $uch a brute* there !ould have been do9en$ o% !omen lining up to marry him"= Mor$e $tudied hi$ $i$ter dubiou$ly" <4hat are you tal&ing about* Nicole6= 2he $topped and %aced him" <5 !a$nt &idnapped*= $he admitted" Mor$e %ro!ned" <4hat do you mean you !erent &idnapped6 Ree$e received a ran$om note" 2peci%ic in$truction$ that i% he didnt marry 1ayce###= <5t !a$ my idea" Cullen and 5 $et up the !hole thing"= Mor$e $hot up out o% hi$ chair" <4hat68= <4e met a year ago at +ournament*= Nicole ru$hed on" <Cullen pointed 1ayce out to me a$ $he $at in the $tand$" 2he !a$ beauti%ul and lively" 4hen he told me $he !a$ $pirited* too* 5 told him that 1ayce !a$ e(actly $omeone Ree$e needed to &eep him in line" +hat$ !hen Cullen mentioned he !a$ loo&ing %or a hu$band %or her" 4ell* at %ir$t 5 thought that %or $ure all Cullen

needed to do !a$ petition Ree$e to marry 1ayce" ,ut !hen that %ailed* Cullen and 5 came up !ith the &idnapping plan"= Nicole $tared at Mor$e de$perately" <5 never intended anyone to get hurt"= Mor$e $hoo& hi$ head" <Oh* Nicole*= he ga$ped" <Ree$e i$ going to &ill you"= 2he $traightened $lightly* indignantly" <Only a%ter he &ill$ you"= Nicole clo$ed her eye$ in angui$h" <4hat did you have to $ho! her that letter %or6= <5 thought 5 !a$ doing u$ all a %avor" Apparently 5 !a$ mi$ta&en*= he grumbled* li%ting hi$ eye$ to meet Nicole$" <;ravely mi$ta&en"=

Chapter Twenty-Two

1ayce huddled beneath a tree* her &nee$ dra!n up to her che$t* her hand$ !rapped tightly
around her$el%" 2he $hivered a$ the !ind pic&ed up and !hipped around her li&e a cold cape" 3er body !a$ $aturated %rom the continuou$ rain" 3er clothing hung heavily again$t her" 3er dar& hair !a$ !et and !eighty* %orming a curtain o% damp $trand$ around her %ace" 2he $ni%%ed again" 2he had !anted her marriage to !or&" 2he had done everything in her po!er to be loyal to Ree$e" 3er body $hoo& again* but it had nothing to do !ith the cold" 2he remembered the $mile that lit hi$ %ace* a $mile that had melted her heart" 2he recalled the admiration in hi$ eye$ !hen $he had $tood be%ore him on the %ield o% honor" ,ut de$pite all o% thi$* he $till did not love her" 3e $till did not !ant to be her hu$band" 3er trembling %ingertip$ bru$hed her lip$" 3i$ &i$$ had tran$ported her to a realm o% $a%ety? hi$ arm$ had encompa$$ed her in a $helter o% $trength" 5t had been the only time the $torm !a$ completely out o% her mind" +hunder ripped the $&y and 1ayce :umped* crying out" 2ob$ tore at her body? %ear ate !hat !a$ le%t o% her heart" Lightning $peared the ground nearby* and 1ayce bolted to her %eet" A$ $he raced blindly through the night* the rain pelted her body li&e $tone$ being thro!n at an outca$t criminal" 3er dre$$ hung on her* pulling at her $houlder$" 2he tried to li%t her $&irt $o $he could run* but her hand$ !ere trembling $o %iercely $he couldnt manage to &eep hold o% it" +he material $lipped %rom her hand$ and $he tripped over the hem* plummeting to the earth amid$t the crac& o% thunder" 3er hand$ $&idded along the ground through the $lic& mud* and $he !ent do!n on her $tomach" 1ayce lay !ith her chee& to the !et earth* $obbing" Ree$e* her mind called" ,ut $he &ne! he !ould not come" 2he pu$hed her$el% to her %eet* $truggling to regain her %ooting" +he !ind la$hed at her* $ending $trand$ o% her !et hair !hipping into her %ace* her eye$" 2he rai$ed her hand$ to bloc& the la$hing o% her hair and the rain" 2uddenly* a roar %illed her ear$" +he !ind gre! to 3erculean proportion$* pu$hing her around li&e a puppet" 1ayce !hirled to $ee a barrage o% t!i$ted* torn branche$ come %lying through the air to!ard her a$ i% nature her$el% had decided to attac& !ith a $!arm o% arro!$" 1ayce $creamed and covered her %ace !ith her arm$"

Chapter Twenty-Three

<No8= Ree$e cried out a$ he $a! the $!arm o% t!i$ted* gnarled branche$ $oaring to!ard$
1ayce" 3e $ent 2atan $urging to!ard$ her and reached 1ayce :u$t in time to yan& her out o% the path o% the deadly debri$" +he $harp#edged $tic&$ $hattered again$t nearby tree trun&$* $plintering into hundred$ o% piece$" Ree$e leapt %rom 2atan and $cooped 1ayce into hi$ arm$* $heltering her %rom the roaring !ind$ and battering branche$" 3e held her tightly* clenching hi$ eye$ $hut" 4ith every beat o% hi$ heart* he prayed $he !a$ all right" 3e !a$ a%raid to loo& do!n into her %ace* a%raid the little !hirl!ind o% li%e !ould be gone" 3e held her again$t hi$ heart" 3o! blind had he been6 3o! %ooli$h that he couldnt $ee ho! much $he meant to him6 +hat he couldnt reali9e !hat a per%ect !i%e $he !ould ma&e6 +hat he couldnt under$tand ho! much he loved her6 A gro!l o% angui$h tore loo$e %rom hi$ throat" <Oh* 1ayce*= he !hi$pered" <>orgive me" -lea$e %orgive me"= 3e &i$$ed her chee& and her eye$" <5ve been $o $tupid" 2o blind" 5 love you*= he moaned" <5 love you"= 3e pre$$ed a &i$$ to the $ide o% her throat* to her chin* to her chee&" +hen he %elt her move" 3er hand $lid over hi$ bac&* around hi$ $houlder" Ree$e pulled a!ay* ga9ing do!n into her %ace" 3er $&in !a$ !et* and Ree$e tried to dry it !ith hi$ tunic $leeve* but he )uic&ly reali9ed ho! u$ele$$ that !a$ a $econd a%ter he ran the rain# $oa&ed %abric acro$$ her chee&$" 1ayce$ eyelid$ %luttered and then* li&e the $un emerging %rom behind a dar& cloud* her eye$ opened" 2he $tared at him %or a long moment !ith tho$e deep blue eye$* her ga9e moving over hi$ %ace" Ree$e$ agoni9ed $tare dran& in her beauty* her gloriou$ lip$* her !ondrou$ eye$? he dran& li&e a man !ho had been $tranded in the de$ert and !a$ $uddenly given a %la$& o% cool !ater to )uench hi$ parched throat" 3e bent and pre$$ed a &i$$ to her %orehead* then to her lip$* murmuring* <1ayce" Oh* 1ayce"= 3i$ arm$ engul%ed her* dra!ing her clo$er" 3e coa(ed her to open to hi$ &i$$ and $he obeyed" A$ he ta$ted the $!eet rece$$e$ o% her mouth* hi$ blood pounded through hi$ vein$" 3i$ relie% and %ru$tration gave !ay to a %ierce and %iery pa$$ion that con$umed him" 3er &i$$ $!ept him li&e the la$hing !ind$ o% a $torm? her hand$ $!irled around him* pulling at hi$ $houlder$" ,ut the %ury o% the$e !ind$ !a$ $omething he never !anted to abate" >rantically* Ree$e pu$hed at her dre$$* $!eeping it a$ide to reveal her gloriou$ brea$t" 3e lo!ered hi$ lip$ to the tip* lic&ing and $uc&ing it !ith an inten$ity beyond rea$on* beyond comprehen$ion" Lightning %la$hed and $i99led all around them" Ree$e$ other hand traced the curve o% her bac&* do!n to her rounded bottom* pulling her tight again$t him" 1ayce groaned beneath hi$ touche$* running her hand$ through hi$ !et hair* over hi$ $trong $houlder$" Rain ca$caded around them* $pla$hing through the tree$* drenching them"

Ree$e ea$ed her dre$$ up* higher and higher until he touched her na&ed thigh and $he ga$ped* touching hi$ hand" +he rain made the path $lic& and $mooth* in%laming hi$ already uncontrollable pa$$ion" 3e bla9ed a trail o% hot &i$$e$ do!n her nec&* over the $o%t ridge o% her collarbone" 5n the ne(t in$tant hi$ pa$$ion ro$e to tidal#!ave height$ a$ he reached do!n and unlaced hi$ legging$* %reeing hi$ manhood" 3e !a$ burning !ith a ra! !ant* a de$ire $o de$perate* that it boiled hi$ blood* $earing hi$ very $&in" 3e barely heard the clap o% thunder* didnt $ee anything but t!o round pool$ o% blue $taring at him !ith the $ame de$ire* the $ame pa$$ion" 5t !a$ a$ i% they !ere one" 3i$ hand moved acro$$ her !omanly curve$ to the oppo$ite thigh* reveling in the %eel o% her body" 2he in$tinctively arched to!ard hi$ hand" Ree$e lo!ered him$el% to her* claiming her &i$$#$!ollen* rain#!et lip$ in a %inal attempt at control" 2he groaned and $)uirmed beneath him" 3e %elt her !etne$$ again$t hi$ manhood and moved %or!ard to %eel the heat o% her core" 3e clenched hi$ teeth* %ighting a lo$ing battle again$t the raging !ant threatening to $!eep him a!ay be%ore he had claimed her" +hen he thru$t %or!ard* driving into her" 3e %elt her $ti%%en beneath him* %elt the pain that pierced her body" Ree$e groaned $o%tly in angui$h at having cau$ed her %urther hurt" 1ayce moved her hip$ in a $lo!* tentative movement" Ree$e couldnt help him$el%" 3e moved !ith her* and* li&e a $ummer $torm* the tempo built until 1ayce matched hi$ thru$t$* rai$ing her hip$ to !elcome him" Ree$e &i$$ed her $avagely* hungrily devouring her" A$ Ree$e !atched* her %ace blo$$omed beneath the rain* and contented :oy $pread acro$$ her %eature$" +hunder boomed in the $&y* roc&ing her body !ith it$ might" Ree$e heard 1ayce cry out a$ the heaven$ $hattered around her" Lightning lit up the $&y* illuminating 1ayce$ %ace" Ree$e had never !itne$$ed a more captivating $ight* a more !ondrou$ly gloriou$ vi$ion" +hen* thunder roc&ed the ground* and he $ti%%ened* e(ploding into her"

AAAAA
4hen 1ayce opened her eye$* $he %ound her$el% lying beneath Ree$e* $heltered %rom the pelting rain by hi$ body" 3e !ore a grin on hi$ %ace and a dar& loo& in hi$ eye$ that promi$ed much* much more" A $hy $mile curved 1ayce$ lip$" 3e $cooped her up into hi$ arm$ and trapped her tightly again$t hi$ body" <Are you hurt6= he a$&ed" 2he $hoo& her head" A$ he bent over her* drop$ o% !ater %ell %rom hi$ %ace and trailed do!n her chee& li&e tear$" <5m $o $orry* 1ayce*= Ree$e !hi$pered" <5ve been a brute to you" +here$ no rea$on %or it" 5ve treated you horribly" 5m $orry"= 1ayce $tared up at him and he averted hi$ eye$" <5 never intended to have our marriage annulled*= Ree$e told her" <5 !rote that letter be%ore you arrived at Ca$tle 3arrington" ,ut once 5 laid eye$ on you 5 &ne!"""= <Ene! !hat6= 1ayce !ondered"

Ree$e $!allo!ed hard and li%ted hi$ ga9e to loc& !ith her$" <5 &ne! 5 !a$nt going to have our marriage annulled*= he admitted" <,ut you $aid###= <5ve been a %ool" +he bigge$t %ool there i$"= <No*= 1ayce $topped hi$ con%e$$ion* pre$$ing her %ingertip$ to hi$ lip$" <Not a %ool" A man trying to live by hi$ honor" 5t !a$ un%orgivable !hat my %ather did to you" 3ad 5 &no!n###= <5 o!e him everything" 3ad he not &idnapped Nicole* had he not %orced me to marry you* 5 never !ould have &no!n you" And that !ould have been the greate$t lo$$ o% my li%e"= 3e $!ept her up into hi$ arm$* pre$$ing hi$ lip$ to her$" +hunder )ua&ed in the $&y* but 1ayce !a$ no longer %rightened" No!* the memory o% thunder !ould not be lin&ed to her mother$ death* but !ould be !edded to a ne! beginning" Ree$e !al&ed to hi$ hor$e and gently placed her on 2atan" 1ayce ga$ped" <7ou rode 2atan8= <5m :u$t %ull o% $urpri$e$*= he murmured* $till holding her hand tightly in hi$ o!n" 3e ga9ed up at her adoringly" <7ou are no! truly the lady o% Ca$tle 3arrington*= Ree$e proclaimed $o%tly" <5 !ould li&e nothing more than the honor o% having you a$ my !i%e"= +he $mile that %illed her heart and $oul and %ace !a$ un)uenchable" <Oh* Ree$e*= $he $ighed" <7ouve had my hand and my heart $ince the day !e met"= A$ 1ayce ga9ed into her hu$band$ contented eye$* $he &ne! that $he had tamed her brute" +he .nd

Thank You
+han& you %or reading The Bride and The Brute! 5 !anted to o%%er thi$ romance novella %ree a$ a ge$ture o% than&$ to my reader$" 5 hope you en:oyed thi$ $tory" 5d love to hear !hat you thought o% my novel$" -lea$e drop me an email at my !eb$ite ' !!!"laurel#odonnell"com Eeep going through the eboo& i% you !ould li&e to read $ample chapter$ o% my %ull#length medieval romance novel$" Laurel ODonnell

aurel O!"onnell Book i#t

7ou can read %ree $ample chapter$ %rom each o% the medieval romance novel$ li$ted belo! at the end o% thi$ eboo&" 7ou !ill al$o %ind a cover gallery %or the boo&$ a$ !ell"

$edieval %o&an'e Novel#

The (ngel and the )rin'e
5n thi$ e(citing medieval romance* the >rench lady &night &no!n a$ the Angel o% Death !age$ a battle o% !ill$ and de$ire$ again$t her dreaded enemy ### the .ngli$h !arrior &no!n a$ the -rince o% Dar&ne$$" An epic medieval romance"

Cha&pion of the *eart

>o( Mercer !atche$ in horror a$ hi$ %ather$ &nighthood* land$ and nobility are all torn %rom him" ,ani$hed into di$grace* >o( !ait$ %or the moment to $tri&e to avenge hi$ %amily$ honor" And that moment ari$e$ !hen a tournament i$ announced ### a battle o% champion$ !herein the !inner get$ to claim a very lovely pri9e@

( +night of *onor
+aylor 2ullivan i$ a raven#haired hellion %leeing the %lame$ that de$troyed her %amily" 2he arm$ her$el% !ith a )uic& $!ord and a $harp tongue* hiring her$el% out a$ a mercenary* !illing to do !hatever it ta&e$ to $urvive" 2lane Donovan i$ a &night o% honor* $!orn to uphold hi$ oath and hi$ !ord" 3e $ee&$ the !oman !ho !ear$ the 2ullivan ring* determined to bring her bac& to Ca$tle Donovan" A %a$t paced medieval romance %illed !ith action"

$idnight Shadow
Di$gui$ed a$ the legendary hero &no!n a$ the Midnight 2hado!* Lady ,ria Delaney $!ear$ to rid the land o% Lord +erran Eno!le$ cruel tyranny" 2he i$ $tunned to encounter him in her %ather$ ca$tle ### one o% the many $uitor$ vying %or her hand" Captivated by hi$ dar&ly intent ga9e* ,ria $truggle$ to $uppre$$ her %ierce attraction to the very enemy $he ha$ $ecretly promi$ed to de$troy" A Robin#3ood $tyle medieval romance !ith a t!i$t"

The ady and the Fal'oner

A my$teriou$ %alconer in%iltrate$ Ca$tle >ulton during a $iege* intent on reclaiming !hat i$ right%ully hi$" 4hen the hand$ome $tranger lay$ eye$ and hand$ on Lady 2olace >arindale* all o% hi$ plan$ o% revenge $tart to crumble around him"""

)aranor&al %o&an'e Novel#

,&&ortal "eath

1ade 2mith$ $upernaturally %a$t ability to heal ha$ made her a %rea&" A%ter year$ o% %ear%ul reaction$ %rom other$* $he $tay$ hidden in the $hado!$ o% li%e" +he one thing that &eep$ her $ane i$ her !riting ## and her !onder%ul Demetriu$* an imaginary vampire %ighter character $he created in her online $torie$" ,ut !hen Demetriu$ $uddenly appear$ in her apartment* her li%e change$ %orever@

-r.an Fanta#y
o#t Soul#/ %e#urre'tion - Epi#ode 0
"he first episode in the new urban fantasy series* +ost Souls. Chri$tian +homp$on i$ &illed but re%u$e$ to pa$$ into the a%terli%e becau$e o% hi$ need to $helter hi$ daughter %rom her cruel mother" 3e $oon di$cover$ there are other$ li&e him* other $pirit$ trapped bet!een the !orld o% the living and the dead" 3e :oin$ the Lo$t 2oul$ in their $truggle again$t a dar& evil that threaten$ them all"

%eview# for aurel O!"onnell .ook#

'"his extraordinary tale offers non!stop action, unforgettable characters and a sensuous romance, the likes of which ballads are written. "his romance will capture your heart and your imagination.( # Rende9vou$ Maga9ine on The (ngel and the )rin'e ',aptivating from the very first page, readers will have a hard time putting ,hampion of the Heart down. "he characters emotional turmoil coupled with the sensuality and delightful cast of characters adds a special, unique depth- and elevated this to another level.( # R+ ,oo& Revie!$ on Cha&pion of the *eart '&mmortal .eath is a unique and passionate tale of destined love with a suspenseful plot that captures your attention from page one and continues to intrigue until the very end.( ' 1"." 3op&in$* author o% <4e 2hall Ri$e= on ,&&ortal "eath '&ts quickly become one of my favorite books and & highly recommend it to anyone looking for romance and action.( # 2ony Reader2tore revie! on ( +night of *onor '%edieval readers will find "he +ady and the /alconer a highly satisfying, well crafted story that fills their craving for a tale of medieval intrigue and passion.( # Romantic +ime$ Maga9ine on The ady and the Fal'oner '"heres nothing like a wonderfully written romance that includes everything from excitement and intrigue to despair and triumph. Such a novel discourages readers from putting the book down, lest we miss new adventures waiting around the next corner. +aurel 0.onnell has managed to do just that and so much more in the %idnight Shadow.( # +he Romance Reader on $idnight Shadow '%y most beloved rainy day book.( # Ama9on revie! on The (ngel and the )rin'e

The (ngel and the )rin'e Bonu# )review

The (ngel and the )rin'e - )rologue
>rance* F 0

+he choir o% voice$ a$cended to the %ar corner$ o% the cathedral* !here $culptured angel$
li$tened !ith $omber %ace$ to the Latin !ord$" 2hining !hite marble pillar$ $piraled do!n to the $tep$ o% the great altar" At the top $tair $tood Eing Charle$ D5" ,ehind him $tood eight $mall boy$ dre$$ed in immaculate !hite robe$* each holding a red velvet pillo! !ith golden ta$$el$ at each corner" Bpon every $il&y velvet pillo! there re$ted a re$plendent $!ord" Above and behind the boy$* golden $tatue$ o% $aint$ $tretched out their cold arm$ in !elcome and %orgivene$$ !ith un$eeing eye$" +he &ing $hi%ted hi$ regal $tance* hi$ ga9e loc&ed on the tall !ooden door$ at the bac& o% the church" 3e &ne! eight young men !aited an(iou$ly out$ide* their breath tight in their che$t$* their palm$ $lic& !ith nervou$ $!eat" .ach one !ould enter a$ a $)uire %illed !ith a boy$ apprehen$ion* and each one !ould leave a$ a &night o% the realm %illed !ith a !arrior$ pride" One o% the banner$ caught hi$ eye" 5t !a$ %or Ryen De ,ourie9* the third $on o% ,aron 1ean Claude De ,ourie9" Eing Charle$ $canned the ma$$ o% people be%ore him until they came to re$t on t!o men ' the elder De ,ourie9 brother$" +hey !ere tall* even by &nightly $tandard$" Lucien !a$ %air? hi$ honeyed hair* blue eye$* and boyi$h loo&$ !ere rumored to have co$t more than one maiden her virtue" Andre !a$ dar&* !ith che$tnut eye$ and a heart o% gold" ,oth !ere $&illed !arrior$* and thi$ plea$ed the &ing* %or he &ne! Ryen !ould ma&e an e(cellent addition to hi$ troop$" 3e $tudied the brother$ clo$ely" +hey $hi%ted %rom %oot to %oot nervou$ly? even Andre* !ho !a$ u$ually $o calm* $eemed un$ettled" +he &ing %ro!ned" -erhap$ the t!o giant$ !ere uncom%ortable !ith the civil $urrounding$ and !ere eager to be out o% the church" Eing Charle$ $ympathi9ed" +he De ,ourie9e$ !ere* a%ter all* &no!n %or their pro!e$$ in battle* not their $ociability" +he &ing glanced over ro! upon ro! o% noble$ in their elegant $atin$ and velvet$" +he Counte$$ o% ,urgundy !a$ there" Not %ar %rom her* the %lamboyant golden caul headdre$$ o% the Duche$$ o% Orlean$ caught hi$ eye" 2lo!ly* hi$ bro! crea$ed into a %ro!n a$ he %ini$hed $urveying the attending nobility" 4here !a$ Ryen$ %ather6 +he choir o% voice$ that had %illed the chamber $uddenly ended* their la$t echoe$ re$onating throughout the cathedral until they $lipped a!ay into nothingne$$" ;lancing to!ard the trumpeter$ a!aiting hi$ $ignal in the balcony* Eing Charle$ nodded" 4hen they put the long golden horn$ to their lip$* the triumphant mu$ic began" All eye$ turned to the heavy oa& door$ at the bac& o% the church a$ they $lo!ly crea&ed open" .ight $)uire$ advanced do!n the long carpeted ai$le* one behind the other" 2unlight $treamed in %rom the $tained gla$$ !indo!$* re%lecting brilliantly o%% the $hining $ilver#and#gold plate mail o% the approaching men" Eing Charle$ $)uinted a$ a ray o% light $hone in hi$ eye$" 3e tried to be a %air man* :udging all men e)ually* but he %ound him$el% an(iou$ to $ee Ryen De ,ourie9* around !hom $o much controver$y $!irled" +he %ir$t time hi$ name had reached the &ing$ ear$* it !a$ !ith the capture o% Ca$tle -icardy* the %eat that had earned him hi$

&nighthood" Eing Charle$ had heard the $ame $tory three time$* and !ith each telling Ryen$ achievement$ had $eemed to gro! until they !ere o% 3erculean proportion$" 2ince then* the name Ryen De ,ourie9 had ari$en time and time again in ca$ual conver$ation" +he man$ $trategic maneuver$ !ere ingeniou$" +he initiate$ climbed the $tair$ to the great altar and bo!ed be%ore the &ing* then $tepped a$ide to %orm a ro! be%ore their lord" A$ the $)uire preceding De ,ourie9 bo!ed* Eing Charle$ tried not to $eem obviou$ a$ he peered over the top o% the man$ head to get a glimp$e o% Ryen" >inally* li&e a curtain being dra!n* the $)uire $tepped a$ide and Ryen De ,ourie9 !a$ revealed to Eing Charle$" +he initiate $till !ore hi$ helmet" All trace$ o% a$toni$hment di$appeared a$ anger de$cended over the &ing" 5t !a$ di$re$pect%ul %or anyone to !ear a helmet in the hou$e o% ;od" +he young man$ headgear covered mo$t o% hi$ %ace e(cept %or hi$ eye$" Eing Charle$ could $ee the $tri&ing bluene$$ o% them? they $himmered in the $hado!$ o% hi$ helmet li&e a great cloudle$$ $&y" 3i$ ga9e ra&ed the young man again" 3e i$ very $mall indeed* the &ing thought" 5 cannot believe the great ,aron De ,ourie9 $)uired thi$ runt" -erhap$ De ,ourie9 i$ ab$ent becau$e he i$ embarra$$ed by hi$ $on$ $i9e" Bnder hi$ $crutiny* the &ing $a! Ryen$ deep blue eye$ %ill !ith pride* and $omething el$e" ,e%ore he could di$cern !hat that $trange $par& !a$* Ryen %ell to one &nee* bo!ing hi$ head in reverence" 2ome!hat paci%ied* Eing Charle$ commanded )uietly* <Remove your helmet* Ryen*= and turned to retrieve a ceremonial $!ord cu$hioned upon a pillo! o% velvet" A$ he reverently removed the $!ord* the &ing heard ru$tling and the clang o% armor behind him and &ne! Ryen !a$ removing hi$ helmet" 2uddenly* a collective ga$p $pread through the cro!d li&e the !ind !hi$tling through a %ield o% !heat" Eing Charle$ !hirled at the $ound" 3i$ eye$ gre! !ide and he gaped a$ the rea$on %or the young man$ diminutive $tature became )uite apparent" +he <man= !a$ not a man at all8 3e !a$ a $he8 4hy* $he could be no more than %i%teen8 Ama9ement roc&ed him li&e a blo! to hi$ $tomach* leaving him breathle$$ and $tunned" +he girl$ $o%t dar& hair ca$caded in !ave$ over the metal $houlder plate$" 3er no$e !a$ a delicate $culpture o% per%ection* her lip$ %ull" 3er chin !a$ $trong* !ith a $light cle%t etched into it" ,eauty $himmered beneath her childli&e %eature$" 2he had the innocent %ace o% a cherub@an angel" Eing Charle$ $tared %or a long moment" +he &ing &ne! no! !hat that loo& in her $apphire eye$ had beenG de%iance" 5t accented her %eature$ !ith determination" +he &ing turned to glance at her brother$" Andre had $uddenly %ound intere$t in a piece o% imaginary lint on hi$ $potle$$ !hite velvet tunic* and Lucien !a$ $tudying the painted angel$ on the $tained gla$$ !indo!$" Eing Charle$$ lip$ thinned and hi$ ga9e returned to Ryen" A girl8 3o! had $he been able to &eep thi$ $ecret6 he !ondered" Eing Charle$ $tared in $hoc&" No !onder ,aron De ,ourie9 i$ not here* he thought" 3e gripped the $!ord tightly until hi$ &nuc&le$ hurt !ith the e%%ort" 3e &ne! he $hould not &night her* that $he $hould be puni$hed %or her audacity* but her deed$ $urpa$$ed the de%iance that her $tubborn rai$ed little chin repre$ented" 3e !anted her in hi$ army* needed her $trategic $&ill$" +he$e !ere de$perate time$" 3e li%ted the $!ord in a $!eeping ge$ture and $a! her body $ti%%en* a$ i% e(pecting a blo!" 3e brought the $!ord do!n* lightly touching the tip o% the blade to each o% her $houlder$ in the cu$tomary colee* %ini$hing !ith* <Ri$e* 2ir Ryen De ,ourie9"=

+he young girl $lo!ly and un$teadily ro$e to her %eet" 3er large eye$ !ere !ide* ringed !ith happine$$? her ro$y lip$ !ere parted in di$belie%" Eing Charle$ bent clo$e to her and laid hi$ hand on her $houlder" <Ryen* the road be%ore you !ill be laced !ith hard$hip" ,e a true &night* and courageou$ in the %ace o% your enemie$" ,e brave and upright" And remember that you $pring %rom a bloodline that ha$ al!ay$ been $trong"= <5 $hall*= Ryen $aid earne$tly* her e(pre$$ion $olemn" +he &ing held out the $!ord to her" Ryen care%ully too& the gleaming blade in her bare palm$ and pre$$ed her lip$ to it be%ore accepting it %rom Eing Charle$$ hand$" 2he $tudied the $!ord %or a )uic& moment? a %la$h o% pride lighting up her $o%t %eature$* then $lid it into the $cabbard at her !ai$t" Eing Charle$ leaned in clo$e to !hi$per* <3o!ever* i% you or your brother$ ever pull a tric& li&e thi$ again* 5 !ill have your head$"= 3e $traightened to hi$ %ull height and proclaimed* <No!" ,e thou a &night"= Ryen bo!ed* giving Eing Charle$ her loyalty and her gratitude" +he &ing repeated the &nighting $even more time$* a%ter !hich he $tood bac& and !atched a$ the men ' and the !oman ' turned a$ one to %ace the congregation" Ryen led the !ay do!n the ai$le" A$ $he pa$$ed her a!e$truc& brother$* the &ing !atched Ryen $hoot them a $mug loo& o% triumph" +hro!ing her $houlder$ bac&* holding her chin high* 2ir Ryen De ,ourie9 $trolled con%idently pa$t the ma$$ o% !hi$pering people"

The (ngel and the )rin'e - Chapter One

.ngland* F F

+he cheer$ %rom the gathered cro!d $ounded li&e a thunderou$ rain a$ the hor$e$ charged at
each other* their hoove$ &ic&ing up dirt %rom the gra$$y %ield" +he t!o &night$* %ully armored %or thi$ :ou$t* bent lo! over the head$ o% their e)ually !ell#protected mount$* their brightly $triped lance$ gripped %irmly" +he !hite plume on the helmet o% the challenger &night appeared de%eated and $ubmi$$ive a$ it %lattened under the ru$h o% !ind created by hi$ $peeding $tallion" +he champion $hi%ted hi$ $hield to the %ront o% hi$ body* !here the challenger could $ee it ' a $narling red !ol% $tri&ingly painted again$t a blac& bac&ground" +hrough the $lit in the challenger$ vi$or* the champion $a! hi$ opponent$ eye$ !iden in %ear" 2econd$ later* the champion$ lance $truc& the challenger$ che$t* the !ooden tip crunching a$ it hit the man$ brea$tplate* and li%ted him cleanly %rom hi$ hor$e* depo$iting him roughly on the ground" +he cro!d $prang to it$ %eet* !ild !ith applau$e and $hout$ o% :oy" +he champion $lo!ed hi$ hor$e and turned* rai$ing the vi$or o% hi$ helmet to reveal dar&* impenetrable eye$" +he$e orb$ !atched patiently a$ hi$ $taggering opponent !a$ helped to hi$ %eet by hi$ $)uire" ,ryce -rinceton !aited %or the de%eated &night to $tumble %rom the arena be%ore he urged hi$ hor$e around the %ield %or hi$ victory lap" +he pea$ant$ !ho lined the :ou$ting %ield$ %ence $houted hi$ $ucce$$" <-rince8 -rince8= +he ru$h o% po!er that $urged through hi$ vein$ at every :ou$t* at every triumph* gave ,ryce the %eeling o% invincibility" 3e $avored the ta$te li&e a %avored !ine* reli$hed the $hout$" 3e had never &no!n de%eat* either in battle or in +ournament"

A$ he rode pa$t the noble$ $tand* all the !omen batted their eyela$he$ at him and $ome bent over the !ooden railing to dangle their %avor$ be%ore him" 3e gladly accepted them ' all o% them" ,ut he returned mo$t o% their heated* lu$ty ga9e$ !ith a cool di$dain" +he$e pampered and po!dered !omen brought only an occa$ional t!inge o% curio$ity to hi$ mind" +hey !ere all too much ali&e to be o% any real intere$t" 2ome men ca$t him enviou$ glance$* !hile other$ $eethed )uietly" >inally* ,ryce came to a halt be%ore Eing 3enry$ chair" 3e di$mounted and bo!ed be%ore hi$ $overeign" 3enry grinned at him and $tood" +he &ing !a$ a tall and mu$cular man* hi$ bro!n hair trimmed in a bo!l cut" +he cro!d )uieted a$ ,ryce approached the $tand" 3e $lid hi$ helmet %rom hi$ head to reveal a thic& mane o% long blac& hair that %ell to the middle o% hi$ $houlder blade$" 5t gleamed in the $unlight* !et !ith moi$ture" 3i$ %ace !a$ bron9ed by the $un" +here !a$ an inherent po!er in the $et o% hi$ :a!* the $en$ual curve o% hi$ lip$* hi$ dar& eye$" <7ou have done !ell today* a$ al!ay$*= Eing 3enry $aid loudly $o all could hear" <7ou are truly .ngland$ champion"= 3u99ah$ and glee%ul $hout$ erupted into a dea%ening roar" 3enry bent to!ard ,ryce" <Come* !al& !ith me* ,ryce*= he commanded" ,ryce led hi$ mount acro$$ the %ield and handed the rein$ to hi$ !aiting $)uire a$ a $mall boy duc&ed under the !ooden %ence that $urrounded the %ield and da$hed up to him" ,ryce $miled and ru%%led the child$ dar& hair a$ the boy e(claimed* <7ou !ere great8= 3i$ eye$ $hone !ith e(citement and admiration" <5 &ne! he !ouldnt de%eat you"= <7ou had doubt$* Runt6= ,ryce !ondered* a moc& %ro!n dra!ing hi$ lip$ into a pout" <Never8= Runt e(ploded" ,ryce couldnt help but $mile at the pride and boundle$$ love that emanated %rom tho$e large* in)ui$itive blue eye$" +hen he noticed the dirt that du$ted Runt$ $mall hand$ a$ the boy reached %or hi$ helmet" ,ryce )uic&ly $urveyed the boy$ bro!n cotton tunic* noticing !ith mild annoyance that it !a$ $potted !ith mud" 3e ran a %inger along one o% Runt$ chee&$* leaving a trail o% clean $&in through the dirt" <7ou $hould bathe*= ,ryce o%%ered* $ho!ing him the $mudge that $tained hi$ %ingertip" +he boy groaned and $hu%%led hi$ %eet" <5 hate bathing*= he mumbled" ,ryce $ympathi9ed !ith him" A$ a youth he had hated to bathe" 5t too& up too much o% hi$ time and there !ere more important matter$ to attend to@$uch a$ imitating the &night$" <A &night cannot meet the &ing !ith dirt on hi$ %ace*= ,ryce told him" Runt nodded grudgingly" <All right"= ,ryce$ dar& eye$ $earched the dai$ %or hi$ &ing" 3e %ound the plat%orm empty and %ollo!ed the path o% rich blue$ and $atiny gold$ o% the court until he $potted the &ing heading %or the $treet$ that led into the to!n" A$ ,ryce turned to leave* he heard Runt $ay* <5 hope to be a$ great a &night a$ you"= ,ryce pau$ed* turning bac& to the boy" Runt ga9ed up at him in !onder? hi$ big blue eye$ round !ith admiration" <7ou !ill*= ,ryce promi$ed* be%ore moving to!ard the dai$" A proce$$ion o% %a$hionably dre$$ed lord$ and ladie$ %ollo!ed the &ing* a$ al!ay$* and ,ryce !a$ hard pre$$ed to catch up !ith him !ith the !eight o% hi$ plate armor impeding hi$ movement" 5n hi$ hurry* he almo$t $tepped on a du&e$ long green cloa&" +he duche$$ accompanying the du&e turned a $hy $mile to ,ryce* a !i$p o% her pleated coi%%ure at the very top o% her head %lapping !ith each $tep" ,ryce bo!ed $lightly and ru$hed by her" At a %a$t !al&* he managed to reach Eing 3enry a$ he $topped to $pea& !ith a man $elling apple cider"

<+he cider i$ !onder%ul in the village" No matter ho! hard they try* my $ervant$ can never duplicate it*= Eing 3enry told ,ryce* li%ting a goblet o% it to hi$ lip$" ,ryce nodded ab$ently" 3e glanced at the noble$ trailing the &ing li&e !ell#trained %alcon$* vying %or hi$ attention" ,ryce did not mi$$ the contemptuou$ $tare$ many o% the noble$ ca$t hi$ !ay" 3e de$pi$ed them and their pretentiou$ !ay$" 5% they $ought attention* they $hould act ' ta&e a ca$tle* contribute %inance$ to the impending !ar" 5n$tead* they hoped to !in the &ing$ %avor !ith their beauti%ul clothing and their pretty %ace$ and !itty !ord$" 5t !a$ to ,ryce$ credit that 3enry cho$e to $pea& !ith him and not one o% the %anci%ul dre$$er$" +he &ing !a$ not a %ool" <5 have been told it i$ a $ecret o% the Ro$a %amily*= the .arl o% March $aid" 3e !ore a golden houppelande that %lo!ed to the ground and !a$ embroidered !ith %lo!er$" +he edge$ o% hi$ long $leeve$ !ere cut in the $hape o% leave$ and trimmed !ith :e!el$" 3e !a$ the mo$t prettily dre$$ed o% all the noble$" <7e$* !ell@= +he &ing !aved a hand* di$mi$$ing the matter and the earl* and turned to continue do!n the du$ty $treet" +he $un !a$ hot* the ground parched" +he du$t ro$e in little !hirl!ind$ on the road be%ore them" ,ryce !al&ed at Eing 3enry$ $ide* to!ering above mo$t o% the lord$? even the &ing !a$ d!ar%ed by hi$ $i9e" 5n plate mail* ,ryce -rinceton !a$ an enviable vi$ion" <+here are %ar too many ear$ in the $treet$* dont you agree* ,ryce6= Eing 3enry !ondered" <Aye*= ,ryce an$!ered* and %ollo!ed a$ the &ing cut through the village to the country$ide" +he .arl o% March tried vainly to &eep up" 3e !a$ panting hard !hen he produced a lace hand&erchie% and patted hi$ %orehead !ith it" <5t i$ a hot day* i$nt it* my liege6= he called" Eing 3enry ca$t him a $our glance" <March* go $ee to the counte$$" 5 believe $he i$ having a$ hard a time &eeping up a$ you"= ,ryce$ ga9e $hi%ted to the counte$$" 2he had $!ooned into a man$ arm$ and !a$ being ea$ed to the ground" Mo$t o% the court had lagged behind by no!* and it !a$ )uite apparent to ,ryce that the &ing !i$hed to $pea& !ith him in private" 3e !ondered i% the earl !a$ truly $o obliviou$" ,ut the earl $imply bo!ed* $aying* <A$ you !i$h"= Eing 3enry continued into the gra$$land$ o% the country$ide" ,ryce %ollo!ed* thin&ing it !a$ becoming much too hot to be !andering through the country$ide in $i(ty#$i( pound$ o% plate mail" <3o! are thing$ %or you* ,ryce6= Eing 3enry a$&ed* ta&ing a $ip o% cider" ,ryce $hrugged hi$ large $houlder$ $lightly" <Dar& Ca$tle i$ in capable hand$" +he pea$ant$ are producing enough to $upport the land$" 5 believe it !ill be a good year"= 3enry nodded" <;ood"= 3e $topped !al&ing and loo&ed out over the %ield$ that $tretched be%ore them" +he !ild gra$$ $eemed to $igh a$ a bree9e dri%ted through the long blade$ that reached to ,ryce$ mid#cal%" <+hen you are prepared to leave .ngland at a moment$ notice6= <Aye*= ,ryce $aid an(iou$ly" 3e had been !aiting month$ %or the %leet o% .ngli$h $hip$ to ca$t o%% %or >rance" <4e leave $oon* then6= 3enry ga9ed hard at ,ryce" <+here i$ rumor o% a plot again$t my li%e" 5 %ear that 5 may not get to >rance a$ $oon a$ 5 !ould li&e"= ,ryce %ro!ned* hi$ body $ti%%ening !ith $uppre$$ed anger" <My lord* 5 o%%er my $ervice$ to %ind out i% the$e rumor$ are true"= 3enry $miled a !eary grin" <5 have other$ !ho !ill be my ear$ and eye$"= ,ryce $co!led* ready to ob:ect"

3enry continued* <No* ,ryce* you are a %ighter" 5 need you in >rance" 5 cannot leave .ngland until thi$ i$ re$olved"= 3e li%ted the goblet to hi$ lip$ again and continued !al&ing" ,ryce %ollo!ed" <3ave you heard anything o% thi$ >rench &night called the Angel o% Death6= the &ing !ondered" An(iety rippled through ,ryce li&e a %lag in a $o%t bree9e" ,ryce had heard o% hi$ deed$* but he &ne! little o% the man" 2till* the !ay the &ing had a$&ed@it !a$ a$ though he !ere being te$ted" <5 have heard the name"= 3enry turned to ,ryce* hi$ in)ui$itive eye$ a$&ing %or detail$* hi$ rai$ed eyebro!$ encouraging more" <3e ha$ ta&en and held land %or the Armagnac$*= ,ryce continued* and !atched a$ a $mile tugged the &ing$ lip$ be%ore he averted hi$ ga9e" ,ryce$ bro!$ dre! together in con%u$ion" <3e doe$ !ell %or hi$ country*= he added* $hi%ting unea$ily" 3e had $omeho! %ailed the te$t* and it annoyed him" <7e$* he doe$* doe$nt he6= 3enry chuc&led" <5$ there more to &no!6= <Much"= ;radually* 3enry$ $miled %aded and he $lo!ed hi$ pace" 3i$ !ord$ !ere thought%ul and %ull o% !oe a$ he $po&e" <+he Angel o% Death ha$ cau$ed more enemy death$ than any other >rench lord" +hi$ &night i$ unli&e any !e have ever come acro$$"= <3e i$ mortal" ,lood run$ through hi$ vein$" And that blood can be $pilled"= <According to rumor* thi$ Angel o% Death ha$ ice %or blood"= <-ah" Rumor i$ the go$$ip o% co!ard$"= <7e$" 5 $uppo$e it i$ ' -rince o% Dar&ne$$"= 2urpri$e roc&ed ,ryce" 3e &ne! he $houldnt have been ama9ed that the &ing had heard the name* but he could not $uppre$$ the $hoc& that %looded hi$ body" +he rumor$ had traveled $o %a$t@"and $o %ar8 +he court" 5t thrived on any &ind o% go$$ip" <+he pea$ant$ labeled me that*= he e(plained" <Not !ithout rea$on* 5 hear"= <5 am mercile$$ only to our enemie$* my lord"= <And that i$ !hy you mu$t be the one to go to >rance and %ind the Angel o% Death" +here are $hip$ !aiting to ta&e you and your army acro$$ the channel"= <Do you !i$h to &eep him %or ran$om6= <5 !ould pre%er a ran$om" 4e can u$e the %inance$ %or the !ar" ,ut i% you cannot ta&e the &night captive* then ta&e thi$ angel$ li%e" 5 !ill :oin you in >rance a$ $oon a$ 5 can"= <A$ you !i$h* $ire"= ,ryce bo!ed $lightly" <Many men have %allen beneath the &night$ $!ord*= Eing 3enry added" <,e cautiou$"= ,ryce nodded and too& a $tep a!ay" +he &ing $tayed him once again !ith hi$ hand" <5 !arn you* ,ryceG do not undere$timate the Angel o% Death"= Eing 3enry !atched ,ryce -rinceton $tride a!ay" -erhap$ he $hould have told him" ,ut i% he &ne! the truth* 3enry !a$ $ure he !ould undere$timate their enemy by %ar too much" ,e$ide$* the man needed a :olt to di$turb that con%ident gait o% hi$" 3e only hoped ,ryce !ould be able to &ill thi$ Angel o% Death@!hen he %ound out $he !a$ a !oman"

The (ngel and the )rin'e - Chapter Two

.a$t o% 7pre$* >rance* F H

+he clang o% metal again$t metal rang out in the large clearing a$ the t!o $!ord$ met* the echoing melody o% their cla$h $preading throughout the $urrounding %ore$t" <4atch out %or her parry8= a voice called* :oining the reverberating tune a$ it re%lected o%% the nearby tree$" Andre De ,ourie9 lounged on hi$ $ide in the thic& gra$$* hi$ ob:ective ga9e $crutini9ing the combatant$ a$ they $!ung their heavy broad$!ord$" 3e nodded !ith $ati$%action a$ hi$ $i$ter* tiny compared !ith Lucien$ height and broad $houlder$* ea$ily de%lected a thru$t o% her brother$" Andre chuc&led lo! in hi$ throat* hi$ bro!n eye$ t!in&ling merrily" 2he !a$ good" 2he &ne! the limitation$ o% her $!ord and her $trength !ell? $he !a$ patient and ob$ervant" +hi$ made her a very dangerou$ opponent de$pite her $i9e" Ryen %ini$hed an arc* the impact o% the !eapon$ :arring her arm" 2he $tepped bac&* panting" A tric&le o% per$piration ran %rom her hairline do!n her chee&* $par&ling in the $un li&e a diamond" 2he bru$hed a $trand o% bro!n hair %rom her %orehead !ith her %ree arm" A per%ect $mile lit Lucien$ boyi$h %ace" <Come* come" 7ou cannot tell me that you tire a%ter $o %e! e(change$8= A cold grin $tretched acro$$ her $hapely lip$" <5 tell you no $uch thing* ,rother" Only to guard your blind $ide"= Ryen lunged and then %einted right" Lucien caught the blo! !ith $ome e%%ort and countered !ith an arc overhead" Ryen $ide$tepped the $!ing and Lucien$ blade cra$hed into the ground" A$ he pulled it up* a clump o% dirt came !ith it* impaled on the tip o% hi$ blade" <7ou &no! $he$ too )uic& %or you* Lucien*= Andre called" Ryen laughed at the dirt on Lucien$ $!ord" <Dont ta&e your anger out on the ground* Lucien" 7our opponent $tand$ be%ore you* not belo! you"= Lucien came a%ter Ryen !ith t!o )uic& lunge$" 2he ea$ily parried the blo!$ and drove %or!ard !ith an arc o% her o!n* then retreated and $tood $taring at Lucien" <Little $i$ter* youre gro!ing up*= Lucien commented" <Dont goad her* Lucien*= Andre advi$ed* too late" Ryen $uddenly charged her brother* hitting him in the $tomach !ith her $houlder" +he impact &noc&ed him onto hi$ bac&" ,reathle$$* Lucien lay $tunned %or a moment" ,e%ore he could recover* Ryen $tepped on the !ri$t o% hi$ $!ord arm and placed the tip o% her !eapon to Lucien$ nec&" <7ield or die*= $he $tated" <5 yield to the Angel o% Death8= Lucien hollered good#naturedly" Ryen li%ted her %oot %rom hi$ !ri$t and !ithdre! her $!ord" 2he gently &ic&ed hi$ arm !ith her booted %oot" <5 hate it !hen you call me Ilittle $i$ter"= Lucien $at up* rubbing hi$ !ri$t" <5 !ont ma&e that mi$ta&e again"= Ryen $tepped bac&* o%%ering her brother a hand" Lucien cla$ped it and $he helped him to hi$ %eet" <+hat !a$ a good move*= Lucien commented" <,ut a little rec&le$$"= <5t beat you*= Ryen replied* bending to pic& up a cloth %rom the lu$h gra$$" <5% 5 had rai$ed my $!ord* you !ould have run right into it"= <,ut you didnt*= Ryen $aid* !iping the cloth $moothly over her blade" <Dont critici9e my move :u$t becau$e it landed you on your buttoc&$" 7ou yielded" 5 !on" +here are no Ii%$"= <2he ha$ a point*= Andre agreed* $tepping up be$ide Ryen" <2he beat you and 5m a%raid it grate$ on your nerve$"=

<Non$en$e8= Lucien e(claimed* bru$hing the gra$$ %rom hi$ yello! tunic" <5 $imply '= <Angel8= a tiny voice called %rom the %ore$t* interrupting Lucien" Ryen$ head $hot up and $he $a! her page* ;avin* cra$hing through the bu$he$ in hi$ hurry to reach her" 3i$ bro!n cotton $moc& caught on a branch* but he )uic&ly yan&ed it %ree and continued to!ard her* ga$ping* <Angel8= Ryen placed her hand on hi$ $houlder" <+a&e a breath* ;avin* and tell me !hat$ happened"= <4e@= he $tarted* breathle$$ly" <A deep breath*= Ryen urged" ;avin dre! in a long breath and blurted out* <4eve caught an .ngli$hman* mlady8= Ryen rai$ed an an(iou$ ga9e to Andre be%ore moving to retrace ;avin$ path" 2he heard the heavy %oot%all$ o% her brother$ a$ they %ollo!ed her into their camp" +he $cent o% veni$on !a%ted to her on a light bree9e and her $tomach rumbled de$pite her an(iety" 2he maneuvered through the $poradically placed tent$ li&e an e(pert* dodging a bar&ing dog* $tepping around t!o men !ho !ere ab$orbed in a game o% che$$" 2he $lo!ed upon $eeing 1ac)ue$ Dignon* her advance $cout* approaching" <7ou %ound him6= $he a$&ed" <Aye* mlady*= 1ac)ue$ replied" 5t al!ay$ unnerved Ryen to $pea& !ith 1ac)ue$* %or !hile he !a$ the be$t $cout $he had* loo&ing into hi$ %ace !a$ li&e ga9ing into an emotionle$$ aby$$" 3i$ eye$ !ere blac&* $o blac& that $he could not di$cern the pupil %rom the iri$" 1ac)ue$ had never done anything to earn her $u$picion? on the contrary* he !a$ a loyal %ighter* a$ good at $!ordplay a$ he !a$ at di$appearing into the $hado!$* but there !a$ $omething cold about him that $et o%% every !arning !ithin Ryen" 3e avoided the $un* $o hi$ $&in remained !hite* almo$t a$ !hite a$ the porcelain doll her %ather had once given her $i$ter" 3i$ $&ill at in%iltrating the .ngli$h !a$ !hat had earned him Ryen$ re$pect? hi$ command o% the .ngli$h language $urpa$$ed even her o!n" <4here6= $he demanded" <North!e$t o% here*= he an$!ered" <3e $aid he !a$ $eparated %rom hi$ army" Lo$t"= Ryen moved pa$t him* eager to $ee her enemy" A$ $he neared the pri$oner tent$* $he noticed that* $u$piciou$ly* more than a %e! o% her men !ere $eated near one tent" .ach head !a$ bent over their !or&* the men diligently $harpening !eapon$ or poli$hing armor until it $par&led li&e a gem" Ryen &ne! they !ere eagerly a!aiting the outcome o% the interrogation" 5t had been almo$t t!o !ee&$ $ince they had $een any battle* and they !ere eager to con%ront the .ngli$h" <4hat can 5 do* Angel6= ;avin !ondered" Ryen $topped and the boy ran up be%ore her" 3e !a$ panting vigorou$ly and Ryen &ne! he had run the entire !ay to &eep up !ith them" 2he $miled at him and patted hi$ unruly hair be%ore care%ully handing her $!ord to him" <+a&e thi$ to my tent" +hen %ind Mel to loo& a%ter it"= ;avin$ bro!n eye$ !idened a$ he $tared at the blade" <Aye* mlady*= he !hi$pered reverently" 3e ga9ed at it a moment longer be%ore heading to!ard her tent at a $lo!* care%ul !al&" Ryen e(changed a grim loo& !ith Lucien be%ore continuing" +!o guard$ $tood out$ide the tent* loo&ing more li&e $tone gargoyle$ poi$ed on the pillar$ o% a church than li&e men" +hey !ere clothed in chain mail* !hite tunic$ !a$hing over the metal lin&$ that protected their bodie$" Ryen $hoved the tent %lap a$ide and entered"

+he pri$oner !a$ tied to a large* planted $ta&e* bound hand and %oot" 2mall in build* and dre$$ed in a leather :er&in* the .ngli$hman reminded Ryen more o% a $)uire than a %oot $oldier" 3i$ :a! !a$ $et !ith determination* hi$ dar& eye$ cautiou$ and di$tru$t%ul" 3e a$$e$$ed Lucien and Andre !ith a $!i%t glance and hi$ lip curled" 4hen hi$ ga9e turned to Ryen* hi$ eye$ !idened in $urpri$e" 3e !a$ not dirty" 3i$ chee&$ !ere not $un&en %rom lac& o% %ood* nor !ere hi$ lip$ parched %rom lac& o% !ater" <3e i$ not lo$t*= $he muttered" 2he didnt thin& the pri$oner !ould under$tand her >rench !ord$ but murmured :u$t in ca$e" <5 agree*= Andre $tated" Ryen $tepped to!ard the pri$oner" Lucien %ollo!ed protectively and $tood be$ide her" <4hat lord do you $erve6= Ryen a$&ed the man in per%ect .ngli$h" 3i$ bro! %urro!ed in con%u$ion and hi$ ga9e $lo!ly traveled over her body appreciatively" 2he $traightened $lightly a$ hi$ in$olent* laughing ga9e loc&ed !ith her eye$" Lucien $lapped the man$ impudent %ace and the blo! t!i$ted the man$ head to the $ide" A $ilver chain around the pri$oner$ nec& glinted in the candlelight" Ryen $tepped %or!ard and the man ga9ed do!n at her !ith de%iant eye$ a$ $he peeled hi$ :er&in a$ide" +here* hanging %rom the chain* !a$ a medallion o% a $ilver !ol% enclo$ed in a circle" Ryen $tared at the pendant %or a long moment" 3er teeth clenched $lightly and her hand trembled !ith anger a$ $he reached out* encircling the pendant !ith her %inger$" 5t$ cold metal bit into her palm a$ i% it !ere alive" <3e$ clo$er than !e thought*= Lucien $neered at $eeing the cre$t" Ryen nodded" <Much clo$er"= 2he dropped the medallion to the man$ che$t" 3er blue eye$ li%ted $lo!ly to meet hi$ ga9e" <,ring me the truth po!der* Lucien*= Ryen $aid" 2he !atched recognition !a$h over the pri$oner$ %ace* %ollo!ed clo$ely by %ear and di$belie%" <+he Angel o% Death*= he ga$ped" <3e !ill tell u$ !here the .ngli$h army i$ camped" 5 !ill have the -rince o% Dar&ne$$ be%ore tomorro!$ da!n"=

T*E (N1E (N" T*E )%,NCE

Available No!

Cha&pion of the *eart Bonu# )review

Cha&pion of the *eart - )rologue
.ngland* /2/

Dar& demon$ ca$t by the dying %ire in the hearth danced over the cold $tone !all$ o% the
$olar room" Lord >rederic& Mercer $at on the bed* li%ting hi$ arm to tighten the $trap$ o% hi$ plate armor" ,e$ide him* Michael $hi%ted hi$ po$ition* bo!ing hi$ blond head" >o(* %ive year$ older than Michael* paced the %loor be%ore the bed" <5 dont under$tand* >ather"= >o( Mercer loo&ed at hi$ %ather !ith con%u$ed eye$" 3e !a$ thirteen* but today he had enough pain in hi$ heart and enough torment in hi$ $oul %or a man %ive time$ hi$ age" <1u$t tell the &ing !ho did it"= <5 cant* >o(*= >rederic& Mercer $aid* bending to $lip hi$ booted %oot into a $pur" 3e !a$ )uiet %or a moment* $taring at hi$ boot" <5 cant"= 3e reached %or hi$ other boot and $lid it on" >o( paced the dra%ty room* de$perately $earching %or a !ay out o% the terri%ying predicament hi$ %ather !a$ in" >or a brie%* horri%ying moment the $hado!$ o% the !aning %ire too& on the $hape o% an e(ecutioner* hi$ %ace ma$&ed in a dar& hood* hi$ thic& arm$ clutching an enormou$ a(e" >o( )uic&ly loo&ed a!ay %rom the blac& $ilhouette on the !all" No one !a$ !orth thi$ $ort o% protection* not !ith $uch di$a$trou$ con$e)uence$" >o($ ga9e %ell on hi$ younger brother" Michael $at on hi$ %ather$ bed* hi$ $houlder$ $lumped* hi$ head bo!ed" 3i$ brother$ blond hair hung %or!ard to ob$cure hi$ %ace" Michael had been )uiet %or day$ no!* unnaturally $ilent" +he chin& o% chainmail made >o( turn bac& to hi$ %ather" A$ he loo&ed at the man !ho rai$ed him* !ho gave him a home* !ho al!ay$ gave him hope %or the %uture* he clenched hi$ teeth* ma&ing hi$ :a! ache !ith the e%%ort" 3i$ $mall %inger$ clenched into %i$t$ $o hard it made hi$ arm$ $ha&e" 4hy !ould hi$ %ather give up everything to &eep the identity o% a murderer $ecret6 >o( began to pace again" 3e moved bac& and %orth* bac& and %orth* %ighting to &eep hi$ emotion$ in chec&* %ighting to remain calm :u$t a$ hi$ %ather had taught him" ,ut today thi$ !a$ a battle >o( !ould not !in" 3e $topped and !hirled to %ace hi$ %ather" <Dont you care about !hat happen$ to u$6= he a$&ed in agony" Lord Mercer $traightened in hi$ chair" <O% cour$e 5 do" 5 care"""= 3e too& a deep breath" <5 !ould do anything to protect you and Michael" Anything"= 3e $hoo& hi$ head and re$umed hi$ preparation$* $tanding and reaching %or hi$ belt" <5 only !i$h 5 had &illed the baron my$el%"= 3e li%ted haunted eye$ to $tare at >o(" <3e !a$ a horrible man* >o("= 3e turned to Michael on the bed be$ide him and tenderly $tro&ed hi$ hair" <A horrible man"= >o( $co!led" <,ut 5 dont under$tand"= <7ou dont have to" 4e !ill not $pea& o% it again"= 3i$ %ather pic&ed up hi$ $!ord and ga9ed at it %or a very long moment" >o( couldnt $top the anger that burned in hi$ che$t" 4hat &ind o% man !a$ the murderer to remain $ilent !hile hi$ %ather too& the puni$hment %or him6 3ad he no honor6 >o($ :a! clenched" 4hoever had murdered the baron !ould pay" 5t !a$ a vo! he !a$ determined to &eep* no matter ho! long it too& him" 3i$ %ather $lid hi$ $!ord into hi$ $heath and then headed %or the door"

>o( loo&ed at Michael" 3i$ brother $tared at him !ith large eye$" +hey !ere the $adde$t eye$ >o( had ever $een" 3e too& hi$ little brother$ hand in hi$ and $)uee9ed it rea$$uringly" +ogether they le%t the room* $hado!ing their %ather a$ he moved do!n the corridor$ and through the $tone tunnel$ that made up Ca$tle Mercer$ hall!ay$" +hey de$cended a dar& $piral $tair!ay that led to the ;reat 3all" +he noi$e coming %rom the 3all !a$ a :umble o% tone$ and timbre$* $ome $omber !eeping and $ad !ord$ o% mourning* $ome dar& laughter and $ini$ter !ord$ o% $upport" 3i$ %amily$ doom !aited in the room" 2ome o% the gathered throng dreaded !hat !a$ to come* !hile other$ approved and eagerly !aited %or the &ing$ re$pon$e" >o($ heart $tarted pounding %a$ter in hi$ che$t" 3i$ hand tightened around Michael$* hi$ palm $lic& !ith nervou$ $!eat" 3i$ %ather did not he$itate at the room$ thre$hold" 3e moved into the ;reat 3all !ith hi$ cu$tomary $trong $tride* hi$ head held high" >o( and Michael %ollo!ed" >o( !a$ care%ul to &eep hi$ eye$ on hi$ %ather$ bac&? he didnt !ant to $ee the $ati$%ied loo& in $ome o% the gathered nobility$ eye$" 3e didnt !ant to loo& at their di$gu$t and their di$approval o% the great man !ho !al&ed proudly be%ore him" +hey !ere all !rong in their mercile$$ %eeling$ %or hi$ %ather" All !rong" >o( $hi%ted hi$ ga9e to the %ront o% the room" Normally* the rai$ed plat%orm $ituated there !ould hold the table %or him and hi$ %amily" ,ut on thi$ dar& day* the table !a$ gone" 5n it$ place !a$ a ro! o% $eated people dre$$ed in %inery and velvet$" One man dre! hi$ attentionG Eing .d!ard o% .ngland" 3e !a$ $eated in an ornately decorated chair in the center o% the ro! o% noble$" 3e $at $ti%%ly in the high#bac&ed chair* $urveying >o($ %ather !ith obviou$ di$approval* and ab$ently rubbed hi$ chin !ith long* $lender %inger$" >o($ %ather $topped be%ore the ri$e* bending one &nee to the %loor and bo!ing hi$ head" >o( did the $ame* having to pull Michael do!n be%ore the Eing" A di$gruntled $nort came %rom the Eing* and >o( li%ted hi$ head $lightly to $ee hi$ reaction" +he Eing $tudied hi$ nail$* announcing* <Ri$e* Mercer"= A murmur ran through the room" +he Eing had not u$ed lord Mercer$ right%ul title" >o( ro$e a%ter hi$ %ather* the in$ult and degradation not lo$t on him" >o( clenched hi$ %i$t* care%ul not to hurt Michael" +he Eing !aved a hand" +!o men in chainmail came %or!ard and too& >o($ %ather$ arm* leading him onto the ri$e" +hey turned him to %ace the cro!d o% noble$ a$$embled in the room" A herald $tepped do!n %rom the plat%orm* clutching a rolled parchment" 3e !a$ a thin man !ith a graying* manicured beard" +he herald !aited a moment %or the room to become $ilent" +hen he unrolled the parchment* cleared hi$ throat* and read the &ing$ decree" <>rederic& Mercer ha$ been %ound guilty o% o%%icial corruption*= the herald proclaimed* hi$ voice echoing %rom one $ide o% the ;reat 3all to the other" ,ehind Mercer* the t!o &night$ li%ted large metal hammer$ and brought them $ma$hing do!n at the bac& o% hi$ heel$" 3i$ %ather$ $pur$ crac&ed under the blo!$" >o( $tood immobile" ,e$ide him* Michael $obbed and >o( %elt the $ame angui$h t!i$ting hi$ $tomach and churning hi$ throat" 5t too& all hi$ !illpo!er to $tand $till and not ru$h to hi$ %ather$ aid" Echang8 +he grating* har$h $ound o% metal $tri&ing metal immediately %illed the large room" +he abra$ive noi$e echoed %rom !all to !all* a$ i% cha$ing the herald$ ricocheting !ord$" Echang8 +he ne! bla$t o% noi$e overtoo& the gho$t o% the previou$ metallic clang be%ore it completely %aded a!ay"

4ith every $tri&e* >o( !illed hi$ %ather$ humiliation to $top* but it continued" +he herald loo&ed bac& do!n at the unrolled parchment he held in hi$ hand$" <>rederic& Mercer i$ $tripped o% hi$ land$*= he announced" Murmuring$ $pread li&e !ild%ire through the ;reat 3all" >o( $hi%ted hi$ glance to Eing .d!ard* !ho lounged in hi$ chair* calmly $ipping a golden goblet %ull o% ale* imperviou$ to the de$truction he !a$ cau$ing" 3e !a$ an impo$ing man* large in pre$ence* but $lim in girth" 3e radiated po!er and authority !ith a mere glance and a ge$ture" +oday* hi$ eye$ !ere dar&* hi$ e(pre$$ion calmly hiding hi$ %ierce anger* e(cept %or the grim $et o% hi$ lip$" +he Eing $canned the ma$$ o% people in the ;reat 3all* a$ i% $earching %or $omeone" 4hy couldnIt you tell him !hat he !ant$ to &no!6 >o( $ilently a$&ed hi$ %ather" >o($ :a! clenched !ith agony and anger" 1u$t tell him8 hi$ mind $creamed" Echang8 +he $pur$ %inally bro&e a!ay %rom the heel" <3i$ land$ !ill be %or%eit to Lord Daughn*= the herald droned" Lord Daughn8 .van$ %ather" >o($ :a! clenched tighter" .van" My %riend* he thought bitterly" On the plat%orm* the t!o &night$ %inally cea$ed their attac& and $tepped a!ay %rom Lord Mercer" .ach grabbed a %allen $pur* one &night to$$ing a $pur le%t and the other to$$ing a $pur to the right" Another &night clad in chainmail $tepped %or!ard !ith a $harp dagger" >o( $traightened in$tantly a$ the room became )uiet* the murmuring d!indling into a prolonged $tretch o% complete $ilence" +he herald cleared hi$ throat and repo$itioned the parchment in hi$ hand$" >inally* he read the la$t* chilling $entence !ritten on the $croll" <Lord >rederic& Mercer i$ no more"= +error !a$hed over >o(" 4ould the Eing allo! hi$ %ather to be &illed6 he !ondered a$ the &night !ith the dagger ominou$ly approached >rederic& Mercer" +he &night $ei9ed Mercer$ leather belt* the belt that held hi$ $!ord and $cabbard about hi$ !ai$t* and rai$ed the dagger" 4ith a $harp* violent $!ipe* the &night cut the belt clean through" >rederic&$ $!ord %ell to the %loor !ith a loud* hollo! clang" +he &night pic&ed up the $!ord* pulled it %rom it$ $heath* and li%ted it high above hi$ head" >o( lunged %or!ard" ,ut he !a$ too late" +he &night brought the !eapon do!n* $ma$hing the blunt part o% the blade over hi$ %ather$ head !ith $uch %orce the !eapon bro&e in t!o" >rederic& $!ayed under the brutal $tri&e* dropping hard and %a$t to hi$ &nee$" 3e $!ayed %or a moment* hi$ eye$ nearly rolling into the bac& o% hi$ head* but he did not topple to the %loor" >o( reached out a hand to hi$ %ather$ elbo! to $teady him* but hi$ %ather pulled angrily a!ay %rom the o%%er o% aid" 3e %orced him$el% to $tand erect a$ be$t he could* obviou$ly $truggling !ith the tremendou$ pain he !a$ e(periencing* hi$ leg$ buc&ling under him a$ he $tood" ,lo!$ o% $uch %orce had &illed le$$er men" ,lood tric&led do!n hi$ %ather$ head* dripping over hi$ le%t eye and $pla$hing acro$$ hi$ chee&" 3e $teadied him$el%* bo!ed $ti%%ly to the Eing* and turned to !al& bac& do!n the ai$le to!ard the large double door$ that !ould %ree him %rom thi$ public di$play o% di$grace" >o( !atched him !ith a mi(ture o% a!e and humiliation" 3e recovered )uic&ly and too& Michael$ hand* hurrying a%ter hi$ %ather" +he cro!d gaped at >rederic& Mercer a$ he moved do!n the ai$le* mo$t $taring at him in di$belie%* $ome even $taring at him in a!e %or having the courage and $trength to $tand and !al& %rom the room o% hi$ o!n accord" 3e had been a !ell#re$pected lord* a %riend o% many !ho !ere

in the ;reat 3all" A brave* $trong* honorable man" No!* he !a$ a bro&en man ## titlele$$* landle$$" A commoner" Lord >rederic& Mercer !a$ indeed no more" Juiet de$cended over the room a$ he moved through it" >rederic& &ept hi$ head high* hi$ chin rai$ed in de%iance o% their $tare$" ,lood continued to drip do!n %rom hi$ head and $tain hi$ %ace" >o( moved $olemnly behind hi$ %ather" +he room $eemed to be in a ha9e %rom the embarra$$ment and utter deva$tation $!irling through >o(" 2uddenly* $omething $ei9ed hi$ hand" 3e glanced do!n to $ee $mall* %eminine %inger$ clutching at hi$" 3e li%ted hi$ ga9e to $ee a $mall angel" 3er eye$ !ere red#rimmed* her chee&$ $trea&ed !ith tear$" 3i$ loo& $o%tened %or a moment a$ he ga9ed at her" 1ordan Ruvane* one o% the t!o be$t %riend$ he had in the !hole !orld" And the other !a$ .van Daughn* he thought bitterly" 3e $)uee9ed her hand once be%ore moving a%ter hi$ %ather" +heir hand$ $lo!ly $eparated* their %inger$ $liding acro$$ each other until %inally there !a$ nothing but di$tance bet!een them" <"""+he ,aron o% Dalton !a$ murdered" 2tabbed"= <5 hear Mercer &no!$ !ho did it" ,ut he !ont $ay"= <""",aron Magnu$ !a$ one o% the Eing$ %avorite$"= >o( hurried pa$t the go$$iping noble$* hurried through the corridor to!ard the great double door$ o% the ca$tle" 3e had to get out" 3e had to e$cape the $uperior loo&$* the haughty $tare$ and !hi$per$ behind hi$ bac&" 5 dont give a damn !hat they thin&* >o( told him$el%" ,ut he couldnt $tand the !ay they loo&ed at him" 1u$t a day be%ore* :u$t hour$ be%ore* the $ame people !ere hi$ %riend$* hi$ e)ual$" No! they $a! him a$ in%erior" >o( clenched hi$ teeth" 3e reached the door$ only to %ind a do!npour o% rain $lamming into the ground" >o( halted" 3e couldnt go out" 3e too& a $tep bac& and turned" >our noble$* t!o he recogni9ed a$ Lord 3agen and Lord Lynch* !ere $taring at him* !hi$pering" >o( !hirled and $tormed out into the $heet$ o% rain" 3e raced through the do!npour* $lo$hing through large puddle$ and thic& mud clutching at hi$ an&le$* da$hing through the inner and then the outer courtyard a$ the rain%all $plattered hi$ young body" +he !ard$ !ere merci%ully empty" 3e continued acro$$ the lo!ered dra!bridge and turned $harply to hi$ right to run acro$$ the %ield bordering Ca$tle Mercer" +he tall !et gra$$ ble! in the $trong !ind* $lapping at hi$ thigh$" 3e could not $ee more than a %e! %eet in %ront o% him becau$e o% the torrent$ o% rain* but he raced on" 5t !a$ luc&y he &ne! the !ay by heart" 5t !a$ the only place he could go" +he la$t %e! day$ event$ replayed in hi$ thought$ a$ he ran" Lord Daughn had magnanimou$ly given hi$ %amily t!o !ee&$ to %ind $ome!here el$e to $tay and vacate the ca$tle" ,ut they had no!here to go* no!here to $tay" 3i$ li%e !a$ over" 3e could not be a $)uire or a &night" 3e !ould never be a lord" 3i$ %uture had been de$troyed" +he roar o% the river greeted him %ir$t" 5t !a$ not the gentle care$$ it had been !hen he had vi$ited it la$t* but a po!er%ul ru$h o% churning* !hite capped !ater" 5t$ !idth had $!elled to the very edge$ o% the !illo! tree$ dotting it$ ban&$* the %a$t#moving !ater pu$hing at the drooping branche$ that had $un& beneath it$ $ur%ace* ma&ing the tree$ appear alive" >o( ran to t!o tree$ that gre! very clo$e to each other and pu$hed the heavy branche$ a$ide* $tepping into the ma&e$hi%t cave their branche$ had created" 5t !a$ very dar& in the cave today" 2o very dar& and cold" 3e $an& do!n on the $o%t* !et mo$$* the chill %rom the ground )uic&ly $eeping through hi$ already !et clothing* $eeping into hi$ very bone$" 3e %elt de%eated" Alone"

Dar&ne$$ $ettled over the land and over >o($ heart" And li&e the inten$e emotion$ and con%u$ion raging in$ide >o(* the $torm continued to vent it$ %ury out$ide the ma&e$hi%t branch !all$ o% >o($ $ecret hidea!ay" <>o(6= $omeone called %rom out$ide the cave" >o( &ne! the o!ner o% the voice* but %or a moment he thought he had imagined it" <>o(6= 2he $ounded a little more de$perate" 1ordan" 2he $houldnt be here" 2he $hould be !ith the other noble$" <Leave me alone*= he commanded $o%tly" 2he didnt have to endure the pain he !a$ going through" 3e buried hi$ %ace bet!een hi$ hand$" <>o(*= $he almo$t $ighed* duc&ing to move beneath the branche$* $tepping to!ard him" <5 !a$ hoping 5d %ind you here"= <5 $aid leave me alone"= 3i$ tone !a$ $tronger" 2he %ell to her &nee$* reaching out to him" >o( pulled a!ay %rom her touch* turning a!ay %rom her" <7ou $houldnt be $een !ith me anymore*= >o( !hi$pered in a ragged and hoar$e tone" <5m a commoner no!" A pea$ant" A nothing"""= <Do you thin& 5 care i% you are titlele$$6 Or i% you have no land$6 4ould 5 have come out in thi$ $torm i% 5 did6 5 dont care about any o% that"= <7our %ather doe$*= >o( retorted" <7our %riend$ do"= 1ordan reached out to cla$p hi$ hand$" <7ou are my %riend"= De$pite the chill $urrounding them* her hand$ !ere !arm and $o%t" <Not any longer"= >o( ripped hi$ hand$ a!ay %rom her" 2he had to leave him %or her o!n good" 2he could not be $een !ith him" 5t could bring the Eing$ !rath on her and her %amily" <4hy are you doing thi$6 5 !ould never give up our %riend$hip" 7ou mean more to me"""= <1u$t go8= 1ordan $hoo& her head" <Dont ma&e me leave"= 3er angui$h tore at hi$ young heart" 3e didnt !ant to hurt her" 5t too& all hi$ !illpo!er not to apologi9e* not to let her be the %riend he $o de$perately needed" A$ the $ilence $tretched* >o( thought it !a$ over" 2he !ould leave him no!" 3e li%ted hi$ ga9e to her" 3er dre$$ !a$ $oa&ed" 3er long bro!n hair hung over her $houlder$* $hining !ith rain" 3er pale $&in !a$ $pec&led !ith raindrop$" 2he loo&ed li&e $ome %allen angel" 3er large eye$ caught and held hi$ attention" 5n them* he $!ore he $a! hi$ $alvation" 3e almo$t li%ted hi$ hand* almo$t reached out to her" ,ut he couldnt dra! her into hi$ de$peration" 3e clenched hi$ hand* re%u$ing to move it" 2he had to leave him" ,ut $he didnt" <7ou thin& that by hurting me you !ill ma&e thi$ ea$ier*= 1ordan $aid" <5 !ont be %orced a!ay"= <1ordan*= >o( !hi$pered* %ighting do!n hi$ need* %ighting the loneline$$ that engul%ed him" 3e did need her" 3e !ould al!ay$ need her" >o( $uddenly leaned into her* embracing her tightly* pulling her clo$e" <5 dont !ant to lo$e you" 7ou are all 5 have in the !orld no!"= 1ordan clung to him* $)uee9ing hi$ !et velvet tunic beneath her %inger$" <7ou !ont lo$e me* >o(" 5ll al!ay$ be !ith you" +here !ill never be anyone el$e"= >o( pulled bac& $lightly* hi$ deep blue eye$ $!eeping her %ace* ta&ing in every detail" >aith%ulne$$ $hone %rom her blue eye$" 3e li%ted a hand to bru$h hi$ !et %ingertip$ acro$$ her chee&" >o( gave in to the complete and utter de$olation he %elt" 3e leaned %or!ard* re$ting hi$ %orehead again$t her $houlder"

+hey held each other* the branche$ o% the !illo! tree $urrounding them* $heltering them* clo$ing out the !orld and $topping time"

AAA
4hen the $un ro$e the ne(t morning* >o( bounded %rom hi$ room and raced to the inner !ard" +he night had brought him little $olace and much re$tle$$ne$$" ,ut o% all the chao$ in hi$ li%e* he $till had one privilege" 3e ignored the turned bac&$ o% hi$ %ormer %riend$* hi$ %ormer peer$" No! they treated him no better than the dirt on the ground" ,ut he didnt care" 3e didnt need them" 3e had the only %riend that mattered" A true %riend" 3i$ ga9e $earched the throng o% departing lord$ and ladie$ in the inner courtyard" +heir tall headdre$$e$ and rich clothing !ere $omething he !ould not be able to a%%ord anymore" ,ut it didnt matter" 3e never li&ed the %a$hion$ any!ay" +hen hi$ ga9e $ettled on the red lion embla9oned on a !hite %lag* the Ruvane cre$t* clearly vi$ible above the cro!d" A bright $mile blo$$omed on >o($ %ace* but then abruptly vani$hed a$ he $a! the %lag moving out o% the ca$tle* already beneath the outer portculli$" >o( raced a%ter it* de$peration $!elling !ithin hi$ che$t" 1ordan !a$ leaving8 And !ithout $aying a !ord to him" 2omething horrible had happened" 3e could %eel it in hi$ very bone$" >o( de$perately pu$hed hi$ !ay through the &night$* $houldering hi$ !ay pa$t one lord !ho $hoved him rudely in the bac&" ,ut >o( did not ta&e hi$ ga9e %rom the departing %lag" 5t dre! %arther and %arther a!ay* moving do!n the road to!ard the to!n" >o( tried to increa$e hi$ pace* but the courtyard !a$ too cro!ded !ith departing noble$* hor$e$* and $ervant$ %or him to move )uic&ly" >inally* he bur$t through the cro!d* brea&ing %ree o% it$ con%ine$* moving onto the dra!bridge@ @ only to $ee the Ruvane %lag pic&ing up $peed a$ it moved a!ay %rom him do!n the road* %lapping in the bree9e" <1ordan8= >o( $creamed* but hi$ voice !a$ $!allo!ed up by the !ind" <1ordan8=

Cha&pion of the *eart - Chapter One

+en year$ later
3er cloa& !a$ damp %rom the mi$ty rain that permeated the night air" 2he removed the cloa& )uic&ly and to$$ed it onto the table in the center o% the room" 2he $tepped pa$t the pan $et at one end o% the table" 5t had been put there !ee&$ ago to catch the drip$ that %ell %rom a hole in the thatched roo%" >or the pa$t month* $he had told Abagail to have it %i(ed* but $he had never gotten around to it* and 1ordan &ne! it !a$ %or good rea$on" +he children !ere )uite a hand%ul" +hi$ time* $he didnt comment on it a$ $he moved to one o% the t!o door$ $ituated on the %ar !all" An elderly !oman !ith gray hair and !rin&led $&in $tepped be%ore her" <Lady 1ordan*= $he $aid* !ringing her hand$" Age $pot$ %rec&led her loo$e $&in* dotting the bac&$ o% her hand$ !ith $pot$ o% light and dar& bro!n" <3o! i$ $he* Abagail6= 1ordan demanded* her eye$ on the door over the !oman$ $houlder"

1ordan entered the $mall hou$e* thro!ing her hood o%% her $houlder$"

<Maggie can !ait %or the moment*= Abagail $aid" <5 :u$t chec&ed on her"= 1ordan loo&ed do!n at Abagail %or the %ir$t time that night" 2he had dar& ring$ beneath her blue eye$* and her u$ually neatly !rapped bun had $trand$ o% gray hair po&ing out !ildly %rom the bac& o% her head" 2he reached over to a nearby table and handed 1ordan a candle* :er&ing her head at the other door" 1ordan $!iveled her ga9e to the other door" 5t !a$ $lightly a:ar* and in the dar&ne$$* 1ordan $a! %our pair$ o% !ide eye$ !atching her" 2he ca$t one longing loo& at the door over Abagail$ $houlder be%ore moving to!ard the other door" 1ordan heard little %eet $campering through the room a$ $he opened the door* blan&et$ being !hi$&ed a$ide* $mall voice$ muttering to be )uiet" A ray o% light %ell acro$$ the room %rom the candle 1ordan held in her hand" +he !ea& circle o% light illuminated t!o large $tra! bed$* one on each $ide o% the $mall room" >orm$ huddled beneath the blan&et$" +hey !ere moving around %ar too much to be a$leep" 1ordan entered the room and moved up to one o% the bed$* $etting the candle do!n on a nearby table" <5$ Maggie going to die6= a $mall voice !ondered" +he thought $ent agony through 1ordan$ heart but $he ma$&ed her !orry and turned to the other bed and the o!ner o% that $mall voice" <No* Eara" Maggie i$ :u$t very* very $ic&"= A thic& $et o% dar& curl$ emerged %rom beneath the blan&et* then Eara$ big ha9el eye$" <5 &no!" +hat$ !hat the phy$ician $aid"= <Mi$tre$$ Abagail $aid !e cant $ee her*= another older voice complained" 1ordan turned her ga9e to the %ir$t bed to meet the $tare o% a dar&#haired boy" <And $he$ right* 1ohn" Maggie i$ too $ic& %or vi$itor$ right no!"= <4hen !ill $he be better6= 1ohn a$&ed* thro!ing the cover$ to hi$ lap and $itting up" 1ordan $ighed at 1ohn$ )ue$tion" 2he !i$hed $he &ne! the an$!er" <5 dont &no!*= $he $aid )uietly" <,ut !e heard the doctor $ay $he needed herb$ %rom %ar a!ay"= 1ordan nodded at Ana$ $tatement* turning to addre$$ the blue#eyed eight year old in the oppo$ite bed" <2he doe$" 2ir .van i$ riding out to get them tonight" 3e $hould return by morning"= <4hat i% he doe$nt6= 1a$on !ondered" 1ordan turned her ga9e to the $mall boy be$ide 1ohn" 3e !a$ u$ually $o vibrant but he $eemed !ithdra!n no!" <All right*= 1ordan $aid* trying to hide :u$t ho! much 1a$on$ )ue$tion unnerved her" <+hat$ enough )ue$tion$ %or tonight"= 2he moved to one o% the bed$* pulling the cover up over the t!o boy$" <5ll be here all night"= 2he bent to pre$$ &i$$e$ to 1ohn$ and 1a$on$ chee&$" +hen $he cro$$ed the room to the other bed" <Dont !orry about Maggie" 5ll $tay !ith her"= 1ordan pulled the blan&et up to cover Ana and Eara* pau$ing to pre$$ a &i$$ to baby .mily$ chee&* !ho !a$ $leeping li&e a little angel* though the t!o year old had more o% the devil in her" 1ordan &i$$ed Eara and Ana" Eara pu$hed the blan&et a$ide to $ho! 1ordan the $tra! mattre$$* and pointed to an empty $pot on the mattre$$" <5m $aving Maggie$ $pot %or her"= 1ordan $miled do!n at her" <7ou do that* Eara*= $he $aid $o%tly" <Eeep it !arm %or her"= 1ordan !al&ed to the door" <Lady 1ordan8= Eara called* $topping 1ordan" <+he door"= <5 &no!* Eara*= $he !hi$pered" <5ll leave it open a little"=

1ordan $tepped %rom the room and $et the candle do!n on a table* leaving the door open a crac& to let $ome light $pill into the room %or the children" +hey $o hated the dar&* $he &ne!* e$pecially !ith !hat !a$ happening to one o% their %riend$" 5t made the dar& that much dar&er* the )uiet that much )uieter" 2he could %eel the an(iety and %ear in her heart* too" 2he $tared at the other door %or a moment* a%raid o% !hat $he !ould %ind on the other $ide" 2he !illed her$el% to be $trong and too& a deep breath be%ore !al&ing to the other door" 2he pu$hed the door open $lo!ly* trying to be )uiet" +he old !ood crea&ed de$pite her be$t e%%ort$" +he room !a$ dar&* the only illumination coming %rom a candle that !a$ in danger o% going out at any moment" +he $puttering %lame ca$t $ini$ter $hado!$ on the !ooden !all$" +o 1ordan$ overtired mind* they loo&ed li&e hovering blac& gho$t$ !aiting to claim the dead" 2he )uic&ly %orced that unplea$ant thought a!ay and $tepped deeper into the room" 5n the corner !a$ Abagail$ bed* a com%ortable $tra! mattre$$" ,ut the %igure on it !a$ %ar too $mall to be Abagail" 1ordan hurried over to the mattre$$" Maggie !a$ $till and pale in the candlelight* her bro!n curl$ laying limply around her head" +he edge o% the thic& !ool blan&et !a$ %olded beneath her $mall hand$* a$ i% $he had not moved in a very long time" 1ordan &nelt be$ide the mattre$$* ta&ing the girl$ tiny hand into her o!n" Maggie !a$ only %our year$ old" 2he had her !hole li%e ahead o% her" 5t !a$nt %air" 1ordan bru$hed the hair bac& %rom Maggie$ %orehead and !a$ $hoc&ed at ho! !arm the little girl %elt" 3eat emanated %rom the girl$ $&in be%ore 1ordan even touched her" +ear$ ru$hed into 1ordan$ eye$ and $he $ilently begged .van to hurry" Maggie$ eye$ %luttered and then opened to mere $lit$" <Lady 1ordan*= $he managed to !hi$per* although it $eemed to ta&e all her $trength to do $o" <7e$* Maggie*= 1ordan !hi$pered" <5t$ me" Dont tal&" 2ave your $trength"= <5m $o cold*= Maggie $aid" >ear $hriveled any glimmer o% hope in 1ordan$ heart* and $he climbed into bed !ith Maggie* pulling the child tightly again$t her* ma&ing $ure the blan&et !a$ !rapped around every inch o% the little girl$ body" 2he rubbed Maggie$ hot %orehead" <5 dont %eel !ell*= Maggie !hi$pered" <5 &no!* $!eetheart*= 1ordan $oothed" 2he rubbed her chee& again$t Maggie$ hot one" <5 &no!"= Maggie$ eye$ $lo!ly clo$ed again" 1ordan$ eye$ again %illed !ith tear$" Maggie had been !ith her the longe$t" 2he had been abandoned at the ca$tle a$ an in%ant* barely able to !al&" 2he !ould have died i% 1ordan hadnt %ound her and nur$ed her bac& to health" 2he !a$ the rea$on 1ordan had convinced her %ather to give her the old run#do!n 1ohn$on cottage to $helter the children !ho had no %amilie$" 2he !or&ed a $mall patch o% garden in the ca$tle $o they !ould have %ood to $urvive on and mended their clothing $o they !ouldnt be cold" +hey !ere the abandoned children" +he children no one !anted e(cept %or her" Maggie had given 1ordan$ li%e a true purpo$e" And no! $he !a$ unable to help the poor girl" 2he could do nothing %or her but hold her and hope .van made it bac& in time" 3e had to get the herb$" +he phy$ician had $aid that only the herb$ !ould $ave Maggie$ li%e" Maggie groaned $o%tly" <2hh*= 1ordan !hi$pered" <5t !ill be all right*= $he $aid a$ much to Maggie a$ to her$el%" <.verything !ill be %ine"=

AAA

,ut it !ould not be all right" .verything !ould not be %ine" >or !hat happened that night in the dar& moonlight on a de$olate road !ould change 1ordan Ruvane$ li%e %orever"

Cha&pion of the *eart - Chapter Two

A layer o% !i$py %og %loated acro$$ the dirt* glo!ing a gho$tly pale yello! a$ it ab$orbed !hat little moonlight reached it$ $hi%ting $ur%ace" A light mi$t o% rain %ell %rom the night $&y* it$ droplet$ beginning to brea& up the patch o% %og" +he rain !a$ not enough to drench >o(* :u$t enough to annoy him and ob$cure hi$ vie! o% the road" 3e $!iped a %e! drop$ o% the cool mi$t %rom hi$ %orehead !ith hi$ %ingertip$ and loo&ed %urther do!n the dirt road* peering out %rom hi$ hiding place behind the leave$ o% a bu$h" A %orm $hi%ted at >o($ right" <3o! long are !e going to !ait in thi$ !eather6= a large man !ith red hair and a beard a$&ed" <A$ long a$ it ta&e$*= >o( replied" >o( glanced at the big man be$ide him" >o( couldnt even remember hi$ real name* nor did he recall anyone ever telling him !hat it !a$" .veryone :u$t &ne! him a$ -ic& ## an obviou$ name %or a ma$ter pic&poc&et and loc& pic&er" ,ut the name %it* $o -ic& he !a$ and -ic& he !ould al!ay$ be" +he odd thing about the big man !a$ that no one out$ide >o($ $mall band !ould ever believe that a man o% $uch girth* !ith $houlder$ a$ !ide a$ a hor$e and arm$ a$ thic& a$ tree trun&$* !ould have the $ubtle$t touch >o( had ever $een" +he man could $teal toy$ %rom a child and $omeho! the child !ouldnt even notice" <Maybe >renchie heard the ba&er !rong*= -ic& $ugge$ted" <-ic&* you &no! go$$ip i$ one thing >renchie doe$nt get !rong*= the man to >o($ le%t $aid* pu$hing hi$ damp blond hair %rom hi$ head" ,eau had been &no!n a$ ,eauregard OConnell* but >o( &ne! i% he called him that to hi$ %ace* he !ouldnt have much o% a %ace le%t" ,eau !a$ a good#loo&ing man* younger than >o(* !ith hair do!n to hi$ $houlder$" +he man had ha!&#li&e deep bro!n eye$ that $eemed to loo& right through people $ometime$" ,ut tho$e &een eye$ had $aved >o($ men more than a %e! time$* becau$e ,eau had the archery $&ill$ to go !ith them" ;ood aim and a )uic&* $ure relea$e had provided many an avenue o% e$cape %or >o($ band" -ic& chuc&led lo! in hi$ throat" <Not li&e hi$ coo&in* eh6= <5 $till have that burned rabbit $te!ing in my gut*= ,eau complained" <My tongue !ant$ to climb out o% my mouth and hide in my ale mug every time he call$ u$ %or $upper" +he man !ouldnt &no! ho! to u$e a $pice i% hi$ li%e depended on it= <Maybe that$ !hy he$ !ith u$*= -ic& added* laughing" <An outca$t coo& %or a bunch o% outca$t$"= <5 dont thin& he !a$ thro!n out o% Chandler Manor %or hi$ coo&ing* but he $hould have been*= ,eau remar&ed" >o( ignored -ic& and ,eau$ chatter" 3i$ eye$ !ere %ocu$ed ahead on the empty road* !aiting" +he dar&ne$$ $eemed thic&er no! than :u$t a %e! moment$ be%ore" +he $liver o% moon trying to po&e out %rom behind the cloud$ had di$appeared completely" 4hat little light it had been thro!ing do!n on the road no! !a$ gone" .ven the %og $eemed to have vani$hed" 3e had to rely on hi$ other $en$e$ no!" 3i$ ear$ !ere tuned to any noi$e* any $ign o% activity" +hi$ road !a$ the only route they could ta&e to get to Ruvane village* and that !a$ !here >renchie had heard they !ere headed"

+he road !a$ dar& and empty"

2ilence greeted him" +oo much $ilence" +hen the rain gre! heavier* the drop$ getting larger and larger* and the mi$t became a $teady $tream o% %alling !ater" Above them* thunder rumbled in the night $&y* threatening a bigger $torm" Nervou$ne$$ churned in >o($ $tomach" +hey had to come thi$ !ay" Damn them* theyd better come thi$ !ay" +here i$ too much at $ta&e %or them not to" 3e impatiently !iped more rain %rom hi$ eye$" 2uddenly* the t!eet o% a bird $ounded above the %alling rain* but it !a$ no real call" 5t !a$ an alert %rom one hi$ band" +heir target !a$ coming up the road" -ic& and ,eau moved into action immediately" +hey di$appeared into the %ore$t around >o(* moving in oppo$ite direction$ to $urround the approaching merchant" >o( li$tened again" +he %ir$t alert !a$ a $ound %or them to get prepared" No! !ould come the call o% ho! many men !ere in the group" 3e heard one t!eet* then another" >o( li$tened intently* but no %urther call came" +hunder grumbled in the $&y* loud and angry" +!o men6 >o( !ondered !ith ama9ement" Only t!o men6 +hi$ !ould be too ea$y" 3e breathed a $igh o% relie%" >or once in hi$ li%e* $omething !ould be ea$y" 3e li$tened to the pattering hum o% the rain a$ it hit the leave$ around him* hi$ ga9e %ocu$ed on the road be%ore him" 3e couldnt ma&e out anything in the dar&ne$$" +hen he heard the $ound he !a$ !aiting %or* the $o%t plod o% hor$e$ in the thic& mud o% the road" >o($ body $ti%%ened in anticipation" >ar o%% do!n the road* he could barely ma&e out t!o $ilhouetted rider$ coming over the hill" 3e $lo!ly* $ilently $lid hi$ $!ord %rom it$ $cabbard" +he handle !a$ !et %rom the rain* but >o($ palm gripped the leather hilt !ith con%idence" +he t!o rider$ came clo$er" .very mu$cle in >o($ body ten$ed a$ he $tepped out into the middle o% the road" Above* the cloud$ dri%ted acro$$ the $&y and a $light gap appeared bet!een them" Moonlight $hone do!n through the gap* illuminating the road be%ore >o(* illuminating a cart being dra!n behind the t!o rider$* a cart %illed !ith ten men at lea$t" A chill raced up >o($ $pine" +here !ere only $uppo$ed to be t!o men" +hat had been the $ignal he heard" Not t!o and ten8 >o($ ga9e darted to the bu$he$ on the $ide o% the road* but there !a$ no $en$e in trying to hide" +he rider$ had obviou$ly $een him* and he needed !hat they !ere carrying" Needed it de$perately" And then the rider$ !ere be%ore him* $lo!ing their hor$e$" >o( reached out and grabbed one o% the hor$e$ bridle$" <;ood evening* good $ir$"= >o( glanced at the men in the cart and breathed a $o%t $igh o% relie%" +hey !ere %armer$* %rom the loo&$ o% them" Dery tired %armer$" +hey !ere all a$leep* e(cept %or one old man !ho loo&ed at him curiou$ly" <4hat do you !ant &nave6= one o% the rider$ grumbled* &eeping hi$ head do!n out o% the rain" <Out o% the !ay" 4e are on our !ay to Ruvane village" +he cart i$ %ull" 4e can carry no more"= >o( $tepped up to the rider$* having to loo& up through the rain to $ee the man$ %ace" <+he rain mu$t have $oured your temperament*= >o( re$ponded" <5ll $our you* you oa%"= +he man rai$ed hi$ %i$t" >o( li%ted hi$ !eapon in one %luid motion and re$ted the tip again$t the man$ throat" <5 thin& not"= -ic& $tepped out o% the !ood$* moving to $tand be$ide the $econd rider" 3e grinned up at the rider$* hi$ $mile much more predatory than %riendly" +he %ir$t rider $lo!ly lo!ered hi$ %i$t"

<4hat i$ it you !ant6= the $econd rider a$&ed in a calmer voice" <4e have no coin" Nothing !orth ta&ing"= A$ he $po&e* hi$ hand dipped do!n to!ard the handle o% a dagger :utting out %rom hi$ $addlebag" >o( $!iveled hi$ ga9e $lightly to the $econd rider" 3e !ore a hood* no doubt to &eep out the rain* but it al$o &ept hi$ %eature$ hidden in dar&ne$$" =5 !ant !hat you carry to Ruvane village*= >o( told him" <;od$ blood* man8= the %ir$t rider cried" <Do you &no! !hat you a$&6= >o( nodded" <5 do" No! plea$e hand over the bag"= +he %ir$t rider opened hi$ mouth to ob:ect but >o( pre$$ed the blade again$t hi$ throat" <Juic&ly"= <7ou cant a$& u$ to8 +here i$ '= <5 can more than a$&" 5 am demanding it"= 2uddenly* a !hoo$hing $ound %illed the air and a tu%t o% -ic&$ hair $eemed to leap o%% hi$ head" +he $econd rider cried out in alarm a$ an arro! $un& into the dagger$ !ooden handle* a mere inch %rom !here hi$ %inger$ !ere groping %or the blade8 3i$ hor$e $tarted %rom the brunt o% the impact but the rider )uic&ly brought him under control" ,eau $tepped out o% the !ood$* a $econd arro! noc&ed and ready to %ire" -ic& bent do!n and pic&ed up the chun& o% hi$ lopped#o%% hair" 3e touched hi$ head* %eeling the $pot !here the arro! had $haved hi$ loc&$" +he %ir$t rider produced a pouch %rom hi$ $addlebag and held it in hi$ palm %or a moment* a$ i% !eighing it$ value again$t the li%e o% the other man" >inally* he held the bag out to >o(" >o($ hand clo$ed around the bag and relie% cour$ed through hi$ body" <+han& you* $ir$"= 3e bac&ed to!ard the cover o% the %ore$t" <7oure an in$u%%erable maggot8= the %ir$t man hollered* $ha&ing a %i$t at >o(" <7ou dont &no! !hat youve done8= >o( ignored him and di$appeared into the %oliage" -ic& and ,eau )uic&ly trailed him" 3e made hi$ !ay through the !ood$* moving in and out o% the tree$* leaping %allen log$* loo&ing over hi$ $houlder to ma&e $ure they !erent being %ollo!ed" 3e pau$ed at a tall tree and yan&ed the $tring on the bag open" 3e !or&ed the nec& o% the bag !ide $o that he could peer into the pouch" 3e $miled in relie% !hen he $a! the content$" <5$ it there6= -ic& a$&ed" <7e$*= >o( replied" <+hen !e mu$t hurry"= ,eau pa$$ed him* racing on" >o( pulled the $tring clo$ed and tightened it )uic&ly* then looped it around the leather $trap o% hi$ belt* patting the preciou$ bag be%ore racing deeper into the !ood$ a%ter hi$ companion$" <3ey* !ait %or me*= a voice called out" >o( turned to $ee a young !oman racing through the tree$ to!ard him" 2he !a$ dre$$ed in a leather tunic and leather breeche$* her !omanly %igure clearly $ho!ing through the tight clothe$" <Let$ go* 2cout*= >o( called out to her" 2cout hurried to hi$ $ide* moving nimbly through the tree$* cra$hing through a $mall bu$h" <+!o men* eh6= >o( $aid" <5 $a! them*= 2cout countered" <5 :u$t didnt !ant to panic you" +hey !ere all a$leep any!ay"= <Ne(t time* :u$t give me the number$"= 2cout $co!led" <7e$* $ir* Lord Mercer" A$ you command" >ar be it %rom me to ma&e a deci$ion"= 2cout moved angrily a!ay %rom him* :oining -ic& and ,eau"

>o( %ro!ned* cur$ing $ilently* but hurried on" 3i$ hand uncon$ciou$ly moved to encircle the bag o% preciou$ herb$ he had :u$t ta&en %rom the rider$" 3e needed them %ar more than anyone in Ruvane village could ever po$$ibly need them"

C*($),ON OF T*E *E(%T

Available No!

The ady and the Fal'oner Bonu# )review

The ady and the Fal'oner - )rologue
.ngland* /K/

<Ready or not* here 5 come8= a young girl$ voice cried out in the di$tance"
2olace >arindale pre$$ed a hand over her mouth and giggled* $crunching lo!er behind three bale$ o% hay" 2he didnt &no! !here her %riend ;!en !a$ hiding becau$e a$ $oon a$ 3elen had begun counting* $hed run into the barn and dove behind the hay" Lillian* her maid$ervant* !ould no doubt be angry that $he had dirtied her ne! velvet dre$$* but 2olace couldnt re$i$t $uch a per%ect hiding place" +he $!eet $mell o% $tra! %illed her no$e* and $everal $trand$ tic&led her bac& a$ $he $ettled into her $pot" 2he loved coming to vi$it 3elen on her %arm" 2he and ;!en had begged their %ather$ to let them go* :u$t %or the a%ternoon* and a%ter much pleading the men had reluctantly agreed" 5t !a$ hal% a morning$ ride %rom ;!en$ home* but !ell !orth it" >inally* a%ter a brie% moment o% e(pectant !aiting* 2olace pee&ed through a $lit bet!een the hay bale$" +he barn !a$ empty" 2everal $tall$ that u$ed to hou$e hor$e$ no! $tood vacant" 2olace &ne! 3elen$ parent$ had to $ell the bea$t$ o%% becau$e their crop$ had yielded a poor harve$t la$t year" 2olace $canned the narro! area o% the barn that $he could $ee through the opening* but there !a$ $till no $ign o% 3elen" 2he $hrugged and $ettled bac& to !ait" +hen $he heard the barn door crea& open" 3er eye$ !idened and again $he placed a hand over her mouth a$ $he $lid lo!er behind the hay* a%raid her giggle$ !ould give her a!ay" ,ut there !a$ no $curry o% $earching %eet* no call$ o% her name" 2olace $hi%ted and peered through the $lit bet!een the hay bale$" 2he glimp$ed a !oman grabbing a ru$ty buc&et %rom the ground and carrying it to an empty $tall acro$$ %rom her" 5t !a$ only 3elen$ mother* Anne" 2olace$ ga9e %le! to the door" 4here i$ 3elen6 $he !ondered" Anne placed the buc&et on the ground ne(t to a $mall pile o% $eed$" 2he $cooped up a hand%ul !ith her cupped palm and dumped them into the buc&et" <;ood a%ternoon* Anne*= a man called out" 3i$ deep* guttural voice gave the greeting a har$hne$$ that belied the innocence o% hi$ !ord$" 2olace heard Anne ga$p and $he tilted her head* leaning clo$er to the narro! opening bet!een the bale$" 2he $a! t!o men dre$$ed in chain mail lur&ing near the door and one man $tanding in$ide the barn" 2he nervou$ly t!irled a $trand o% dar& hair around her %inger a$ a %eeling o% %ear engul%ed her" +he tall man !a$nt a good man" 2he could $en$e the evil in him* a$ i% a dar& cloud belonged over hi$ head" 3i$ hair !a$ immaculate* $tyled in a %a$hionable bo!l#cut* blac& a$ the night" +he red velvet o% hi$ :upon !a$ tailored to hi$ che$t and arm$* padded $ome!hat at the che$t and $houlder$ to accent their broadne$$" +he collar reached all the !ay to hi$ nec&" 3e had the colde$t blue $tare $he had ever $een" <Lord Randol*= Anne greeted !ith a $light bo!" Randol $auntered clo$er to her" <Loo&$ li&e youve &ept the barn in good order"= <5t$ our living* mlord" 4e ta&e good care o% our thing$"= <-erhap$ you $hould ta&e a$ good care o% your lord*= he grumbled" <4here$ your hu$band6=

<5n the %ield$* o% cour$e* mlord*= $he replied" 2olace !atched lord Randol nod a$ i% he already &ne! !hat Anne !ould $ay" <5m here %or my ta(e$* Anne"= <Mlord* my hu$band e(plained to you that the rain$ and the %looding have !a$hed out mo$t o% the crop$"= <7oure three month$ behind in your payment$* Anne*= Randol inter:ected" 2olace $a! Anne !ring her hand$ and $he $en$ed $omething terrible !a$ coming* but $he didnt &no! !hat to do" <5 reali9e that* mlord*= Anne $aid" <,ut !e have nothing to pay you !ith" 7ou have all our animal$" 4e have no coin* no '= <Coin i$ not !hat 5m a$&ing %or"= 3e reached out and ran a %inger along the bare $&in at her throat" 2olace !atched !ith a gro!ing %ear a$ Anne$ eye$ !idened in outrage and her $lender %inger$ $lapped lord Randol$ large hand a$ide" <7ou go too %ar thi$ time*= Anne retorted" <7ouve ta(ed u$ until !eve become unable to pay" 7ouve ta&en everything %rom u$" 5 !ill not give you my$el%* too8= <7ou have little choice* Anne*= Randol $aid* $tepping clo$er" <4ith nothing el$e to give* it$ either that or your hou$e"= Anne $tepped a!ay %rom him" <2leeping in a %ield i$ pre%erable to your touch*= $he $pat" <7ou !ont thin& that come !inter*= he murmured* but loud enough %or 2olace to hear" Again Randol reached out to Anne* thi$ time grabbing hold o% her dre$$ and yan&ing it %rom her $houlder" 2olace !anted to %lee* !anted to e$cape the horrible man* but $he dared not move" +he t!o men lur&ing in the door!ay !ould $urely $ee her" Anne bolted %or the door" Randol caught her in hi$ arm$* pulling her hard again$t hi$ che$t" <2uch a !illing !ench*= he !hi$pered* lic&ing her ear" Anne !hirled* $tri&ing out at her attac&er* ra&ing her nail$ do!n hi$ %ace" Lord Randol ho!led hi$ di$belie% and rage* and pu$hed her to the ground" 3e rai$ed hi$ %inger$ to hi$ ga$hed chee&" <,itch*= he $narled* $tudying the blood on hi$ hand" 3e undid hi$ belt and let hi$ breeche$ %all to the ground" <No8= Anne $creamed* $truggling u$ele$$ly a$ Randol dropped to hi$ &nee$" +he hay bale$ bloc&ed 2olace$ vie! o% Anne" All $he could $ee !a$ lord Randol$ %ace* the ugly grimace that t!i$ted hi$ %eature$" 2he had never $een anything more viciou$ in her li%e* the !ay hi$ lip$ $neered li&e a $narling animal$* the !ay hi$ cold eye$ $tared li&e a venomou$ $erpent$ at Anne" 2he heard Anne $creaming and $obbing* $a! her hand$ come up to pu$h Randol a!ay" 3e ignored her %lailing %i$t$ and continued to violently thru$t him$el% at her" +ear$ came to 2olace$ eye$" 2he didnt &no! !hat !a$ happening* but $he &ne! that Anne !a$ being hurt" 2he pre$$ed her hand$ to her ear$* trying to bloc& out the $ound$ o% Anne$ crie$" >inally* lord Randol ro$e to hi$ %eet and !iped an arm acro$$ hi$ $la$hed chee&" 4ithout a !ord* he turned a!ay" 3ot tear$ ran do!n 2olace$ chee&$" 2he !a$ trembling all over" 2he %ought to cho&e bac& her $ob$* terri%ied o% !hat the man !ould do to her i% he %ound her" Anne$ moan$ %illed the air" 2olace !atched lord Randol ta&e a menacing $tep to!ard the !oman* and a bright %la$h o% $ilver %lared acro$$ her vi$ion* arcing to!ard Anne"

2olace blin&ed" A%ter that* $he heard no more $ob$" 2hivering* $he huddled behind the hay* praying the men !ould go a!ay* praying they !ouldnt %ind her" 2he barely heard Randol$ la$t !ord$" <Never $tri&e a lord"= 2olace li$tened to the $ilence that %ollo!ed %or a long moment" 3er mu%%led $ob$ $ounded loud to her o!n ear$" 2he !a$ $ure Randol !ould di$cover her" -lea$e* $he $ilently begged* dont let him %ind me" +hen $he heard %oot$tep$* booted %eet treading over the dried hay o% the barn %loor" +hey !ere getting louder* clo$er" 2he hugged her &nee$ tightly to her che$t* $)uee9ing her eye$ tight" +ear$ %orced their !ay %rom the corner$ o% her clenched lid$* $liding do!n her $mall %ace* bringing their $alty bitterne$$ to the edge$ o% her lip$" +he %oot$tep$ dre! clo$er" And then $topped" 2omething called to 2olace* compelling her to open her eye$* urging her !ith an undeniable %orce to li%t her head" 2lo!ly* $he opened her !et eye$ to $tare into the %ace o% evil" Dar&* malevolent eye$ glared at her* eye$ that trapped her in a hypnotic grip" 2omething glinted in the morning$ $un* re%lecting light into her eye$" 3er ga9e $hi%ted to the $!ord Randol held in hi$ hand" A $mear o% blood marred it$ $mooth* %lat $ur%ace" 2olace couldnt ta&e her eye$ %rom it" 2he trembled !ith a %erocity that $hould have moved the earth" 2uddenly* the blade lo!ered" 3er ga9e remained loc&ed on the empty air !here the !eapon had been" +hen* %inally* 2olace heard the %oot$tep$ recede and the barn door $!ing clo$ed" 2till* $he couldnt move" 2he !a$ a%raid o% !hat $he !ould %ind i% $he le%t her hiding $pot" 4hat i% the men hadnt really gone6 4hat i% they !ere !aiting to hurt her6 >inally* a%ter a long moment o% $ilence* 2olace pu$hed her$el% %or!ard* peering around the hay* her body $till $ha&ing !ith %ear" +he barn !a$ empty""" """e(cept %or Anne lying on the ground" 2olace !anted to $ee i% $he !a$ all right" ,ut $he !a$ a%raid" 2o a%raid" 7ou have to help her* a voice in$ide her urged" 2olace dragged her$el% out %rom behind the hay and !a$ $urpri$ed to %ind that her $ha&y leg$ held her up" 2he approached Anne very $lo!ly" 4a$ $he dead6 3er eye$ !ere clo$ed" ,lood tric&led %rom the corner o% her mouth" 3er che$t !a$nt moving" 2olace !iped at her moi$t eye$* trying to pu$h a$ide her tear$ $o $he could $ee" 2uddenly Anne$ eye$ opened and pinned 2olace !here $he $tood" 2olace :umped bac&* $ti%ling a $cream" <2olace*= Anne !hi$pered* a gurgle o% blood i$$uing %orth %rom her lip$ a$ $he tried to $pea&" 2olace $hoo& her head* re%u$ing to move %rom her $pot" +he $ight o% Anne$ blood terri%ied her" 2he $pun to!ard the door* !anting to run* !anting to %lee and pretend thi$ never happened" ,ut then 3elen came to her mind" 3elen !ould !ant to &no! !hy $he didnt help her mother" 3elen" 4here !a$ $he6 2he turned bac& to Anne and moved $ti%%ly to her $ide" Anne reached out to $ei9e hold o% the hem o% 2olace$ velvet dre$$" <+ell your %ather*= Anne coughed" <Dont let Randol get a!ay !ith thi$" Dont let me die %or nothing"= 2olace $hoo& her head again* %rightened" <-lea$e*= Anne begged" <+ell 3elen that 5 love her"= 2olace !atched Anne$ head $lump bac& to the earth* $a! Anne$ hand relea$e her dre$$ and %all li%ele$$ to the dirt" 2he !a$ dead" Anne !a$ dead" 2olace ran %rom the barn* tear$ $treaming %rom her eye$* her $ob$ no! loud and heavy in her throat"

AAA

Lord >arindale ran hi$ hand$ over the parchment* $preading it out on the table be%ore him" 3e !a$ a tall* impo$ing man !ith a thic& tangle o% bro!n hair* hi$ %ull beard %lec&ed !ith $pec&le$ o% auburn" 3e $tudied the plan$ %or a long moment* tugging at hi$ lo!er lip in thought" +hen* he rai$ed green eye$ to the man !ho $tood on the oppo$ite $ide o% the table %rom him" <+hi$ ca$tle !ill ta&e year$ to con$truct*= he $aid" +he man nodded* hi$ bright blue eye$ alight !ith approval" <7e$*= he agreed" <5t !ill be a mighty a$$et" A po!er%ul home %or you* my %riend" And al$o one o% the $tronge$t %ortre$$e$ in all o% .ngland"= A $mile crept acro$$ >arindale$ lip$" <;od$ blood* .ric&$on8= he e(claimed" <5 believe you !ant me to build thi$ %or the protection it !ill o%%er you8= .ric&$on chuc&led" 3e !a$ $horter and $toc&ier than >arindale* !ith a receding hairline that !a$ %a$t gro!ing into complete baldne$$" <5 !ont lie to you*= he an$!ered" <A ca$tle thi$ $trong !ill attract many %ine &night$"= <Not to mention the &night$ my %ull co%%er$ !ill attract"= .ric&$on continued* nodding" <5t !ould be a relie% to &no! that my neighbor* and my good %riend* ha$ $uch a large di$po$al o% men at hi$ $ervice"= >arindale laughed out loud" 3e $lapped the man on the bac&" <5t$ good to $ee you* .ric&$on" ,ut come* tell me truly !hat you thin& o% the plan$6 4here can 5 improve them6= +he door $)uea&ed open* and the padding o% %eet cau$ed the men to turn" 2olace raced acro$$ the !ooden %loor and >arindale opened hi$ arm$ %or her" 5n the %lic&ering light o% the room$ candle$* >arindale made out hi$ daughter$ red chee&$ and teary eye$" <4hat$ !rong* darling6= he !ondered* a tightne$$ con$tricting hi$ che$t at her di$tre$$" 2he buried her %ace in hi$ $houlder* $ob$ !rac&ing her tiny body" <4here$ ;!en6= .ric&$on demanded" <4here$ my daughter6= 2olace turned !et eye$ to .ric&$on" <2he$ !ith Lillian" And 3elen"= >arindale ca$t .ric&$on a glance over the child$ dar& head" <5t$ all right* my love*= he !hi$pered* turning hi$ attention bac& to 2olace" 3e $at in a chair to cradle the $mall girl in hi$ arm$" <4hat$ happened6= <Oh* >ather*= $he !ept* clinging to him tightly" <5t !a$ horrible"= 3e pulled bac& to loo& into her eye$* $co!ling" <+ell me*= he ordered" 3er lo!er lip trembled* )uivering !ith angui$h" <+hey &illed Anne* >ather*= $he $obbed" <Anne6= >arindale echoed* ca$ting a con%u$ed glance at .ric&$on" <One o% Randol$ tenant$" +hey live on our border" +he girl$ !ent there thi$ morning to play !ith her daughter"= >arindale nodded* remembering" <5 &ne! !e $houldnt have let them go" +here$ nothing but trouble to be had in Randol$ land$"= .ric&$on &nelt be$ide >arindale to $tro&e 2olace$ $o%t curl$" <4ho &illed her6= 2olace turned large* green eye$ to .ric&$on" 2he !a$ crying $o hard $he could hardly $pea&" <LCL#Lord Randol and hi$ men"= 2he turned her eye$ to her %ather" <3e hurt Anne b#becau$e $he couldnt pay her ta(e$" 3e d#did $omething horrible to her" And then he $tabbed her !ith h# hi$ $!ord"= >arindale clenched hi$ teeth and pulled her head to hi$ che$t* trying to calm her* but 2olace continued to cry" <Did he hurt you6= he demanded* every mu$cle in hi$ body ten$ing" <No*= 2olace !ept" >arindale cru$hed her in an embrace born o% relie%"

+he door opened and a thin !oman dre$$ed in blac& bobbed a curt$ey to lord >arindale" >arindale reluctantly relea$ed hi$ hold on hi$ daughter" <;o to Lillian* my love*= he !hi$pered* !iping the tear$ %rom her red chee&$" <2he !ill get you $ome !arm cider"= 2olace re%u$ed to let go o% him* and >arindale held her tight %or a moment longer" 3e &i$$ed the top o% her head* %eeling her tiny body $hudder" +hen* he pulled her arm$ %rom around him* and urged encouragingly* <;o !ith Lillian"= 2olace loo&ed up into hi$ eye$" <7ou have to $top him*= $he $aid $incerely" <7ou cant let him get a!ay !ith thi$"= >arindale $tared do!n at hi$ young daughter in $hoc&" 3er %ace !a$ !et %rom tear$* her chee&$ and no$e red* her eye$ $!ollen* her body trembling !ith %right" ,ut $he !a$ a$ $eriou$ a$ any adult" 3e admired her in that in$tant" <7ou !ont let Anne die %or nothing* !ill you6= $he !ondered" <3u$h* child*= >arindale $aid* !iping the tear$ %rom her chee&$ and $tro&ing her rebelliou$ head o% curl$" <5ll $pea& !ith you later"= 2olace nodded $o%tly* and inhaled a $ha&y breath a$ $he $lid %rom hi$ lap" >arindale !atched her !al& to the door and ta&e Lillian$ hand" 2he !a$ a lovely girl* charming and innocent" 2he !a$ going to gro! up to be a beauty" 2he glanced bac& at him over her $houlder* tho$e green eye$ imploring him" +hen* $he !a$ gone* clo$ing the door behind her" >arindale$ hand$ clenched into %i$t$" <+hat ba$tard ha$ gone too %ar"= .ric&$on placed a hand on hi$ $houlder" <.a$y* my %riend" Randol i$ a po!er%ul lord"= <-o!er%ul and evil %rom all youve told me"= >arindale turned to hi$ %riend to meet hi$ blue eye$ !ith re$olve" .ric&$on $ighed in re$ignation" <5t$ true" 3e treat$ hi$ people cruelly" +hi$ i$ not the %ir$t time 5ve heard o% hi$ &illing a pea$ant"= <,ut it$ the %ir$t time my daughter ha$ !itne$$ed it"= >arindale$ %i$t$ clenched tighter" <5ve tried $o hard to $helter her %rom the crueltie$ o% the !orld" 5 didnt !ant her to $ee $omething li&e thi$"= <2he !a$ on hi$ land*= .ric&$on reminded him" <Maybe it$ time !e changed that*= >arindale $aid* moving to the table to $tare do!n at the lu(uriou$ plan$ %or hi$ ne! ca$tle" .ric&$on :oined him" >arindale pic&ed up the parchment" <4ere not building a ca$tle* my %riend"= 3e crumpled the parchment in hi$ %i$t" <4ere ta&ing one"=

The ady and the Fal'oner - Chapter One

+hirteen 7ear$ Later
2olace >arindale moved through the gra$$y %ield be$ide ;!en .ric&$on* their $tep$ lei$urely and rela(ed" ,ehind them* Ca$tle >ulton loomed large* it$ many to!er$ reaching high into the $&y" +he dra!bridge $tretched acro$$ the deep moat* and do9en$ o% villager$ moved in and out o% the ca$tle a$ they $a! to the bu$ine$$ o% the day" A mon& pa$$ed 2olace and her %riend on the !ay to the ca$tle$ chapel* hi$ head bo!ed* hi$ hand$ cla$ped in $ilent prayer" +he piou$ men and their

+he beauti%ul %all day !a$ %re$h and !arm* $ummer re%u$ing to relin)ui$h it$ grip"

bro!n robe$ !ere a common enough $ight at Ca$tle >ulton" +he mon&$ $topped at the %ortre$$ on their !ay to the Abbey o% 2t" Michael* $ometime$ alone* but 2olace had $een group$ a$ large a$ %i%teen" 5n a %ield to the le%t* &night$ !ere practicing their :ou$ting $&ill$* their enthu$ia$tic $hout$ %illing the air" 2olace turned at the $ound o% hoo% beat$ to $ee a man $tri&ing a )uintain !ith hi$ long lance" +he counter!eight !hirled )uic&ly around and hit the man in the $houlder" +he man tumbled %rom hi$ hor$e amid$t laughter %rom hi$ %ello! &night$" 2olace turned her attention bac& to ;!en" <5$ it $eriou$6= <5""" 5 dont &no!*= ;!en replied $olemnly* !ringing her hand$ in %ront o% her" <>ather :u$t $eem$ $o !ea&"= <5m $ure hell be %ine*= 2olace $aid &indly" ,ut $he had $een the pale color o% lord .ric&$on$ %ace* the $agging o% hi$ $houlder$* and &ne! hi$ $trength !a$ !aning" <3ave you $ought phy$ician$6= <4eve tried everything8= ;!en e(claimed" <+hey gave him all $ort$ o% herb$" +hey $tudied hi$ urine" .ven the bloodletting didnt !or&8 More and more o% our coin goe$ to trying to ma&e >ather !ell"= ;!en loo&ed up at 2olace* her blue eye$ dull !ith !orry" <>ather doe$nt li&e me to concern my$el% !ith the %inance$* but 5 &no! that$ !hy !ere here"= <4hat do you mean6= <>ather !a$ hoping your %ather could loan him $ome gold*= ;!en $aid )uietly* glancing around the %ield* not !anting the other$ to hear" <,ut $ince your %ather i$ o%% !ith the &ing"""= 3er voice trailed a!ay" 2olace $topped to meet ;!en$ eye$" <Are you in danger6= <No*= ;!en in$i$ted" <5t$ nothing li&e that" 5t$ :u$t that our coin i$ almo$t depleted" Bntil the ta(e$ are collected ne(t year* there$ not enough to pay the &night$ !ho protect the ca$tle"= 2olace nodded in under$tanding" <5m $ure >ather !ould give you the gold !ithout any )ue$tion$"= <7e$* but !ill your $tepmother6= 2olace opened her mouth to reply !hen the loud cry o% a bird dre! her ga9e to the $&y" A magni%icent %alcon $oared overhead* circling the %ield" >or a moment* $he !ondered i% it had e$caped %rom it$ o!ner" ,ut a$ her ga9e dropped bac& to ;!en* $he $potted the %alconer in the di$tance over her %riend$ $houlder" A $econd bird* a peregrine %alcon* !a$ perched on hi$ %i$t" +he %alconer !a$ holding onto the :e$$e$* leather $trip$ attached to the %alcon$ leg$* !hile o%%ering it a lure" +he %alcon ate the o%%ered meat* devouring the entire piece" +he bird !a$ beauti%ul* it$ golden bro!n %eather$ $hining li&e e(pen$ive $il& in the !arm $unlight" ,ut it !a$ not the %alcon that caught 2olace$ eye" .very time $he $a! him* the %alconer$ con$picuou$ good loo&$ totally captured her attention" 3e to!ered over the re$t o% the men by at lea$t a head* and he no! $tood ab$olutely $till* a$ i% $omeho! &no!ing he !a$ being $tudied" 3e !a$ marvelou$ to ga9e at* a $tatue carved by the mo$t $&illed arti$an" 3e had an arrogantly $ymmetrical %ace that !a$ breathta&ingly gorgeou$" 3i$ a)uiline no$e !a$ $traight* hi$ :a! $trong* chi$eled by a ma$ter $culptor" 3i$ lip$ !ere %irm* $trangely"""%oreignly"""$en$ual" +he $unlight $uddenly $eemed to be $hining %or him alone* glimmering over hi$ blac& hair li&e a halo* ma&ing it gleam li&e ony( under the $un$ bright ray$" A $mall girl* Mary* ran to him %rom over the dra!bridge" 2he $topped at hi$ %eet* and the %alconer turned to her" 2olace !atched a$ the girl e(changed !ord$ !ith him" 2he $a! hi$ ga9e

$hi%t to the %alcon on hi$ !ri$t" +hen* he held out a piece o% meat to the child" Mary too& the meat !ith a grimace and held it out to the bird !ith t!o %inger$" +he %alcon captured the meat and )uic&ly ate it" +he %alconer patted Mary on the head* and the girl beamed at him" A !arm $en$ation %looded through 2olace" +here !a$ $omething about thi$ %alconer that !a$nt !hat it $eemed" ;!en turned and glanced over her $houlder" A deviou$ grin $tretched her lip$ a$ $he turned bac& to %ace 2olace" <3e i$ very hand$ome"= 2olace )uic&ly loo&ed a!ay* blu$hing" 2uddenly* Old ,en limped by 2olace and ;!en* cur$ing under hi$ breath and muttering* <3e$ no %alconer"= Old ,en !a$ the olde$t man they &ne!* hi$ $&in dar&ened and !eathered by the $un" Mo$t o% hi$ hair !a$ gone* and !hat %e! $trand$ remained !ere a$ !hite a$ lamb$ !ool" 2olace and ;!en e(changed a loo& and then $miled in uni$on" Old ,en !a$ al!ay$ complaining about $omething8 2olace &ne! he too& &een pride in hi$ bird$* al!ay$ !anting everything done !ith per%ection" +hat !a$ one o% the rea$on$ her %ather had hired him a$ hi$ %ir$t %alconer" Old ,en !aved hi$ arm$ at the %alconer* %lapping them a$ i% he !ere a great bird him$el%" <Not li&e that8= he called out in e(a$peration" <5% n ya %eed Ier too much $hell never go a%ter the game8 7a :u$t give her a ta$te8= Old ,en too& the peregrine %rom the %alconer and !al&ed a!ay* mumbling cur$e$ under hi$ breath" 2olace !atched the %alconer %or a long moment" +ale$ had circulated about him in the ca$tle* the go$$ip o% %ru$trated !ive$ and eager young !omen" +ale$ o% ho! hi$ eye$ could undre$$ you !ith one penetrating ga9e" +ale$ o% ho! hi$ mu$cle$ rippled !ith e(plo$ive energy* mu$cle$ hidden beneath a layer o% bron9e $&in" +ale$ o% ho! hi$ deep* con%ident voice could ma&e your limb$ tremble !ith the anticipation o% hearing your name !hi$pered by him" +he blac& %alcon cried out again and $!ooped in %or a landing* digging it$ cla!$ into the leather patch $e!n on the $houlder o% the %alconer$ tunic" +he %alconer barely ac&no!ledged the bird$ arrival until Mary clapped !ith glee" 3e $miled do!n at the girl a$ the blac& %alcon $hi%ted it$ po$ition on hi$ $houlder" +he %alconer then $et a hand on Mary$ $houlder and $teered her bac& to!ard the dra!bridge" A$ he moved* 2olace admired the ea$e* the natural grace !ith !hich the bird rode hi$ $houlder* mildly intrigued that it !a$ riding it$ ma$ter$ $houlder in$tead o% on hi$ %orearm !here it belonged" ;!en gently cleared her throat" 2olace turned a!ay %rom the %alconer" 2he cla$ped ;!en$ hand$" <Dont !orry*= 2olace a$$ured her" <.verything !ill be %ine"=

AAA
+he needle $tabbed 2olace$ %inger %or the hundredth time* and $he $ilently cur$ed" 2he !a$ $ure thi$ embroidery o% a %lo!er !ould turn out much better than her previou$ e%%ort$" 2he had been concentrating on it all evening* trying to bloc& out the mundane conver$ation ;!en !a$ having !ith her hal% $i$ter* ,eth* and her $tepmother" ,ut a$ much a$ $he tried to %ocu$ on her !or&* the image o% the %alconer &ept haunting each $titch" +he beauty o% hi$ %ace* the per%ection

o% hi$ %eature$* arou$ed her imagination" 2he continued to try to pu$h the di$traction a$ide* but he &ept materiali9ing in her mind$ eye li&e a $tubborn phantom re%u$ing to be bani$hed" 2olace glanced acro$$ the $olar at ;!en to $ee her head bo!ed over her !or&* her %inger$ nimbly %ini$hing up $ome %ancy mending on her %ather$ legging$" 2he !ondered i% the %alconer$ manly phy$i)ue !a$ playing havoc !ith ;!en$ mind* too" ,ut a$ $he !atched her %riend$ de%t %inger$ move* $he &ne! ;!en !a$ not thin&ing o% him" 2he $hi%ted her ga9e to ,eth" 3er !edding go!n ca$caded over her lap li&e a !hite $himmering !ater%all" 2olace &ne! ,eth$ thought$ !ould not be interrupted by $ome my$teriou$ $tranger? $he !a$ totally devoted to lord ;raham 3arper* her betrothed" 3er $tepmother* Ali$$a* $hi%ted in her chair* dra!ing 2olace$ ga9e" Ali$$a ran a hand over her immaculate bro!n hair be%ore once again bending over her hu$band$ tunic" 2he !a$ !earing a ne! purple houppelande* trimmed !ith !hite %ur" Ali$$a !a$ al!ay$ in %a$hion" 5t !ould be a di$grace %or her to be caught !earing one o% 2olace$ %avorite dre$$e$* a cotton go!n" Ali$$a$ elegance made her beauti%ul* but her haughtine$$ made her unli&able" >or a long moment* 2olace !atched her $tepmother !or&" +he $titche$ !ere per%ect* each the e(act length o% the one be%ore it" 2olace dropped her ga9e to her o!n embroidery" No one in the entire ca$tle !ould let her do their embroidering" +hey !erent mean about it* but they al!ay$ happened to come up !ith $ome e(cu$e !hen $he o%%ered her $ervice$" +hi$ time it !ould be di%%erent* 2olace had promi$ed her$el%" +hi$ time $he !ould get it right" >inally* $he pulled the la$t thread through and tied it o%%" +hen* $he %lipped the %abric over* triumphantly ga9ing do!n at the %lo!er" 3er e(pectant $mile di$integrated into a di$gruntled %ro!n" +he %lo!er loo&ed more li&e a $ic&* %at $na&e than a beauti%ul ro$e" 2he didnt under$tand" 2he had done everything right8 4oe%ully* $he glanced up at the other$" ;!en !a$ $till bent over her !or&* her beauti%ul blond hair %alling around the legging$ $he !a$ $titching a$ i% $hielding them %rom 2olace$ eye$" 2olace loo&ed over at ,eth" 3er $&ill%ul %inger$ )uic&ly dre! the needle in and out o% the $il& material* e%%ortle$$ly creating a detailed %loral de$ign o% ro$e$ and climbing ivy" >inally* $he turned her ga9e to her $tepmother" Ali$$a !a$ $taring at her" A !ic&ed grin curved her thin lip$" <>ini$hed* 2olace6= 2he $et a$ide her hu$band$ tunic and $tood" 2olace panic&ed a$ all eye$ turned to her" 2he %elt ;!en$ e(cited* yet hope%ul ga9e? ,eth$ di$intere$ted eye$ reluctantly turned to her" <5##5##= 2olace $tuttered" +hen* her $tepmother !a$ $tanding be%ore her" 2he held out a hand to 2olace" <May 5 $ee it6= 2olace $hoved the %abric behind her" <5t$ not %ini$hed*= $he lied" <5 need to@= Ali$$a nodded patroni9ingly* her bro!n eye$ $hado!ed !ith contempt" <4ell* you :u$t ta&e all the time you need to complete@ your %lo!er"= ,eth $nic&ered" <5% you need help* :u$t a$& me*= Ali$$a $aid and turned her bac& on 2olace" 2olace ca$t a mi$ery#%illed glance at ;!en" 3er %riend $tared bac&* her eye$ %illed !ith $ympathy" +hey both &ne! $he could never go to her $tepmother %or help" 2olace$ pride !ouldnt allo! it" Not !hen $he heard her $tepmother$ laughter behind clo$ed door$* $a! the di$dain in her eye$" Ali$$a !ould never let her %orget that $he !a$ not her real daughter" 2olace !a$ $ure Ali$$a !ould be happier i% $he !ere dead ## or had never been born" 2olace$ mother had died !hen $he !a$ t!o* and her %ather had married Ali$$a le$$ than a year later" ,eth had been born a year a%ter that"

A$ Ali$$a retoo& her $eat and pic&ed up her %ather$ tunic to continue !or&ing on it* 2olace $nea&ed the %abric out %rom behind her bac&" 2he ga9ed do!n at it de:ectedly" 5t came $o ea$y to the other$* $he thought $ullenly" 2uddenly* the door $!ung open and a $oldier clad in chain mail bur$t into the room* hi$ breathing ragged and $hallo!" +he candlelight glinted o%% hi$ damp bro!n hair* it$ thin $trand$ pla$tered to hi$ head !ith $!eat" A$ hi$ ga9e $!ept over the !omen* 2olace noticed a %rantic* i% not de$perate* loo& in hi$ eye$ and almo$t $tood %rom her $eat" 3e approached Ali$$a* dropping to one &nee be%ore her" <Mlady*= he $aid" <>orgive the intru$ion"= <4hat i$ it* >letcher6= Ali$$a !ondered* barely rai$ing her eye$ to him" <Arent you $uppo$ed to be o%%""" guarding or $omething6= 2olace $tood up* her ruined embroidery %orgotten" 7e$* $he thought* he !a$ $uppo$ed to be on guard duty" 3e !a$ a border patrol guard* &eeping !atch over the boundarie$ o% >ulton" 3er $tepmother !ould have &no!n that i% $he got up %or the !ee&ly report$ the guard$ gave on 2aturday morning" ,ut $he pre%erred to $leep in* leaving that one duty to 2olace" <7e$* mlady*= he $aid* li%ting hi$ ga9e to her" 3e ca$t a $ide!ay$ glance at 2olace* and $he read the uncertainty in hi$ eye$" 2olace $tepped %or!ard" <4hat$ !rong* >letcher6= $he demanded" <4hat$ happened6= >letcher $tood to addre$$ 2olace" <5t$ ,aron ,arclay* mlady" 3e$ ama$$ed an army" 5 e$timate three thou$and men"= <Oh* pooh*= ,eth $aid di$mi$$ively* !aving her hand a$ i% to %end o%% a %ly" <Doe$ thi$ mean my !edding !ill have to be po$tponed6= >letcher$ bac& $traightened a$ he an$!ered !ith $corn" <3e ha$ building material$ %or $iege machine$ and enough $upplie$ to hold him %or month$"= <3e !ouldnt dare*= Ali$$a ga$ped* bolting to her %eet in outrage* clutching her hu$band$ tunic tightly in a clenched %i$t" 2he to$$ed it to the %loor* $torming %rom the room* hi$$ing* <Come8= >letcher marched a%ter Ali$$a !ith 2olace %ollo!ing clo$ely" <4here are you going6= ;!en called" <4e have to prepare8= 2olace $houted" <,arclay i$ going to lay $iege to Ca$tle >ulton8=

The ady and the Fal'oner - Chapter Two +he dar&ne$$ o% the dungeon $urrounded Logan ;rey li&e a den$e %og" A $tench o% decay and urine reached hi$ no$e* attac&ing hi$ $en$e o% $mell !ith an acrid $ting* but he didnt %linch" 3e !a$ u$ed to the $mell o% the dying* having encountered it numerou$ time$ throughout hi$ li%e in the thic& o% battle and on the dar&* dangerou$ $treet$ o% London" 3e $idled cautiou$ly around a corner* &no!ing he !a$ nearing the dungeon guard$ po$ition" A%ter !atching the changing o% the dungeon guard %or a !ee&* he &ne! there !a$ no better time to attempt a re$cue and e$cape than at da!n" No! only one man $tood bet!een him and hi$ brother" Logan !rapped hi$ %inger$ tightly around hi$ long* !ooden $ta%%" 1u$t a $harp rap on the head !ould &noc& the guard out long enough %or him to %ind -eter and e$cape" -eter" 3e had not $een hi$ brother $ince that %ate%ul day thirteen year$ ago !hen -eter had begged him not to leave the ca$tle" All the$e year$""" 3e had thought -eter !a$ dead* &illed along !ith hi$ mother and %ather" +hen* a little le$$ than three month$ ago* a clo$e %riend had

told him that a %riend had $po&en !ith -eter@ in Ca$tle >ulton" Logan had traveled $traight to >ulton and had $pent hi$ day$ and night$ $ee&ing out any !ord* any $ight* o% hi$ brother" 3e &ne! he had to be care%ul o% the )ue$tion$ he a$&ed and o% !hom he a$&ed them* !hich made hi$ $earch all the more di%%icult" ,ut he had neither $een nor heard any mention o% -eter in the !ee& he $pent at the ca$tle" 5t !a$ a$ i% he !ere hunting %or a gho$t" +he thought had cro$$ed hi$ mind more than once" -erhap$ the man had not $po&en to hi$ brother at all" -erhap$ it !a$ a di%%erent -eter" ,ut Logan could not ri$& it" 3e had to &no! %or $ure" A memory %looded into hi$ mind* !ith image$ $o $trong that he !a$ po!erle$$ to ignore them ## he and hi$ brother pretending to be valiant &night$* clutching the !ooden $!ord$ and $hield$ their %ather had carved %or them* !earing the <chain mail= their mother had embroidered %or them* $earching the dungeon %or $pie$" No! here he !a$* $&ul&ing through the dungeon$ li&e the $pie$ he and -eter had $o loved to hate" Logan pu$hed the memory a!ay and pre$$ed him$el% again$t the damp $tone !all to $lo!ly* )uietly* peer around the ne(t corner" A crac&ling torch lit the area be%ore him* illuminating the guard !ho $at in a !ooden chair !ith hi$ bac& to Logan* hi$ heavy boot$ propped on a $econd chair" Logan %ro9e a$ the guard tipped bac& on hi$ chair* ca$ually to$$ing a heavily gna!ed mutton bone to the %loor" +he man $tretched* hi$ dull and dirty chain#mail armor $truggling to gli$ten in the torchlight" Logan moved in* clutching the $ta%% tightly in hi$ hand$" 3e cro$$ed the e(pan$e o% the room $ilently* moving )uic&ly to!ard the guard" 1u$t a $harp &noc& and the man !ould have a headache* but little el$e to $ho! %or hi$ !ound" +hen a crunch came %rom beneath Logan$ boot and he %ro9e* glancing do!n at the noi$e" 3e rai$ed hi$ %oot to $ee an old crumbled bone %rom a previou$ meal lying cru$hed on the $tone %looring" 4hen Logan li%ted hi$ ga9e* the guard !a$ $tanding be%ore him" <4hat are you doing here* %alconer6= the guard demanded" 3i$ ga9e %lic&ed )uic&ly to the $ta%% in Logan$ hand$* then darted bac& to meet Logan$ $tare" Logan remained )uiet* certain the guard could under$tand the re$olve that no! %illed hi$ o!n eye$* certain he could $ee hi$ :a! clench tightly* certain he could $en$e hi$ mu$cle$ coiling taut in hi$ body" 3e $harply %lic&ed hi$ !ri$t* bringing the bottom end o% hi$ $ta%% up into hi$ open* !aiting palm" +he guard !a$ :u$t a$ )uic&* hi$ hand curling around the hilt o% hi$ blade* hi$ elbo! bending* relea$ing the $!ord %rom it$ $heath" 3e turned the dra!n blade bac& and %orth in %ront o% him* the torchlight $himmering on it$ glo$$y $ilver $ur%ace* the %ire$ glare dripping along the blade a$ i% it !ere %re$hly dra!n blood" Logan could only thin& o% -eter lying in a pile o% hi$ o!n re%u$e* chained to the !all li&e $ome pathetic caged animal* hi$ $&in hanging on him li&e $ome ragged piece o% cloth a$ $tarvation ravaged hi$ body" 3e let hi$ &nee$ go limp* and hi$ body $uddenly dropped to!ard the %loor a$ he !hipped the end o% the $ta%% to!ard the guard$ leg$" +he heavy !ooden pole hit the man$ right &nee" +he big man grunted pain%ully a$ hi$ leg$ buc&led beneath him* and he dipped hi$ $!ord to the %loor $o the $harp edge could prop him up" Logan $!ung the $ta%% again* &noc&ing the blade a!ay" +he guard plummeted %or!ard* landing on the $tone %loor !ith a tremendou$ thud* the metal covering hi$ arm grating har$hly again$t the rough roc&" Logan brought hi$ $ta%% do!n on the bac& o% the man$ head" +he man grunted once and then !a$ $till" Logan bent to retrieve the &ey %rom the guard$ belt" 3e )uic&ly removed the torch %rom the !all and di$appeared do!n the dar& corridor o% the dungeon"

<-eter6= he called into the eerie veil o% dar&ne$$ that lur&ed beyond the circle o% light thro!n %rom hi$ torch" ,ut all that greeted him !a$ an echo o% hi$ o!n voice and the plip plip o% !ater dripping $ome!here in the di$tance" Logan $tepped deeper into the blac& heart o% the dungeon" 3e $topped at the %ir$t cell door he came to* $tepping clo$er to the $mall* ru$t#covered bar$ that lined the !indo! opening" 3e peered through them* calling $o%tly* a$ i% a%raid to !a&e the dead* <-eter6= A moan $ounded %rom !ithin" 5t could be -eter" 5t could be my brother""" or it could be $ome raving lunatic ready to $ma$h my $&ull to get %ree" Logan tightened hi$ grip on hi$ $ta%% and $tuc& the &ey into the loc&" 4ith a clic&* the thic& !ooden door opened" 3e $!ung the door !ide* thru$ting the torch into the $mall cell" +he light cut through the blac&ne$$ li&e the $un brea&ing through a hole in a blan&et o% dar& cloud$" +he occupant groaned* $hielding hi$ eye$" 3e !a$ a $&eletal old man* hi$ clothing ragged* $heared a!ay %rom year$ o% !ear" ,eneath the ripped and tattered clothing hanging %rom hi$ thin body* Logan could $ee open* pu$tulant $ore$" Lepro$y8 Logan bac&ed )uic&ly out o% the cell* clo$ing the door" Dread %illed him" 4hat i% -eter@6 Logan $hoo& hi$ head* re%u$ing to ac&no!ledge the thought* even the po$$ibility" +he ne(t cell !a$ empty* a$ !a$ the third one* both containing only pile$ o% old bone$ and $crap$ o% clothing" ,ut a$ Logan $!ung the door open on the la$t cell* he $a! a young man $itting cro$$#legged on the ground* hi$ bac& to him" 3i$ heart $&ipped a beat" My brother8 3e thru$t the torch at the pri$oner* trying to get a better loo&* ta&ing a :oy%ul $tep %or!ard" <-eter6= Logan !hi$pered hope%ully" +he man didnt an$!er and Logan %elt a tightening o% an(iety in the pit o% hi$ $tomach" 3e moved clo$er* $tepping around the $till %orm" A$ the light crept %or!ard to %ully reveal the man* Logan$ happine$$ died" +he %ace $taring at him !a$ not -eter$" +he vacant eye$ !ere dull !ith madne$$" Logan bac&ed out o% the cell* $hutting the door )uietly behind him" ,ere%t* he returned to the land o% the living ## a living hell %or him" 3i$ brother !a$ not here" 3i$ hope$ o% the la$t month$ $uddenly $hattered into nothingne$$" 3e !a$ the only member o% the ;rey %amily le%t" 3e cur$ed him$el% %or even daring to hope" 3e had learned long ago that hope !a$ the longing o% %ool$* and here he !a$ again proving him$el% to be :u$t that ## a %ool" 3e returned the torch to the !all and %ound him$el% $taring do!n at the uncon$ciou$ guard" 3i$ head !a$ tilted to the $ide* hi$ nec& bared to the dancing torchlight that %lic&ered acro$$ hi$ $&in" 4hat are you doing here* %alconer6 Logan clearly remembered the guard a$&ing" +he man had recogni9ed him" Logan &ne! he couldnt ri$& being impri$oned* being the $ub:ect o% $u$picion" 3e couldnt chance the guard telling anyone he had come to the dungeon" +oo much !a$ at $ta&e" A $trange calm $ettled over him a$ he rai$ed hi$ $ta%% over hi$ head"

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Logan made hi$ !ay through the &eep to the main door that led out$ide to the inner !ard" 3e pau$ed in the opening* li$tening to the call$ o% the guard$ %rom the !al&!ay$ above" 3e li%ted hi$ head to the $&y" 5t !a$ bright red a$ the ri$ing $un $tretched it$ %inger$ over the !orld" .ven !ith the early hour there !a$ much activity out$ide" 3e heard $teady* heavy pounding a$

$ca%%old$ !ere being $ecured to the ca$tle !all$" 3e could $mell the acrid $tench o% burning oil being readied %or the $iege" -eople ru$hed around a$ i% the !orld !ere ending" 5t brought bac& the memory o% preparation$ %or another $iege* a $iege %rom long ago" Logan glanced at the open gate that led to the outer !ard" 5t had been there that hi$ brother !arned him not to go" 3e could $till clearly $ee the image o% hi$ brother ## that !orried e(pre$$ion on -eter$ %ace## in hi$ mind$ eye" 1u$t then the bell$ o% the chapel chimed throughout the courtyard* bringing him out o% hi$ reverie" Many people pau$ed in their dutie$ and hurried pa$t him to!ard the morning ma$$" 3e $tepped out$ide into the $un$ ray$" +he $mell o% burning !ood %rom the ;reat 3all$ hearth %illed the air" 3e could almo$t ta$te the porridge that he !a$ certain !a$ bre!ing in a cauldron over the hot %lame$" Nearby he $a! t!o men loading a %inal barrel o% ale into a hor$e# dra!n cart" Oppo$ite the ale hou$e* three !omen !ere $etting their laundry a$ide* )uic&ly putting their $crubbing board$ a!ay" Logan !al&ed %urther into the !ard* %ondly $tudying hi$ $urrounding$" One o% the bigge$t %ear$ hed had o% returning to Ca$tle >ulton !a$ that a merchant or a $ervant !ould recogni9e him and call out to him" ,ut that had not happened" No one &ne! him" And the one or t!o he remembered probably recalled only a $lim boy* not the man he had gro!n into" 3i$ mind dri%ted bac& to hi$ brother""" to hi$ li%e here" All the happy day$ o% childhood $pent in$ide the$e very !all$" ,ut he could not remember ho! happine$$ %elt" 3e could not recall the :oy%ul abandon o% hi$ youth" 5t had been $o long ago* another li%etime" No! all he %elt !a$ bitterne$$" 3i$ dream$ !ere %illed !ith regret* and he o%ten a!o&e in a $!eat* cur$ing him$el% %or hi$ impul$ivene$$" -eter i$ dead* he thought" And nothing can change that" Not the idle go$$ip o% %riend$* not all my hoping" My %amily i$ gone" +he reborn memorie$ o% hi$ brother had brought to li%e the grie% hed thought he had buried all tho$e year$ ago" 3e had believed he could control the angui$h* but being bac& home !a$ harder than hed thought* a$ the nightmare$ atte$ted to" No! he !ould have to pu$h a$ide the memorie$ again* to concentrate on revenge* the only thing he had le%t" +han& ;od* >arindale i$ not in re$idence* Logan thought" 5 !ould $lit hi$ throat on $ight" 3i$ %i$t$ clenched" <7e$8= he heard a voice call out" <A$& -eter ;rey8=

T*E ("Y (N" T*E F( CONE%

Available No!

$idnight Shadow Bonu# )review

$idnight Shadow - )rologue
.ngland F H
<""" and he brandi$hed hi$ $!ord above hi$ head* declaring* I+yranny !ill not be tolerated8 All people !ill be treated %airly8 4ith that* the Midnight 2hado! !hirled a!ay on hi$ hor$e and di$appeared over the hori9on"= ,ria Delaney $at on her grand%ather$ lap li$tening to the beloved tale o% her %avorite hero* but it couldnt era$e her heartache" 2he glanced do!n at her lap and %olded her hand$" <5 !i$h >ather !a$ here*= ,ria grumbled" <.very man mu$t %ight again$t tyranny in hi$ o!n !ay* child"= 3arry held ,ria clo$e to him" <7our %ather didnt !ant to leave you* but he had to %ight be$ide the Eing" 3e i$ duty bound to the !i$he$ o% the cro!n"= 3i$ old* !rin&led hand !iped a tear %rom her $mooth chee&" 3e pre$$ed a &i$$ to her %orehead and bru$hed bac& her curly bro!n loc&$" <5 !ant to go !ith him*= ,ria $aid" <5 !ant to %ight again$t tyranny* too"= +he timbre o% her grand%ather$ laughter made ,ria $co!l %iercely" <+hey are armed men* ,ria" 4hat can a child do again$t an army6 No" 4ar i$ no place %or you"= ,ria cro$$ed her arm$ and :utted out her lo!er lip" <5 hate the >rench"= 3arry chuc&led* hi$ entire body $ha&ing" <Mo$t o% .ngland doe$* my dear"= 3e pulled her again$t him* hugging her" +hen 3arry $et her on the ground* patting her bottom lightly" <;o" Mary and ;arret are !aiting %or you"= <5 dont %eel li&e playing today*= ,ria $aid glumly" <Ah* but !ho &no!$ !hat grand adventure a!ait$ you6 5% you brood all day in the ca$tle* you might mi$$ it*= 3arry reminded her" ,ria glanced up at her grand%ather$ !arm* $miling %ace" Adventure" +hat !ord al!ay$ $eemed to $tir her $en$e$ and rou$e her imagination" +he !et $mear o% tear$ on her chee&$ !a$ )uic&ly %orgotten" ,ria nodded and ran out o% the room" 2he raced through the corridor$ o% her %ather$ ca$tle* practically %lying do!n a $et o% $piraling $tone $tep$" A$ $he bur$t %rom the $tair!ay* a !oman carrying an arm%ul o% laundry $tepped into her path" ,ria t!i$ted her body !ith the agility o% an eight year old and barely mi$$ed &noc&ing into her" <2orry8= $he called over her $houlder a$ $he charged do!n a corridor to a large $et o% open double door$" 2he raced through the door$* leaping do!n over the la$t t!o $tep$ to land in the du$t o% the inner !ard" +he !arm $un !a$hed over her* %orcing her to $)uint" 2he da$hed through the inner !ard* $lo!ing long enough to leap over a puddle* then hurried through the outer !ard* $printing pa$t the blac&$mith$ !or&$hop* obliviou$ to the loud clang o% metal again$t metal" <,ria8= A man $tanding near the outer gatehou$e !aved her over" 5t !a$ 1a$on o% Dictor$" 2he recogni9ed him by hi$ red beard and carrot#colored hair" 3i$ chainmail coi% $hone in the bright $unlight a$ i% he had :u$t poli$hed it" 3i$ !hite tunic bore a %lying %alcon over a red cro$$* the cre$t o% the Delaney$"

2he hurried over to him" <;ood morn* child*= 1a$on greeted !armly !ith a $light bo!" ,ria $miled at him" <5m to deliver you a me$$age*= 1a$on added $o%tly* almo$t con$piratorially" 3e glanced around the area* then motioned %or ,ria to come clo$er" ,ria an(iou$ly $tepped clo$er" <4hat me$$age6= $he !ondered" <;arret and Mary have pur$ued the >rench dog$ onto Eno!le$ land$ in the ea$t !ood$" +hey are in de$perate need o% your a$$i$tance"= 1a$on pulled bac& %rom her* nodding !ith a &no!ing loo&" A grin bur$t upon ,ria$ %ace* bringing a happy $par&le to her eye$" <3urry no!*= 1a$on urged" <+hey may already be va$tly outnumbered"= ,ria !a$ted no time in darting beneath the outer gatehou$e* remembering to turn and !ave good#bye to 1a$on :u$t a$ her $lippered %eet $lapped again$t the !ooden plan&$ o% the lo!ered dra!bridge" 2he ran to!ard the meado!$ that $urrounded Ca$tle Delaney* her $mile ma&ing her entire %ace radiant" +he $ound$ o% hor$e$ hoove$* chic&en$ cluc&ing* and the di$tant $ound o% $!ord$ clanging gre! %arther and %arther a!ay a$ $he le%t the ca$tle and the village behind to enter the relative )uiet o% the gra$$y %ield$ $urrounding Ca$tle Delaney" A$ $he bounded through the gra$$ that ro$e almo$t to her nec&* her mind replayed the $tory o% the Midnight 2hado! ## the !ay he %ought again$t tyranny and protected the !ea&" 3i$ genero$ity and hi$ courage !ere une)ualed" 2he !anted to be :u$t li&e him" 2he thru$t at an imaginary %oe* cutting do!n a $tal& o% gra$$ !ith her hand" <+a&e that* you in$u%%erable >rench cur*= $he gro!led" 2he $pun and chopped at another $tal&" <>or .ngland8= $he cried" ,ria bounded through the $tal&$ and into the %ore$t $eparating her %amily$ land$ %rom the Eno!le$ land$" 2he raced headlong into the bru$h* &no!ing the !ay !ell* having traveled it o%ten to Mary$ %arm" Mary and ;arret !ould be %ighting the >rench $ome!here in the$e !ood$* probably near the pond by Mary$ hou$e" <;arret8= ,ria called* halting to li$ten a$ $he reached the edge o% a $mall clearing" <Mary8= ,ut there !a$ no re$pon$e* only the ca! o% a di$tant bird" ,ria pic&ed up her bro!n velvet $&irt and raced deeper into the !ood$ to!ard Mary$ hou$e" A%ter a minute $he halted again* breathing hard" <;arret8= $he called" <Mary8 4here are you6= 2he bit her lip lightly" Maybe $he $hould go bac&" 2he loo&ed over her $houlder in the direction o% Ca$tle Delaney" +he Midnight 2hado! !ould never leave hi$ %riend$ alone in the !ood$ at the mercy o% the >rench" +he thought pierced her mind and bol$tered her courage" A$ $he moved $lo!ly through the !ood$* the dried t!ig$ and leave$ crunched beneath her %eet" 2he pau$ed again to call out %or her %riend$" <Mary8 ;arret8= An eerie $ilence an$!ered her" 2he loo&ed around the )uiet %ore$t* her in$tinct$ telling her to %lee" ,ut ho! could $he leave her %riend$6 +hen $he heard the crunch o% approaching %oot$tep$" <Mary6= $he called he$itantly" A %igure emerged %rom behind one o% the tree$ in %ront o% her* but it !a$nt Mary" A$ the $hape neared* ,ria recogni9ed the boy and ga$ped $ilently" Randolph Eenric" 3e !a$ bigger than $he !a$ and %our year$ older" 3i$ bro!n hair hung loo$e around hi$ $houlder$" 3e loo&ed li&e a !ild animal"

+he $ilence around her gre! even more thic& and ominou$" Eenric once $&inned a &itten :u$t to $ee ho! loud it could ho!l" ,ria $tepped bac&" 3er %oot landed on a branch and $napped it in hal%" 3e turned hi$ head and hi$ bro!n hair %ell into hi$ eye$" 3e $!iped the $trand$ a!ay to glare at her" ,ria too& another $tep bac&" Eenric $miled" <Ahhh*= he $aid" <+he heir to Ca$tle Delaney" 7oure a little o%% your land$* arent you6= <5m loo&ing %or my %riend$*= $he admitted" <4hich one6 +he pea$ant girl 5 $hoved in the mud or the $niveling little boy6= Anger pierced her* and her $mall %inger$ clenched into a %i$t" 4hat gave him the right to treat her %riend$ li&e that6 3er eye$ ra&ed him !ith rage" <7oure a mean cur* Randolph Eenric*= $he told him and turned to march to!ard Ca$tle Delaney" <3ey*= Eenric called" <Didnt your %ather :u$t leave to %ight $ome !ar6= ,ria didnt an$!er him" 2he $!atted a$ide a branch* continuing to move through the %ore$t bac& to!ard her land$* her home" 2uddenly* $he !a$ yan&ed to a halt by biting %inger$ digging into her arm" Eenric !renched her around to %ace him" <Dont !al& a!ay %rom me !hen 5m tal&ing to you*= he commanded" <4hat &ind o% manner$ !ere you brought up !ith6= <Let go o% me*= ,ria ordered" <5$ that a command* your lady$hip6= 2he tried to pull her arm %ree* but he held her !ri$t tightly" <5 :u$t a$&ed you a )ue$tion*= he $aid innocently" <,ut youre too good %or the li&e$ o% me* eh6= 3e chuc&led lo! in hi$ throat" <5m not nobility li&e your$el%* a%ter all* :u$t a poor cou$in o% the Eno!le$" 2hall 5 grovel be%ore you* my lady6= ,ria t!i$ted her arm" <Let me go*= $he $aid again* trying to $ound commanding" ,ut her voice caught in her throat a$ tear$ o% %ear $tung her eye$" <7ou need a le$$on in humility"= 3e began dragging her through the %ore$t" ,ria dug in her heel$* but her $lippered %eet !ere no help on the lea%#carpeted %ore$t %loor* nor again$t Eenric$ $trength" 2he tried to pull hi$ %inger$ %rom her !ri$t* but he held her tight" 3e pulled her deeper into the !ood$* into the dar&ne$$" <2top it8= ,ria called" <7ou &no!* running through the %ore$t alone i$nt $uch a good idea*= Eenric $aid" <7ou might %all into a bramble patch"= ,ramble patch8 3orror con$umed ,ria" 2he t!i$ted and turned* trying to %ree her$el%* pu$hing at hi$ hand !ith her %ree one" ,ut hi$ laughter rang out* a$ $trong and viciou$ a$ hi$ hold" Eenric reached the edge o% the bramble patch and $topped" ,ria $tared at the dangerou$ gro!th* the thorn$ loo&ing li&e million$ o% miniature dagger$" 2ome !ere long and $traight li&e blade$* other$ curved li&e hoo&$" All o% them !ere $harp" 2he $truggled again$t hi$ hold* pulling at hi$ grip* crying* <4hy are you doing thi$6= Eenric turned hi$ dar& $mile %rom the $pi&ed plant$ to her %ace" <,ecau$e 5 !ant to"= <Let her go8= a male voice commanded" ,ria loo&ed up to $ee a man cloa&ed in blac&* a blac& ma$& on hi$ %ace* a blac& cape on hi$ $houlder$" +he Midnight 2hado!8 3e $tood at the edge o% the !ood$* hi$ hand$ on hi$ hip$* hi$ bac& tall and $traight" Eenric turned to loo&""" and then bro&e out in a grin" <7ou mu$t be :o&ing8= <5 $aid let her go8= the Midnight 2hado! repeated"

Eenric tightened hi$ grip on ,ria$ hand" <Come and get her"= +he Midnight 2hado! moved %or!ard* pulling a !ooden $!ord %rom hi$ belt" Eenric to$$ed ,ria a$ide" 2he landed hard on her hand$ and &nee$* the cluttered ma$$ o% branche$ and roc&$ o% the %ore$t %loor $craping her %le$h" ,ria li%ted her ga9e in time to $ee Eenric pull a dagger %rom hi$ belt a$ he approached the Midnight 2hado! ## a real dagger* made o% hardened $teel" Eenric advanced upon the Midnight 2hado!* !aving the metal be%ore him" ,ria climbed to her %eet* dread con$tricting her che$t a$ the Midnight 2hado! too& a brave $tep to!ard Eenric" +hey %aced each other %or a long moment" +hen the Midnight 2hado! $!ung at Eenric" Eenric duc&ed the blo!* but the Midnight 2hado! $!ung bac&* glancing a blo! o%% Eenric$ head* the !ooden $!ord clun&ing again$t hi$ $&ull" ,ria gaped a$ Eenric %ell bac& to hi$ bottom !ith a grunt" 1oy e(ploded through her and $he too& a $tep to!ard her hero* but halted a$ Eenric $hoo& hi$ head* clearing it* and climbed to hi$ %eet" +he Midnight 2hado! arced hi$ blade at Eenric$ head* but Eenric caught the blo! in hi$ open palm" 3e yan&ed the !ooden $!ord %rom the Midnight 2hado!$ grip and ba$hed him in the head !ith it" ,ria !atched in horror a$ her noble hero %ell to hi$ &nee$ be%ore the evil Eenric" Eenric reached do!n and ripped the ma$& %rom the Midnight 2hado!$ %ace* revealing a %ace ,ria &ne! very !ell" 2he ga$ped" 5t !a$ ;arret8 Eenric laughed again* and again hit ;arret$ head !ith the !ooden $!ord" ;arret toppled to hi$ $ide and ,ria lurched %or!ard* $ei9ing Eenric$ arm a$ he rai$ed the !eapon to $tri&e another blo!" <2top8= $he cried" <Dont hurt him anymore8= Eenric $norted and thre! the $!ord do!n on top o% ;arret" 3e turned to ,ria" 2he too& a $tep bac&* but Eenric loc&ed hi$ hand around her !ri$t" <Loo&$ li&e your re$cuer didnt $ave you a%ter all"= <No8= $he cried" ,ut be%ore the impul$e to %ree her$el% overcame her %ear* Eenric :er&ed her %or!ard" ,ria %elt her$el% %alling* the thorn$ gro!ing larger and larger a$ $he plummeted to!ard the bramble patch" 2he reached out attempting to brace her$el% %rom the %all" 2he turned her head %rom the thorn$ and $)uee9ed her eye$ $hut" One o% her hand$ landed on a $mall thorn and $he cried out* pulling a!ay %rom it" Other thorn$ $tabbed at her arm$* her leg$* her bac&" +he branche$ caught and $nagged her clothing and her hair* pulling and ripping" -anic&ed* ,ria %ought to be %ree" ,ut the more $he $truggled* the more entangled her clothe$ and hair became* the deeper the thorn$ dug into her" >rightened* hurt* ,ria $tilled her %ight" 3er entire body !a$ a%lame !ith pain" +hrough tear#%illed eye$* $he loo&ed up and $a! Eenric $tanding at the edge o% the briar patch* $taring do!n at her* laughing and laughing* hi$ mouth big and !ide* hi$ thin lip$ $tretched tight" 2lo!ly* he turned a!ay and moved o%% into the %ore$t* hi$ laughter $till echoing in her ear$" ,ria lay ab$olutely $till* trying to calm her %ear* trying to $top crying" 2he !anted her %ather $o de$perately" 2he !anted him to be home !ith her to protect her" +hen her thought$ turned to ;arret" 4here !a$ he6 4a$ he hurt6 2he had to get to him* had to reach him" Eenric had hit him hard" <;arret6= $he called* but received no reply" 3er tear$ le$$ened a$ $he concentrated on her %riend* on helping him* on ma&ing $ure he !a$ all right" ,ria $hi%ted $lightly" 3er hair pulled tight* caught and ent!ined in the thorny branche$ o% the bu$he$" 2he grabbed the long loc& around the top and pulled hard until $he !a$ %ree" +he thorn$ in her arm$ burned hotly and $he %ound her$el% crying again"

<;arret8= $he called* !orried %or him" 4orried $he !ould never be %ree" 2till $he heard no $ound %rom her %riend" +ear$ continued to roll do!n her chee&$ a$ $he %ought her !ay %ree* pulling and tugging at the na$ty cla!$ entangled in her velvet $&irt" +iny rivulet$ o% blood tric&led do!n her right arm" <,ria6= 5n$tantly* $he %ro9e* loo&ing to!ard the $pot !here ;arret had %allen" <,rie6 Are you all right6= 2he could barely ma&e out hi$ %ace through the blur o% tear$ %illing her eye$" <Oh* ;arret8= ,ria cried* $o relieved $he %elt her$el% trembling" <5m $tuc&" 5 cant get out"= <5m coming*= he $aid" <5ll help you"= ,ria $obbed in relea$e" ;arret !a$ all right8 3ed help her get out o% thi$" 3ed help her %ree her$el%" A$ ;arret neared* ,ria $a! blood running %rom hi$ blond hair* the crim$on $mear $taining the $ide o% hi$ %ace" <;arret* youre hurt8= ;arret li%ted hi$ hand to hi$ %orehead" 3e brought hi$ %inger$ a!ay to loo& at the blood on the tip$" +hen he $hoo& hi$ head" <5t$ nothing"= 3e grabbed a piece o% her $&irt and pulled it %ree o% the thorn$* then $tood be$ide her and gently grabbed a loc& o% her hair* !or&ing it %ree o% the bu$h" A$ he leaned over her to ea$e her arm %rom the biting thorn$* ,ria noticed hi$ blac& cape and ma$& !ere gone" <5 made a proper me$$ o% thing$*= he admitted )uietly" ,ria loo&ed a!ay %rom him* tugging and pulling at her other %orearm to %ree the bro!n velvet %abric o% her $leeve %rom one o% the bramble$" +ogether* the children !or&ed in $ilence until ,ria !a$ %ree o% the bramble patch" <+ho$e thorn$ really got you"= ;arret gently !iped a $pot o% blood %rom her elbo!" <Are you all right6= <5t $ting$ a little* but 5m all right"= ;arret loo&ed at her %or a moment* then hung hi$ head* glancing a!ay %rom her to the ground" <5 never $hould have pretended to be $omething 5m not"= 3e &ic&ed at the cape and ma$& lying in the dirt" <7ou !ere very gallant*= ,ria $aid* touching hi$ $houlder !armly" <Not gallant enough to protect you*= ;arret !hi$pered" <Not a$ gallant a$ the Midnight 2hado! !ould have been"= 5% it hadnt been $o )uiet in the %ore$t* $o $till* ,ria never !ould have heard hi$ admi$$ion" 2he pretended $he hadnt" <4here$ Mary6= ,ria a$&ed" <5$ $he hurt6= <A%ter Eenric pu$hed her in the mud* !e ran a!ay %rom him" 2he$ all right" 2he$ at her hou$e !aiting %or u$" 5 came bac& here loo&ing %or you"= Again* ;arret &ic&ed at the %allen cape" <Little good that did"= ,ria bent do!n and retrieved hi$ %allen $!ord* holding it out to him" ;arret $tared at it %or a long moment" ,ria pu$hed it to!ard him again* an an(iou$ %eeling $tirring the pit o% her $tomach" <3ere"= >inally* ;arret too& it and placed it bac& in hi$ belt" 2he held out her hand to him and he clutched at her %inger$" <5 thin& 5d rather :u$t go home no!*= ,ria $aid $o%tly" 3e nodded* and they returned to Ca$tle Delaney"

,ria never heard ;arret $pea& o% the Midnight 2hado! again"

AAA
,ria $)uee9ed her eye$ $hut" +he $hearing noi$e o% her o!n hair being cut $ounded loud in her ear$ a$ her grand%ather ran the dagger through her long loc&$" 3er $houlder$ $hoo& !ith a $uppre$$ed $ob" <+hat$ it* ,ria*= 3arry told her" ,ria opened her eye$ and glanced do!n at the %loor" 3er long bro!n loc&$ lay curled around her bare %eet" -art$ o% her hair had been $o tangled around the bramble$* $o %ull o% thorn$* her grand%ather had to cut o%% her hair" No! her once long loc&$ reached only an inch above her $houlder$" ,ria li%ted a hand and ran it through her butchered hair" 2obbing )uietly* $he bent and $cooped up the long $trand$ in her trembling hand$ a$ i% they !ere a valued trea$ure" 2he $tared at the &notted ma$$ o% hair" <5t !a$ unavoidable*= her grand%ather told her )uietly* $incerely" <4ill ;arret be all right6= ,ria a$&ed* !iping her $leeve acro$$ her no$e" 3arry nodded" <3ell be %ine*= he $aid" <1u$t a bump on that hard head o% hi$" 7oure $ure you :u$t $tumbled into that bramble patch6 And that ;arret %ell and hit hi$ head6= ,ria loo&ed a!ay* unable to meet her grand%ather$ ga9e" 2hed argued !ith ;arret to tell the truth $o Eenric !ould get in trouble and be properly puni$hed* but ;arret in$i$ted they &eep it a $ecret" <7e$*= $he an$!ered" <Dery !ell"= 3arry began to ri$e %rom hi$ chair" <;rand%ather6= ,ria $aid" 3arry loo&ed do!n at her" <4ill you tell me the $tory o% the Midnight 2hado!6= $he a$&ed $o%tly" A grin $tretched acro$$ 3arry$ %ace" <O% cour$e"= 3e motioned %or her to move to the bed" +hey $at do!n together upon the $o%t mattre$$* and 3arry pic&ed ,ria up and po$itioned her on hi$ lap" ,ria $ettled into her grand%ather$ arm$* loo&ing do!n at the mound o% bro!n hair $he held in her hand$" 2omeday Eenric !ould be puni$hed" 2omeday hed get !hat he de$erved" ,ria hoped $he !ould $ee it" 3arry began* <3e !a$ &no!n %ar and !ide %or %ighting again$t tyranny and %or upholding %airne$$" 3e !a$ called the Midnight 2hado!"""=

$idnight Shadow - Chapter One

+en year$ later

Candle$ ca$t !iggling demon$ onto the $tone !all$ o% the dar& room" A large bed held a $ole occupant in it$ lonely va$tne$$" +he $hado!$ $lithered acro$$ her pallid chee&$ and moved over her nec& li&e $erpent$ loo&ing %or a tender $pot o% %le$h upon !hich to in%lict their deadly attac&"

Lord +erran Eno!le$ bent over her $mall hand* pre$$ing hi$ %orehead to the $lim %inger$ he held cru$hed in hi$" 3er once !arm $&in %elt clammy and cold" 3e didnt move %or a very long time* and it appeared a$ i% both he and the !oman !ere dead" ,ut +erran !a$nt about to let her die* not !hen hed %ought $o hard to get her* !inning her over another $uitor" Not !hen hed negotiated a do!ry $o grand it !ould provide enough %und$ to pay hi$ &night$ and $ecure peace %or hi$ people and hi$ ca$tle %or year$ to come" Not !hen he loved her" No* he couldnt permit Odella to die" ,ut ho! could he $top it6 4hy* Odella6 he a$&ed $ilently" 2hed been happy here at Ca$tle Eno!le$ ## at lea$t hed believed her to be ## and they !ere to be !ed in a !ee&" 4hy !ould $he do thi$6 4hy !ould $he poi$on her$el%6 3e could thin& o% no an$!er" Nothing8 2hed al!ay$ $eemed $o cheer%ul* !ith a $o%t $hy $mile" ;od &ne! hed do anything to ma&e her better* give her anything $he de$ired" A &noc& $ounded at the door" +erran didnt re$pond" 3e !anted to be le%t alone !ith Odella" +he door opened behind him" <+erran6= a voice called* he$itantly" Eenric" 3i$ cou$in moved clo$er" <5ve brought a phy$ician"= +erran$ :a! clenched? hi$ hand$ tightened to %i$t$" <A phy$ician !ill do her no good*= +erran gro!led" <2he poi$oned her$el%" 5 !ant $omeone !ho &no!$ about poi$on$"= <5 cant %ind the herbali$t*= Eenric $aid" <And a phy$ician '= +erran !hirled* hi$ movement$ a$ lithe a$ a panther" 3e !a$ o%% hi$ &nee$ in an in$tant* grabbing hi$ cou$in by the tunic and $lamming him bac& again$t the !all" <;et me the herbali$t*= he $narled" Eenric$ blac& eye$ !ere !ide a$ he $tared at hi$ cou$in %or a long moment be%ore nodding hi$ head" <A$ you !i$h* mlord*= he !hi$pered" +erran relea$ed him* and Eenric !al&ed $!i%tly %rom the room" 5t too& a long moment %or +erran$ anger to $ub$ide" -hy$ician" 4hat good i$ a phy$ician6 5 need $omeone !ho can help Odella" 2omeone !ho can cure her o% the poi$on" Odella !a$ li&e a gloriou$ angel laid out in hi$ bed* her hand$ %olded on her $tomach* her $lender %ace $omber and pale* her eye$ clo$ed" 3er beauti%ul honeyed hair !a$ tuc&ed beneath her head" 2he !a$ a gho$tly reminder o% !hat $hed once been" 3e remembered the %ir$t day hed laid eye$ on her* more than a year ago" 3ed been riding into McColl Dillage to attend a tournament* arriving :u$t a$ the merriment began" Odella had been dancing around a maypole !ith $ome o% her ladie$" 3e remembered her bright blond hair all but glo!ing in the $un$hine* her laughter li&e mu$ic to hi$ ear$" 3ed immediately %allen in love !ith her" 3e !on the tournament in her honor* de%eating all !ho $tood again$t him" A%ter that* through month$ o% negotiation* +erran convinced her %ather to betroth her to him" 5n granting +erran Odella$ hand in marriage* her %ather had given him the !oman hi$ heart de$ired and a bounti%ul do!ry that !ould $ave hi$ ca$tle" No! $he lay dying in hi$ bed" A$ he loo&ed at her* li%ele$$ and a$hen* he !anted to cling to the memorie$ until $he regained her radiance" ,ut $omeho! the image$ !avered and di$$olved be%ore hi$ mind$ eye into a moc&ing replica o% !hat $he u$ed to be"

3e rubbed hi$ hand$ over hi$ eye$* trying to !ipe a!ay the truth they pre$ented to him* de$perate to hold %a$t to the memorie$" 5 have to remain calm" 2hell be a$ good a$ ne! $oon" 5t !ont be long be%ore $he$ $miling again" 5t !ont be long be%ore 5 hear her laughter" <Odella*= he !hi$pered" <4hy6= 3e bent again at her $ide* gently ta&ing her hand in hi$" <4hy6= Odella$ head $hi%ted $lightly and +erran rai$ed hi$ eye$ to her %ace" 5n the %lic&ering light o% the candle* he could have $!orn her lip$ moved" 3e $tared at her %or a moment* holding hi$ breath* !aiting %or them to move again" 5t mu$t have been hi$ !i$h%ul imagination" No! they !ere $till" +erran !iped hi$ !eary eye$* trying to clear them" ,ut !hen he opened hi$ eye$ to loo& at her again* her lip$ !ere indeed moving" 3e )uic&ly boo$ted him$el% up on the bed" 3er breath !a$ $o $hallo! he could barely hear her" 3e lo!ered hi$ ear clo$er to her lip$" <;arret*= $he !hi$pered" +erran $at bolt upright* hi$ :a! hard a$ granite" 3e mu$t have mi$heard her" ,ut there !a$ no mi$hearing her ne(t cry" 3er lip$ moved again* her %ace contorting !ith pain" <;arret*= $he managed to ga$p" Dy$en8 +erran reared bac&" 3e &ne! only one ;arret" ;arret Dy$en" +hi$ cannot be" 4hy doe$ $he call %or another man6 +hen a thought $truc& him $o hard he almo$t reeled" Could $he love Dy$en6 Could $he have &illed her$el% becau$e $he couldnt be !ith Dy$en6 Angui$h and di$belie% tore through +erran" 3e $tood and $tepped a!ay %rom the bed" 3o! could thi$ be6 3e !hirled a!ay %rom her* clenching hi$ %i$t$" ;od$ blood8 3ave 5 been $o blind6 Agony tore through him" 5t cannot be* he told him$el%" ,ut deep in hi$ heart* he &ne! he %inally had hi$ an$!er" Odella had poi$oned her$el% to e$cape marriage to him"

$idnight Shadow - Chapter Two

A do9en &night$ !ere bu$y practicing their $&ill$ in the arena $et up in a %ield on the !e$tern $ide o% Ca$tle Delaney" 2ome o% the men !ere on %oot* clanging $!ord$ in moc& battle$" Other$ rode their mu$cular !arhor$e$* practicing battle maneuver$" 2everal men !or&ed diligently on their :ou$ting $&ill$" ,ria pulled her &nee$ up to her che$t* $taring do!n at the men in the %ield" 2he $at beneath a large tree* !atching her grand%ather give order$ to one o% the younger men a$ he handed him a :ou$ting pole" 3er grand%ather indicated the )uintain in the center o% the %ield !ith a !ave o% hi$ hand" +he man nodded and $purred hi$ hor$e %or!ard* riding to!ard the %ar $ide o% the %ield" 2omeone plopped do!n on the gra$$ be$ide ,ria" 2he $!iveled her head to $ee Mary ad:u$ting her patched $&irt around her leg$" 3er %riend $hoved a $trand o% unruly dar& bro!n hair behind her ear and attempted to pat the re$t o% the %lya!ay $trand$ %lat" 3er bro!n eye$ t!in&led !ith glee" <3a$ anyone arrived yet6= Mary a$&ed breathle$$ly" 2he li&ed thi$ $uitor bu$ine$$ much more than ,ria did" ,ria returned her di$mayed ga9e to the %ield" +he young &night !ith the :ou$ting pole had reached the %ar $ide o% the %ield and !a$ turning hi$ $teed to %ace the )uintain" <+!o" No one intere$ting* though"=

+he midday $unlight !a$hed do!n upon the tilting %ield"

Mary chuc&led" <5 thin& i% the Midnight 2hado! him$el% !al&ed through your door* youd call him Inot intere$ting to avoid marriage"= <5% the Midnight 2hado! !al&ed through my door* 5d :ump at the opportunity to marry him8= ,ria e(claimed" <,ut he i$nt going to !al& into Ca$tle Delaney"= +he young &night in the :ou$ting %ield $purred hi$ hor$e and it charged %or!ard* &ic&ing up $mall pu%%$ o% dirt in hi$ !a&e" +he &night leaned %or!ard in the $addle* leveling hi$ pole at the )uintain" <+hat$ your problem* ,ria*= Mary e(plained* !atching him" <No %le$h#and#blood man !ill ever be a$ attractive a$ the imaginary one youve created in your head"= +he young &night hit the )uintain* !hich $pun rapidly" +he $o%t bag hit him in hi$ $houlder !ith enough %orce to thro! him %rom hi$ $teed" 3e tumbled over the $ide o% the animal* landing in a pool o% du$t" Mary put her hand$ over her eye$ and groaned" ,ria grimaced and murmured* <4ell* !e &no! he$ not the Midnight 2hado!"= Mary bur$t into laughter" <Can you $till meet me tonight6= ,ria a$&ed* elbo!ing her %riend" <O% cour$e*= Mary replied" 2uddenly* the di$tant $ound o% trumpet$ %illed the air" Mary$ eye$ !idened and $he $trained to $ee to!ard Ca$tle Delaney* !here the $ound !a$ coming %rom" ,ria rolled her eye$ and cro$$ed her arm$* $itting bac& again$t the tree" <Another $uitor*= $he $aid !ith di$dain" Mary giggled and grabbed ,ria$ arm* trying to pull her to her %eet" <Let$ go $ee"= <4hy6= ,ria demanded* re%u$ing to be li%ted" <4ith all that %an%are* he might be hand$ome8= ,ria hu%%ed di$intere$t" Mary yan&ed her to her %eet and pulled her do!n the $light ri$e to!ard the road leading %rom the village to Ca$tle Delaney" ,e%ore them* Ca$tle Delaney ro$e mightily $&y!ard* it$ rounded to!er$ $tanding a$ $entinel$ at each corner o% the grand $tructure* connected by ma$$ive !all$ that protected the inner !ard$ o% the ca$tle" +he dra!bridge !a$ lo!ered* the portculli$ rai$ed to !elcome the gue$t$ marching acro$$ the bridge" ,ria loo&ed clo$ely at the arriving gue$t$* trying to di$cern their heraldry" +he red %lag one o% the rider$ held %luttered in a gentle bree9e* giving a tea$ing glimp$e o% the cre$t o% a lion" ,ria$ heart leaped $lightly" 2he &ne! the cre$t" 5t !a$ Lord Dy$en and ;arret8 Mary $hoo& ,ria$ arm in e(citement a$ $he* too* recogni9ed the heraldry" ;arret8 2he hadnt $een him in %ive year$8 ,ria too& a $tep %or!ard* $canning the throng$" Dancing !omen !aved tran$lucent $carve$ a$ they moved to a min$trel$ %lute? men on $tilt$ called out to the ca$tle guard$? a caged bear gro!led a$ a guard $tuc& the tip o% hi$ $!ord into it$ cage" ,ria $co!led" 4hy had ;arret brought $uch a $ho! !ith him6 3e u$ually :u$t arrived !ith hi$ %ather" +he$e per%ormer$ mu$t have co$t enough to %eed a village %or a !inter" Oh no* $he thought" Not ;arret* too8 2he groaned $lightly and rolled her eye$ $&y!ard" -lea$e Lord* tell me ;arret ha$nIt come %or my hand in marriage8 ,ut a$ $he returned her ga9e to the :uggler$ and min$trel$ di$appearing into the ca$tle beneath the gatehou$e* $he &ne! ;arret had" Mary grabbed her arm and pulled her to!ard the ca$tle" ,ria had been a!ay at her aunt$ ca$tle the la$t time ;arret and hi$ %ather had vi$ited t!o year$ ago* but Mary $aid hed gro!n

into a very hand$ome man" 5t !a$ )uite obviou$ Mary had been $mitten by him* and $till !a$" 3er %riend giggled !henever they $po&e o% him* and dramatically placed her hand$ over her heart !henever hi$ name !a$ mentioned" ,ut regardle$$ o% hi$ ne!%ound manhood and hi$ hand$ome loo&$* he !a$ $till the ;arret ,ria had gro!n up !ith" 3ed al!ay$ be a brother to her" 2he couldnt imagine him being anything more" Mary all but dragged her over the dra!bridge and beneath the gatehou$e" 5n$ide the outer courtyard* the retinue had come to a $top" 1uggler$ !ith brightly painted %ace$ entertained the pea$ant$ milling around" Children raced in and out bet!een the leg$ o% men on $tilt$* $creaming in :oy" 2hout$ o% a!e aro$e %rom the onloo&er$ a$ one o% the $tilted men teetered and then caught hi$ balance" 2ome!here a dog bar&ed" 2everal onloo&er$ cried out in delight a$ a man $lo!ly lo!ered a $!ord do!n hi$ throat" .ven a$ ,ria gaped at the numerou$ entertainer$* Mary continued to pull her through the outer courtyard and into the inner courtyard* all but leaping up and do!n in e(citement" +he large $pace over%lo!ed !ith the %ront o% the proce$$ion* a garri$on o% armored &night$* their plate armor glinting in the $un" 3ad any &night$ been le%t behind to guard Ca$tle Dy$en6 ,ehind the $oldier$* a group o% actor$ recited poetry* and behind them a group o% dancing gyp$ie$ per%ormed !onder$ !ith their gyrating bodie$" Mary :er&ed her %or!ard again* and they !ove their !ay through the pea$ant$ milling about* pa$t a rotund blac&$mith grabbing hi$ $tomach in laughter at one o% the actor$" ,ria $earched the cro!d* but there !a$ too much movement %or her to %ocu$ on any one thing" 5t !a$ a $cene more be%itting a holiday than the arrival o% %amily %riend$" More :uggler$ ru$hed about to$$ing bag$ o% bean$* and mu$ician$ played merry tune$" .very!here* people !ere laughing and cheering" ,ria moved pa$t the :uggler$ and $topped dead in her trac&$ a$ a ma$&ed man clad in a blac& cape and !ielding a $himmering blade $tepped in %ront o% her" ,ria ga$ped* her heart pounding !ith the %erocity o% a madly galloping hor$e" Could it be6 +he Midnight 2hado! $tanding mere %eet %rom her6 2uddenly* a !oman to$$ed an apple into the air* and the ma$&ed man brandi$hed hi$ $!ord* in$tantly $licing the apple cleanly in t!o" Onloo&er$ clapped at the man$ $ho! o% $&ill" ,ria$ body $lumped $lightly* her heart $lo!ing" 3e$ :u$t part o% the $ho!* $he thought" 1u$t part o% the $ho!" <+here he i$8= Mary e(claimed" 2he !aved her hand high above her head and $houted hi$ name" <;arret8= ,ria $canned the cro!d* ta&ing her ga9e %rom the Midnight 2hado! loo&#ali&e" <4here6= $he demanded" <Near the $tair$ o% the &eep*= Mary an$!ered* continuing to !ave her hand" ,ria $canned the $tep$ near the &eep* but there !ere too many people" <5 cant $ee him8= Mary pulled ,ria clo$e" <+here8= 2he pointed" ,ria %ollo!ed her %inger" 2he $potted Lord Dy$en $itting atop a hor$e" 3e !a$ $pea&ing !ith $omeone on the $tair$* but a man on $tilt$ bloc&ed her vie! o% the per$on he !a$ $pea&ing !ith" <;arret8= Mary $creamed"

,ria pulled a!ay %rom Mary and rubbed her ear* glancing at her in di$plea$ure" 4hen $he turned bac& to $earch %or ;arret* $he caught $ight o% a blond man di$mounting a !hite hor$e* but $he couldnt $ee hi$ %ace a$ he di$appeared into the cro!d" Mary $)uee9ed ,ria$ !ri$t tightly" <3e$ coming8= $he !hi$pered loudly and :umped up and do!n in delight" ,ria grinned at Mary$ thrill" 2he had to admit $he !a$ :u$t a$ eager to $ee ;arret a$ Mary !a$" 2he $tood on her tiptoe$* trying to $ee her %riend among$t the cro!d in the courtyard* but it !a$ $o %ull that every time $he caught a glimp$e o% ;arret* $omeone moved be%ore her* ob$curing her vie!" <,ria8 Mary8= ,ria $a! a hand !aving at them above the cro!d" ,e%ore $he could get a glimp$e o% him* the hand !a$ gone* $!allo!ed by the undulating cro!d" >inally* the curtain o% pea$ant$ be%ore them parted and ;arret emerged %rom the throng" ,ria$ mouth dropped open" ;olden blond hair $!ept do!n over $trong $houlder$" ;arret !a$ no longer the a!&!ard* lan&y child ,ria remembered" 3i$ %ace had lo$t it$ thinne$$ and had %illed out? hi$ :a! had $)uared" 3e !a$ a &night no!* a !arrior" 2he %elt an aby$$ o% change open bet!een them" +hen $he loo&ed into hi$ eye$" +here* in the t!in&ling blue depth$* $he %ound the ;arret $he &ne! and loved* the $ame boy $hed made a vo! o% %riend$hip !ith all tho$e year$ ago" A $mile o% relie% and o% happine$$ $tretched acro$$ her lip$" ;arret $topped be%ore her* hi$ ga9e $!eeping her" >or a moment* ,ria thought he !a$ going to ta&e her hand and &i$$ it* mar&ing a complete tran$%ormation into adulthood %or both o% them" 5n$tead* ;arret $!ept her into a tight embrace and !hirled her around" +heir laughter mingled" 4hen they parted* ;arret $!ept Mary into a !arm embrace" 3e &ept hi$ arm around Mary$ $houlder a$ he loo&ed at ,ria in a!e" <7ouve gro!n*= he %inally admitted" ,ria $miled" 3i$ $entiment$ mirrored her o!n" <5 $hould hope $o*= ,ria an$!ered" <La$t time 5 $a! you* 5 !a$ but a child"= <7e$"= ;arret $ighed" <A$ !a$ 5"= ;arret &i$$ed Mary$ head and ,ria !atched the red bloom over Mary$ chee&$" <And !hat o% you* little !oman6= he a$&ed Mary" <4hat have you been up to6= <Nothing*= Mary !hi$pered $hyly* loo&ing up at him through lo!ered la$he$" ,ria reali9ed !ith a :olt Mary !a$ %lirting !ith ;arret" ;arret$ $mile $tretched !ider* revealing per%ect !hite teeth" And ;arret &ne! it8 +heir %riend$hip !ould never be the $ame" +he innocence o% childhood had %led* and adult de$ire$ raged" 3e !a$ a man no!* and $he and Mary !ere !omen" <And !hat o% you* ;arret6 5 heard you !ent to !ar be$ide your %ather"= ;arret$ ga9e $!ung to ,ria* piercing her !ith the %ull inten$ity o% hi$ gloriou$ blue#eyed $tare* and he nodded* hi$ eye$ lighting up" <3ave 5 got tale$ %or you8= he began* but %altered" <Maybe !e $hould $pea& o% other thing$"= ,ria glanced at Mary and %ro!ned" <4hy !ould !e $pea& o% other thing$6= <4ell* youre a lady no! and '= ,ria $miled" <And maybe $uch tal& o%%end$ me6= <4ell"= ;arret $hi%ted %rom %oot to %oot unea$ily" <4ell* ye$"=

<4hen they didnt o%%end me be%ore6= ,ria a$&ed* po&ing %un at him" ;arret had o%ten told her o% the dream$ he had o% $la$hing do!n the >rench* o% ridding the land o% tyranny" <5m $till the $ame girl* ;arret* a$ 5m $ure youre the $ame boy"= ;arret $hrugged $lightly" ,ria reached out to $)uee9e one o% hi$ bicep$" 3i$ %le$h !a$ %irm !ith po!er%ul mu$cle$ di$tingui$hing him a$ a $trong !arrior" <+he$e are real* arent they6= <5 $hould $ay $o8= ;arret $)uea&ed in ob:ection" A grin $tretched ,ria$ lip$ and Mary covered her mouth again$t her giggle$" ;arret glanced %rom ,ria to Mary and bac& again" 3e $hoo& hi$ head* $miling" <7e$* you are the $ame girl"= 3e gra$ped her hand$ tightly" <And it$ good to $ee you" 5 mi$$ed you the la$t time 5 !a$ here"= ,ria $miled at him" <Me* too"= <Come on*= Mary called" <Let$ go !atch the &night$ practice"= ;arret nodded" <5ll meet you there" 5 mu$t $ay hello to Lord Delaney"= Mary raced o%% through the cro!d to!ard the practice %ield" ,ria turned to :oin her* but ;arret grabbed her arm" <Do you $till $!ord %ight !ith your grand%ather6= ,ria nodded* but )uic&ly hu$hed him* loo&ing %rom $ide to $ide to $ee i% anyone had heard" 3er %ather !ould never approve* $o $he and her grand%ather &ept it a !ell#guarded $ecret" ;arret !ouldnt have &no!n e(cept hed %ollo!ed her out o% the ca$tle one night long ago !hen the Dy$en$ had been vi$iting" 3ed di$covered them %ighting" 2hed $!orn him to $ecrecy" <3ave you beaten him yet6= ;arret !ondered" ,ria $hoo& her head* a grimace o% di$appointment cro$$ing her %eature$" <5ve got a move guaranteed to di$arm him" Are you intere$ted6= ;arret a$&ed* a $mile curving hi$ lip$" <Am 58= ,ria almo$t e(ploded !ith e(citement" <Meet me tomorro! morning in the %ield !here you practice*= he !hi$pered" ,ria nodded"

AAA
+!o $!ord$ cro$$ed under a $litted moon* their metal blade$ clanging a$ they collided" +he moon $himmered in the cold $teel* it$ re%lection clear and bright" <Come on* girl* you can do much better than that"= 3arry !atched ,ria $mile" 2he !a$ beauti%ul" 4ho !ould have thought $uch a gangly girl !ould gro! into $uch an elegant lady6 3er long bro!n hair hung loo$ely in large curl$ about her $houlder$? her lip$ !ere %ull and ro$e red* the blue o% her eye$ rivaled that o% the $&y ## eye$ that right no! $tared at him !ith the heated blue o% a %ire$ core" 2he !ould indeed ma&e a %ine !i%e" 5t !a$ :u$t that de%iant* determined $trea& $he had to be !ary o%" Men !anted at lea$t $ome $emblance o% $ub$ervience %rom their !omen" +he blade$ pu$hed hard again$t each other* then abruptly $eparated* the $lender $teel $creeching a$ the !eapon$ $lid %ree o% each other" ,ria $!ung* but 3arry bac&ed a!ay and her blade !hi$tled through the empty air" 2he $!ung again* but thi$ time 3arry caught her $!ing and grabbed her !ri$t* bringing her in clo$e $o they !ere practically no$e to no$e" <7oure angry becau$e your %ather %inally made the deci$ion to %ind you a hu$band"= 3e pu$hed a!ay %rom her and $!ung" <7oure %ighting !ith your emotion$ today* not !ith rea$on"=

2he duc&ed and $pun a!ay %rom him" <5 am not*= $he in$i$ted* then countered !ith an arc to hi$ head" 3e bloc&ed her blo!* &no!ing $he !a$ lying becau$e o% the inten$ity !ith !hich $he %ought" 5t too& all hi$ concentration to match her move and bloc& it" <5t$ time* ,ria" 7ou $hould have been married long ago*= he $aid" 2he !a$ )uic&* much )uic&er than he !a$" And $he !a$ $mart* de$pite her emotion$ !arring to ta&e control" 3e could $ee her mind !or&ing a$ $he lunged" ,ut e(perience !on out* and he !a$ $till able to th!art her $tri&e" 3e caught her $!ord !ith hi$ and t!i$ted hi$ !ri$t" 3e had di$armed her more than once !ith that move" 5t !or&ed again tonight" 3er $!ord !ent $ailing through the air" Di$appointment $urged !ithin him" .ven though $he !a$ getting better and better each night they $parred* he !a$ $till di$appointed in her lac& o% $el%#control" 7et* it !a$ only a matter o% time be%ore $he di$armed him" +hen hed have nothing %urther to teach her" +hat !ould be the bigge$t di$appointment o% all" ,ria cur$ed )uietly and $tomped a%ter her $!ord" ,e%ore $he could reach it* 3arry put the tip o% hi$ $!ord to her nec&" <7ield*= he ordered" Again* $he mumbled a cur$e" <5 yield*= $he added grudgingly* and moved to proceed pa$t him" 3e &ept the $!ord to her nec&" <4hy !ere you di$armed6= 3er :a! !or&ed a$ $he clenched her teeth" <5 !a$ overan(iou$" 5 thought 5 had you that time" 1u$t li&e all tho$e other time$"= 2he $hoved the $!ord %rom her nec& and marched pa$t him to her !eapon* yan&ing it %rom the ground" 2he $!ung it through the air* hac&ing the bree9e a$$aulting her" <5ll never get it"= <7oull get it*= he $aid* &indly" <7ou :u$t have to learn patience" 7ou !ant to !in* but youre not !illing to !ait %or an opening"= <7ou ma&e your o!n opening$*= $he countered" <4hen youre good enough*= he agreed* approaching her* <and !hen you reali9e youll never be $tronger than a man" 7ou have to !ait %or an opening" 7ou cant %ight aggre$$ively" 7ou have to %ight de%en$ively" Al!ay$"= ,ria rolled her large blue eye$" <5 &no!* 5 &no!"= <,ut you dont &no!* or you !ouldnt be di$armed"= 2he handed her $!ord to him" 3e too& the handle o% the !eapon" <Dont $tay out too long" 7our %ather i$ $u$piciou$ enough"= <5 &no!*= $he murmured" 2he !al&ed to!ard the thic& %ore$t :u$t beyond the clearing !here t!o hor$e$ !ere tethered to a tree" 3arry $hoo& hi$ head in admiration" 2he !a$ already better than mo$t men he &ne!* but he dared not tell her that" 2uddenly* $he pau$ed and turned to loo& at him" 3er long* dar& bro!n hair ca$caded over her $houlder a$ $he $tared at him" <+han& you* ;rand%ather"= 3arry $miled and nodded" <5t$ my plea$ure"= 2he !a$ hi$ :oy* hi$ trea$ure" 2he !a$ the only $par& in hi$ other!i$e tediou$ li%e at the ca$tle" 3e !ould grant her the moon* but teaching her to $!ord %ight !a$ a hell o% a lot ea$ier" One o% the$e time$* he &ne! hed have to $top her %rom riding out to her $ecret meeting$ !ith her %riend Mary" +he !orld !a$ becoming much too dangerou$ a place %or her to be out late at night on her o!n"

$idnight Shadow - Chapter Three

2he &ne! !here the land dipped* !here it ro$e* !here $he had to duc& to avoid the $tinging $lap o% tree branche$" 2o did her hor$e" +heyd ridden thi$ route together $ince $he !a$ ten* $ince her grand%ather had begun teaching her to u$e a $!ord" 2he tried not to let her %ru$tration con$ume her thought$" 2he $hould have had him8 2he thought $he did have him8 Only one !rong move" Damn" +hat$ all it !ould ta&e in a real battle to co$t her li%e* all it !ould ta&e %or $omeone to &ill her" One mi$ta&e" ,ria $purred the hor$e %a$ter" +he animal raced on* the night $peeding by" +he huge roc& at the edge o% the 3agen %arm mar&ed the $pot !here $he cro$$ed over into Eno!le$ land$* but $he didnt $lo! her pace" 2he turned right a$ $he pa$$ed the ma$$ive $tone* heading to!ard the pond !here Mary !ould be !aiting" A$ $he topped a $light ri$e* the pond appeared* gli$tening in the moonlight" ,ria $lo!ed her hor$e and $teered the animal to!ard the %or&ed tree* actually t!o tree$ t!ined about each other $o tightly a$ to become one" ,ria di$mounted* thro!ing the rein$ around a tree branch" 2he !al&ed through the !ai$t# high gra$$* $taring at the dar& pond" Long ago* $oon a%ter her grand%ather had $tarted teaching her $!ordplay* $he and Mary had begun meeting at the pond" 5t !a$ their $ecret place* a $anctuary !here they could hide and tell each other their deepe$t de$ire$" On $ome !arm $ummer night$* !hen the moon !a$ high and bright* ,ria and Mary had gone $!imming in tho$e !ater$" 2he %elt $a%e and com%ortable here" +hey both did" At the crunch o% gra$$* ,ria loo&ed to her right" Mary bounded to!ard her* her dar& hair alive !ith the moonlight$ $heen" A$ Mary dre! clo$er* her eye$ $canned ,ria$ di$gruntled %ace %or a long moment" <5m $orry* ,ria*= Mary !hi$pered" <7oull beat your grand%ather yet"= <5 &no!" 5t$ :u$t $o un%air*= ,ria murmured" 5t !a$ uncanny ho! $ometime$ each &ne! !hat the other !a$ thin&ing or %eeling" <Bn%air* i$ it6 7our grand%ather i$ $o much older than you8 5t $hould ta&e you year$ to $urpa$$ hi$ e(perti$e* i% ever"= <+han&$ a lot8= Mary $hrugged her $houlder$" <7ou &no! !hat 5 mean" 3o! !ould he %eel i% you beat him the %ir$t time you cro$$ed $!ord$6= <,ut it$ been hundred$ o% time$8= ,ria $aid !ith e(a$peration" <3undred$ o% time$* and 5 have yet to be$t him once8= ,ria &ic&ed at a %allen branch" <5tll ta&e time* but 5 &no! you can beat him*= Mary a$$ured her %riend" <;arret $aid he ha$ a move guaranteed to di$arm him*= ,ria $aid )uietly" <Really6= ,ria nodded her head" <3e$ going to $ho! it to me"= <5$nt that cheating6= ,ria )uir&ed an eyebro!" <Not i% 5 !in"= Mary$ bro!n eye$ !idened in di$belie%" +hen $he $miled and draped an arm acro$$ her %riend$ $houlder$" +ogether they !al&ed $lo!ly through the gra$$" <Do you thin& your %uture hu$band !ill let you $!ord %ight6= ,ria grunted" <Not li&ely*= $he murmured"

,ria rode through the night* &no!ing the !ay to the pond in the ea$t !ood$ by heart"

<4hat i% it$ ;arret6= <Mary8= <7oure $o luc&y8= Mary$ enthu$ia$m bubbled over" <3e$ hand$ome and &ind '= <Mary* 5 cant marry ;arret" 5t !ould be li&e marrying my brother8= <,ut hed let you $!ord %ight"= <And !ed have to move very %ar %rom you"= Mary $ighed* her e(citement leaving her in a hu%% o% e(a$peration" <No matter !ho you marry* youll move a!ay"= <2o 5 !ont marry"= ,ria $hrugged Mary$ arm %rom her $houlder$ and raced o%% through the clearing" Mary %ollo!ed her through the tall $tal&$ o% gra$$" <7ou have to marry8 7oure a lady8 +hat$ your place ## to produce heir$"= <4hat i% my place i$nt to produce heir$6 4hat i% my place i$""" to battle again$t tyranny6= Mary giggled" ,ria $topped* $tri&ing a $tatue$)ue po$e !ith her hand$ on her hip$" <5 am the Midnight 2hado!8= $he proclaimed in a deep voice" <7ou $ound li&e a !oman"= <3o!$ thi$6= ,ria lo!ered her voice to a hu$&y !hi$per" <5 am the Midnight 2hado!"= <+hat$ pretty good*= Mary admitted* ama9ed and $urpri$ed" <5 thin& youve been practicing"= ,ria $miled" 2ometime$ alone at night* $he did" <+yranny !ill not be tolerated8= $he !hi$pered" <All people !ill be treated %airly"= Mary grunted* the humor leaving her" <+hen youd have to battle Lord Eno!le$"= ,ria bro&e her po$e" <No! !hat ha$ he done6= <3e increa$ed our ta(e$ again"= <Not $o8= ,ria ga$ped" +hat !a$ the $econd time in a month" +rying to come up !ith the e(tra %ood to pay the collector$ had been hard enough* but no! it !ould be ne(t to impo$$ible %or Mary$ %amily to have a decent living" <Mother and >ather !or& $o hard" +heyre up be%ore da!n and !or& !ell into the night" 5 help a$ much a$ 5 can"""= Mary $hoo& her head* her dar& loc&$ $!aying over her %ace" <,ut it$ never enough" Lord Eno!le$ al!ay$ !ant$ more* more* more"= ,ria had no !ord$ to con$ole her %riend" 2he !i$hed Mary lived on her land$* under her %ather$ rule" <2omeone ha$ to do $omething8= ,ria !a$ $hoc&ed by the conviction in Mary$ voice* the pa$$ion" <5t$ not %air that !e $hould have to !or& day and night8 5% Mother or >ather get $ic&* !ell $tarve8= Mary $ighed" <5% only the Midnight 2hado! !ere real" 3ed do $omething about thi$"= ,ria remembered a time !hen $hed !i$hed %or the Midnight 2hado!* too ## !hen her %ather had gone o%% to !ar to %ight the >rench and Randolph Eenric thre! her into the bramble patch" 2he put an arm around Mary$ $houlder$" <5 !i$h 5 could do $omething to help '= 2uddenly the $ound o% a man$ laughter rang out through the %ore$t" A $econd man$ voice $po&e )uietly" 2ilence $ettled around them again and the t!o girl$ glanced at each other" <Let$ go %ind out !ho it i$*= ,ria !hi$pered* %eeling brave in the dar&ne$$" <No*= Mary ga$ped" <4hat i% it$ robber$6=

<+hey !ont $ee u$" Come on* Mary"= ,ria tugged her %riend to!ard the voice$* pulling her into a group o% thic& bu$he$ near a $mall dirt road" An elderly !oman$ voice dri%ted over to them %rom the road" <5 dont under$tand !hy youre bringing me here thi$ late at night"= <5t$ nece$$ary*= a man replied" ,ria peered through the leave$" An old gray#haired !oman $tood near a man in the pale moonlight" 2he !a$ dre$$ed in a plain bro!n go!n* a $ha!l !rapped around her $houlder$" +he man had hi$ bac& to her* $o ,ria could not $ee hi$ %ace" 3i$ legging$ !ere blac&* hi$ tunic pale" ,ut !hat captured ,ria$ attention !a$ the $!ord $trapped to hi$ !ai$t" ,ria $!ung her ga9e do!n the road be%ore them and $a! another man not %ar a!ay ## a $oldier* $he gue$$ed* by the chainmail he !a$ !earing ## but hi$ tunic had no cre$t* no allegiance" 3e held the rein$ o% t!o hor$e$" <4ell* !hat i$ it you !ant6= the old !oman demanded" <5m $ure it could have !aited until morning"= <5t$ 4ido! Ander$on*= Mary !hi$pered" <+he herbali$t"= ,ria nodded" <7ou !ant me to ma&e you more potion$6= 4ido! Ander$on a$&ed" <7ou $till o!e me %or the %ir$t one" A lot o% time and $&ill !ent into it* believe me" And i% it$ not u$ed properly it could have deadly con$e)uence$" 5 too& a great chance giving it to you"= <7e$* you did" And youve &ept the $ecret !ell* a$ 5 in$tructed" 5t i$ !ith great regret that 5 mu$t tell you there !ill be no payment*= the man $aid" .very one o% ,ria$ $en$e$ %lared to li%e" 2omething !a$ !rong here* very !rong" ,e$ide her* Mary $hi%ted her po$ition" ,ria could %eel the anger in her %riend$ $ti%% $houlder$ and clenched %i$t$" <No payment6= the !oman hu%%ed" <4e agreed on ten gold coin$"= 3er voice )uic&ly changed %rom one o% outrage to one o% calm certainty" <5 thin& youll pay up"= <And 5 thin& youre mi$ta&en"= +he man$ hand dropped ca$ually to the hilt o% hi$ $!ord" One o% the hor$e$ the $oldier held !hinnied and reared* and the man be%ore the old !oman turned $uddenly* $tepping into a beam o% moonlight" ,ria %ro9e a$ the gho$tly light !a$hed acro$$ hi$ %eature$" 5t couldnt be8 2he recoiled into the $a%ety o% the dar& bu$h* praying he hadnt $een her" 2hed hoped never to $ee him again" <Li$ten* Eenric* you cheap !orm* youll pay !hat you o!e"= +he old !oman dre! the man$ ga9e to her once again" Eenric8 >ear coiled around ,ria$ body* immobili9ing her" ,ria reached out %or Mary""" ,ut Mary !a$nt there" 3er %riend had bur$t through the cover o% the bu$he$ and onto the road" <No8 Mary8= ,ria !hi$pered %rantically" ,ut Mary moved %or!ard* obliviou$ to ,ria$ !arning* $tal&ing to!ard Eenric and 4ido! Ander$on" ,ria peered an(iou$ly through the bu$he$* but remained hidden* unable to $top her pounding heart* unable to $uppre$$ the %ear encompa$$ing her" 5t !a$ Eenric* her mind repeated" Eenric" A$ Mary $tomped to!ard the duo* Eenric$ eye$ $lo!ly turned and hi$ lip$ curled into a contemptuou$ $neer" >ear gripped ,ria$ in$ide$" >ear %or Mary* %ear %or the old !oman" >ear %or her$el%" 3er breathing came hard and %a$t a$ %right%ul image$ danced be%ore her mind$ eye" 3aunting memorie$ o% Eenric$ ugly blac& eye$ glinting do!n at her" >alling into a thorny patch o% bramble$" 4ic&ed laughter played over and over again in her ear$"

Deep in$ide* $he &ne! $he $hould do $omething" 2he &ne! $he $hould ta&e a $tand be$ide Mary* but $he couldnt" 2he couldnt %ace Eenric" 2he could only !atch in %ro9en terror a$ Mary approached Eenric* her tiny %i$t$ clenched at her $ide$" Eenric $urveyed the area around them* hi$ ga9e %la$hing pa$t ,ria$ hiding $pot and moving on" 3e turned bac& to Mary" <+hat i$ )uite enough8= Mary proclaimed" <7oull pay 4ido! Ander$on* or everyone !ill &no! you cheated her"= 3er threat hung in the air" <2hell get !hat$ due her*= Eenric %inally $aid" ,ria didnt li&e the $ound o% hi$ voice" Mary $eemed !ell plea$ed by hi$ verdict" 2he nodded and $miled !ith $ati$%action" 3ad Eenric changed a%ter $o many year$6 4a$ he going to do the right thing6 4ould he pay 4ido! Ander$on6 Eenric dre! hi$ $!ord and plunged it into 4ido! Ander$on$ $tomach" 2heer terror held ,ria immobile a$ 4ido! Ander$on$ mouth !ent round in a circle o% $hoc&" Eenric$ blac&* evil eye$ $hone in the moonlight" +hey !ere the mo$t terri%ying eye$ ,ria had ever $een" 3e $miled coldly a$ he pulled hi$ $!ord %rom the herbali$t$ body" 4ido! Ander$on crumpled to the ground li&e a $carecro! untied %rom it$ pole" ,ria $truggled to regain control o% her $en$e$" <Run* Mary* run8= $he $houted" A dar&* $hado!y pre$ence $!ept over her a$ Eenric turned in the direction o% her voice" 2he prayed $he !a$ hidden !ell enough in the bu$he$ $o he couldnt $ee her" 3e $tudied the area around her* hi$ dar& eye$ narro!ing a$ they tried to penetrate the dar&ne$$" 4ith a cry* Mary raced a!ay into the %ore$t on the oppo$ite $ide o% the road and )uic&ly di$appeared into the blac&ne$$ o% the thic& tree$* $!allo!ed up by the !ood$" +he $oldier gave cha$e" ,ria $hran& bac& into the cover o% the bu$he$" Eenric $till held hi$ bloodied $!ord* loo&ing in her direction" 3e too& a $tep to!ard her" 3e$ coming" 3e$ going to %ind me"

$idnight Shadow
Available No!

( +night of *onor Bonu# )review

( +night of *onor - )rologue
.ngland /F0
No one in her right mind !ould be !earing a bright vibrant $mile li&e the one that lit her mother$ lip$* not in a $ituation li&e thi$ one" 3o! could $he $mile in the %ace o% $uch un$pea&able horror6 +aylor !ondered %rantically" 3er o!n body $hoo& !ith %ear" 2he had to cla$p her $mall hand$ tightly in %ront o% her $o her mother !ouldnt $ee her %inger$ trembling !ith terror and mi$ery" +he blac& go!n her mother !ore contra$ted $harply !ith her pale alaba$ter $&in* ma&ing her %le$h loo& almo$t gho$tly !hite" 3er bro!n hair !a$ tied bac& tightly into a thic& braid that hung do!n the length o% her bac&* dangling to and %ro a$ $he !al&ed to!ard +aylor" Dangling li&e a rope" +aylor dropped her chin to her che$t* unable to loo& at her mother$ radiant %ace" <Oh* darling*= her mother murmured and reached %or +aylor$ hand$" <4hy $uch a $ad %ace6= 2uddenly unable to control her$el%* +aylor hurled her$el% to!ard her mother* %linging her arm$ around her mother$ $houlder$ and hugging her a$ tightly a$ $he could" 4ith a $tartled laugh* her mother returned the embrace" +aylor $)uee9ed her eye$ $hut again$t the tear$ that burned there" 3er mother $tro&ed her hair calmly* rea$$uringly" <Dont !orry*= $he !hi$pered" <3ell come %or me" 5 &no! he !ill"= +aylor pulled bac& to loo& into her mother$ blue eye$" +hey !ere gla9ed and had a %ara!ay* dreamy loo& to them" +he bli$$%ul $mile +aylor had $een on her mother$ lip$ !hen $he %ir$t $tepped into the room returned" <3e !ont let me burn*= $he !ent on* even a$ the re%lection$ o% the room$ candle$ dancing in her eye$ tortured +aylor !ith a vi$ion o% the terrible thing$ to come" 3er mother turned to the !indo!" 2he placed her palm$ on the cold $tone ledge o% the !indo!$ill and $tared out into the early morning $&y" <4e love each other %ar too much*= $he !hi$pered" <>ather6= +aylor !ondered* a !ea& hope in her )ue$tion" 3er mother laughed $o%tly" <No*= $he $aid" +aylor heard the door opening behind her and turned to $ee t!o guard$ $tanding in the door!ay" +o a child o% t!elve* the t!o burly men loo&ed li&e armor#plated giant$" +he light thre! deep $hado!$ acro$$ their %ace$* tran$%orming them into grue$ome ma$&$ that made +aylor thin& o% the ogre$ in the tale$ her mother had once told her" <5t$ time* mlady*= one o% the ogre$ called* hi$ voice gru%% and menacing to +aylor$ ear$" +aylor$ de$perate ga9e returned to her mother" 3er time !a$ running out" 2he had to $top thi$" <No8= +aylor cried out* %inally %inding the $trength in her voice" <+hey cant do thi$8= 2he grabbed her mother$ arm* pulling her deeper into the room" 3er mother touched her chee& $o%tly" <3ell come*= $he rea$$ured her and gently pried +aylor$ $mall %inger$ %rom her arm" +hen $he $tepped pa$t her daughter* moving out the door"

+aylor 2ullivan !ondered i% her mother had gone mad"

+aylor !atched her mother$ $traight* tall %orm and !i$hed that $he could %eel the con%idence her mother voiced" +hen the t!o brute$ $tepped in behind her mother* %orming a ma$$ive !all o% mu$cled %le$h and cold $teel" A $in&ing %eeling grabbed hold o% +aylor and pulled her deeper into de$pair" 2he %ollo!ed the proce$$ion into the hall!ay" +here !a$ only one chance" +here !a$ only one man !ho could $top thi$" +aylor turned a!ay and ran do!n an empty hall!ay* %ully a!are o% the blo$$oming $&y a$ the $un cha$ed the dar&ne$$ %rom the land* %ully a!are that the $un$ ray$ heralded her mother$ doom" 2he couldnt ma&e her $mall $lippered %eet move %a$t enough over the $tone$ o% the corridor" 3er $il& dre$$ !rapped around her leg$* inhibiting her hurried $tep$" >inally* $he halted be%ore a clo$ed door" 3er %ear ro$e li&e a tidal !ave to bathe her re$olve" ,ut li&e a brave &night* $he %ought do!n her dread and li%ted a hand to pu$h the door open" +he room !a$ dar& e(cept %or a lone candle on a de$&" +aylor too& a he$itant $tep %or!ard" 2he made out the $hado!ed %orm o% a man $itting behind the large de$&" +he man $lo!ly li%ted hi$ dar& eye$ to her a$ $he entered" +he !avering %lame o% the candle thre! $la$he$ o% reddi$h#orange light over hi$ %ace* ca$ting demonic $hado!$ acro$$ hi$ bro!" +aylor &ne! $he could not give up* de$pite every one o% her $en$e$ telling her to run* be$eeching her not to incur hi$ !rath" <-lea$e*= $he !hi$pered" <2ho! mercy"= +he man leaned bac& and hi$ eye$ di$appeared completely into the dar&ne$$" A%ter a long moment* he rubbed hi$ palm$ over hi$ eye$" <5 loved her* you &no!*= he murmured" <5 gave her everything" .verything $he ever !anted"= 3e $hoo& hi$ head* hi$ gray hair $!aying around hi$ $houlder$ !ith the movement" +aylor thought $he $a! a $par&ling in hi$ eye$ a$ he li%ted hi$ head to ga9e at the ceiling and $he !ondered i% they could be tear$" <+hi$ 5 cannot %orgive*= he groaned" <+here !ill be no mercy"= <-lea$e* >ather*= $he !hi$pered* barely able to contain the terror $he %elt" 3er %ather $uddenly loo&ed older than $he had ever $een him be%ore? the !rin&le$ on hi$ bro!* the line$ around hi$ mouth* all $eemed to dar&en and deepen" <+here i$ no $uch thing a$ true love*= he murmured" <Remember that* daughter"= <,ut Mother '= +aylor managed in a !himper" 3e ro$e and moved to the !indo!* !here the $un !a$ :u$t beginning to peer over the hori9on" +he morning$ light $pla$hed him in a blood red !ave" A $udden bree9e %rom the !indo! li%ted hi$ cape about hi$ $houlder$ and the cloth %luttered behind him* ma&ing it loo& a$ i% he had $uddenly $prouted !ing$" <4ill burn in a %e! minute$ time*= he $aid %latly" +aylor reared bac&" 3e !a$ $o cold" 2o uncaring" 3o! could he $ay he loved her mother one moment and then $entence her to death the ne(t6 2he $traightened her bac& and glared at him* trying de$perately to &eep the pain %rom $ho!ing on her %ace" 2he had %ailed" 2he had not been able to change her %ather$ mind" 5n the di$tance* $he heard the drum$ and their %oreboding rhythm begin" 2he had to hurry" 5t !a$ $tarting" 2he $tarted %or the door* but hi$ voice thundered acro$$ the room" <7ou !ill remain !ith me*= he commanded" <No*= +aylor ga$ped" 2he had to $ay goodbye to her mother" <7ou !ill $tand at my $ide and learn !hat in%idelity lead$ to"= +aylor %elt her in$ide$ t!i$t" 3er blood pounded in her ear$* dro!ning out the drum roll" <-lea$e* >ather*= $he begged" <7ou !ill $tay*= he told her in a voice that could not be di$obeyed"

>or a long moment* a $trange hu$h blan&eted the ca$tle" And +aylor$ heart" 2he thought o% di$obeying her %ather and racing out o% the room to be !ith her mother* but never in her t!elve year$ o% li%e had $he de%ied him" 7ear$ o% $trict di$cipline prevented her %rom doing it no!" 2he $ilently begged ;od to $pare her mother" 2he prayed that her mother !a$ right* that <he= !ould come %or her" 2he de$perately !anted to believe !hat her mother believed" 2he de$perately !anted a &night in $hining armor to race to her mother$ re$cue and $natch her %rom the %lame$ to !hich her %ather had condemned her" 3er mother$ !ord$ rang through her mind* $He wont let me burn. 3ope ignited in +aylor$ brea$t" 3er mother had $o much con%idence" Could $he be right6 4ould he $ave her6 +aylor raced to the !indo!* to her %ather$ $ide" ,ut her %rantic ga9e !a$nt on the courtyard* !here the horror o% her mother$ e(ecution !a$ being played out" 3er eye$ $earched the lo!ered dra!bridge and the road beyond %or the &night" +he &night o% honor !ho !ould re$cue her mother" ,ut the road and dra!bridge !ere empty" 2ilent" $1e love each other far too much, her mother had $aid" +aylor glanced e(pectantly at the empty road* !aiting %or her mother$ re$cuer" And !aiting" 3er %ather$ con%e$$ion echoed in her mind* $& loved her. And !aiting" $"here is no such thing as true love. 2uddenly* +aylor under$tood her %ather$ !ord$" And !ith the comprehen$ion came a chilling reali9ation" +here !ould be no re$cue" 3er mother !ould burn" A panic %illed +aylor $o completely $he trembled helple$$ly" A$ blac& $mo&e and dar& orange %lame$ $piraled up to meet the da!ning light$ ray$* a $cream rent the $ilence" 2uddenly a triumphant bur$t o% %lame$ $prang high into the da!n $&y* it$ hungry tongue$ lic&ing the %ading night" +o a terri%ied child* it !a$ the %ace o% death" +aylor %ell to her &nee$* burying her %ace in her hand$* her o!n agoni9ed cry replacing her mother$ $uddenly $ilent one"

AAA
1ared Mantle cur$ed" 4hat !a$ .ngland coming to i% it allo!ed a %ine !oman $uch a$ Lady Diana to be put to the %lame6 Diana !a$ one o% the mo$t compa$$ionate !omen 1ared had ever &no!n" 7ear$ ago* $he %ound him beaten and near death at the $ide o% the road" 2he too& him to 2ullivan Ca$tle and nur$ed him bac& to health" +hen $he a$&ed lord 2ullivan to retain hi$ $ervice$" 5t had ta&en ten long year$ o% hard !or& a%ter that* but 1ared %inally reached the ran& o% captain" 3e had trained mo$t o% the men that no! &ept the ca$tle $ecure" >e! o% them* i% any* could be$t him in combat" No!* a%ter %i%teen year$ o% loyalty and devotion* 1ared %ound him$el% bac& !here he had begun" Alone" 3e rubbed hi$ $hort beard" Oh* he !a$ certain 2ullivan !ould &eep him on* but he could not $tay !here they !ould burn a &ind* generou$ !oman" 1ared $hoo& hi$ head $adly" ,e$ide$* it !a$ time he $ought hi$ %ortune be%ore he could not li%t a $!ord" 3e $trapped on hi$ belt and hi$ $cabbard* and he glanced one la$t time about the room" 3e poc&eted the mea$ly coin$ he had $aved in hi$ $ervice to the 2ullivan$ and headed %or the door* $tepping out$ide into the night" +he moon !a$ a mere $lit in the dar& $&y* a narro!ed eye !atching hi$ departure" 3e moved deeper into the courtyard"

2uddenly* 1ared ten$ed" 5n$tinctively* he &ne! $omeone !a$ there" 3e pulled bac& into the dar&ne$$ and !atched !ith curiou$ eye$ a$ a $ilhouetted %igure $nuc& into the empty courtyard" 3uddled and tentatively !atch%ul* the %igure moved $!i%tly %rom $hado! to $hado! to the outer gate$" 1ared$ eye$ narro!ed and he moved $ilently acro$$ the yard* hi$ large $tride$ ta&ing him to the %igure* !ho$e bac& !a$ to him" <Late %or an evening $troll*= 1ared $aid )uietly" +he %igure !hirled to $tare at him" ;reen eye$ %la$hed de%iantly up at him" +he girl $!ung her clenched hand behind her bac&* concealing $omething in her %i$t" 2urpri$e :arred him a$ he $tared do!n at the girl" .ven !ith her %ace concealed beneath a velvet hood* he &ne! her in$tantly" Diana$ daughter" 4hat !ould a young girl be doing out thi$ late6 he !ondered to him$el%" And !ithout a chaperone" <Dont try to $top me8= $he $napped" >or the %ir$t time* 1ared noticed the $ac& $lung over her $houlder" 2he $tarted to turn a!ay %rom him* but he caught her !ri$t* pulling her hand out o% the $hado!$" +he ring on her %inger $hone in the night$ blue light" +!o cro$$ed $!ord$ !ith a large 2 in the middle !ere etched into it$ $ur%ace" 3e rai$ed hi$ eye$ to her$" 3ad the girl $tolen the ring6 +aylor rai$ed her chin and her eye$ narro!ed" <5t !a$ my mother$*= $he $aid imperiou$ly" 3e glo!ered at her %or a long moment" <Running a!ay6= he a$&ed" <Leaving*= $he in$i$ted" <4ith no one to !atch over you6 No guard$6= <5 dont need a guard8= 3e pondered her !ord$" 3e could $ee trace$ o% her mother in every one o% her $tubborn movement$* the !orry beneath the de%iance in her eye$* the re$olution that $et her $houlder$" 2he !a$ $o young" 2o young and $o ine(perienced" 3e glanced at the gate$" +he !orld out$ide !ould eat her alive" <4here are you headed6= he a$&ed her" +aylor pau$ed %or a long moment" 2he glanced at the !ooden gate* then up at the !al&!ay$ $urrounding the ca$tle a$ i% they held the an$!er" <+o London*= $he %inally replied" 3e grunted $o%tly" 2he had no idea !hat $he !a$ getting her$el% into* !hat &ind o% people !aited to ta&e advantage o% a t!elve#year#old#girl" Mo$t li&ely $he !ould end up a pro$titute" Or dead on the $ide o% the road !ithout her rich velvet cloa&" 3e brie%ly !ondered i% $he had even thought to pac& any %ood" 3e glanced at her out o% the corner o% hi$ eye" 4ell* 5 o!e my lady that much* he thought to him$el%" <+hat$ !here 5m heading*= he $aid" <Can you u$e the company6=

( +night of *onor - Chapter One

.ight 7ear$ Later

2lane Donovan di$mounted in %ront o% a $mall $hop and tethered hi$ blac& !arhor$e to a
nearby tree" 4oodland 3ill$ !a$ a $imple to!n" +here !a$ only one $hop to buy $upplie$ in and thi$ !a$ it" +he $ign hanging %rom a !eather#!orn !ooden pole :utting out %rom the building$ thatched roo% crea&ed a$ it $!ayed in the ea$y bree9e" 3e glanced up at the charred !ord$ burned into the !ood"

2enjamins 3oods. A pric&ling at the bac& o% hi$ nec& cau$ed him to loo& a!ay %rom the $ign to!ard the $hop$ open door" A $mall girl $tood in the door!ay* !atching him !ith large bro!n eye$" 2lane grinned and patted her head a$ he entered the $hop" +he interior !a$ dar& e(cept %or the area lit by the %laming hearth burning to hi$ le%t and the entrance!ay lit by the $un behind him" A%ter hi$ eye$ ad:u$ted to the gloom* 2lane noticed a man $!eeping the %loor near the rear o% the $hop" 4hen he heard 2lane enter* the man $topped hi$ !or& and loo&ed up* clutching the broom handle !ith both hand$" <;ood day* $ir*= he greeted" <4hat can 5 do %or you6= <7ou mu$t be ,en:amin"= ,en:amin nodded" <+hat 5 am" Are you needing $upplie$6= 2lane glanced around at the variou$ table$ that %illed the room" -ile$ o% dull#edged dagger$* ru$ted &nive$* mace$ !ith chipped handle$* and numerou$ other !eapon$ %illed $everal tabletop$" Other table$ held coo&ing uten$il$ or %arming tool$" 2helve$ lining the !all held %ood$tu%%$ o% all &ind$* dirt#ca&ed vegetable$* trencher$* a %e! $trip$ o% $alted meat" <5 :u$t need $ome in%ormation*= 2lane $aid" ,en:amin began $!eeping again" <Nothing come$ cheap the$e day$* $ir"= 2lane $ighed and pulled out a gold piece %rom the pouch at hi$ !ai$t" <5m loo&ing %or a ring*= he $aid" <+!o $!ord$ cro$$ed* and an 2 on it"= +he man$ eye$ lit up at the $ight o% the coin" 3e reached %or it* but 2lane pulled it bac&" <3ave you $een it6= <7e$*= ,en:amin $aid eagerly" <Not t!o day$ ago" A !oman !ore it"= <Did you $ee !hich !ay the !oman !ent6= 2lane a$&ed" <2he rode o%% to the !e$t" Near a$ 5 can gue$$* $he !a$ heading to!ard >ulton"= 2lane nodded and handed the man the coin" ,en:amin greedily $natched it %rom 2lane$ %inger$" >ulton" +hat !a$ only a day$ ride" 3e turned and moved to the door!ay" 3e caught the $mall girl $taring at him and her eye$ !ent !ide be%ore $he )uic&ly pulled bac& out o% the door!ay" 2lane grinned" 3e $trolled out the door and moved to!ard hi$ hor$e" +he $o%t tread o% a child$ %oot$tep$ %ollo!ed him" <Did $he do $omething bad6= +he girl$ $mall voice cau$ed 2lane to turn" <No*= he told her" <+hen ho! come you !ant to %ind her6= $he a$&ed" 2lane $miled and &nelt do!n to the child$ level" 3er eye$ !ere large and bro!n and innocent" <5m loo&ing %or the ring"= <Oh"= 2lane ru%%led her hair and turned bac& to hi$ hor$e" 3e $!ung him$el% up into the $addle" <Li&e tho$e other men thi$ morning6= 2lane %ro9e" <4hat other men6= <2ome other men !ere a$&ing about the ring and the lady thi$ morning*= $he $aid" <One o% them !a$ real mean* the one !ith the hair on hi$ lip" 5 didnt li&e him"= <Corydon*= 2lane hi$$ed* $taring o%% do!n the road" 4hen Corydon had !on land$ that bordered Donovan and 2ullivan land$ %ive year$ ago* 2lane him$el% had approached him in peace* $ee&ing to $ecure %riend$hip !ith hi$ neighbor" ,ut Corydon had $co%%ed at hi$ e%%ort$ and attac&ed hi$ party" +!o good men had been &illed that day" 2lane could $till hear Corydon$ laughter burning in hi$ ear$"

And no! Corydon had actively begun to accumulate an army o% men" .nough men to lay $iege to a ca$tle" 2lane &ne! he had preciou$ little time to complete hi$ mi$$ion" Corydon$ appetite %or ne! land$ !a$ in$atiable" 2lane returned hi$ ga9e to the $mall girl" 2he couldnt have been more than %our* but $he !a$ obviou$ly $mart beyond her year$" 3e be$to!ed on her one o% hi$ mo$t beguiling $mile$" <+han& you* mlady*= he $aid" <7ouve been very help%ul"= 2he put her $mall hand$ to her mouth and giggled" 2lane $purred hi$ hor$e and the large animal %ell into a trot and then a %ull#out gallop" 4ith Corydon $o clo$e* he &ne! there !a$ no more time to !a$te" 3e needed help" 3e needed e(perienced trac&er$"

AAA
+he arm $lammed heavily do!n upon the table" Cheer$ bro&e out around the room* echoed by groan$ and %inally* !hat +aylor li&ed to hear the mo$t* coin$ clin&ing together" 2he !atched 1ared ri$e %rom the table* a victory $mile on hi$ bearded %ace" 3i$ brigandine armor $hi%ted !ith hi$ movement* the leather $hining dully in the %ire o% the hearth a$ he reached hi$ %ull height" +aylor loo&ed at the %ire %or a moment* at the $na&ing* !hipping %lame$* then $he )uic&ly turned a!ay" 1ared$ opponent in the arm !re$tling match* a taller and heavier man* ro$e %rom hi$ $eat rubbing hi$ arm" +aylor %ro9e %or an in$tant* her hand moving incon$picuou$ly to the hilt o% her $!ord* but !hen $he $a! the de%eated man$ $houlder$ $lump $lightly and hi$ head hang $he too& her %inger$ a!ay %rom her !eapon" A $mile curved the corner o% her lip$" 3e !ould be no trouble" +here had been many a time !hen $he and 1ared had to leave an inn %ighting" Mo$t men !ere not ea$ily parted %rom their hard#earned coin" 1ared cla$ped a %e! arm$ and $lapped a %e! bac&$" Mo$t o% the gambling men %ound it di$ta$te%ul to give up their coin to a !oman* and 1ared !a$ bu$y $pea&ing !ith the patron$ and hi$ opponent* $o +aylor and 1ared had %ound it be$t to employ a man to collect their !inning$" +aylor leaned again$t a !all at the rear o% the tavern* $canning the room %or the $hady little creature" 2he had %ound it be$t to remain di$creetly $eparate %rom the patron$* &eeping an eye on 1ared$ bac&" 2he $potted 5r!in $lithering %rom per$on to per$on in the dar& room* collecting the coin$ that glinted in the torchlight !hen they %ell into hi$ open palm" +he !ay he held hi$ hand$ curled into hi$ che$t* the !ay he $curried* reminded her o% a rat" Eeeping her ga9e on him* $he reached do!n to the table be%ore her and grabbed her ale" 5r!in held out hi$ hand to the ne(t man* !ho depo$ited t!o coin$ into hi$ open palm !ith a grimace and moved a!ay" +aylor li%ted the mug to her lip$* but pau$ed a$ $he !atched 5r!in$ eye$ $hi%t le%t and then right" 2he &ne! !hat he !a$ going to do even be%ore hi$ $mall hand dipped into hi$ poc&et and came up empty" 3er green eye$ narro!ed and $he thre! bac& her head to drain the mug o% ale" ,y the time 5r!in %inally $curried up to her* +aylor !a$ on her $econd ale" A grin $pread acro$$ hi$ rodent#li&e %ace a$ he produced the coin#%illed pouch* chuc&ling glee%ully* <4e emptied their poc&et$8= 3e dropped it onto the table and the coin$ clan&ed heavily a$ they hit the !ooden $ur%ace" +aylor $cooped up the pouch" 2he !eighed it in her hand %or a moment and !a$ grati%ied to $ee 5r!in$ $mile $lip a notch" 2he tied the $tring$ around her belt* !atching him" <Nice doing bu$ine$$ !ith you* 5r!in*= $he $aid and too& a $tep pa$t him"

5r!in moved to bloc& her path" 3er ga9e $lo!ly $hi%ted to him" <My payment*= he !hined" 3e e(tended hi$ hand* palm up" <7ou &no!* 5r!in* a$ 5 $ee it* you have t!o choice$" 7ou can try to get your payment %rom 1ared* but he$ a $mart man and all he !ould have to do i$ loo& in your eye$ to $ee ho! you cheated him"= 2he !atched 5r!in$ %ace turn %rom gray to !hite" ,ut he recovered )uic&ly" <Cheated him6 5 am a man o% moral$" 5 !ould never '= <5 $a! you* 5r!in"= 3e $puttered %or a moment* hi$ hand$ t!itching nervou$ly" <5t !a$ a mi$ta&e* a mi$under$tanding8= +aylor nodded" <5 &no!" And 5 $ympathi9e !ith you" ,ut 5m a%raid that 1ared i$ not the %orgiving type" Do you &no! !hat he did to the la$t man he caught !ith hi$ hand in our moneybag6= 5r!in $hoo& hi$ head* hi$ blac& eye$ !ide* an(iou$ly a!aiting the an$!er" <3e %ollo!ed him out into an alley and ## !ell* the poor $oul !a$ never $een again" My gue$$ i$ rat %ood"= <Rat %ood6= 5r!in echoed" +aylor nodded" <Not the %orgiving type"= <7ou ## you $aid 5 had t!o choice$"= <4ell* ye$" 7ou can ta&e !hat you have""" and di$appear"= 5r!in did not move %or a long moment" +aylor !a$ $ure that $he $a! hi$ little no$e t!itch" <,ut"""= he %inally prote$ted !ea&ly" +aylor held up a %inger* halting hi$ ob:ection" <Rat %ood*= $he reminded him" 5r!in $hu%%led hi$ %eet" <5 $ee your point"= <And ne(t time*= +aylor murmured* leaning to!ard 5r!in* <be $ure that no one i$ loo&ing !hen you $teal"= <2ully8= 1ared called" +aylor turned to $ee 1ared ma&ing hi$ !ay through the cro!d o% !ell#!i$her$" 3e $tood a %oot above her* hi$ bald head $hining in the torch light" <+he ale i$ on me tonight8= he called out to her" +aylor nodded" <5 thought a$ much" 5r!in hereC< +aylor turned to 5r!in* only to %ind him gone" A $mile lit her %ace" <+hey dont li&e to get caught"= <;od$ right hand8 Another one6= 1ared roared" <;ood help i$ hard to %ind the$e day$" 3o! much did he ta&e6= <Not enough to ma&e a dent in the pro%it$ you brought in"= +aylor he%ted the bag in her palm" <5t loo&$ a$ though !ell $leep in a bed tonight8= 1ared dropped hi$ head* $eriou$ne$$ !a$hing over him" 3e too& +aylor$ arm and $teered her to a private corner o% the common room" <4e cant &eep on li&e thi$* 2ully*= he murmured" <4e have to %ind !or&" A %e! coin$ %rom !agering !ont $ee u$ pa$t a night"= <7ou !orry too much* my %riend" 5m $ure the morning !ill bring better luc& and a paying %are" 1u$t !atch"= 2he turned to move bac& into the cro!d* but 1ared caught her arm" <5% nothing come$ on the morro!* !e move north" Agreed6= +aylor $ighed" 2he didnt !ant to go north in $earch o% employment" 5t !a$ too clo$e" +oo clo$e to !hat $he had been avoiding all the$e year$" 2he clenched her teeth and pu$hed a!ay the unplea$ant memorie$ that threatened to ta&e hold o% her $en$e$" 1ared $hoo& her arm" <Agreed6=

+aylor pulled %ree o% hi$ grip" <Agreed*= $he reluctantly a$$ented* then turned and barreled through the ro!dy patron$ and out into the night air" North" 2he glanced up at the $tar$ and $uddenly their gli$tening brilliance $himmered* tran$porting her bac& in time" >lame$ roared be%ore her eye$" A horrible $cream %illed her ear$" 2he )uic&ly $hoo& her head and marched around a corner" 2he pau$ed to ta&e a deep drin& o% ale" 5t $lid over her tongue and do!n her throat* !a$hing a!ay the memorie$" <5t$ dangerou$ %or a !oman to !al& the$e $treet$ alone*= a voice called out" +aylor groaned* immediately recogni9ing the voice" B$ually !hen $he told the vermin to $tay a!ay* they did" ,ut it loo&ed a$ i% 5r!in !a$nt a$ bright a$ the re$t" <5r!in*= +aylor murmured and $pun" <5 told you to ta&e !hat you have '= 3er voice %aded" +he %irelight $hining through the tavern !indo! illuminated three men $tanding in the alley be%ore herG 5r!in and t!o burly other$" 2o* +aylor thought* our little rat ha$ %riend$" 2he leaned again$t a crate that lined the dar& road" <5m not $ati$%ied !ith the payment 5 received*= 5r!in $aid" <5 could have gue$$ed*= +aylor murmured* li%ting the mug to her lip$" <And no! 5 !ant it all"= +aylor $!allo!ed the ale in a $urpri$ed gulp" <All6 Arent !e getting a little greedy* 5r!in6= 3e $hrugged hi$ $cra!ny $houlder$" <5% 5 have to get my %air payment thi$ !ay* 5 might a$ !ell ta&e it all"= +aylor dropped her chin to her che$t* $ighing" <5 $uppo$e 5 cant tal& you out o% thi$"= -art o% her didnt !ant to" 3er hand$ itched %or a little $!ordplay" <Oh* your tongue i$ !itty* but youll need more than that to change my mind"= +aylor $et her mug do!n on the crate* care%ul not to $pill it$ content$" +hen $he $traightened up and %aced 5r!in" <All right"= 5r!in$ beady blac& eye$ !idened" <7ou !ill give u$ the bag6= +aylor chuc&led in di$belie%" <Not a chance* 5r!in*= $he $aid" <5% you !ant the bag* youre going to have to ta&e it"= 5r!in$ companion$ laughed la$civiou$ly" +he hal% moon that lit the $&y ca$t a blui$h glo! over the alley* allo!ing +aylor to $ee her opponent$ a$ they approached" +hey !ere both big men dre$$ed in $oiled breeche$ and ragged tunic$ ## one !ith a long* dar&* un&empt beard that reached almo$t do!n to hi$ $tomach* the other mi$$ing t!o teeth" +hey moved $lo!ly and laboriou$ly" +aylor !a$ certain that their bul& !ould be more hindrance than help in their actual %ighting" <;et her*= 5r!in ground out bet!een hi$ teeth" <+$&#t$&* 5r!in*= +aylor admoni$hed" <7oure not the one doing the dirty !or&" ;ive them a moment to thin&" 3ere* gentlemen" Let me ma&e thi$ ea$y on you" One o% you go to my right* the other to my le%t" +ry to $urround me"= +he t!o men ca$t $peculative glance$ at each other be%ore doing !hat +aylor told them" <4hat an ingeniou$ plot8= +aylor laughed" 2he continued to %ace 5r!in* &eeping the t!o men in her peripheral vi$ion" 2uddenly* the men acted" +he one !ith the beard ru$hed her %rom her right !hile the other man charged %rom her le%t" +aylor %einted bac& and then $tepped %or!ard" +he t!o men &noc&ed $houlder$* the man !ithout the teeth %alling onto hi$ buttoc&$" +aylor !hirled in time to $ee the man !ith the beard $tomping to!ard her" 2he heard a movement behind her and brought her elbo! bac& $harply into 5r!in$ rib$* then danced t!o $tep$ out o% the bearded man$ path"

<5% thi$ i$ the be$t youve got* you might a$ !ell leave no!*= $he $co%%ed" 2he $tood t!o $tep$ %rom the !all* able to $ee all the men" +he man !ith t!o mi$$ing teeth climbed to hi$ %eet" 5r!in $tood be$ide the bearded man* hi$ arm !rapped around hi$ $tomach" +he man !ith t!o mi$$ing teeth dre! a $mall dagger" All the amu$ement +aylor %elt up until no! di$appeared" 4hen !eapon$ !ere dra!n* it !a$ no longer a game" No!* it !a$ a %ight %or her li%e" 2he ea$ed her $!ord %rom it$ $heath" +he men halted %or a long moment" <2he$ a !oman8 2he doe$nt &no! ho! to u$e it*= 5r!in rea$$ured the men" <5t$ :u$t %or $ho!"= <+hen you come and get it* 5r!in*= +aylor invited" <5ll put on a $ho! %or you"= 5r!in $!allo!ed hard" <+hi$ i$ !hat 5m paying you %or*= he $aid to the men" <+here are t!o o% you""" and one o% her"= +he man !ith the mi$$ing teeth came %or!ard* rage in hi$ dar& eye$" 2he had $omeho! in$ulted him and hi$ anger !a$ burning" 3e !ould %ight irrationally" .very in$tinct told her to %ight her !ay %ree and %lee" ,ut pain%ul memorie$ $till lingered li&e a glo!ing ember in$ide her" 2he needed to bury them again" 2he needed a %ight" +he gap#toothed man approached $teadily" +aylor did not move bac& until he la$hed out at her" 2he duc&ed and !hirled a!ay* but he %ollo!ed her* dogging her $tep$" 2he caught one o% hi$ $!ing$ !ith her $!ord* and the dagger bounced harmle$$ly o%% her blade" 3e &ept at her* and $he moved care%ully !ithin the $mall $pace o% the alley* biding her time" >inally* he %ooli$hly !aved hi$ !eapon by her %ace and $he too& advantage o% the moment" 2he reared her head bac& %rom the $harp edge o% the dagger a$ it $!ept :u$t beneath her chinCand thru$t %or!ard !ith her blade at the $ame time" 2he had meant to !ound him enough to $care him* but the idiot $tepped into her $!ing" +he $!ord hit %le$h and %or a moment everything %ro9e" +he gap#toothed man$ dar& eye$ !ent round !ith $urpri$e? hi$ mouth !ent $lac& !ith $hoc&" 3i$ dagger $lipped %rom hi$ %inger$ and it clattered again$t the ground" +aylor pulled her $!ord %rom hi$ tor$o and turned" +he %i$t that $lammed into her %ace $ent her reeling to the ground8 3er head $pun %iercely %or a moment and her chee& throbbed !ith a pul$ing* biting pain" A &ic& to her $ide $pun her over onto her bac&" 2he lay !ith her eye$ open* ga$ping %or a breath* un$ure !hether the !hite blotche$ that %lared be%ore her eye$ !ere $tar$ in the night $&y or patche$ o% pain clouding her vi$ion" A dar&* t!i$ted %ace $uddenly appeared above her* a %ace covered !ith dirty hair and pic&ed# at $cab$" 2he %elt hand$ $ha&ing her $houlder$" 2he $a! lip$ moving and heard unintelligible $ound$" +hen t!o $avage punche$ &noc&ed her head bac& and thi$ time $he &ne! the %la$he$ o% !hite %illing her vi$ion didnt come %rom the heaven$ above" 2he lay $till %or a long moment* her chee& pre$$ing again$t the du$t and dirt o% the road" 2lo!ly* the $tar$ $!imming be%ore her eye$ %aded and the !orld came bac& into %ocu$" 2he $a! a $pla$h o% moonlight !a$hing over her mug* !hich had overturned in the battle" 3er eye$ %ollo!ed the thin $tream o% ale a$ it dripped do!n to the puddle belo!" +he bearded man$ !ord$ cut through her %oggine$$" <3ad enough6= <7ou $pilled my ale*= +aylor groaned" 2he !a$ re!arded !ith a brutal &ic& to her abdomen" A$ $he li%ted a limp hand to !ard o%% any more blo!$* $he heard laughter" <7ou !ere right*= 5r!in !hi$pered in her ear" <+hat !a$ a good $ho!"= +heir $hrill laughter %aded into the di$tance"

+aylor lay in the road %or a long time* !atching the gro!ing pool o% ale on the ground* !i$hing the pounding in her head !ould $top" 2he ta$ted blood in her mouth? her tongue traced a ga$h on her lip" 2he %orced her$el% onto her bac& and li%ted a hand to her throbbing le%t chee&" 2he &ne! it !ould $!ell and brui$e be%ore the morning" 2he clo$ed her eye$* ta&ing $toc& o% her in:urie$" 2tomach* $ide* but mo$tly her %ace" 3er le%t chee& !a$ by %ar the !or$t" +he right chee& $tung* but the ache !a$ no!here near a$ inten$e a$ the biting pain on the le%t $ide" Already $he %elt pu%%ine$$ ringing her le%t eye" At lea$t $he didnt thin& anything !a$ bro&en" 3er head pounded $avagely behind her eye$ and $he rubbed her %orehead !ith the tip$ o% her %inger$* un$ucce$$%ully !illing the pain to go a!ay" 2he opened her eye$ to contemplate the heaven$ and the ;od that had delivered her to $uch a %ate" +hat !a$ !hen $he noticed that her ring !a$ gone8 3er mother$ ring8 +hey had pried it %rom her %inger$8 2he tried to pu$h her$el% up o%% the ground* but didnt ma&e it pa$t her hand$ and &nee$" <Damn it*= $he !hi$pered* groaning a$ pain $hot through every mu$cle in her body" 2he !a$ in no condition to pur$ue the thieve$* but $he vo!ed $he !ould have the ring bac&" 4hatever it too&" 2he )uic&ly $canned the alley* hoping they hadnt ta&en everything" +he man !ith the mi$$ing teeth lay $pra!led not %ive %eet %rom her" 3er ga9e $hot pa$t him* pa$t her $pilled ale* up the alley" 4here !a$ her $!ord6 5t !a$nt !hat they had been a%ter" 3ad they ta&en it to $ell it6 2he $potted her blade lying in the $hado!$ again$t the !all o% the tavern and breathed a $igh o% relie%" +he $udden clattering o% hoove$ made her %ree9e" 2he cra!led into the $hado!$ o% the tavern* hoping that !homever it !a$ !ould not loo& into thi$ dirty alley ## and that it !a$nt $ome !retched ;od#loving &night !ith a penchant %or doing good" 2he !a$ in enough trouble in plenty o% to!n$ a$ it !a$" +he hor$e$ continued pa$t the alley !ithout $topping" +aylor ea$ed out o% the $hado!$ and too& another loo& at the body only a %e! %eet %rom her" +he toothle$$ man !a$ de%initely dead* hi$ che$t $till and li%ele$$" Not the %ir$t man $he had &illed* and probably not the la$t" Bnle$$* o% cour$e* $he !a$ caught here !ith hi$ blood on her blade" +he dripping o% her tric&ling ale caught her attention and $he turned her head" 3er mug re$ted on it$ $ide on the crate be$ide her" 2he reached up and grabbed it* then cra!led over to her $!ord and too& hold o% it !ith trembling %inger$" Eneeling* $he re$heathed the !eapon* ta&ing %our trie$ to get it bac& into it$ $cabbard" 2he pulled her$el% to her %eet* u$ing the !all a$ $upport" Mu$tering a$ much determination a$ $he could* $he !illed the pain a!ay and $traightened only enough to !al& to!ard the tavern" .ach $tep !a$ agony? each %oot%all pounded through her entire body" >inally* the open door!ay o% the tavern loomed be%ore her" 2he $tepped into the entry!ay and halted* leaning heavily again$t the !ooden %rame and clo$ing her eye$ again$t the throbbing pain that pierced every mu$cle in her body" <2ully8= 4hen +aylor opened her eye$* $he $a! 1ared $itting acro$$ the room bet!een t!o bu(om $erving !enche$" 3e :umped up and ru$hed to her $ide" Relie% !a$hed over her $o completely her $houlder$ $agged and her entire body $tarted to go limp" +aylor rai$ed the empty mug" <5 need a re%ill*= $he grunted be%ore collap$ing into 1ared$ arm$"

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,elo! you !ill %ind the cover$ %or all o% the boo&$ !ritten by Laurel ODonnell that are currently available" +he Angel and the -rince Champion o% the 3eart A Enight o% 3onor Midnight 2hado! +he Lady and the >alconer 5mmortal Death Lo$t 2oul$G Re$urrection # .pi$ode +he ,ride and the ,rute

$ore a.out the (uthor

aurel O!"onnell ha$ !on numerou$ a!ard$ %or her !or&$* including the 3olt Medallion %or ( +night of *onor* the 3appily .ver A%ter conte$t %or The (ngel!# (##a##in* and the 5ndiana$ ;olden Opportunity conte$t %or ,&&ortal "eath" The (ngel and the )rin'e !a$ nominated by the Romance 4riter$ o% America %or their pre$tigiou$ ;olden 3eart a!ard" 7ou can read more about Laurel and her boo&$ on the variou$ $ite$ li$ted belo!" 7ou can %ind more $ample chapter$* revie!$* video trailer$ and much moreG 4eb$iteG !!!"laurel#odonnell"com >aceboo&G !!!"%aceboo&"comLpage$LLaurel#ODonnellL H00KM// K H2N +!itterG t!itter"comLlaurelodonnell ;oodread$G !!!"goodread$"comLlaurel#odonnell 4attpadG !attpad"comLlaurelodonnell +han&$ %or reading8