Johanna Lindsey Viking Family Tree 02 Hearts Aflame

[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]

was called away to refill some ale horns. "You might as well go on to bed, so you can have
an early start on the morrow. Lady Darrelle has herself requested more of your nut bread.
She thinks 'tis a recipe I have kept to myself all these years."
"And of course you let her think so."
"Of course." Eda chuckled. "And what were you and Edrea bending heads about?"
"She likes one of the prisoners."
This brought a sharply raised brow. "I hope you told her naught could come of that."
"And why not? They are men, just as Royce is. Surely he is not so cruel that he will not
eventually supply them with women to satisfy their natural needs. Otherwise frustrations will
ferment. Trouble will follow. 'Tis only sensible "
"God save us!" Eda cut her short in amazement. "First you bring them food. Now you want to
bring them whores. Get you to bed, wench, before you get the idea next that they should be
allowed to marry and settle here."
"Now that you mention it . . ."
Kristen rushed away before Eda could have the last word. She carried a grin on her lips until
she reached the top of the stairs. Then teasing Eda was forgotten as she spied the door
down at the end of the corridor. She sighed, making her way slowly toward it, wondering
how long she would have before Royce came up to join her.
She had not even half a minute. He must have left the hall the moment she did. She was
standing by the table, her back to the door. She had meant to strip off her clothes and make
use of the water there. She had not even untied her girdle when the door opened.
"What happened with the prisoners, Kristen?"
She swung around, aqua eyes wide as she looked at Alden, not Royce. It took her a
moment to adjust to this surprise; then she glanced toward the weapons on the wall.
"Nay," he said, reading her mind. "Hear what I have to say first before you try to slit my throat
again. I know my cousin. When he is angry, he shouts, he blusters, he knocks heads
together. When he is furious, he is deadly calm, and God help the unfortunate soul who
shatters that calm. He is furious now. What happened to cause it?"
him?"
"Why do you not ask
"Ask him?" Alden shuddered, and Kristen wondered whether it was feigned or real. "When
he is like this, I do not want to be anywhere near him."
"And I do not want to be near you, Saxon. You need not fear I will attack you. I gave my word
to your cousin that as long as your King is here, I will stay away from you."
A half smile formed on his lips. "You mean 'tis actually safe for me to get close to you?"
"I would not suggest it," she returned darkly.
"Will you at least tell me what happened? Mayhap I can then know how to temper some of
his fury."
She shrugged offhandedly, yet her words belied her indifference. "He behaved like a
brainless fool. He came in among the prisoners to take me from their quarters." Her voice
began to rise, her irritation returning. "Thorolf detained me, but instead of Royce seeing the
wisdom of leaving then, for I would have too if he did, he came in to get me. 'Twas the most
stupid, arrogant thing he could have done. 'Twas just what they hoped he would do!"
"And yet naught happened."
Kristen's expression mirrored her disgust. "That is not the point. He turned it around so he
their
had the upper hand. He could just as easily have found himself at mercy."
"And that displeases you?"
She glared at him. "I told you what you wanted to know. Now leave me."
He nodded, but before he turned to go, he added, "A word of warning, wench. Do not say to
him what you have said to me. I do not think he will tolerate being called a brainless fool at
this time."
He opened the door to leave, and there stood Royce. Alden groaned inwardly, offering a
silent prayer that Royce had not heard anything that was said. Kristen schooled her own
features, seeing that Alden had been right. Royce looked calm enough on the outside, but
that was only at first glance. A closer look revealed the tight set of his lips, the dangerous
gleam in his eyes.
"What do you here, Cousin?"
Alden said in jest, "Helping the wench prepare for the siege."
Royce was not amused. " 'Tis an unwise habit you have developed, helping her. 'Twill
eventually get you a blade in your back. Leave us."
It was said most softly, but Kristen recognized the underlying menace. She turned her back [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]

pobieranie @ do ÂściÂągnięcia @ ebook @ download @ pdf