Bride by Command

Author:Linda Winstead Jones [Jones, Linda Winstead]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781101012277
Publisher: Penguin
Published: 2009-01-01T08:00:00+00:00

DANYA had been expecting the hooded man to surprise her at any time, and she still jumped and pulled away when, as she approached her suite of rooms for the evening, she felt the unexpected weight of a hand on her shoulder. She jerked away and spun around, to find Deputy Minister Rainer standing there. She should’ve known. The hand which had touched her had been a warm one.

“You should not sneak up on a woman,” Danya snapped, annoyed that he had been so easily able to do so.

“I did not intend to startle you,” he said, bowing slightly.

They were entirely alone in a Level Five hallway, just outside the door which led to her chambers. She could’ve—and perhaps should’ve—demanded that an escort be provided for her at all times when she was not locked away in her rooms, but not only did she prefer to be alone, she knew it was safer for all that she not bring anyone too close.

She’d avoided Rainer all this time for a good reason—many good reasons, in fact. There was a kindness in his eyes that made her feel weak; he knew too much; there was something about the way he looked at her that made her want to break down and tell him everything.

“Well, you did startle me. What do you want?”

He cocked his head to one side, studying her critically and much too closely. Eyes such a pure gray-blue they rivaled a winter sky bored through her. “I want to know what has happened to you,” he said simply.

“Nothing has happened. I am as I have always been.”

“No,” he said simply. “That is not so, not at all. I should’ve realized something was wrong when you sent Fai away and tried to do the same to me. But I did not see, not until tonight as I watched you eat your supper—or rather, as I watched you not eat your supper.”

Danya lifted her chin and hardened her eyes. “How was I supposed to eat that swill? When I’m empress, the food around here will be better prepared and presented. It’s quite clear that at this time no one has proper control over the kitchen.”

Her insults should send him running, but of course they did not. “The food was fine. More than fine. In fact, it was quite tasty.”

“It was . . .”

Rainer did not allow her to finish. “And this gown.” He shook his head. “The revealing dresses you’ve taken to wearing and the paint on your face, they are not you.”

“Earlier this evening I was pale and needed some color, and the gown is very well made and fashionable.” She lifted her chin. “Most men would find this revealing dress, as you call it, quite charming. I find it peculiar that you do not. Don’t you like women, Deputy Rainer? If you do like women at all, I suppose you prefer them meek and genteel, quiet ladies who simply take whatever it is you have to give without ever daring to question your superiority.

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