Denise Lynn by Dream Knight

Author:Dream Knight
Language: eng
Format: mobi
ISBN: 9781938876240
Publisher: Boroughs Publishing Groupi
Published: 2013-11-25T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Thirteen

Each step Catheryn took back into Brezden filled her heart with dread, and the urge to turn and run nearly overwhelmed her. It wasn’t the twenty or so strange men milling about the bailey that threatened her composure. It was their manner of dress. Their armor and weapons did not suggest a social call.

Quelling her trepidation with a hard swallow, she followed Gerard toward the keep. Countless questions formed in her mind, questions that made her lose concentration on the uneven ground beneath her feet. She stumbled, and Gerard turned around at her soft curse.

“Lady Catheryn.” He clasped her hand and shook his head slightly, speaking low so that none of the soldiers might hear. “Pay them no heed.”

Her gaze traveled from him to William’s men and back. “But—”

Gerard draped an arm across her shoulders, pulling her to his side. “You don’t wish them to think we’ve any cause for worry.” He smiled and nodded at the earl’s men before resuming their walk toward the keep.

Catheryn fought to paste a haphazard smile on her face before whispering, “We don’t have cause for any worry.” At least, none that she could think of.

“I know that.”

He drew his thumb along the side of her neck, and her cheeks warmed and her pulse quickened. Would she ever grow accustomed to his touch? Somehow she doubted it.

Quickly, before she forgot the matter at hand, she asked, “Why do you suppose the earl is here?”

“I’ve not the slightest idea. Perhaps he missed our company.”

Catheryn shot Gerard a look of irritation and tried to move away. He simply tightened his hold to keep her by his side.

Before walking into the great hall, Gerard ducked into an alcove, pulling her along. She could tell he meant to comfort her, so she wrapped her arms around him and rested her cheek against his chest. She was more than willing, at this moment, to take whatever strength he could offer.

He placed a kiss on the top of her head and brushed his cheek across her hair. “Catheryn, there is no need for fear. All will be well.”

“I am not afraid.”

His chest shook with subdued laughter. “No?”

She shook her head. The lie fed her a measure of bravery.

“Good.” He placed his hands on her shoulders as if to move her away. “Then maybe we should join William in the hall.”

At the last second, she tightened her clasp about his waist. “No. Not yet.”

“Baron Reveur!”

The shout shook the keep and took away the option of waiting any longer. Catheryn frowned. Something was not right. On his last visit, Earl William had never used Gerard’s title, and he had never shouted with such vehemence. She stiffened against her husband for a moment before releasing her hold and audibly drew in a breath before squaring her shoulders. Then, pointedly staring at him, she said, “It does not sound as if all is well, Gerard.”

He nodded in agreement then offered his arm. “Shall we?”

The hand she placed upon his forearm shook slightly. Reaching across his body, he covered her hand with his and squeezed it gently.

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