Kilts & Kraken by Cindy Spencer Pape

Author:Cindy Spencer Pape [Pape, Cindy Spencer]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Romance, Fantasy, Steampunk
ISBN: 9781426893841
Google: 2R_0AGSPkCUC
Amazon: B007M8S2L2
Barnesnoble: B007M8S2L2
Goodreads: 13503442
Publisher: Carina Press
Published: 2012-06-03T14:00:00+00:00

Chapter Six

Magnus flung back the bedclothes, tired of tossing and turning. For the first time in weeks, it wasn’t even the kraken preying on his mind that kept him awake, it was thoughts of a red-haired temptress that refused to let his mind—or his body—rest. For about half a minute, he considered going to her, to see if she’d welcome another of those incendiary kisses like they’d shared on the ramparts. Since her room was surrounded by her friends’ and sister’s, that would not be a good idea. He’d put his male guests in the same hall as his own suite, along with Rannulf and Quentin, so trying to bring her here was even more out of the question, unless they wanted to end up married by summer’s end.

While parts of him didn’t exactly oppose the idea, he had enough honor left to reject the notion. She’d made her preference for the city clear, and he wouldn’t risk bringing in another mainlander wife who’d hate him for it. What he needed to do was send to other islands, see if some farmer’s daughter or village girl was willing to make Torkholm her home, in exchange for all the comforts money and status had to offer. With a dirigible, she’d be able to visit her family all she liked, or for that matter, she could bring her family with her. There were plenty of rooms in the castle. Aye, that would be the wisest thing.

He dragged on a shirt and his kilt, not bothering with shoes, socks or other niceties. With nothing better to do, he made his way up to the ramparts, hoping the night wind would cool his overheated skin. Looking out over his homeland had always been one of his favorite ways to put his life in perspective. Granted, he’d had no chance to ever live as others could, traveling the world, but this, his beautiful island, was the boon he’d been given in return.

When he reached the castle wall, it took a moment before he realized he wasn’t alone. His first inclination was to panic, but he hadn’t even drawn in a breath when the fear eased. She wasn’t about to jump. Geneva was too level-headed for that. Instead, she leaned against the wall, her chin resting on her crossed arms, her pale face turned into the breeze. “What are you doing up here?”

She smiled at him and Magnus’s body tightened. “The same as you, I imagine. I couldn’t sleep. I keep trying to piece together a reason for the attacks, and I keep coming back to the notion that it isn’t natural. Yes, giant squid exist, but their behavior is all wrong. Connor said he felt another magick, faint, but pushing against the spell he and Tom used to hold the creature back so the others could shoot it. Who could, or would, for that matter, have cast such a spell? What purpose for setting such things loose against harmless villagers?”

Magnus crossed to her and took a position close by her side.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.