Midnight Maiden by Kathryn Marie

Author:Kathryn Marie [Marie, Kathryn]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Manuscript Template, Public
Published: 2021-01-19T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-Six

The next week passed quickly, and before Christiana truly felt prepared she was dragging her feet to the second-floor conservatory for her fateful meeting with Edgar. The sound of bubbling water reached her ears as she rounded the corner, bright sunlight filtering through the glass walls. The large fountain was situated in the center of the room, surrounded by bright blooms, assorted flowers, and a handful of metal tables and chairs, all of them empty except one covered in fresh fruit and assorted cheeses and meats. Christiana’s chest tightened, a scowl twisting her lips as she spotted Edgar staring out the windows.

She walked over to him, feeling like chains encircled her feet and slowed her pace. His head whipped to the side, a devilish grin spreading across his face as he stood up to greet her. He looked like a peacock in his bright blue doublet with its ivy-green stitching. His amber hair was slicked back, showing off his sharp features.

“Thank you for joining me.” He pulled her chair out, the light chiffon fabric of her navy dress draping over the sides when she sat. “Took you long enough to accept,” he mumbled in her ear.

“Let’s get it over with, shall we?” She crossed her arms, the weight soothing against her boiling heart.

He returned to his seat, his face curved in amusement as he stared her down. “Please, help yourself.” He gestured to the food arranged on the table.

“No appetite.” She frowned, her stomach rumbling in disagreement. She was starved, and silently chastised herself for not eating before she left. The food smelled delicious, the sweet fruit and salty meats mingling in the air. She would love to indulge, but she wasn’t in the mood to draw this out any longer than needed.

“If you say so.” He leaned forward, picking up a piece of toasted bread and a slice of cheese and taking a large, cracking bite. His smirk stayed steady as he chewed, his slow movements taunting her.

She rolled her eyes. “So, you had a proposal for me?”

“Eager to learn more about it?” He drizzled a stream of honey over his next piece of cheese, the sticky liquid dripping on his fingers as he shoved the food in his mouth.

“Eager for something,” she mumbled. “You said it was worth listening to. So out with it.”

“Very well.” He wiped his hands and face on his napkin and leaned back in his chair. “I think we both have something to benefit from a prospective marriage.”

“I know you certainly do.” She still couldn’t come up with anything he could offer her that would entice her into marriage.

“You’re right, I want my land back and the power and wealth along with it.” He nodded. “But I know one thing you currently have that you would most likely have to give up in any other marriage.”

“And what is that?”

“Your privacy.” He smirked, his eyebrows raising to his hairline as his eyes locked with hers.

Her heart dropped to the pits of her stomach, a bead of sweat forming along her jaw as it tightened.

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