Return of the Prince: Medieval Romance (The Three Kingdoms Book 1) by Elise de Sallier

Author:Elise de Sallier [Sallier, Elise de]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2018-04-11T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter 14

Eloise’s mouth dropped open, Destrian’s declaration that he wanted her for his wife robbing her of breath. Admittedly, marriage was the natural progression for a young couple in their situation, a couple caught kissing passionately . . . in a church . . . in front of a priest. If their situation wasn’t so far from typical, she would have said their fates were sealed.

Her cheeks aflame, Eloise sent the minister an apologetic look. Elderly but astute, he had been true to his word. Despite having a sword waved in his face, he had put on an act of infirmity, stumbling and dragging his feet in an effort to delay what had seemed the inevitable fulfilment of Rulf’s wicked plan. When he had run out of plausible excuses, and it appeared Eloise’s time was up, she had come close to despair. Fear for Ayleth’s safety had added to her concerns, but Destrian and his men had arrived in dramatic fashion, saving them all.

A glance Ayleth’s way brought a tentative smile to Eloise’s lips. The young seamstress appeared no worse for wear, but her eyes were like saucers as she stared at the rather tall and extremely handsome crown prince of Varianda whose arm remained firmly around Eloise’s shoulders. Despite her willingness to assist Eloise in her plan to reach Destrian and beg for his help, it seemed Ayleth hadn’t truly believed her tale of having won his affection. She could hardly blame her, as it was a story more suited to a fairy-tale. Servants did not catch the eyes of princes, well, other than for a fleeting dalliance. They certainly did not become their brides.

Rulf’s crass suggestion wasn’t very appealing, or likely to occur, as she suspected Destrian was too honourable to make her his mistress. But marriage? Despite allowing herself the indulgence of a flight of fancy back at the palace, she didn’t think it was possible. Which left . . .

A shudder ran through her, as Eloise considered how it would feel to pursue her original intention now she knew Destrian loved her. She had been delivered from the fate Gloria had condemned her to without a qualm, for which she would be eternally grateful. There was no doubt in her mind Destrian would help her gain her independence if she asked, but refusing him—if marriage really was his intention—would be agony. A sob caught in her throat, and she instinctively tightened her grip on his waist.

“Give me a moment, sweetheart.” He leaned down to kiss her forehead before turning to face their audience. “Justin, are the captives secure?”

“Bound, gagged, and well-guarded.” Lord Winterfold gestured to where the two men had been dragged outside. “They won’t be running or accidentally released. I shall escort them back to the palace and see to their imprisonment personally.”

“Good.” Destrian nodded. “Don’t leave yet, as I’d like you to act as witness, but Rulf will need his wounds tended to. There are questions I want answered, and I don’t wish for him to expire before I return.

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