Rise of the Defender by Kathryn Le Veque

Author:Kathryn Le Veque [Veque, Kathryn Le]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Medieval
Published: 2013-04-02T07:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE

The weeks following Christopher's announcement of Dustin's pregnancy brought happy mentions from friends and allies alike. David in particular seemed thrilled with the news. But the one person in Christopher's inner circle, however, who seemed to be increasingly distant from mother-to-be was Marcus.

Dustin noticed, of course, every hour of every day. She had hoped he would come around, or at least tell her what was bothering him, but he had made no such attempt. As the days passed, so did her sense of concern. Finally, she'd had enough. His aloofness was beginning to wear on her and she was determined to know what his issue was.

One day when he had come to discuss a few matters with Christopher, she slipped out and followed him from her apartments, cornering him in a deserted hall as he was heading for the narrow servant's staircase at the end of the corridor.

"I would know what is troubling you, Marcus," she demanded softly.

He studied her coolly, his cobalt-blue eyes glittering in the torchlight. She was dressed in a heavy woolen surcoat, a bit too long due to her expanding waistline, and her gray eyes stared back at him with concern.

"I do not know what you mean," he replied.

"Do not insult my intelligence," she snapped. "You have been sulking around here for weeks now and I want to know why. Have I said something to offend you? Has Chris?"

His hard stance softened a bit. "No, Dustin, no one has offended me. There is nothing the matter, truly."

She sighed with frustration. "Marcus, I thought you were my friend. You have always been excessively kind and sweet and attentive, but lately it's as if I do not know you at all. You are not the same man I have come to know and love."

He blinked at her. "Love?"

She flipped her hand in a careless gesture. "Yes, of course, as my friend. Won't you please tell me what is bothering you? I do not like seeing you like this."

He could see she was genuinely concerned and felt his guard go down. For her, and only her, would it go down.

"Truly, Dustin, there's nothing wrong, at least nothing that can be solved," he said softly.

"What is it?" she begged softly. "Will you please tell me?"

She moved towards her as he shook his head. God, he had been fighting his feelings for her ever since he met her and when he found out she was with child, it was as if a white-hot blade had been thrust through his heart. It had only gotten worse with time. The happier Dustin and Christopher were, the more distressed he became. He knew his attitude had reflected his feelings, but he simply could not help himself. He loved her and probably always would, and would have given twenty years of his life if the child in her womb could have been his.

He put his big hands on her arms in a reassuring gesture. "There is nothing to tell, Lady de Lohr. But I appreciate your concern.

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