Secrets of Her Forbidden Knight by Ella Matthews

Author:Ella Matthews
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2022-06-07T12:54:25+00:00

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Johanne could only stare in horror at the violent machine that towered over the skyline. She had never seen such a weapon in real life, although she had heard stories. It was larger than she’d imagined. Its long arm hung innocently backwards, no hint of the damage it could wreak on thick castle walls. Brae’s defences would not stand a chance. She should give in to Morcant, offer him Brae without bloodshed, before any of her people died. Perhaps they could come to an agreement, that Cineas would be Morcant’s heir. He didn’t have one of his own. Maybe she should marry him. It couldn’t be any worse than being married to Badon and she had endured that. It would be worth it if nobody died.

‘We need to leave.’ Al reappeared at her side. ‘Come. Let’s move closer to the front gate. In the commotion we will be able to slip out unseen.’

‘What commotion?’ She looked about her, but nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Although... She sniffed. ‘What’s that smell?’ An acrid scent was beginning to permeate the air.

‘You can already smell it? I was hoping we’d have a little more time.’

‘Al, you’re not making sense.’

‘I set fire to the trebuchet.’

She ground to a halt. ‘What?’

‘I set it on fire. Hopefully, it will not be spotted before much damage has been done. Preferably until it has burnt completely to the ground, but I doubt we will get that lucky, especially as you can already smell the burning wood.’

Her heart swelled, almost as if it were about to burst. ‘I can’t believe you risked yourself like that for me. If you had been caught...’

‘We still might be caught if we don’t get moving.’

The stench of burning wood now filled the air but still no one had called out a warning. Had Al really done it? Should they go back and check? But if he hadn’t where was that smell coming from?

Laughter sounded nearby and Al pulled her deeper into the shadows. ‘Johanne.’

‘Hmm.’ She couldn’t understand it. How could people be laughing while the trebuchet burned? Why was no one running, shouting for help?

‘Johanne.’

She could hear Al speaking, she could feel his hand on her arm, but he seemed so far away. What was happening to her? Behind her, she could hear him muttering curses.

‘Johanne.’ He whirled her round to face him. ‘Johanne.’ He spoke softer this time, brushing hair off her face with his fingertips. ‘I know this is overwhelming, I know that it can seem confusing, but I need you to come back to me.’

What was he talking about? She was right here. She reached up and touched his face. His beard was soft against her skin.

‘I need to get you back to the inn. Do you think you can walk?’

She frowned. Of course she could walk. She turned and stepped forward. The ground seemed to undulate beneath her and she stumbled.

Al cursed again. ‘I’ve seen this happen before. I just didn’t think... You seem so strong... I had forgotten you had never been in a situation like this before.

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