The Conquest by Julia Templeton

Author:Julia Templeton [Templeton, Julia]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2014-05-24T00:00:00+00:00

* * *

Rhiannon moved the food idly around her plate, trying hard to forget the events of last night. Her father had commented on the dark circles beneath her eyes, wondering what kept her up at night.

If only he knew the truth, how stunned he would be. No doubt horrified to learn his only daughter had given her maidenhead to her betrothed’s fellow officer.

And the experience had been incredible. In fact, she could not help replaying the events over and over in her mind. When Adelstan had finally left after the second time they had made love, she had, with Elspeth’s help, ripped the soiled linens from the bed and watched them burn in the hearth.

Rhiannon still remembered the possessiveness she’d seen in Adelstan’s eyes when he’d seen the blood on the sheets, and his declaration that he had never before been with a virgin. She had wanted to ask him how many lovers he’d had, but decided she was better off not knowing.

Oddly, she felt no regret whatsoever. If she could die today, she would at least die knowing what it felt like to make love to someone she truly desired and cared about. Mayhap even loved.

“Where are the English soldiers this morning?” Deirdre asked.

Rhiannon instantly perked up, having wanted to ask the very same question herself.

Her father straightened his shoulders. “I believe they are still in drills.”

“How hard they work.” Deirdre’s eyes widened innocently as she bit into a plum.

“Father, I would like to go to market today. Have I your permission?”

Still frowning at his wife, he merely nodded. “Take Elspeth with ye.”

“Of course.”

“Market?” Deirdre lifted a tawny brow. “Will ye be searching for items to take with ye to England?”

Rhiannon forced a smile she didn’t feel. “Aye, I thought to perhaps find a gift for my betrothed.”

Deirdre’s lips thinned, while her father nodded with approval. “That is a wonderful idea, Rhiannon. I am certain Lord Malgor will be most pleased by your generosity.”

Soon he would be asking her when she planned on leaving Castle MacKay, and she would have to come up with any number of excuses why she needed to stay. Her main complaint had always been her fear of leaving Scotland and her people, a concern her father was well aware of. However, now she feared her betrothed more. Feared what her life would become once she married. Feared Adelstan leaving her once he delivered her to de Cion.

Not wanting her father or stepmother to ask her any more questions, Rhiannon stood. “Well, then, I shall be back this evening, Father. Deirdre.”

Her stepmother gave a curt nod, while her father dismissed her with a wave of his hand. She ignored her half brother, who stuck his tongue out at her.

Rhiannon found Elspeth in the stables, talking to Antony, who was busy brushing down a large, white and brown speckled stallion. Her friend watched her lover with a soft expression.

Antony glanced at her. “Lady Rhiannon, how are ye this afternoon?”

“I am fine, and ye?”

“Well, thank ye.”

“Elspeth, I would like to go to market.

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.