The Legend by Kathryn Le Veque

Author:Kathryn Le Veque [Veque, Kathryn Le]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Medieval
Published: 2012-07-02T07:00:00+00:00

***

It was shortly after the nooning meal when the looming structure of Blackstone appeared on the horizon. Peyton felt her anxiety level soar at the sight, wondering what sort of chaos had transpired since their flight to Ely. Had Ivy and Ali wed? Or had Sir Brian punished them both in a fit of anger? And was Alec's father waiting at this very moment, in fact, for the precise moment when they passed through the gate in eager anticipation of severing his son's head for his disobedience? Swallowing hard, she hoped her courage would hold out in the face of Brian's undeniable rage.

There were several soldiers on the battlements, shouting to their comrades down below and Peyton heard Alec's name at least twice. By the time Midas danced in through the open gates, Ali was there to greet them.

"Alec, thank God you have returned," he said in a low voice.

Alec sensed Ali's urgent manner but refused to give in to the tension. "'Tis good to see you too, lover," he said with their usual banter. "Meet my wife, the Lady Peyton Summerlin."

Ali closed his eyes a brief moment as if to ward off the horror of the introduction. "Then you did marry her."

"Of course I did, I told you I would," Alec dismounted his steed and eyed his friend. "And what of you? Are you a husband?"

Ali's nostrils flared. "I am not."

Alec raised an eyebrow, feeling the seeds of concern take root. "And why not?"

Ali's jaw ticked and he looked distraught, far more upset than Alec had ever seen him. "Damnation, Ali, what's wrong?" Alec demanded softly.

Ali took a cleansing breath. "Your father suspected that you had abducted Lady Peyton for the purpose of forcing her into marriage. He knew that I was a party to your secret and tried to coerce me throughout the night to tell him of your whereabouts; naturally, I refused. Knowing that Lady Peyton would be your wife upon your return to Blackstone, he dissolved my betrothal to Ivy and pledged her to Warrington in her sister's stead."

Peyton heard everything. With a shriek, she slid off Midas. "My God, Ali, where is she?"

"In her bower. Awaiting her groom, who should be arriving late tonight."

Alec's gaze drifted to the structure, black and foreboding. His characteristically emotionless face was dark with the turn of events.

"Alec, she cannot wed Colin," Peyton grasped his arm. "You must talk to your father!"

"There is more," Ali continued, his voice dull with emotion and fatigue. "Rachel went into labor last night. She is still laboring to bring forth a child Pauly believes to be dead and your mother is beside herself."

Peyton put her hand to her head, closing her eyes and saying a brief prayer for the slight, dark-eyed woman. With tension and crisis surrounding them like an fog, she felt Alec's arm go about her comfortingly and she collapsed into his warmth and strength. Yesterday, they had only been concerned with themselves and no one else, and Peyton suddenly felt very guilty and selfish.

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