The Secret Soulbond by Katherine Dotterer

Author:Katherine Dotterer [Dotterer, Katherine]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: KatSpell Press

* * *

The days before the Duchess of Wildewall's autumn garden party passed much the same as the previous few days. Her hunger for Dare burning in her chest, Annalise galloped every morning to prevent herself from seeking him out. Then she spent as much time in her chambers as Mother would allow, so she could caress the enchanted heart carving from Dare while cuddling Finn and Lily with Rain and Aria perched in her hair. Mother and Father kept shoving her at King Devon and other suitable gentlemen at court events, while Alex continued scrutinizing her but never mentioned their discussion in the stables.

After the nightmara ride the morning of the duchess's party, Annalise galloped back to her family's townhouse then yanked on her lavender silk dress with Grace's help. Mother would hate being late to an event held by the head of their duchy. Fortunately, Wildewall House wasn't far.

When she and her parents arrived, almost everyone was already there, including Dare—with the sultry Lady Blaine clinging to his arm. His eyes met hers as she glanced past, and he asked, :Where do you want to meet?:

Annalise studied the duchess's garden, still vibrant despite last week's hard frost, although due to a frost-prevention spell rather than being pollinated by melissae. :The wildflower garden tucked behind the weeping cherry tree. No one ventures there.: 'Twas too common for most at court.

His exhilaration surging through her chest, Dare sipped his cider. :You slip away first, and I'll follow.:

Her heart quickening, she made herself turn and smile at the approaching Duke of Oakmoor, whose erratic magic was barely flickering this afternoon. When Mother and Father shoved her at the rakehell duke, she accepted his arm and allowed him to escort her to the refreshments table. He'd be much easier to slip away from than Mother and Father.

After they'd fetched spiced cider and filled their plates, the duke's ardent flirting made her stomach roil. Had he decided to seriously pursue her after Mother and Father's many attempts to match them? Great, just what she needed in addition to everything else. Leaving her plate untouched, she sipped her cider and watched for her chance to escape.

When the Duchess of Wildewall drew the Duke of Oakmoor aside to discuss a council matter, Annalise relaxed then glided to Kiera and King Devon beside a bed of yellow daisies halfway to the weeping cherry tree. "Afternoon."

Kiera grinned at her. "It's been too long since we've met. What, two hours?"

Annalise couldn't help a giggle at her friend's quip. Such a relief after the rakehell duke's flirting. "If that." Then she sobered and glanced around the garden. She'd better bolster her excuse from the Westons' musical evening. "Did either of you see Mr. Winston?"

Muddy-red anger flaring about him, King Devon scowled while devouring a stuffed mushroom. "I doubt the Duchess of Wildewall invited him. She never has to previous garden parties."

Annalise sighed to feign obvious relief. "Thank the Goddess. He's becoming vexing to avoid."

Kiera flashed a warm smile at Annalise before sighing and nodding toward Dare and Lady Blaine walking toward them.

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.