Betina Krahn by The Princess & The Barbarian

Author:The Princess & The Barbarian [Princess, The & Barbarian, The]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2011-03-08T04:42:30.541000+00:00

"Indeed," he said, smoothing both his dignity and the embroidered front of his tunic. "And what sort of trouble did she make for you, Saxxe Rouen?"

"Every sort of trouble and annoyance a woman can cause a man. She is spoiled, ungrateful, and stubborn to a fault," Saxxe declared, daring Cedric to contradict him. But he got no argument from Cedric on that.

"She has less sense than my horse… spouts orders she can never enforce…

and refuses to listen to sound advice or even warning.

"I not only rescued her from barbarians and soldiers three times" —he jerked a thumb toward his chest—"I also saved her from being drowned in a flood and rescued her from a man-eating snake! Then I fed and warmed and tended her pampered hide for days on end!" He realized he was nearly shouting and halted to get a grip on himself. "She owes me," he said with quiet vehemence. "And I intend to collect."

"I see." Cedric gave a restrained nod. In fact, he saw more than Saxxe could have guessed. Here was a man who had gone to a great deal of trouble to rescue and care for a woman who had scorned and annoyed and exasperated him… a man who had refused a small fortune in order to claim three nights of pleasure with that same woman. What sort of barbarian would do such things? Thera had caused him every annoyance a woman could cause a man, he said. That bore thinking about, for Cedric knew from experience that there were some annoyances wrought by women that were very sweet indeed.

Saxxe's mind was racing. The chancellor's mention of children and families had raised the dread prospect of Thera's father. If she was a princess, then her father had to be a king. And he had seen enough of the workings of temporal kings to know how jealously they guarded their power and possessions… including their daughters. It was scarcely believable that he hadn't been hauled before the throne or tossed into a dungeon straight away.

"When will I see the king?" he asked, glancing toward the door.

"Oh, I'm afraid that won't be possible," Cedric said, clamping his hands on his embroidered surcoat. "The old king, Princess Thera's father, has been dead for over seventeen years now. And we will not have a new king until Princess Thera marries."

The news hit Saxxe like a fist in his gut. She was to be married. "And just when and to whom will that be— her marriage?"

Cedric sighed and shrugged. "The Council of Elders has been asking those same questions for some time now. The answers, I fear, are entirely up to Princess Thera." He turned to survey the chamber. "I believe you will be comfortable here. Food and drink will arrive shortly." He paused.

"Perhaps it would be best if you joined us for supper. I shall send someone for you." When Saxxe didn't respond, Cedric nodded and withdrew.

Saxxe stumbled to the bed and sat down. The soft feather mattress billowed around him, and he ran a callused hand over the fine linens, then down the silken bed hangings.

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