Come Winter by Clare Gutierrez

Author:Clare Gutierrez [Gutierrez, Clare]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: River Grove Books

THIRTY-FOUR

THIS KIDNAPPING HAD BEEN WELL planned. Events took place so quickly that Caty’s staff could do little but watch. As she left the castle, the people had begun to gather and many were crying. Addressing them, she reminded them they would need to care for each other and try to get word to Clan Macintosh for protection. Caty mounted her horse, then took the babe. Without looking back, she rode forward with her new captors.

After riding in silence for an hour, Caty spoke to the man. “You say my husband, Rhys, knows you?”

“Yes, he was to bring you to me, to keep you safe.” The man rode stoically, without looking at Caty.

“He did that; he kept me safe,” Caty answered softly.

“I would say he did that and more,” the man responded gruffly. “You were to be brought to me. It seems my friend forgot that little detail.” Carlos was intent on moving as fast as possible; an infant would slow them. His mind was already calculating how far they could travel this day. As an afterthought, nodding toward the sleeping babe in Caty’s arms, he continued, “Your child? How old is the child?”

“My son is five months old.”

The man turned to her sharply. “You have a son?” He had not planned on a babe, but a boy could bring more to his cause.

“I do, and a husband. I do not wish to go wherever it is you are going.” Caty refused to let him see just how worried she was. She met his gaze without wavering.

He looked at her with compassion. “You are a queen now; you have no choice.”

Caty gasped. “Queen of what… and whom?” Perhaps this is not Carlos.

Touching her hand, he said, “We will speak more of this when we are able. For now, know you are loved. I know better than anyone the price you are paying.” He added bitterly, “But there is nothing to do about it.”

“Mother and Father?” Caty asked. She needed to know for certain whether this was Carlos. Would he know about her family?

“Both dead. Because someone else desired what Mother did not want in the first place. The crown you go to claim.”

Slowly, as Caty tried to put the pieces together, she turned to the man. “Rhys was with you from the beginning?” How could the man Caty knew Rhys to be get involved with Carlos? Her eyes were beginning to fill with tears. Damn the tears!

“Yes, but he never planned to fall in love with you. Once that happened, it changed everything.” Carlos spoke quietly.

“He will come for me.” She closed her eyes and looked away to keep the tears from falling.

“As well he should. His place is with you. You have provided an heir to the throne.” Her brother spurred his horse ahead, leaving Caty alone with her heart and son.

Rose moved up to ride with Caty, perceiving her mistress’s great sadness. For a while, both women rode in silence. Caty understood nothing; what strange kingdom was she to become queen of? Her mind reeled, but gradually she regained control.

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