Darkwood #01 - Blue Moon Rising by Simon R. Green

Author:Simon R. Green [Green, Simon R.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2011-12-24T04:58:35+00:00

Out in the antechamber, Harald and Julia glared at each other and argued in whispers while they waited for the King's summons.

'Look, Julia, you're going to marry me, and that's that. It's all been arranged.'

'Then you can damn well unarrange it.'

The contract's been signed.'

'Not by me.'

'Your signature isn't necessary,' said Harald calmly. 'Neither is your consent.'

He ducked at the last moment, and Julia's fist just brushed his hair in passing. Harald took the precaution of stepping back a pace while the Princess regained her balance. Being around Julia was doing more for his combat reflexes than all the Champion's years of training put together.

'Julia, we've been through all this before. This marriage is going to take place no matter how we feel about it. Why not just accept it, and make the best of things?'

Julia glared at him. 'Look, Harald, I'm going to say this once and once only, so listen carefully. I don't love you. I don't like you. I have about as much feeling for you as I have for what they shovel out of the stables every morning, I wouldn't marry you if the alternative was leprosy. Got it?'

'You'll learn to love me, after we're married,' said Harald complacently. Julia kicked him in the shin. Harald hobbled up and down for a while, swearing under his breath so as not to upset his father. He'd learned to anticipate the punches, but the kicks were still getting through.

Julia turned her back on him and indulged in a quiet fume. Given her somewhat precarious standing in the Court, the last thing she needed was an open feud with the heir to the throne, but she just couldn't help herself. Any woman in the Court was Harald's for the asking, and he had to pick on her. She'd known rabbits that were less determinedly amorous. He brought her presents and paid her compliments and couldn't seem to understand why he wasn't getting anywhere. Julia had to admit that Harald could be pleasant company on occasion, but the persistence of the man was matched only by his infuriating assurance, and sometimes just the sight of Harald approaching was enough to set Julia's palm itching for the hilt of her sword. Her hand dropped automatically to her side, and caressed the pommel briefly.

It felt good to have Rupert's sword on her hip again. After her journey into the South Wing, she'd lost no time in throwing away her formal gowns and replacing them with a simple tunic and leggings. Fighting in that damn dress had nearly got her killed. If demons could get into the South Wing, no part of the Castle was safe any more. Julia wore a sword at all times now, and at night her scabbard hung from her bedpost, close at hand.

Strange, she thought sardonically. When I was living with the dragon in his cave, all I ever dreamed of was being rescued by a dashing Prince who'd take me to live in his Castle. And what happened?

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