Gentle Conqueror by Julia Byrne

Author:Julia Byrne [Byrne, Julia]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: UNKNOWN
Published: 2016-10-23T04:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

It took Raverre several seconds to realize that Lisette was no longer fighting him. When the knowledge finally penetrated the red mist of bitter rage aroused by her threat, and he drew back to see her lying senseless, her limbs spread-eagled on the grass, ice-cold fear washed over him.

He searched for her heartbeat with a hand that shook, only partially relieved to feel the uneven fluttering in her breast and to know she had merely fainted. She seemed so small and fragile that for a sickening instant he’d thought the uncontrolled strength he had used to subdue her might have been sufficient to end her life.

As sanity returned, he quickly swung his mantle off his shoulders. He wrapped the warm garment around her unconscious form, and gathered her into his arms. Whispering words of reassurance and love, barely aware of what he was saying, he began to murmur soothingly as she stirred against him, willing his voice to stay soft and even.

Lisette returned slowly to her senses to find herself still in Raverre’s arms. She began to struggle weakly, then his deep voice penetrated the confusion in her mind, and though too distraught to understand the words, she was calmed by his tone. With shuddering relief she realized he was no longer the terrifying stranger she had provoked so blindly. She tried to speak, but her throat had closed up and she could not utter a word, could only tremble in his arms for several minutes before he helped her to stand.

“Come,” he said, his voice sounding strained. “Everyone will be wondering where we are. Can you walk alone? ’Twill arouse comment if I carry you.”

“Aye,” she managed to whisper. She felt as if her legs would not take her more than a step before collapsing under her, but she began to feel stronger as Raverre guided her along the road and through the gates. By the time they reached the outer stairway she started to feel more herself, and realizing she wore Raverre’s mantle, put up a shaky hand to return the garment.

She would have spoken then, but he laid a gentle finger over her lips and guided her silently around the stairway and into the empty guardroom, closing the door behind them.

The room was dark and cold. “Wait,” he said, as Lisette hesitated by the door.

He quickly lit one of the rush sconces on the wall and came back to her, seeing for the first time her cut lip and the dark shadows beneath her eyes. He had never in his life asked any man’s forgiveness, let alone a woman’s, but looking into her eyes he would have done anything to remove the hurt he saw there.

“I’m sorry,” he said abruptly, awkwardly. Then as her lips quivered he took her in his arms, cradling her close but ready to release her if she wished it. “Forgive me,” he murmured more naturally. He closed his eyes as he brushed his mouth across her hair. “You were right. I would have been no better than the men you spoke of.

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