A Little Fate by Nora Roberts Read Free Book Online Page A

when the set parted them.
    When the music brought them together again, he stroked his thumb over her knuckles. “The king has favored you.”
    â€œI am honored. I see much of him in you, my lord.”
    â€œWhen it’s my time to rule, I will outreach him.” His fingers squeezed hers. “And I will demand much more of my queen than he of his.”
    â€œAnd what does your father demand of his queen?”
    â€œLittle more than obedience.” He looked over to where Brynn sat, like a statue, with her women. “A comely face, a bowed head, and two pale daughters will not be enough for me.”
    â€œTwo?”
    â€œDira is the youngest of Brynn’s whelps. There was another, but she was killed by wild beasts in the Black Forest.”
    â€œWild beasts!” Though she couldn’t manage a squeal, Aurora clasped a hand to her breast.
    â€œDo not fear, my lady.” He smirked. “There are no beasts in the city—none that walk on four legs.”
    The figures of the dance parted them again, and Aurora executed her turns, her curtsies, and counted the beats impatiently until she faced Owen once more. With her head saucily angled, she stared into his eyes. “And what would be enough for you, my lord, for a queen?”
    â€œPassion. Fire. Sons.”
    â€œThere must be fire in bed to get sons.” She lowered her voice, and spoke with her face close to his. “I would burn to be the mother of kings.”
    Then she stepped back, dipped low as the dance ended.
    â€œWalk with me.”
    â€œWith pleasure, sir. But I must have my woman with me, as is proper.”
    â€œDo you do only what is proper?”
    â€œA queen would, when eyes are on her.”
    He lifted a brow in approval. “A brain as well as beauty. Bring her, then.”
    Aurora put her hand in his and gestured carelessly with the other so Cyra followed them out onto the terrace. “I like the sea,” she began, looking out over the cliffs. “The sounds and the smells of it. It’s a wall to the back, protection from enemies. But it’s also passion, and possibilities. Do you believe there are worlds beyond the world, my lord prince?”
    â€œTales for children.”
    â€œIf there were, a king could rule them all, and the sons of such a king would be gods. Even Draco would bow.”
    â€œDraco’s power is weak, so he sulks in his cave. This”—Owen laid a hand on the hilt of his sword—“this is power.”
    â€œA man’s power is in his sword and arm, a woman’s is in her mind and womb.”
    â€œAnd her heart?” Now he laid a hand on her breast.
    Though her skin crawled, she smiled easily. “Not if she gives that heart away.” She touched her fingers lightly to his wrist, then eased away. “If I were to do so, my lord, to offer you my heart and my body, my value to you would diminish. A prize easily taken is little prize at all. So I will bid you good night, and hope you consider what I hold to be worth the winning.”
    â€œYou would leave me with so many choices?” He gestured toward the women in the banquet hall as Aurora moved away.
    â€œSo you will see them . . . but think of me.” She left him with a laugh, then turned to a mumbled oath when she was certain she was out of earshot.
    â€œEmpty-headed, fat-fingered toad ! He’s a man who thinks first with the lance between his legs. Well, there is little warrior in him. I’ve learned that much at least. Cyra, I need you to talk with the other women, find out all you can about the queen and her daughters. What are they in this puzzle?”
    She cut herself off as they walked past guards and began to talk brightly of the feasting and dancing until she was back in her chambers.
    â€œRhiann.” She let out a huge sigh. “Help me out of this gown. How do women of court bear the weight every day? I need the black