Beauty's Beast by Amanda Ashley Read Free Book Online

dropped a pair of gloves in her pocket, she wondered again where it had all come from, though there was but one logical answer—Erik. She was the wife of a wealthy man. It was only fitting that she look the part.
    After pulling on a pair of boots from the armoire, she ran down the stairs and across the yard toward the barn.
    Hearing voices, she ducked into an empty stall, her heart pounding with fear at being discovered. Huddled in a corner, she heard footsteps as the stable boys led Erik’s horse out of its stall.
    A few minutes later she heard the harsh rasp of her husband’s voice, the clatter of hooves as he led the stallion from the stable.
    Popping up from her hiding place, she saw Erik walking his big black stallion across the yard toward the flatlands beyond.
    If she hurried, she might catch him.
    â€œYou there!” she called to the stable boys, hoping her voice had the proper ring of authority. “Saddle me a horse immediately.”
    The two boys whirled around. “My lady,” they exclaimed, almost in unison.
    â€œMy horse, quickly!”
    The boys exchanged glances. “We had best do as she says, Brandt,” the taller of the two suggested.
    â€œYes, indeed,” Kristine said with asperity.
    â€œShe should have a sidesaddle,” Brandt said. “It isn’t fitting for a lady to ride astride.”
    â€œThen fetch me a sidesaddle,” she said impatiently. If they didn’t hurry, she would never find Lord Trevayne.
    â€œBegging your pardon, my lady,” Brandt said. “But we don’t have one. The master’s first wife didn’t ride.”
    â€œJust saddle my horse,” Kristine said. “And be quick about it!”
    In a matter of minutes, she was standing beside a long-legged, cream-colored mare. “Has she a name?”
    â€œAye, White Mist,” Brandt replied, “but we call her Misty.”
    â€œIs she gentle?”
    â€œYes, my lady, you’ve nothing to fear. She has a soft mouth and a fine disposition.”
    Brandt helped her mount. Until then, she had not realized how tall the mare was. The ground suddenly seemed quite far away and Kristine felt her newfound courage rapidly deserting her. She had never been on a horse before; now, seated precariously on the leather saddle, with nothing to cling to, she began to think she had made a terrible mistake.
    But there was no turning back, not if she hoped to follow Lord Trevayne. Casting a tremulous smile at the two stable boys, she clucked to the mare, breathed a sigh of relief when the animal walked out of the barn.
    Kristine was wondering how to make the mare go in the direction she wished when Misty turned of her own accord, following the path Erik’s stallion had taken.
    Kristine focused all her concentration on remaining in the saddle. The thin reins clasped in her gloved hands didn’t seem sturdy enough to control such a huge beast. Experimenting, she tugged on the left rein, then the right, laughing with delight as the mare turned left, then right. Reaching up to resettle her hat, Kristine accidentally tugged on the reins and the mare came to an abrupt halt, almost unseating her.
    â€œThis isn’t so hard,” Kristine mused aloud. It was, in fact, rather exhilarating to be out riding so early in the morning. Diamond drops of dew still clung to the grass, the birds were singing cheerfully high in the treetops, the sky was a bright clear blue.
    Kristine had left the castle far behind when she heard the neighing of a horse. Erik’s horse? Her heart began to pound in anticipation at seeing him. Misty whinnied a reply and then, without warning, broke into a gallop.
    With a startled shriek, Kristine toppled from the saddle. She saw the ground rushing up to meet her.
    And then she saw nothing at all.

    Trevayne reined his stallion to a halt as a woman’s cry shattered the early-morning stillness. For one swift moment, he was transported back in time