Chained (Chained Trilogy) by Elise Marion Read Free Book Online

well? Oh, and your amethyst coronet. You’ll make a lovely sight for your betrothed!”
    Gwen shook her head as Lynet disappeared from the room, retreating to the adjoining wardrobe. Lynet was a guileless girl who grew excited about the simplest things. While Gwen loved gowns and gems as much as any other lady, she found no reason to get excited over moonstones or amethysts when her chests were overflowing with them. As a naïve young girl, she’d dreamt of a man who would shower her with gems and silks. In his eyes was always the light of love and adoration. When she looked into the eyes of Gaiwan Bainard, she saw only lust and supremacy. She supposed there was nothing to be done but to try to win Gaiwan’s heart. Her mother had always told her that if a woman could capture a man’s heart, she could have anything from him that she wished. Perhaps, instead of trying to outwit Gaiwan, she should seek instead to win his heart. Things would only go better for her if she did.
    She left the bath and allowed Lynet to dry and oil her until her skin g leamed and she smelled of lavender. After dressing in the purple and silver ensemble, she clasped the silver girdle around her hips, the large moonstone dangling from an ornate silver chain. Lynet brushed Gwen’s hair, encasing the thick waves in a caul with silver silk bands, and topping it with the coronet—brilliant purple amethysts set in silver. One large stone rested against her forehead, dangling from the point that met between her eyebrows.
    The moment the coronet was settled on to her head, there was a knock upon the door.
    It was Evrain, she discovered as Lynet ushered him in, come to escort he r to the dining hall for dinner.
    “You are a vision,” he said , offering her his arm. “Your prince awaits you in the main hall. I hear he is most eager to lay eyes upon you.”
    “Just one moment,” Gwen said suddenly, remembering the pin she’d taken from the wood. Going over to the trunk at the foot of her bed—where Lynet had stored her bow, arrows, and quiver—Gwen crouched and opened it. Swiftly, she found the pouch attached to her belt and took the pin from it.
    Evrain laughed. “You’re not like to encounter any bandits at dinner.”
    Gwen quickly tucked the pin beneath her surcoat, fastening it to her kirtle and out of sight. She must find time during the feast to pull her great uncle, Lord Orrick, aside and discuss the matter with him. He had come from Freyvale, the neighboring castle and fief where he was lord, to visit with her father and attend the engagement ceremony. Lord Orrick was a wise man who had seen much war and bloodshed. He’d only been ten and six years of age when his father, King Jorin, went to war with Daleraia. He had witnessed the death of many friends and loved ones, as well as the mistakes of those who had ruled before him. If anyone could offer her prudent council, it would be Orrick.
    “I needed my good luck charm,” she lied, as she straightened and turned back to Evrain. He nodded, believing her. The Dinasdalians were religious , superstitious people, and many believed in charms and such. While Gwen’s faith in the gods was strong, and she went to Seahaven’s chapel to pray every morning, she did not put much trust in charms. The power of her gods could not be reduced to something small enough to fit into the palm of her hand. “I am ready,” she declared, taking Evrain’s arm once more.
    “Very well,” he said as he led her from the room. “Just think, in a few more days you will be betrothed to a prince. Our royal line will continue, made stronger by that of the Bainards. It is a glorious match, Gwendolyn.”
    “Yes,” she agreed mechanically and without thought. The time had come for her to slip into her role of dutiful daughter and simpering lady. “Absolutely splendid.”

    Chapter Two
    Quaos , Daleraia
     
    Sir Caden Maignart reveled in the feel of cool water sluicing over his hot skin. Unlike the other knights, he