Choose the Sky: A Medieval Romance (Swordcross Knights Book 2) by Elizabeth Cole Read Free Book Online

like the idea of Domina’s head on a block. “For her sake, I pray she is not involved in her father’s plans.”
    “Men have often used pretty faces to distract their enemies,” Drugo said. He sounded as if he’d never been swayed by such tricks.
    “As well that you were not serious about the marriage, sire.” Luc shook his head. “I don’t know the extent of her family’s holdings…”
    “Godfrey was given charge of Trumwell Castle as a reward for his military prowess,” Stephen said. “I admit that the castle has never been taken, and the lands around it have been peaceful for years. But all it takes is one bargain with the empress or her generals, and those castle gates may open.”
    Luc thought about it. “I fear that my supposed mission will not allow me enough time to truly learn what’s going on. How long does it take to assess the castle’s preparedness? A few days at most.”
    “True,” Drugo said. “We must not risk Godfrey discovering Luc’s real purpose.”
    “Then have a marriage contract drawn up,” said Stephen. “Luc of Braecon and Domina de Warewic.”
    Luc waited a moment for Stephen to laugh, then said in a low voice, “You cannot be serious.”
    “A potential marriage will give you plenty of reason to linger,” said Drugo. “You will not carry it through, of course. It’s the threat that matters. Think of the facts. Godfrey has a daughter, yet she is so old and not wedded—perhaps he’s holding her as a promise to someone.”
    “Or he’s not, and I’ll be married off with no way out of the contract,” Luc objected.
    “In which case, you’ll have even more power there. Yes, a single night of marriage may be more effective than a year-long siege.”
    “But the marriage isn’t for a single night,” said Luc. “If I recall, it’s until death.”
    “Chances are you’ll never need to carry it out,” Stephen said. “If you do, well, enjoy her while you can. I’ll see the marriage is annulled later. You won’t be shackled to her. I’ll personally guarantee a suitable bride for you, Luc. An earl’s daughter. Expose a nest of vipers, and you’ll be rewarded for your act. I will not forget.”
    “Thank you, sire.” Luc paused. “I will go to Trumwell Castle and discover the truth. Your grace can decide on a course of action once I find out about this woman’s true heart.”
    “Well spoken, Luc.”
    “Sire, I’ll need a man I can trust with me. I may need to send word that I can’t commit to paper. Or simply have someone to watch my back.”
    “Who do you have in mind?”
    “Sir Octavian.”
    “The Levantine?” Drugo asked, his brows drawing together.
    “We’ve fought together before. He is reliable.”
    “Then it shall be done,” Stephen said. “Take him with you, and may God keep you both.”
    Stephen bid Luc good night, and left, leaving the two men alone.
    Drugo drummed his fingers on the table once again. The spymaster’s eyes held Luc’s. “You said earlier that she was beautiful.”
    “The king asked my impression, and I gave it,” said Luc. “Domina’s certainly not ugly.”
    “No.” The spy paused, then said, “As I said before, beauty can be a weapon. The devil has made use of it in the past. Be wary of the lady Domina. Don’t fall prey to beauty, and don’t trust anyone.”
    “I’m not in the habit of trusting traitors, sir.”
    “Good. Don’t make it a habit, for the king has no use for men whose loyalty is in question.”
    “If the king doubted my loyalty, he wouldn’t have asked for me to carry out the mission.” Luc said nothing more as he turned and left. He didn’t care for the threat in the spymaster’s tone.
    As he walked through the castle, Luc turned the conversation over in his mind. He knew what his father would say about it. This was an opportunity of a lifetime, and he recognized that the king was testing him, judging him.
    So Luc would rise to the challenge. He’d go to Trumwell Castle, where he would