Dare to Defy by Breanna Hayse Read Free Book Online Page A

parting happened…”
    “No history lessons, thank you!” Daynel scoffed. “I heard them all. Twin brothers, opposite as night and day in both appearance and behavior, fought over the throne and over the same woman. The dark brother stole the woman away in the night and traveled south, and because of his need for her he built a wall to separate him from his brother and to keep her as his own. The wall did not protect her, though, for the dark brother’s jealousy left her dead by his own hands after she birthed a fair-haired son. He refused to believe that it was he who fathered it, and he threw the child into the sea. I listened to the tale.”
    “And the giant wall exists to this day, symbolizing the betrayal. The present king of the south and your father wish to remove the symbol of that wall, knowing that a kingdom joined is stronger. But the present prince of the south would not release his claim of the throne…”
    “And Günter does not desire to rule in the manner of an emperor,” Daynel finished. “I still do not see how I could have made a difference.”
    “You will. I promise. Now finish your bath while I prepare food.”

Chapter Four
     
     
    “How is my sister?” Günter asked anxiously.
    His wife sat before her altar, eyes closed in prayer. “He is searching for her and is leaving a wake of blood in his path.”
    “We need to stop him. He will kill her!”
    “Husband,” Ilesbet said softly, opening her eyes and turning toward him. “The gods have their plans and have given their instructions. We must allow the events to play as they see fit. Trust them, my love.”
    “I cannot,” Günter said shamefully, head bowed. “The only trust I have is in my sword and my wits. I beg your forgiveness for this weakness.”
    “Then trust me. Feel no shame when we acknowledge our weakness for, in that alone, is also the admission of our strength.” Ilesbet stroked his face, her indigo eyes gazing lovingly upon him. “She is as a daughter to me as well. She will experience no harm if we allow the gods to conduct her journey. Come and allow me to distract you from your worries.”
    Günter raised his eyebrow as the woman stood and allowed her diaphanous robe to slip silently to the floor.
    “My darling, as much as I love your body, you cannot always think that you can…distract…my…thoughts…” His voice groaned as she knelt at his feet and ran her hands up the inside of his thighs and then around to cup his firm buttocks in her hands.
    “I do not think…I know,” she grinned playfully, tugging at his stays.
    He grabbed her wrist and pulled her to her feet. “You have mischief in your eyes, beloved. This is neither the time nor the place to defy me.”
    “When it comes to your body, I dare defy you every moment I have opportunity,” Ilesbet grinned, running her lips against the left side of his neck.
    “Ilesbet, no. Not now. Woman! Stop this,” Günter demanded as she rolled her palms under his vest and ran the pads of her thumbs over his chest, pausing to tempt his nipples.
    Ilesbet raised her eyebrow, a smirk on her face. “No,” she said simply.
    “It has been too long since I had to force discipline upon you, wife. Obey me!” came the order, which was promptly ignored as she unlaced his shirt and pressed her lips to the center of his chest.
    With a throaty growl, Günter snatched Ilesbet’s wrists in his large hands and pulled her arms high in the air, making her stand upon her toes before him. Her breasts quivered as they were stretched, begging for attention. His eyes roamed over her voluptuous curves, remembering the pleasure every soft inch brought to his bed. But she was being deliberately disobedient, challenging him in a way she had not done since the birth of their first son. He had forgotten her demands of the past. Demands for pain, as well as pleasure.
    Ilesbet’s eyes met his, daring him to proceed. A fire rose within him, tempting his warrior spirit. He rose her