Eternal Vows by Chrissy Peebles Read Free Book Online Page A

the time being, enough of these games. Let us address the question that has longed to escape my lips. Will you, Princess Gloria, be my bride?”
    She shoved him. “Ain’t happening. Back off, man.”
    He grinned, revealing two strings of white teeth. “I can see you need some time to consider your decision. Perhaps spending a little time down here will make you see things in a different light.”
    “You’re crazy!” she yelled, taking a step back and balling her fists as if she had any chance of fighting him.
    In one swift move, he pinned her against the cold concrete wall, her arms outstretched, his hands wrapped tightly around her wrists. “I would advise you to hold your tongue,” he hissed in her ear. “I have put up with more than my fair share from you. Nobody talks to me that way—nobody—and if you cannot control that lashing snake of yours, I shall have it removed.”
    Her heart pounded hard, and she took a deep breath. “Right back at ya, buddy! Nobody talks to me the way you do.”
    He lowered his head, and his eyes narrowed. “You are disrespectful, obviously the spawn of your father.”
    She had no idea who he was talking about, but she couldn’t resist the jab. “Guess I’m a chip off the old block.”
    “Maybe this is the reason why he doesn’t want you back.”
    Her temper flared even higher, for he’d hit a soft spot. How dare he poke around in my business like that? “My real father would never abandon me, you nutcase.”
    “You might want to consider being cordial toward me. Do you have any understanding of the power I hold over you?” The dangerous undertone in his voice didn’t go unnoticed. “I control whether you’ll get one ounce of food or a drop of water, whether you’ll see the light of day or if you’ll live to see tomorrow.”
    No man, royalty or not, had ever treated Sarah in such a way. She clenched her hands into fists, yet again, and pressed her back against the wall to put another inch of space between her and King Victor. “Yeah, I got it. Life and death rest in your hands.” Her gaze wandered to the open cell door the same moment when the king loosened his grip. She held her breath, sensing her chance to escape. Without another thought, she spun around and darted for freedom, but before she could take another breath, she felt his stern grip on her upper arm. “Let go of me!” she snarled.
    King Victor swung her around to face him.
    Her hands balled into fists, and she pounded his chest. “Get your hands off me, you brute!” she yelled, her voice echoing.
    “Where do you think you’re going? I suggest you save your energy for our wedding night.” He pulled her close. “I can see I need to make an appointment with my blacksmith.”
    Well, well, isn’t he funny, remembering my chastity belt comment? The jerk! “In your dreams.”
    “I know you’re looking forward to it, but calm down, Princess. We have our entire lives to spend together.”
    Sarah struggled in his arms as he chuckled. She could tell he was loving every minute of it. “This Gloria’s father wouldn’t meet your demands. He doesn’t even care if his daughter dies. Therefore, if you kill me, what’s it going to prove?”
    “You’re right. It’s best we stick with option one. Your father might not care if you’re dead, but he will fume with rage knowing I have fathered his grandchildren, tainting his precious bloodline. Shall we have six, eight, or ten children, Princess? There shall be no revenge better than the pitter-patter of my sons’ feet flowing with your father’s blood.”
    “If you use me like that—and remember I’m not who you think I am—your gene pool is going to need a ton of chlorine. I’m not any kind of royalty.”
    “Chlorine?”
    “Never mind.” She shook her head. “How many kids did you just say you want? What do I look like, some kind of breeding machine?”
    “Let’s just hope they don’t inherit your smart mouth. I’ve let it slide until now,