Forbidden Magic by Catherine Emm Read Free Book Online Page A

Jewel once more. "She is not to know the room was paid for, and once it is done, tell me where she can be found."'
    Stuffing the coin in a pocket of his tunic, the innkeeper grinned knowingly. "Yea, m'lord. It will be done." He bowed, then hurried away to complete his task.
    "You waste your money, my friend," the other's deep voice proclaimed.
    "Mayhap." Gunther shrugged, settling back in his chair to sip his ale and watch the innkeeper approach the comely wench. "We shall see."
    The dampness of her gunna lessened as Jewel sat before the fire, her eyes affixed to the flames as if the simple gesture would make her disappear from interested eyes. Yet all the while she sensed every move of the inhabitants within the room, a space which seemed to grow smaller with each beat of her heart, and she closed her eyes in prayer, summoning what courage she possessed to see her through until the dowager queen's knights came to rescue her. A loud crack of thunder rattled the shutters, and she jumped with a start, unsure which posed more threat, the storm howling outside or the room full of uncaring men. Her stomach rumbled its hunger, her mouth watered with the delicious smells of roasting meats, and she hugged her arms tightly to her to stop the gnawing ache as her memories became clouded with visions of home.
    Oh, Father, her troubled mind called out, how could I find myself thus? Twas an honor to serve Her Majesty, but did I not forewarn you of some misfortune should I be without your protection? Doth seem it befalls me no matter where I find myself—at home, in London, or on the road between. And had I the courage, I wouldst demand the respect so granted a lady-in-waiting. But I cannot. I am a coward, Father. She opened her eyes to look at the flames. And I am so afraid.
    She took a deep breath and let it out slowly, unaware of the man who had approached and stood beside her.
    "M'lady?"
    Resting on her knees on the rush-covered floor, Jewel started at the voice so near and quickly scrambled to her feet. "Your . . . your forgiveness, sir," she said weakly, bowing her head. "I but thought to warm myself. I did not think you would mind if I took but a small spot to do so. I shall leave." Awkwardly, she began to pull her mantle over her shoulders.
    "Nay, m'lady," the innkeeper beckoned. "Take your rest, for I have had a change of heart and know your need. Sometimes my hardened ways forbid me to see the distress of others and I thank God I did so now." Hands clasped before him and resting on his protrusive belly, he smiled down at her, managing to hide his disapproval of the soiled and tattered clothes she wore. "In truth, I have ordered a room and bath made ready for you and will send my daughter to fetch you as soon as your escort;arrives."
    Tears of joy filled the corners of Jewel's eyes as she smiled up happily at the man. "Thank you, kind sir. Your generosity will be greatly rewarded."
    He did not answer but dropped his arms and bowed, holding out a directive hand toward the stairway that led to the second floor. Without a moment's delay, Jewel moved away from the fire and started toward the steps, too caught up in her thoughts of a warm bath to notice those piercing green eyes that watched her every move.

Chapter 2
    T he sounds of laughter and merrymaking in the room below faded from Jewel's thoughts as she sank deeper into the steaming water of the rose-scented bath. The crackling of the fire in the hearth soothed her nerves and she closed her eyes to drift into pleasant memories of home and the joy she would experience at seeing her family again. Although only four weeks had passed since she had waved farewell to them, she was certain William had grown an inch as he seemed to do quite steadily. Lord Alcot loved his son and though, if challenged, he might deny it openly, Jewel knew he cared more deeply for the boy than for his three daughters. It truly never bothered Jewel, for she thought it was as it should be. After all, someday