Heart of the Flame by Lara Adrián Read Free Book Online Page A

question hung in the air of the solar, unanswered, for it was no simple matter to be viewed as either black or white. Was it?
    Kenrick felt a muscle draw tight in his jaw. He need not justify his actions in this. Ariana was softhearted, ever compassionate. This was war. Undeclared, but bloody and serious all the same. And now his sister saw him as no better than the most heinous of villains, Silas de Mortaine.
    When the silence stretched out, taut and unyielding, Braedon was the first to break it. "Come, wife. To our own chamber, if you will. I am late to training with the men and I would enjoy your company while I don my mail."
    "Aye," she replied quietly. "Of course."
    With one last glance in her brother's direction--a glance that went broodingly unacknowledged--Ariana accepted her husband's arm and accompanied him to the corridor outside. It was not until they had left and the door had closed firmly behind them that Kenrick let loose the black oath that rode at the tip of his tongue.

 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter 6
     
    A tub of lukewarm bathwater sat vacant near the fireplace of Haven's chamber. Recently withdrawn from the fragrant, lavender-scented water, now dressed and seated on a cushion in the embrasure of the chamber window, she sighed as she ran a comb through her damp hair. She luxuriated in the feeling of cleanliness, in the soft slide of the fine bone teeth as she brushed out her long tresses, gathering the thick skein over her good shoulder to let it dry in the fresh morning air of the open window. The comb was a gift from Lady Ariana, as was the simple berry-colored gown that caressed her skin in silken luxury.
    It had been two days since she had awakened in this place, confused and infirm, but already her strength was coming back. She was alert and out of the worst of the pain. She had her appetite again, and could move about without assistance--carefully, for her limbs were still unsteady, the strength in her left arm yet impaired by the healing wound. Each day, indeed each hour, brought more recovery, more physical strength and focus.
    The same could not be said for her memory of the night she was attacked, however, a fact that troubled her much. As long as full recollection stayed out of her reach, it was clear that so, too, would freedom.
    Her cage was the four tapestried walls of this chamber, her benevolent warden the kind Lady Ariana. This very moment, Ariana was searching out a pair of hose and slippers for her, for she worried that walking barefoot on the drafty floor might cause Haven a chill. In truth, her kindness thawed something cold in Haven's breast. Still apprehensive and wary, she had not wanted to like any of them, and a cautious voice inside warned that whether they were kind to her or nay, she would be wise to keep her distance.
    Thankfully, Haven had seen little of the lady's disagreeable brother since that first day. Even now the thought of him and his arrogant ways rankled. It was primarily anger that fueled her determination to heal as quickly as possible. No man--no matter his reasons--would hold her against her will. She would regain her strength and then she would put Clairmont Castle far behind her.
    She looked out longingly over the landscape that unfurled at the base of Clairmont's ancient motte. At the base of the hill, an open field, flowering in shades of pale yellow and violet, spread like a blanket toward a small orchard of blossoming apple trees. Farther still, a dense thicket of woods thrust up, dark and bristling with new spring leaves. Haven peered closer and spied a deer grazing on the dew-drenched grass of the meadow.
    She settled back against the embrasure and for long moments contented herself with watching the doe, until a disruption somewhere out of earshot drew the deer to attention. It raised its head, scented some alarm, then bolted out of sight.
    If only I could do likewise , Haven thought wistfully.
    Soon, she would. As soon as she was able, she