Knight of Seduction by Cheryl Holt Read Free Book Online Page A

hissed.
    “I have no idea,” Rosamunde hissed in reply.
    “You have to tell them who you are.  You have to tell them your real name.”
    “No!  If I confess it, they’ll take me away with them.”
    “So we have to let them take me?  Is that your plan?”
    “No!  Just delay, as Cadel advised.  He’ll be back with Mother as fast as he can.  She’d deal with Hugh.  No one in this household is marrying that monster.  Not you and most especially not me!”
    The fist thumped again, and she recognized Henry’s voice as he called, “Lady Rosamunde?”
    With a final frown at her half-sister, Anne went over to the door and opened it a crack.
    “Yes?”
    “Lord Hugh is already in the chapel.”
    Anne was all wide-eyed innocence.  “Whatever for?”
    “Your wedding.  It’s time.”
    “There must have been some mistake.  Lord Hugh and I discussed the issue last night, and we both agreed that I wouldn’t be a suitable bride for him.”
    “There’s been no mistake, my lady.  Hugh is a notorious liar.  If he told you he’d choose someone else, he didn’t mean it.  Come.  He doesn’t like to wait.”
    “But…but…”
    Henry pushed on the door, and though Anne leaned against it, he muscled his way in.  She couldn’t keep him out. 
    He’d brought six of Lord Hugh’s knights with him.  They surrounded her and started out, Henry and another man holding her arms.  She dragged her feet, refusing to meekly surrender, but they simply lifted her and continued on.
    As they moved into the hall, she managed a quick glance over her shoulder.  Rosamunde was watching, paralyzed with fear and indecision.
    “Help me,” she implored.  “Do something!”
    Rosamunde merely shrugged, and then, Anne was whisked away.
    *          *          *          *
    “Lord Hugh!  Listen to me!”
    Hugh smiled at Anne and took her hand.
    “Lord Hugh,” she tried again, struggling to wrestle out of his grasp.  “What’s happening?  You promised there would be no wedding.”
    “Yes, well, it appears there will be one, after all.”
    “Stop this at once!”
    She gave a vicious yank and broke free, but there was nowhere for her to go.  Henry and several other knights were blocking the aisle.  She dodged to the side to scoot down the pews, but Henry grabbed her and conveyed her back to Hugh.
    He firmed his grip, weaving an arm around her waist to keep her close. 
    “It’s not that bad, is it?” he coaxed, heading for the altar.  “You’re about to marry the lord of the castle.  You should be happy.”
    “Why are you doing this?  You don’t want to marry me.”
    “Yes, I do.”
    “No, you don’t!”
    She persisted with her grappling, and for a moment—a very brief moment—he felt sorry for her.  He’d make an awful husband; he knew that he would, and he hated to foist himself on her when she so clearly loathed him.
    He considered relenting, but decided against it.  He’d picked her to be his bride.  He was very stubborn, and when he settled on a course of action, he pursued it with a vengeance. 
    They approached the altar, where his priest, Father John, was ready to conduct the ceremony.  Hugh had instructed that there be no prayers, no Bible readings, or Mass performed.  He no longer believed in any of it anyway, and he wanted the affair accomplished as rapidly as possible.
    “We are gathered here to join Lord Hugh in holy matrimony,” the priest began.  “Is there anyone who objects to this union?  Let him speak now or forever—”
    “I object,” Anne said.
    “Thank you for sharing your opinion,” Father John replied.  “Lord Hugh, will you—“
    “I don’t consent!” Anne complained.  “I despise Lord Hugh, and I have no desire to wed.  I’m bound for the convent.  You’re a man of the cloth.  Surely, you can understand my calling.”
    “Lord Hugh”—John ignored her—“take her right—“
    “Are you deaf?” Anne keened.  “I don’t