Splendor and Darkness (Rebel Angels) by Cyndi Friberg Read Free Book Online

men-at-arms entered the bailey.
    An odd tightening gripped Nate’s belly. Had Judith’s anxiety set him on edge? His gaze focused on the woman. Her light, graceful steps made her appear to float.
    “Daniel, Lord Heavenwood .” The man honored them with a courtly bow. “Thank you for receiving us. Please accept my condolences and my apology for the belatedness with which they are offered.” His dark gaze moved from Nate to Judith as he spoke. “If I may be so bold, you must be Lady Judith. William spoke often of you.”
    She inclined her head and bright color blossomed across her cheeks. Nate clasped his hands behind his back, fascinated by her discomfort. In all the years he’d known Judith, he couldn’t remember having seen her blush.
    Nate waited for Daniel to drag his gaze away from Judith before he introduced himself. “Nathaniel Ward.” Daniel clasped Nate’s arm, his grip firm and confident. “Welcome to Monthamn Castle.”
    Daniel smiled and swept his arm toward the veiled woman. Her arms were crossed, hands tucked inside her sleeves. “This is Lailah, my cousin.”
    Nate offered her a sweeping bow and Daniel chuckled.
    “A tragic accident robbed Lailah of her sight.” He turned to his cousin. “He just bowed to you.” Lailah sank into a graceful curtsy.
    Had the accident robbed her of speech as well? Curiosity gnawed at Nate. He wanted to lift the veil and gaze upon her face. Shamed by his insensitivity, he cleared his throat. “Please accept our hospitality. It is offered freely.”
    They moved into the hall where a light repast awaited them. Daniel seated Lailah at the high table while Nate held a chair for Judith. Nate signaled for a servant to pour the wine. “How well did you know William?”
    Judith didn’t quite hide her gasp. “That’s rather rude. They just arrived.”
    Nate met Daniel’s gaze. “I’m not one to stand on ceremony. If you’re offended by my directness, please accept my apology.”
    “I’m not easily offended.” Daniel’s dark gaze drifted back to Judith as he continued. “I knew William as well as anyone. He tended to stay much to himself. He was one of the rare few who only spoke when he had something meaningful to say.”
    Daniel had perfectly summarized William’s personality. Nate looked at Judith. Her gaze remained on Daniel, but her suspicion had softened to curiosity. He stole a glance at Lailah as the other two conversed.
    “William returned to England for the birth of his second child. Were you blessed with a daughter as he hoped?”
    Judith nodded. “Anna is now five.”
    “Which makes young Will…seven?”
    “He recently reached his eighth year. He’s becoming quite a handful.”
    As if to prove her point, Anna burst into the hall shrieking hysterically. Close behind her ran Will, a gray-green frog clutched in each hand. Anna dived beneath the table and crawled onto her mother’s lap. The little girl’s cries subsided as she pressed her face against Judith’s throat.
    “Please excuse me for a moment.” With Anna wrapped around her torso, Judith pushed to her feet.
    Nate chuckled. He knew that tone well. Judith took her son by the arm and propelled him across the hall.
    “I was only funnin ’,” Will protested .
    “Where is Tess?” Judith demanded.
    “She…fell in the stream.” The mischief in Will’s expression hinted at foul play.
    “The boy is rather high-spirited. Even with a nursemaid Judith has her hands…” Nate’s sentence trailed away as he turned back to his guests.
    Lailah pushed back her chair, her movements oddly stilted. She lifted her veil and Nate’s world fell off its axis. Her lovely—hauntingly familiar—face reflected confusion and wonder.
    The Angel of Death stood at his table, her silvery hair encircling her head in a braided cornet. Her eyes, colorless yet sparkling like ice crystals, dominated features too beautiful to be human.
    “What is it?” Daniel took her hand, but her gaze stared across the