The Beast of Renald (The Northern Knights) by Amber Dane Read Free Book Online Page B

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     For he’d every intent to see that this union was consummated this night before William’s arrival on the morrow with Halvard’s cousin in tow. He set the goblet back down on the table.
    He wanted nothing more than to get it all over with so he could quickly return to searching for and tracking down his demons. Right the wrongs done by his own blood, then and only then could he make his escape and return to Normandy
    Could he perform on demand? He turned back to her and their eyes met briefly before she dropped her gaze. Darc swore under his breath.
    Aye, he could. She was just a woman.
    If that were so then why did his heart beat so rapidly? Disgusted with his thoughts, Darc shoved away from the table and strode from the hall.
     

CHAPTER SIX
     
    He’d known his wife had plenty of fight and strength in her.  She fought tooth and nail when he tried to take the boy from her.  He’d thought it be easier being that he’d waited until the boy had fallen asleep. 
    ‘Do you wish to wake him and make this harder, demoiselle? For it will be and trust me, this marriage will be consummated tonight.’ 
    He stood so close to her he could smell her clean scent.  She heaved in shallow breaths, fight burning in her eyes. They stood just inside the chamber door.  She looked like a wild animal with the boy clasped to her chest like an anchor. 
    Her big eyes never left his all the while she gripped his wrist in her small hand.  He did not think she would relent and would wake her son after all. 
    But, finally she said through gritted teeth.  ‘Any harm comes to one hair on his head and there will be hell to pay, Norman husband .’
    Her threat was true. He saw it in her eyes and once again he found himself admiring the strength and backbone that he’d glimpsed at Halvard’s which lay within this woman despite her fear.
    He answered her calmly with an arched brow, his voice low but firm. ‘You do not wake him and let him be taken to another room, no harm, I promise you will ever come to him under my roof, Saxon wife .’ 
    He knew she did not like his words, but she had started it first by insulting him. He knew it was just her protectiveness that had her so riled and of what was to come. He watched her throat work as she swallowed, their gazes warring with another.
    Finally she released him and turned away, but not before he saw the sheen of wetness fill her eyes. 
    Caroline did not see Laur take the boy with the utmost of care from Darc’s arms and coo softly in her son’s ear before she exited.
    Caroline struggled to compose her emotions. Her arms felt empty. She did not think she would be able to go through with the rest of the evening after all. How was she going to bear it? She did not know what to expect. As it was, she’d been claimed as the spoils of war and power, a wrong done unto the king.
    She was shaking so badly, the light headedness threatened to overcome her with her blood pounding so hard through her veins. She felt him come up behind her. She closed her eyes and a single tear rolled down her cheek.  His warm breath fanned over the back of her neck.
    ‘Come. We will retire to my chamber.’  Darc saw her shoulders stiffen, but she did not protest and he was glad. He was tense enough.  ‘Do you wish for a maid to attend you before we start?’
    Her reply came hoarse and quick. ‘Nay. I am capable of seeing to myself.’ 
    He gave her an odd look, then turned on his heel and did not wait to see if she followed him or not.
     

CHAPTER SEVEN
     
    Once inside his chamber, Caroline felt what little numbness she had wear off, yet her legs still felt like they would give out any moment.
    His room was double the size of the one she and Kelbie had been given. His bed larger too and looked like a curtained prison on the raised wooden dais. Sheeting hung from the four large pillars that fashioned its frame. It was the centerpiece of the room. So the deed would be done here. Just like that.