The Beltane Witch (Cloudburst Colorado) by Siobhan Muir Read Free Book Online Page B

would-be assailants.”
    “We are certain you shall make strides soon. When will she begin the rituals?”
    Darius hesitated and the Queen leveled him with a narrow-eyed stare. “Chamberlain?”
    “The Lady Foxglove is proving rather obstinate. She has refused to do the rituals, but I’m sure it is merely a matter of time before she comes around.” He offered a placating smile in hopes the Summer Queen took it at face-value. “She had an unfortunate accident, which caused a head injury.”
    “ Oak and holly, this woman does seem to carry unfortunate luck.” The Queen appeared more amazed than sympathetic. “How does she fare the last you saw of her?”
    “Very well, Your Majesty. My own small healing talents combined with her natural gifts seemed to have sped her healing along. It shouldn’t be more than a day or so.”
    “Good. Beltane is five days from now and the rituals must be performed.” Though she represented the warmest season as the Summer Queen, ice crystallized below her words. She smiled benignly. “We are counting on you, Chamberlain, to make sure the witch is ready for Our arrival.”
    “Yes, of course, my Queen.” Darius smiled, but the Queen must have noticed something because she scrutinized him again.
    “Will this be a problem?” she asked sharply.
    “No, Your Majesty.” Goddess, he hoped not.
    “Come now, Chamberlain. We have seen how you entice the fair sex with your gentlemanly ways and smooth speech. Surely one human witch is no match for your powers of persuasion.”
    That ’s debatable.
    “As always, I shall endeavor to convince her.”
    “ Be sure you do. More than the wards hang in the balance.” Her smile contained more threat than goodwill. “Thank you for your report. We shall contact you again soon.”
    Darius stopped as the Queen drifted away from him, taking the warmth, light, and softness with her. He found himself standing at the edge of Sabrina’s backyard, the dark silent trees cold sentinels around him.
    Bollocks. What else depended upon his task? He’d just have to redouble his efforts to convince Sabrina and use his famous charm. You gather more flies with honey. He just hoped his mother’s words would be enough.

Chapter Five
     
    Morning arrived with less pain than Sabrina expected, but more than she wanted. She tried to recall if she’d taken any aspirin or even had any in the house, but only the teal eyes of her new houseguest filled her memories. He’s not important. You have too much to do to worry about him. She gingerly tested out the back of her head for injuries, but other than a bruised tenderness, her head felt fine.
    Sabrina sat up slowly, careful not to jar her head lest her brain slide out her ears. A dull ache settled behind her eyes, but no nausea or dizziness assailed her. Thank the Goddess .
    To her surprise, she found a tray with a pot of tea beside her bed, the teapot cool to the touch. She smiled at Darius’s thoughtful effort and dragged herself to the bathroom. Showering took more effort than usual, but she made it through without collapsing in an exhausted heap and dressed with methodical precision.
    Please, G oddess, make today an easier day than yesterday.
    Feet firmly ensconced in slippers, Sabrina ventured out of her room. Each step made her head throb a little, but she made her way to the kitchen. The girls were already up, chattering away with someone. Had Matilda come early?
    When Darius’s laugh echoed through the house, Sabrina hesitated as a mixture of emotions swirled within her. She liked to hear a male voice and his rich baritone brought comfort of alarming proportions. But she didn’t want to feel anything about this man. He’d be gone as soon as she convinced him she wouldn’t perform the rituals, and growing attached to his presence in her house simply asked for trouble.
    Face the day and see how it goes. I can kick him out after breakfast.
    She resumed her trek to the kitchen, but paused on the threshold as