The Commander's Desire by Jennette Green Read Free Book Online Page A

her conduct. But why would he, apparently unschooled in
the finer social graces?
    Sir Duke cantered sideways, toward the black
beast, as she gathered up the reins, and the Commander’s horse
skittered sideways, too. His hooves nervously danced.
    Elwytha said, “Your beast is half wild.”
    “ He’s broken. He requires
only a gentle word and a firm touch.”
    “ You use no whip to subdue
your animal?” Richard and the horse trainers at home approved the
judicious use of the whip to break animals.
    The Commander had calmed his steed and now it
stood snorting, flesh quivering, a short distance away. “Nay.” He
regarded her, his mouth suspiciously twitching at one corner. “A
beast is much like a human. Both can be gentled without force.”
    Elwytha drew a quick,
indignant breath. “Are you likening me to a horse? ”
    “ You speak the words. Not I.
Come.” He nudged his animal into motion, heading for the edge of
the wood.
    Fury gathered in Elwytha’s bosom. He believed
he could tame her like a horse? Nay. He could well think again. In
fact, two could play at that game. It appealed to her as much as
torturing him did. Perhaps she could wield the two together.
    She smiled. Yes. He would receive nothing but
unremitting torture from her until she slew him with one final,
fatal blow. By then he would welcome death. Her mind spun with
these pleasant possibilities as they crossed the drawbridge.
    Before them rolled gentle green hills,
bordered by thatches of dark forest. One stand of dense trees lay
to her left. Ahead, a rutted lane lined by heather and raspberry
bushes led to a tiny village. It appeared a good wind might blow
the shacks over. Small figures moved about the fields, no doubt
tending the wheat or barley. Elwytha saw no cattle or sheep, but
knew they likely roamed the hills with their shepherds now.
    The black stallion entered the wood. Fall had
ripened the leaves of the ash and oak into deep golden and orange
hues.
    Although Elwytha followed several paces
behind the Commander, in a seemingly submissive manner, her mind
quickly devised an alternative plan. She itched to be rid of his
company nearly as much as she desired to vex him.
    First, though, to tend to the ropes of hair
flopping about her head. True, they had dismayed the Commander at
first. Unfortunately, he had smiled afterward, as if she were an
amusing child. She untied them and slid her fingers through the
plaits, freeing her hair.
    Perhaps it had been a childish plan. All
future plans must accomplish far more important goals—namely,
retrieving her weapons and measuring her enemy’s strengths. Then no
surprises would remain for their final, fateful meeting two weeks
hence.
    She continued to smile, however, as she
pulled out the last bow. Vexing the Commander had buoyed her
spirits; a necessary, fortifying requirement, since apparently
she’d be shackled morning, noon and night to her enemy. In
addition, clever plans would need to be formulated in order to
frustrate his unknown, untenable plans for her future.
    There. Her hair felt better now, flowing
freely down her back. A cool breeze kissed her face and slid
through her tresses. The end of the wood approached. Ahead, she
spied what she sought—rolling, grassy hills.
    At last, her horse cantered into open
sunshine. Elwytha drew a breath of fresh, sweet air. Far ahead, she
saw more forest; her destination. Home lay a half day’s ride beyond
those trees.
    The Commander slowed just as Elwytha leaned
low over Sir Duke’s neck and pressed her knees into his sides. “Go,
Sir Duke,” she whispered. With a joyful jump, her steed leaped into
motion. Wind sailed through her hair as Sir Duke galloped faster
and faster. Primitive joy soared through Elwytha. Home lay just
beyond those woods. A place of peace, comfort, and shelter from her
enemy.
    She turned her head to see if she had left
the Commander behind. Nay. His black steed followed by a mere two
horse lengths. He leaned forward in the saddle,