The Court of Love by Serena Zane Read Free Book Online Page B

She didn’t recall seeing any side rooms like this one on the building where they were. Confusion started to set in.
    “You mean the witch? You’re friends with the witch?” He dropped her hand as though it burned him and stood up.
    “She’s not a witch, she’s my friend. What are you talking about?”
    His gaze had turned assessing as he watched her, and Kat felt cold inside as though she had lost something important before she knew what it was.
    “The only Magdalena around here is the witch, Magdalena Valagytha.”
    Kat’s mind spun. She tried to think. The last thing she remembered was her foot slipping on the ice. “What day is it?”
    One of his dark eyebrows rose slashing across his forehead. “St. Valentine’s Day. February 14 th .”
    She waived a dismissive hand. “Yes, I know that part. I meant what year?”
    “It is the year of our lord, fifteen hundred forty-seven.”
    Kat wiped a hand across her face. Time-travel, just great. She was going to kill Magdalena. Again, she tried to rise. Her head ached, but she made it into a sitting position. “I have to see her.”
    “You can’t.”
    “Why not?” Kat met his gaze defiantly. Her head might be spinning, but she needed to have words with her old friend.
    “Because she is imprisoned below stairs.”
    “What do you mean imprisoned?”
    “Just that. She is a heretic, and unless she renounces her claims to the dark arts, she will burn. I hope you are not in league with her.”
    Kat felt the first vestiges of panic set in. Her palms felt damp and she brushed them against her dress. She still wore the same clothes as before.  At least she would fit in.  She needed a plan that would rescue her friend from being burned alive as a witch.
    First, she would have to reassure the man in front of her. “Of course not.” She raised a hand to the necklace she wore and wrapped her hand around the warm metal.
    “Good. I would hate to see one such as you meet with the same fate. Now, what is your name?”
    “Katerina Heart. My friends just call me Kat.”
    He strode forward and took her hand. Kat felt a small charge course through them as their skin touched. He leaned down and brushed his lips over her knuckles. “Well met Lady Kat. I am Lord Michael Guthrie.”
    “I have him! I brought the doctor!” A voice sounded from the doorway. Two men walked in, and Kat knew she was no longer in her own time. This confirmed it. The doctor walked forward carrying a satchel which he set on the little table beside the settee.
    Kat quickly rose and immediately swayed in place. Her hand reached out and met with solid muscle as Michael caught her. She let her arms go around his waist to support her. “Please.” She looked up into his eyes. “No doctors. I’ll be fine.”
    Humor lit Michael’s eyes. “Why don’t I believe you?” He started to seat her back onto the settee.
    She gripped his strong arms in her hands and felt his muscles bunch under her palms. “Please.”
    Michael and the doctor exchanged a glance. “He will not do anything unless you tell him it is okay. Will that be all right?”
    She didn’t want this doctor with his leeches and medieval practices to come anywhere near her, but she didn’t see where she had much of a choice. “Fine.” She sat back down, reluctantly letting go of Michael.
    The doctor stepped closer. “Young lady, I understand you had a bit of a fall.”
    “You could say that…” Right into another time.
    “Let’s see your head.” He began to prod around the back of her scalp. Kat winced when his fingers came into contact with the goose-egg she’d found earlier. “Hmmm, that is a rather nasty bump.”
    “Will she be all right?” Michael asked.
    “She’ll be fine in a few days. Until then, I recommend rest.” He stepped away from her and Kat breathed a sigh of relief. No leeches, yay!
    “Thank you Doctor. We appreciate your time.”
    “Anything for a family friend.” The doctor left the room and they were once