The Darkland by Kathryn Le Veque Read Free Book Online Page A

murmured. "He's far too pure. He's saving
himself for me, you know."
    "You mean you have
eliminated all competition."
    "I have had
to."
    Gaze lingering on his
sister as her frail mind lost itself in the throes of a powerful climax, Edmund
turned and quit the room.
    His virgin bride was
waiting.
     
                                
***
     
    The first time Edmund
beheld Mara, he immediately announced his satisfaction in his bride. Mara
blushed as Kirk corrected his lord, introducing the Lady Micheline le Bec as
the man's intended. Edmund’s response couldn't have been crueler had he slapped
her.
    It was obvious he wasn't
pleased. Micheline stammered through her gracious speech, her cheeks flushing
madly and her hands trembling. Mara remained astride her worn palfrey, fury
such as she had never known filling her as Micheline offered herself to her
displeased groom. When the elder sister finished her speech and gave the man a
timid smile, Edmund did nothing more than turn his back and return to the keep.
Leaving the escort party embarrassed and sympathetic, Kirk endeavored to make
amends to the humiliated bride.
    "Lord Edmund has
never been the congenial sort, my lady," he said apologetically. "But
he is fair. In fact, I would be surprised if he did not apologize for his
conduct at the feast tonight."
    Mara was off her
palfrey, her bright blue eyes blazing. "There will be no feast!" she
spat. "We're going home, Sir Kirk, and you are going to take us. We're not
staying another moment where we're not wanted."
    Kirk could hardly demand
she control herself when Micheline had been righteously insulted. Maintaining
his calm, he grasped Mara by the arm.
    "You are indeed
wanted, my lady," he said quietly. "I realize it is difficult to
believe given Lord Edmund’s reaction, but you must trust me when I say that he
has been anticipating your arrival."
    "He was
anticipating the arrival of a beauty," Micheline said softly, turning for
her mare. "I do not meet his criteria, Sir Kirk. Mayhap it would be best
if you return us home."
    Kirk watched the lady
move for her horse, her movements slow and shameful. His heart ached for her,
another strange emotion he had never experienced. But, given Edmund’s
character, he should not have been shocked by the man's behavior. He should
have expected it.
    "I cannot, Lady
Micheline," he said quietly. "Only Lord Edmund can return you home.
For now, I suggest you settle into your room and prepare for the evening's
meal."
    "Prepare for what?
More humiliation?" Mara shook her head. "I shall not allow it, Sir
Kirk. I shall cut the man's heart out if he shames her again."
    Kirk raised an eyebrow.
"Watch your tongue, lady. You speak of your benefactor."
    "I speak of an
insensitive, boorish clod," she snapped. "He's no prize himself. What
gives him the right to judge my sister's appearance?"
    Kirk drew a steadying
breath. "Corwin," he said slowly. "Please take Lady Micheline
into the keep. I suspect Lady Valdine and Lady Wanda are waiting to show her to
her chamber."
    "What of Lady
Mara?" Niles did not like the look in Kirk's eye. "I'd be happy to
take...."
    "I shall take her
in hand." Kirk cut him off. "You may disband the escort."
    Niles did not argue.
Turning to the men-at-arms, he began to bellow orders as Corwin collected
Micheline's satchel from her horse. There was a small wagon containing a few
trunks and other personal items and he ordered several hovering servants to see
to those things. Grasping the red-cheeked bride by the arm, he escorted her
past Kirk and Mara without a glance.
    Mara watched her sister
disappear into the castle. The moment Micheline vanished, she turned to Kirk.
    "I do not care what
you do to me, I am not going to apologize for my words," she said in a low
voice. "Your precious Lord Edmund is a fiend and if you expect me
to...."
    He cut her off by
yanking her across the bailey. His strides were long and Mara had to run to
keep up. Even as he pulled her to a