Written in the Stars by Patricia Rosemoor, Sherrill Bodine Read Free Book Online Page A

brushed
     until it cascaded freely about her shoulders and down her back. Frightening thoughts
     and unanswered questions quickened her breath, making the air feel stale and heavy
     in her chambers.
    “I can’t breathe in here.”
    Nodding, Alice set down the brush. “Aye. Fresh air is what you need.”
    Suddenly eager to be out of doors, Elizabeth carefully wound her golden girdle over
     her loose cream gown and fled, leaving Alice alone.
    Elizabeth made her way outside, into the dying afternoon which threw shadows upon
     the dusty apron of the courtyard surrounded by a bake house, brewery, barns, and stables.
    She spotted Will, his hair gilded by the setting sun, as he stood surrounded by his
     men. She stayed in the shadows to watch him, his beautiful face animated, as he spoke
     to the young soldier who had been on watch at the castle wall. She caught snatches
     of their conversation. “Tom…training…troops…border.”
    When Will moved to examine a horse the blacksmith brought to him, the red-haired young
     soldier’s eyes followed, worship on his young, freckled face.
    Will moved among all the men working in the courtyard. He gripped the armorer by the
     shoulder, patiently pointing out defects in the shield. He gave a quick smile and
     an approving nod to the farrier.
    Here was a leader who was buffing his men like diamonds to be shining instruments
     for the duke.
    Yet another great wave of longing for what could never be between them and a desperate
     rebellion against that fate swept over her. Could my magic make him mine? What price
     would I be willing to pay to be with him?
    Tears stinging behind her eyes, she forced herself to turn away before she flung herself
     at his feet so desperate was her need for him.
    Don’t go, Elizabeth.
    Her birthmark burned, her celestial girdle tightened around her body, commanding her
     to swirl back to answer him.
    …
    For some time Will had known Elizabeth watched from the shadows. He’d tried not to
     react, tried to perform his duty with his men. Until she turned to leave and an aching
     desire for her to stay swept over him.
    Don’t go, Elizabeth.
    As if she heard his thought, she turned back to meet his gaze.
    Her eyes darkened to the deepest green of the forest as he moved to where she stood
     in the shadows beneath the outer gallery.
    Honor demands I send her away.
    “The cold of night is falling, Lady Elizabeth. You should return to the warmth of
     the castle.”
    All the living color drained from her exquisite skin. “Did you not ask me to stay,
     Will?”
    Only with my mind and heart. “Nay, I did not call out to you.” The air between them
     beat with emotion. He fought it, squaring his shoulders, knowing duty demanded he
     defeat these traitorous desires.
    “I give you this day,” his father had said and Will had promised not to forfeit it.
     Until Fate had decreed otherwise.
    She began to shiver and he ripped off his short cloak to place around her shoulders.
    “I will escort you to your chambers. You need to rest after a day such as this one.
     I fear it shall be a long night for us all.”
    “You also should rest, Will.” She slid him a side glance, clutching his cloak to her
     body as she followed him. “You have worked hard with your men this day. As you fought
     hard to protect Laurel and me. You saved our lives,” she ended softly.
    “I would give my life to do so, Lady Elizabeth.”
    She looked up at him, her skin again alive with color. “I know it is your duty as
     captain of the guard. Nonetheless you have my gratitude. The duke is fortunate to
     have you by his side.”
    Her words struck old chords of faithfulness and love. “As I am fortunate to be able
     to give him my sword and my loyalty. My honor is all I possess.”
    He barely acknowledged the servants passing them in the long corridors as the tower
     bell tolled the hour.
    From the first moment he saw her, Elizabeth’s beauty had bewitched him, blocking out
     sane