Excerpt #2
“Give
me your blades,”
The Commander growled down at her.
Fear pounded in Elwytha's chest, and she licked her dry lips. “You found
no blades when you pawed through my clothes. The maid found none on my
person. Perhaps that is because I have none.”
“I don’t trust you.”
She smiled.
As well you shouldn’t.
However, she said, “How can we have a marriage with no trust?”
“Come with me.” He forced her toward the door. “You will not return to
this room.”
“But my clothes!”
“You will have new clothes. Clothes with no holes for pockets. Clothes
that provide no access to the blade at your thigh.”
“Nonsense.” Unthinking, she struggled and then, to her consternation, he
picked her up and tossed her over his shoulder. She cried out in fear
and horrified humiliation. “Put me down!” She pounded on his broad back.
“Put me down, you monstrous serf!”
He strode, silent, through the halls. She squeezed her eyes shut,
unwilling to see the others witnessing her humiliation. “Put me down.
Put me down at once!” she gasped. She bit her lip, trying to stop the
weak tears of a woman, not a warrior. She sniffed and finally stopped
struggling, and hung down his back. His belt about his jerkin was within
reach. If only she could loose it, she could cinch it around his massive
neck!
“Where are you taking me?” she demanded, voice muffled. Perhaps if she
pretended submission he would return her to her feet. And if she found a
dagger, she’d gladly plunge it through his heart.
“To my chambers.”
“Nay!” she gasped out, and struggled in earnest then. “I have decided
you are unacceptable to me. You have none of the finer qualities I
require in a husband!”
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Print release will be in January 2009
