Total pages in book: 112
Estimated words: 101336 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 507(@200wpm)___ 405(@250wpm)___ 338(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 101336 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 507(@200wpm)___ 405(@250wpm)___ 338(@300wpm)
“What are your thoughts,” she asked, more relieved than pleased that he continued to think of her differently than others. Most people not only thought her two different colored eyes evil, but many thought it also left her brain lacking, not able to comprehend like normal people.
“It makes me wonder if two different people search for you and your sisters and for different reasons.”
“I did not think of that, but you could be right.” Instinct had her reaching out to lay her hand on his arm when she realized what she was doing and dropped her hand in her lap. “That might make it more difficult to keep me safe.”
Slayer slipped his hand beneath the table to grip her hand that lay in her lap. “Nothing will stop me from keeping you safe.”
The voices of servants not far off reminded them that they were not alone, but Slayer kept his hand gripped on hers beneath the table, not willing to let go, not just yet.
“I must go talk with my warriors,” he whispered, and his hand slowly fell off hers and he gave her leg a gentle squeeze before standing. “Stay close to the keep,” he ordered gruffly.
Sky smiled softly at his gruff manner, knowing it was for the benefit of others there and her reputation. “As you say, my lord.” She saw in his eyes what she felt that he wanted to kiss her as much as she wanted him to.
“With me, Fane,” Slayer ordered, and the hound followed his rushed steps out of the keep.
She hurried to her feet. Time to keep herself busy and rid herself of thoughts of her husband, not a likely endeavor. He invaded her thoughts constantly in ways that made her smile and ways that stirred her desire. There were far more important matters for her to dwell on. She smiled. What could be more important than her husband? She shook her head again.
“Many things,” she scolded herself and hurried to find Angel and take her with her to the garden.
It didn’t take long to find the kitten sound asleep in a makeshift bed by one of the two hearths in the kitchen. She looked far too comfortable to disturb her and feeling a lovely breeze drifting in from the open door, she eagerly sought the outdoors.
“Join me,” a voice said.
A bit startled, after only taking a few steps outside, she turned her head.
“I did not mean to frighten you, but the day has turned lovely, the sun peeking out from behind the clouds now and again,” Lester said, sitting on the long bench, which sat against the outside wall of the kitchen, holding a wood bowl, the food in it almost gone. “I love the sun and we don’t get enough of it.”
She was going to refuse his invitation not sure she would be safe with him. But with two Gallowglass warriors nearby keeping watch on him, what was there for her to worry about? Talking with him could help determine if it were truth or lies, he had told.
She joined him on the bench, though kept a good space between them.
“You are safe with me. Freedom is more important to me than coins,” Lester said with a smile then gave a nod at the bowl in his hand. “Your cook is not only a good one but generous with her portions.”
“That she is, but you should have had your leg tended to before you ate,” Sky said with a nod at the bloody cloth.
“The wound can wait. It has been too long since I have eaten.”
Being this close to the man, she noticed he appeared far fitter for an older man. But there were some older men fitter than most so she could not be sure about his age. There were also some men whose hair turned gray when young. So how old was he actually?
“You are Lord Slayer’s wife?” he asked.
“Nay,” she said, wondering why he would ask.
“But you sat at the dais with him.”
“I am a friend, no more than that,” she said, keeping their marriage secret as Slayer had warned. She decided to be blunt, having no intention of lingering there with him. “Did you lie to Lord Slayer, Lester?”
“Why would you think that?” he asked, surprised by her question.
“The better question is,+ why wouldn’t I question the word of a stranger?”
He nodded slowly. “A wise assumption.”
Sky looked and saw the two warriors whispering among themselves. She wondered if they were just as suspicious of her as they were of Lester.
“You are in more danger than you know, Sky,” Lester whispered with a quick glance at the warriors. “I hoped I would have time to explain, but I don’t. You are not who you think you are. Trust no one. The truth will reveal itself soon enough.”
His words stunned her, and she quickly asked, “Who are you?”