All Her Men (The Queen's Men Book 1) Read Online Free PDF Page A

Strong, domineering men, that could snap her neck like a twig… Any hope she had to get away from them, began to sink. Could she really escape them? They didn’t look like guards. They wore suits, but didn’t look like businessmen either. They looked more like soldiers in business suits — soldiers for hire.
    Hell, she hadn’t even been able to break loose from the one that held her in her house. Her sanctuary. The place she knew like the back of her hand… If she couldn’t get away there, what made her think she could escape in their territory?
     
    “Do you swear to live only for your queen?” Thomas’ voice caused her to jump as his voice boomed throughout the room. “To protect her as you would your own flesh and blood? To give your very life for her if it shall come to it? Do you swear to uphold the laws of the crown in times of trouble and heartache? Do you swear to uphold the laws of Rowan?”
    Each lifted his head and repeated, “Aye.” Only one word. Such a simple word. Yet, Amelia knew it was a powerful word. One that changed each man’s life, should he choose to keep his vow. One that changed her life as well.
    Realization spread throughout her very soul. She could never go back to her little home in the woods or to the semi-boring little life that she had crafted for herself. Her job, while boring, was gone. Her little house, while still there, was gone too. This was her future, whether she wanted it or not. Her lineage demanded it, and these men would do whatever necessary to protect her, even if from herself.
     
     

 
    Chapter 7
     
    Jacob held her hand tightly as he guided them through the throng of people. The parliament was full, every one of its members wanted to catch a glimpse of the new queen. Her breath caught slightly at the various smells that assaulted her. Colognes, perfumes, etcetera, all flowed throughout the small building. There was no air flowing. There were no open doors, no fans… nothing to get the scents cleared from the area. The weakness in her lungs made itself known. Squeezing his hand, she hoped he would know that something was wrong. Why had they not thought to warn her that there would be so many people?
    It was clear that his guard was up, but he was looking for the wrong threats. The slight wheeze began as her lungs worked harder for air. Quickly he weaved them in and out around the crowd, speaking not one word to anyone. Deacon and Tim began pushing back on the crowd as they walked faster. Her fingers and mouth were going numb. Her lungs were still too sensitive. She should have been paying more attention. At last they rounded the corner, out of sight. Jacob turned towards her. Gently he pushed her up against the wall. “Lass, I have it. Here.”
    Looking down she saw that he pulled an inhaler from his pocket. He carried one for her. The very thought that he was determined to protect her made her eyes water. Such a small thing, but one that spoke volumes.
    “We shall not have a repeat of our first meeting, aye?” His eyes were tinged with worry as his lips curled up in a smile. It was true, he would protect her. Even if it was from her own traitorous body. He would protect her.
    She watched his eyes, a gorgeous blue, as he pressed it into her hands. “Thank you…”
    “Go on. No one shall see. The boys will ensure it.”
    Glancing away from him she realized that he knew. He knew that her asthma scared her. It was a weakness that she tried to ignore. A defect in her lungs that kept her from being able to do all of the things she wanted to do. It made life full of terrors that would otherwise not exist.
    He took her inhaler from her and used his hand to raise her head. “Never think yer weak just because yer different. Being different makes ye who ye are. Nothing wrong with that.” Lightly he placed the inhaler to her lips and pressed the actuator. The sterile taste was comforting as she took a deep breath. “We are all a wee bit different,” he whispered.