Choose the Sky: A Medieval Romance (Swordcross Knights Book 2) Read Online Free PDF

emotions.
    “I am honored by your kindness in thinking of me, your grace,” she said, speaking slowly, as if she could deny the inevitable. “Yet I wonder how Sir Luc feels about this union.” She kept her voice soft, hoping the shaking would not be detected.
    The knight glanced at the king and received a nod before replying. “My role is to serve the king in every way I can,” Luc said, sounding as if he were discussing the sale of a ship instead of a marriage. “Whatever he commands, I’ll carry out.”
    Domina swallowed. Her mouth was painfully dry all of a sudden. So the man wasn’t going to raise any objections to the alliance. She couldn’t look to him for common sense. “If he does not oppose the idea, I do not see how I can.”
    “Then you consent,” the king pressed.
    Mary, Queen of Heaven, help me deal with this all too earthly king!
Inspiration struck her. She said, in a rush, “I am your grace’s servant, but first my father’s daughter. Please understand that I could never agree to such an important contract without his advice and blessing.”
    The king raised his eyebrow, but said only, “If all fathers had daughters as dutiful as this one, the world would be much closer to paradise!”
    Domina said nothing, terrified she’d angered the king.
    Instead, she heard Stephen begin to chuckle, then laugh out loud. Other voices joined in, as the courtiers decided to echo the king’s amusement.
    A hot blush rose in her cheeks. She’d done something horribly wrong, and now everyone was laughing at her. Her first appearance at court would be her last.
    The king rose from his chair and stepped toward her. Domina gasped, but didn’t dare move.
    Stephen stopped a foot away from her, and reached out to chuck a finger under her chin, raising her face to his.
    “Well, this lady will make someone a blushing bride!” He smiled at her. “Did you think me serious, dear girl?”
    “I…I don’t know what to think, your grace,” she whispered. Only he could hear her.
    Stephen’s expression softened. “I may have got carried away with my jest. Your first time at court—I couldn’t resist.”
    “A joke, your grace?” she asked, her voice quavering.
    “Just a little joke,” he said.
    He turned to indicate Luc, who remained standing where he was. “But I do say that Sir Luc will come to Trumwell Castle in order to discuss defenses with Godfrey, and see that the castle is properly fortified. As a knight, he’s served me with honor, and I need to know that your castle can hold the territory it overlooks. Luc of Braecon will be my eyes.”
    Domina glanced between the king and Luc and back again, barely keeping up with this rapid shift in topic.
    “Certainly, your grace,” she said, falling back on the courtesy she’d been taught. “Whenever an emissary of the king arrives, he is most welcome.”
    “Excellent. That is exactly what I wish to hear, my dear.” The king looked her over once more, and Domina didn’t know what thoughts flew behind the royal eyes. “You are excused now.  My chamberlain will speak with you further.”
    She curtsied again, very low. “God keep you, your grace.”
    Domina backed away from the king and then turned to leave. She forced herself to walk slowly, even though she wanted to dash away.
    She conquered one challenge, only to find herself saddled with another. How would she keep her secret if this knight Luc of Braecon came to her home? And what would happen if her deception was exposed?
    * * * *
    As soon as Domina escaped the royal residence, she breathed a sigh of relief. “Praise Him that’s over.”
    “You did very well, my lady,” Constance said proudly. “I would have been in tears. To play a trick like that…”
    “The king may play whatever tricks he likes, for that is the privilege of a king.” Domina looked up and down the street. “Come, Constance. Now that I have completed my main task here, I will see Joscelin. We must cross the river.”
    The