Conquering the Queen Read Online Free PDF Page B

another cold bath endured as she stood looking out the window. Once again, the nurses scrubbed her skin too hard, especially the still-tender skin of her bottom—more of their petty punishment. Avin ignored it. She would remember them, too, when this was all over.
    They brushed her hair, jerking her head when they found a sleep-tangled knot. She said nothing, made no noise. By the time she was dressed in a simple green gown—her thick blond tresses plaited down her back, her skin tingling in places as if stung by bees—the pain from their rough handling had succeeded in supplanting any good feelings that lingered from the night before.
    “You slept well?” Xander arrived, sending the nurses away.
    When she didn’t answer, he approached her. He carried a plate of food. Bread. Salt pork. Apple. He walked over and sat down on the bed.
    “Come kneel and eat, Avin.”
    She looked over at him. “No.”
    He regarded her thoughtfully. “Not hungry this morning? That is regrettable. You need sustenance.”
    “I will not accept food from the hand that tricked me,” she said. “And don’t deny it. You gave me a sleeping draught. I felt the signs when I awoke. The fog of mind, the taste of valerian still on my tongue.”
    He set the plate aside. “It was for your own good.”
    “Yes,” she said. “As is this drafty tower room.”
    His next words surprised her. “I agree that this room is not suitable, which is why I am moving you.”
    “Where?”
    “Back to your former bedchamber. It’s warm there, and it’s next to mine. I can more readily train you if you are closer.”
    Avin felt her heart flutter. “I need no training.”
    Xander stood. “You do.” He walked over, stopping when he was just inches away from her. His proximity meant she was forced to look up at him. Her heart fluttered faster. She had always been a statuesque woman, but beside her former lover, she still felt small. “I thought correction alone would be enough to remind you of your place, but it is clear that you need the steady feel of your master’s hand…”
    “You are not my master…” Her voice was shaking as she said the words that went ignored as he spoke over her.
    “…so that you will not have time to build anger and resentment.”
    “And just how are you to tame me and run a kingdom?” She paused. “Or will your father run Windbourne as you merely play at being king.”
    His face hardened. She’d struck a nerve. Avin allowed herself a satisfied smile. It was one thing they both had in common—overbearing fathers. She remembered how Xander had bristled at Lord Reginald’s attempts to maneuver him. Now she waited for his retort, but before it could come there was a rap at the door.
    When Xander answered it, Avin immediately recognized the visitor as a physician, but not hers. Her physician had been among the first in her inner circle to betray her, leaving the castle one cold evening never to return. Avin later learned that he’d sought sanctuary with the invaders.
    This man was blond, handsome, and not much older than the king. By the familiarity afforded him by Xander, it was clear they’d known one another for some time.
    Avin narrowed her eyes suspiciously as she watched them quietly confer. An uneasy feeling came over her as they stopped talking and approached her.
    “I asked the physician to come to see to your overall health, Avin,” Xander said.
    “I need no physician.” She backed away, hoping her words did not convey the apprehension she felt.
    “I disagree.” Xander stepped forward and took hold of her and she struggled to free herself.
    “Avin, you will be examined, and in light of this morning’s renewed defiance in taking food, you will be treated for your flagging appetite.”
    “I will not, you usurping bastard!” She moved to bite his hand again, but this time, Xander was ready, spinning her around and pinning her back against his chest. Reaching for the top of her gown, he pulled it down and