Kiss Across Swords (Kiss Across Time Series) Read Online Free PDF

is nothing to forgive, child,” he said. “For see? We are already at our destination.” He lifted her hand and placed it in Veris’.
    “Thank you, Highness,” Veris said.
    “Your wife is lovely beyond compare. You’re aware of that, I can tell by the way your hand hovers by your sword,” Herleifr said softly. “Or is it, rather, your discomfort in being back in this hall once more, Väinämöinen?”
    Veris grew still, his gaze locked with the king’s.
    “I am old,” the king said, still speaking softly. “But not old enough to forget faces, even though both fifteen years and the lad have gone and now a man stands in his place.”
    Taylor stepped in front of Veris and faced the king. “My lord—” she said, also keeping her voice down.
    “No, Tyra,” Veris protested and thrust her aside.
    The king held up his hand. It was meant as a signal for peace, but the heel of his hand thumped into Veris’ chest. There was a collective gasp of surprise around them.
    The king thrust his foot backward, trying to push Veris back. “Stop, you fool,” he hissed. “Do you really want to die tonight?”
    “Veris, for heaven’s sake, please, think it through,” Taylor pleaded, tugging on his arm as he stood over the king. He was thrumming with tension. Had he forgotten he was mortal right now and surrounded by men wielding swords, men that were loyal to the king? Quite likely, yes.
    “No one will come to my aid until I ask for it,” the king added. “Such is my reputation. To them I am utterly strong, invincible and need assistance from no man unless I choose it. At the moment, they simply watch me deal with you, believing only that you are angry because I desire your wife. It can remain that way… Veris . But if you insist on taking this path then it will no longer be a small matter of pride over a woman. Do you understand?”
    After a moment Veris stepped back from the king. He was shaking.
    Taylor realized she was, too.
    Herleifr straightened his sleeves. “My queen dotes upon Marit. She is the daughter my wife never had. Marit would not be the woman she is today if someone had not intervened in her life fifteen years ago and changed her fortunes. Because my queen is grateful for that blessing, I am grateful.” He adjusted his cloak. “Enjoy your supper.” He walked away with a swirl of cloth.
    Taylor threw her arms around Veris’ neck and clung to him, despite their public location. She was trembling badly enough that she had to clamp her jaws together to stop her teeth from chattering.
    Veris’ lips pressed against the nape of her neck, then slid up to her ear. “I could have cheerfully killed the bastard for touching you. God, Taylor, I’m so full of emotions, I’m almost drunk with them.”
    Taylor dropped back to her feet and tugged on his wrist. “Come and eat,” she said. “Come on. You need food and drink, and you need to relax. Your body is a chemical factory now. You’re not use to it anymore. Every emotional reaction you have is also a chemical reaction inside you. You’re chewing up juices and your metabolism probably just dropped dead over this.” She pushed him toward the table.
    “I know that.” He frowned. “I know that,” he said softly, wondering. “Basic biology.”
    “Dry academics,” she whispered back. “You learned it in a book. Long after you were made and long after you’d forgotten what it was like to be human.” She found a space at one of the long tables and pointed to it. “Will this do, my husband?” she said more loudly.
    Some of the men at the table looked at Veris with alarm.
    Veris sat down in the empty space and looked at the man closest to him. “Make room for my wife.”
    The man shuffled over, making more than plenty of space for Taylor. Taylor sat down with a nod of thanks.
    Veris picked up the cup of wine placed in front of him and stared at the golden liquid inside.
    Taylor picked up her cup and touched it to Veris’. “To your good health,