Knight of Desire Read Online Free PDF Page B

protecting the children they would have together as she was her firstborn.
    “The contract is already drawn.” The bishop touched his fingertips together and shifted his eyes to William as he spoke. “I
     assure you, all matters of importance are covered.”
    William held his hand up. “I will give your clerk the necessary changes. We’ve no more time to waste, so let’s be done with
     it.”
    The bishop made a sour face. “As you wish.”
    The door banged behind him.
    “Come, Jamie,” Lady Catherine said, sounding exhausted now. “Mother must rest now.”
    Her son kissed the cheek she offered and scampered out of the room. As soon as he was gone, she slumped against the back of
     her chair.
    “I cannot give you more time,” William said, looking at her pale face and feeling guilty. “The wedding must take place today.”
    She gave him no response but merely turned those startlingly blue eyes on him.
    “I am known as a strong fighter and commander. Once you have the protection of my name, you will be safe,” he explained. “Even
     the king will not threaten you as he does now.”
    He fixed her with unwavering eyes. “And no one will dare touch you once you carry my child,” he said, the words coming out
     hard, fierce, “for they know I would follow them to hell and back to take my vengeance.”

    Catherine felt clearheaded as she sat in the steaming tub of water, sipping another cup of the hot broth Mary forced upon
     her. Remarkably, she’d fallen into a deep sleep after FitzAlan had left her. She felt much better for it.
    She carefully reviewed her meeting with FitzAlan. His short bronze hair had been damp, and he looked freshly shaved. Without
     the blood and grime, he was a handsome man. He had a strong face, with broad cheekbones, a wide mouth, and hard amber eyes.
     He was tall and well built, with a commanding presence that made him seem much older than he probably was.
    Aye, he was a handsome man. A very handsome man, indeed.
    He wore a tunic of rich forest green that reached to his knees, with a dark gold cotehardie underneath. A jeweled belt rode
     low on his hips. The fine clothing did not disguise the warrior beneath. As he said, he was a soldier and commander other
     men feared.
    Her mind went to his bald statement that she would be safe once she was known to carry his child. She quickly pushed aside
     the thought. She would marry this stranger to protect her son, but she could not think now about sharing his bed.
    She recalled how he looked looming above her on the drawbridge. Despite the warmth of the water that enveloped her, she shuddered.
     In dealing with him, she would do well to remember the raging lion splattered with blood.
    Alys burst into the room, bringing a rush of cold air with her.
    “Are ye not dressed yet?” Alys said, wide-eyed. “Mary, what is wrong with you? FitzAlan’s pacing the hall like a caged bear.”
    “Two hours to prepare for a wedding,” Mary grumbled as she held Catherine’s robe out for her.
    Two hours to prepare for a marriage
. Water streamed down Catherine’s legs as she stepped out of the tub.
    “I laid out your best gowns on the bed,” Mary said as she wrung water from Catherine’s hair.
    “This one is still your finest,” Alys said, wistfully running her hand over the finely stitched beading of the gown Catherine
     had worn to her first wedding.
    “There’s no time to alter it,” Catherine said. While she was still slender, she had been slight to the point of frailty at
     sixteen. “The blue will do.”
    “Ah, this one is lovely on you,” Mary said, picking up the gown and matching headdress made of intense blue silk with gold
     trim. “Your eyes look bright as bluebells in it.”
    The two women worked fast, braiding, pinning, lacing, and prodding. When they finished, they cooed over the gown. It fit snuggly
     from the bodice to the decorative belt low on her hips, then fell in soft folds to the floor.
    Her hair was still damp and