Knight of Her Heart (Conquering the Heart) Read Online Free PDF Page B

Lord Collins and Lady Lisette to be annulled if it has already taken place, and for you to claim both Lord Collins’ new bride and his lands should evidence implicate him in the murder of your cousin Aveline or any of his former wives.”
    Rowan took the second document and placed both securely inside a pocket in his surcoat. Even though each was feather-light, the feel of the documents caused a heavy weight to settle around his heart. He had completed many missions for his king but none had been so personal.
    Lord! He could not believe Aveline was dead let alone that a bride had been chosen for him.
    “Sire, if I arrive before Lady Lisette is married, or if I cannot find proof of Collins’ guilt, I take it that the matter of my marriage may be dropped.”
    “Nay.” The king’s denial was short and sharp. “We expect you to succeed on both counts, Romsey. We are confident you will find the proof you need to avenge your cousin’s death. We expect you to marry Lady Lisette and establish your line.”
    “Sire—”
    “Your direct passage to Southampton has been arranged. You have permission to take a small party of knights of your choosing into your service, with the exception of Sir Leon who will remain behind in our service. You will leave at next high tide,” the king instructed. “You will need to separate from your group when you approach the villages around Collins’ lands and travel in disguise to conduct your investigations. Collins strikes me as a slippery character and I do not wish him to be forewarned as to your investigation. You will have your forces close by should you require their assistance to take Collins into custody.”
    Sir Rowan, now Lord Rowan, Earl of Romsey, stifled all his protests. He bowed to the king in acknowledgement of the order and took his leave. In all the times he had taken his place in Henry’s army to march off to battle, Rowan had never known trepidation at the orders he’d received.
    The king’s demands could not be ignored. While Rowan was thankful to have the opportunity to discover the circumstances of poor Aveline’s death and to bring Lord Collins to justice if he was guilty of the crime, the thought of marriage was an anathema to him. He had sworn that he would never marry and would prefer to take on the entire French army single-handedly than to take a wife. The scars carved into his heart years ago by Lady Eleanor were a reminder of his conviction that he would never again allow himself to trust a woman let alone to believe in love.
    However if the daughter of Lord Blake was in trouble, Rowan had an obligation to assist her. He had carried a debt to his former commander for many years. If he was able to repay this debt by assisting Lady Lisette and prevent her from marrying a murderer, Rowan’s conscience may rest a little easier.
    Would his former commander have approved of the match?
    Rowan’s lips pressed into what must surely be a grim line. Lord Blake had shown great faith in him and saved him from a possible meeting with the hangman.  Mayhap he would have approved, but surely his daughter deserved a more worthy husband?
     
                 
     

 

    Chapter 3
     
     
     
    Genevieve shifted slightly in her sleep as Lisette prepared to leave the room they shared. In the soft candlelight, Lisette regarded the angelic face of the little sister she adored and her heart clenched with fierce, protective love. Genevieve was so beautiful. So innocent. Lisette would do anything she must to shield her from harm—even something she knew was very wrong.
    Since their parents had died—ambushed by thieves as they’d journeyed to a neighbouring keep—Lisette had made it her responsibility to tutor and protect Genevieve. She leant forward and placed a light kiss on her sister’s forehead, silently renewing her vow to take care of her. To do that, Lisette needed to be alive.
    This mission must succeed.
    She drew herself up determinedly. She would not, could