Notorious Read Online Free PDF

“What was your last throw?”
    â€œI rolled a ten.”
    She looked directly into his eyes and saw the bold challenge. “I can beat that.” She cast the dice with the aplomb of a goddess bestowing a favor on mere mortals, and then walked away as if she were completely confident of the outcome.
    â€œDouble six!” Her brother laughed. “Now, that was luck.”
    Wolf’s eyes gleamed with admiration. “No, that was pride.” He scooped up the dice before anyone else could touch them. He knew that traces of Brianna’s essence would be left upon them and, if he chose, he could use it for his own purpose.
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    Jory de Beauchamp was enjoying a rare conversation with her brother before they retired. “Poor Lynx, you chose an unfortunate time to visit. The moment you arrived, you were whisked away and embroiled in the trouble of others.”
    â€œThe shameful way the country is being run affects all of us. The barons must stand together. Edward is so weak and feckless. The Despencers have usurped the king’s royal power. We must take it back from them—we have no choice.”
    â€œNow that you have inherited the earldom of Surrey, you must find the burden of your responsibilities much heavier.”
    â€œNot really. I’ve been earl in all but name for some time because of our uncle John’s ill health.”
    Jory placed her small hand upon his large one. “Yes, he relied upon you for so much, and you never let him down.”
    â€œThat’s debatable, Minx. The Earl of Surrey as well as his cousin Pembroke were always staunch king’s men. Now that the earldom is mine, I’m taking the side of the barons.”
    â€œThe Earl of Pembroke is the king’s godfather. He made vows that he will not break, no matter how dishonorable Edward becomes. You are doing what is right and just,” she assured him.
    â€œI actually came to ask your advice. Jane hasn’t seen her family in over sixteen years and I know she would dearly love to return to Scotland for a visit. Since there is a signed truce in effect, do you think such a journey would be safe?”
    â€œI see no physical danger, but would it be politically advisable? You surely don’t imagine King Edward has forgiven the barons who refused to take their troops and fight at Bannockburn?”
    He grinned. “Lancaster, Warwick, Arundel, and de Warenne. We were within our legal rights to refuse. The king did not get Parliament’s permission to go to war with Scotland.”
    â€œThat was the excuse you used. You and Arundel were boyhood friends with Robert Bruce. Your lands in Essex ran together.”
    â€œBefore we left Scotland, I swore an oath to Robert that I would never again take up arms against him. I suspect Warwick refused to fight at Bannockburn for love of you, Jory.”
    â€œWell, he may have wanted to kill Robert for having once been my lover, but Guy truly believed that the Bruce was the rightful King of Scotland.” She quickly changed the subject. “Rickard answered the call to arms, as did Roger Mortimer. They have always been loyal to the king.”
    â€œAt least spending the years in Ireland kept them out of the barons’ continual quarrels with the king.”
    â€œUntil now. Where is the thanks for all they have done? The king turns a blind eye while his lover, Despencer, steals their land in the Welsh Marches.”
    â€œWell, we can make no plans for Jane to visit Scotland until this trouble has been resolved. Perhaps next year. Do you have no desire to see Scotland again, Jory?”
    â€œNo, none. My heart belongs to Warwick.”
    Lynx knew that his sister meant Warwick the man and not the castle. “Here he comes. I will bid you good night.”
    As Guy and Jory ascended the stairs of the Master Tower, her husband took her hand. “I’m sorry your visit with your brother was cut short, love.”
    â€œI