The Dragon Lord Read Online Free PDF Page A

remember.”
    “Good, get it. Mama, you get your jewelry while I rip out the hems of your gowns.”
    “Lord Dragon said we are to take naught of value with us to the convent,” Nelda reminded her.
    Rose sent her an exasperated look. “Devil take Dragon. I will not have you go as paupers to the convent. Mama, fetch your sewing basket.”
    The gold is still here!” Starla crowed as she removed a brick from the front of the hearth and lifted out a bulging cloth sack from the cramped space behind it. She carried the sack to the bed and spilled a pile of gold coins onto the counterpane.
    They worked quickly, sewing the coins into the hem of Nelda’s under-gown, spacing them so they would not jingle together when she walked. They did the same with the jewelry.
    “There are sufficient coins here to pay your way,” Rose said when they finished. “Starla, go to your room and pack your personal belongings while I help Mama. Dress warmly, mind you.”
    “What about you, Rose?” Lady Nelda asked as she placed some personal belongings in a small trunk. “Will you be all right? I said naught in front of Starla, but I fear you are placing yourself in danger. Lord Dragon has the look of a man not easily placated. You will bear the brunt of his anger alone when he realizes you tricked him.”
    “I will survive, Mama,” Rose said with more assurance than she felt. “He will not hurt me lest he earn the wrath of our guardsmen. He has need of their loyalty.”
    “He will indeed need our guardsmen,” Nelda agreed sagely. “If I know my brother Murdoc, and I believe I do, he will try to claim Ayrdale once he learns of your father’s death. I would not put it past him to try to force you, your father’s heir, to wed one of his kinsmen.”
    Rose grimaced. Even if Dragon had not arrived, she would not wed a kinsman of Uncle Murdoc’s. She had seen them all, and none pleased her.
    Starla arrived in the solar a few minutes later carrying a small casket containing her personal belongings. “I packed but a few things, for I intend to become a postulate and wear the robes they provide forme.”
    “I shall miss you,” Rose said, giving her twin a fierce hug. “And you,too, Mama. The convent is but a half-day’s journey, and I shall come often to visit.”
    “Are you sure about this, Rose?” Starla asked in a trembling voice. “I would not ask so great a sacrifice of you.”
    “You have ever wanted to be a nun, Starla. It would pain me to see you crushed beneath the Dragon Lord’s heel.”
    Starla shuddered, her voice barely above a whisper. “I would prefer death. I do not think I could … could submit to a husband—any husband—as a wife should.”
    Teary-eyed, Rose held Starla close. “Nor will you have to. Go and be happy in your faith. Just remember to pretend to be me until you are well away from the keep, and I shall become meek and biddable until I know you are safely ensconced in the convent.”
    “Pray God Rose can keep her mouth shut long enough,” Lady Nelda said in a prayerful tone.
    A loud rapping on the door interrupted their conversation. Rose opened the door to the huge, foreign-looking man who had accompanied Dragon inside the keep. He was dressed strangely in a colorful robe that covered him from neck to toe and a length of white cloth wound about his head. And he carried enough weapons to slay an entire army.
    “I am Raj, Lord Dragon’s man. My master awaits his bride in the chapel.”
    “We will be there directly,” Rose said.
    She tried to close the door, but Raj held it open with one huge palm.“I am to escort Lady Rose to her bridegroom.” He looked from Rose to Starla, then back to Rose. “Which lady would that be?”
    Rose’s demeanor immediately altered to mimic her sister’s more reserved nature. She lowered her gaze and forced herself to tremble; though in truth it wasn’t all that difficult. “I am Lady Rose.”
    “Follow me, my lady,” Raj said, holding the door open for Rose.