The Dragon Lord Read Online Free PDF

“We must not keep our lord waiting.”
    Rose sucked in a fortifying breath, stiffened her shoulders and walked bravely toward her future.

Chapter Two
    What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.
    —William Shakespeare
    Hands clasped behind his back, Dominic paced before the altar, waiting for his bride to appear. Truth to tell, he had little enthusiasm for this marriage. The shy little twin was not his type, but he knew in his heart that his choice had been a wise one. The sharp-tongued sister would make his life miserable, and bedding a grief-stricken widow held scant appeal.
    Nor did he expect to derive pleasure from the marriage bed wedded to the meek little twin. She would probably close her eyes, grit her teeth and say a prayer each time he made Jove to her. Rose
was certainly
misnamed, he thought with a hint of amusement.
    There was nothing thorny about the shy girl he was about to make his wife. He couldn’t say the same about her sister, however, who was as prickly as a thistle.
    Suddenly Dominic’s patience snapped, and he turned on the priest.“Where is she?”
    “Patience is a virtue, my lord,” Father Nyle intoned. “You stormed into our household and announced our lord’s death and your intention to wed one of his daughters, all within the span of one hour.‘Tis unseemly.”
    Dominic’s mouth flattened. ” Tis the king’s will. Think you I want an unwilling wife in my bed? I had plans to wed another when the king gave me his orders. If I must accept this marriage, then so must Lady Rose.”
    “Lady Rose will obey the king but she does not have to like it,” Rose said from the doorway. “I am here, my lord.”
    Dominic stared at Rose, noting with distaste her downcast eyes and rounded shoulders. Could she not even look at him? How was he to bed a wench who cringed at the very sight of him? His gaze slid past Rose to her sister, who appeared to have a problem meeting his gaze. But suddenly, as if realizing he was staring at her, she raised her chin and looked him directly in the eye.
    Dominic flashed her a devilish grin, then turned his attention to his subdued little Rose. At least he would be able to keep Veronica as his mistress with Rose as his wife, he reflected. Should he wed the sister, they would be constantly at each other’s throats. But he suspected that bedding the feisty twin would be anything but dull. To Dominic’s surprise, he felt himself harden beneath his braies.
    Dominic brought his wayward thoughts under control and turned to the priest. “Proceed with the ceremony, Father. Forget the Mass. I want this over and done with as quickly as possible.”
    Had Dominic the opportunity to glance into Rose’s hooded eyes, he would have seen anger brewing in their stormy blue depths.
    Dominic gestured Rose forward.“Come, lady. Dawdling will change naught.”
    Bolstered by her mother and sister, Rose walked slowly toward Dominic. When she reached his side, he placed her hand on his arm and turned toward the priest.
    “You do not have to do this,” Starla whispered into Rose’s ear.
    Rose pretended not to hear. “I am ready, my lord,” she said softly.
    Dominic repeated his vows in a strong voice but had to nudge Rose when it was her turn. Moments later they were pronounced husband and wife, but Dominic could feel no joy. He felt strangely deflated. In fact, he couldn’t bring himself to give his wife the traditional kiss. He merely brushed his lips against hers in the lightest of touches.
    But something strange happened the moment his lips met hers. He felt a spark ignite inside him and warmth flow through his veins. He drew back and stared at her, his eyes narrowed in puzzlement.
    “A wedding feast awaits us in the hall, madam,“he said, more harshly than he intended. Placing Rose’s arm on his, he guided her from the chapel.“Will your mother and sister stay to celebrate with us?”
    “We will leave immediately as planned,” Lady