The Dragon Lord Read Online Free PDF Page B

Nelda answered. She took Rose’s hands between hers and kissed her cheek. “God protect you, Rose.”
    Dominic watched through narrowed lids as the sisters embraced and whispered words he could not hear. He saw tears in their eyes and hardened his heart against the regret he felt for parting them. It wasn’t as if he were sending Lady Nelda and Starla away; they had chosen to leave of their own free will.
    “We are ready, Lord Dragon,” Nelda said, drawing Starla away from Rose.
    Dominic signaled Raj, who left immediately to alert the guardsmen serving as escorts. “Eric of Carlyle and two of your own guardsmen will see you safely to the convent.”
    Dominic tried to make eye contact with Starla but failed. He would have liked one more look into those defiant blue eyes before bidding the feisty twin farewell forever, but it was not to be. His sigh held a hint of regret as Lady Nelda and Starla made a hasty exit.
    “I ordered a feast prepared to celebrate our wedding and invited our vassals to partake of the meal,” Dominic said, returning his attention to Rose. “I hope it pleases you.”
    Pretending to respond to her new husband as Starla would have, Rose shied away from Dominic. Actually, she wasn’t pretending all that much. The brush of Dragon’s mouth against hers had left her breathless and confused. For some odd reason, her body tingled clear down to her toes. She peered at Dragon from beneath lowered lashes, then quickly looked away. “If it pleases you, Lord Dragon.”
    A frown formed between Dominic’s dark brows. Before Rose had looked away, he had seen a defiant spark in her eyes that confused him. It was the same fiery response he’d noted in her twin’s eyes when she had challenged him at the portcullis. He shook his head to clear it of the provocative image of the warrior woman sitting astride her horse, a sword balanced in one hand and a challenge on her lips. He shook his head again. Something nagged at the edge of his memory but it passed too quickly for him to grasp.
    “My name is Dominic,” he said as the silence stretched between them. “You have my leave to call me Dominic if you wish.”
    “I do not wish, my lord.”
    Dominic felt a headache forming behind his eyes. Consummating his marriage was definitely going to be a chore. He feared he would be making love to one sister while thinking about the other. Damn King John!
    Dominic seated Rose at the high table and glanced about the hall with interest. He hadn’t taken the opportunity to inspect the great hall earlier, but now he took his time looking his fill.
    The walls, he noted, were covered with richly embroidered tapestries and silk hangings, the rushes smelled sweet and clean, and the brass chandelier overhead sparkled. The high table was set with the finest linen, and the silver cups and utensils were polished to a high sheen. Flames danced in the hearth, banishing lurking shadows and the evening chill, creating a welcoming atmosphere that Dominic hadn’t experienced since he had left home many years ago to seek his fortune.
    The only discordant note was the pale woman at his side. If there was a spark of emotion in her, he had yet to find it. She was a bland imitation of her vibrant sister. Somehow he had to overcome his aversion to the pious maiden long enough to bed her and get an heir from her.
    Rose watched Dragon from beneath lowered lids, wondering what he was thinking. His dark, hooded eyes, brooding mouth and harsh jaw were intimidating but not necessarily frightening. She studied him surreptitiously through a curtain of feathery lashes and decided he was a handsome man, in a rugged sort of way. His was a virile face, one of strength and determination.
    What would he do to her when he learned he had been duped?
    She couldn’t suppress the shudder that rippled over her flesh.
    “Are you cold, Rose?”
    She rubbed her arms.“Nay.”
    He placed a finger beneath her chin and raised it so he could look into her face.