The Huntsmen Read Online Free PDF Page A

do anything that would cause them harm. However, that could be why they’ve been silent for so very long.”
    "That could be true as well," Dierk said, sitting down with his own bowl of the broth. "I’ll send them a message and see if they’d lend us aid, even if it’s only to help cover our tracks from the Royal Guard. I too don't wish to bring the Queen's wrath down upon any of them or their people just for aiding us."
    “I couldn’t agree more,” Snow murmured. “I hate that I’m putting you and your friends in danger by simply being here, but she pulled you in first so I’m hopeful she’ll think you were just waiting for a time to bring me to her.” At least if they were caught that’d be what she’d tell the woman.
    "That's only if she figures out we actually have you," he said with a grin. "She doesn't think we took the job even with all her threats. Plus the guard never got a look at us so they couldn't possibly identify us to them. As an added bonus, we've never met with anyone that could tell her we were asking about you."
    “Good,” Snow murmured. “I’d never be able to survive knowing I was the cause for you to be hurt. You’ve been good to me, Dierk, ornery and stubborn, but good,” she added with a smile. “Then again I haven’t been very pleasant to be around huh?”
    "Never say that," he said looking at her. Reaching over, he covered her hand, "You've been imprisoned, sold off for marriage, and promised death. In retrospect, Snow, you've been rather pleasant and I've enjoyed the time I've had with you."
    “Oh I’ve been told that I’m actually rather hard to get along with. Then again the Queen’s brother was trying to rape me at the time and I had just driven a branch through his cheek,” she added with a flush. “I’m glad you’ve enjoyed the time with me because I’ve honestly enjoyed this time with you as well. You’re gruff, but funny. I enjoy being around you. Even when you make me so angry I stomp.”
    "That was cute," Dierk grinned at her before it slid away. "He didn't hurt you, did he?" he asked in all seriousness. "Because if he did, Princess, I'm sure my friends and I can ensure he finds a deadly fate fitting the crime."
    “No, I’ve taken care of him. Each time he looks in the mirror he will think of me. I left him scarred. The cretin deserved it,” she muttered. “He would have gladly hurt me that is, but thankfully I was able to defend myself. I’ve never been one to lie down and take her licks, per se,” she mumbled.
    "Good," he squeezed her hand gently for a moment before letting go. "Better to defend yourself in the moment than to go back and slice their throats open. At least that's my policy," he told her, tearing a chunk off his piece of bread.
    “I like your policy,” she said with a shrug. “Then again, that’s exactly what I plan on doing to both him and the Queen. Neither of them deserves to live. I’m typically not a vicious person, but if I allow those two to live,” she shook her head, “it would end badly for everyone.”
    "Precisely," he nodded, popping a piece of bread into his mouth and chewing. Grinning at her, he spooned up some of the broth and sipped it down. "Besides, the people need to see that while you’re a gentle soul you’ll do what’s necessary when it’s necessary. Those two are at the top of the list of things that need to be done."
    “I couldn’t agree more. They’ve hurt my people, my kingdom, for far too long. It’s well past time they pay for their crimes and I intend to ensure that they pay dearly. Even if I die in the melee, I will take them with me.”
    "Don't plan on dying, Princess, because I don't intend to let you get yourself killed," Dierk told her, pursing his lips at her. "Did you want some more broth or bread?" he asked, getting up to add more broth to his bowl.
    “Thank you but no. I wasn’t exactly a well-cared for prisoner. I only received food and water rations every fourth day so it’s