To Capture Her Heart Read Online Free PDF Page A

with Gavin. She looked past the long tables that were covered in ivory linens to where the harpist sat strumming the most beautiful harp she had ever seen.
    “May I get a closer look?” she asked her mother excitedly.
    Millicent laughed, “But of course. I thought that might interest you.”
    Letting go of her mother's arm, she walked anxiously towards the musician. She herself had played the harp for years and had long been entranced by the beauty of the music it could produce, but never had she heard anyone play as beautifully as the lady who sat before her. She was lost in the music and before she realized it, the melody came to an end.
    “Bravo,” she clapped enthusiastically as the lady bowed her head in acknowledgment of the praise. “Have you been playing long?” she asked, moving closer to the woman.
    “Coming on two years,” the lady replied modestly.
    “Two years!” Gwendolyn exclaimed, “I have been playing almost five times as long and my talent cannot even compare to yours.”
    The woman laughed a tinkling laugh, “Aye, 'tis a gift I've been given I suppose.”
    The mention of a gift made Gwendolyn's face fall. Truly? It honestly seemed as if everyone she encountered as of late was in possession of a dratted gift but her. It was no secret that she was wildly envious of Rosalind's ability to transport. And honestly, she was still somewhat upset at Terric for giving his gift away to his beloved instead of to his own sister, but in the excitement and hustle of the last several weeks’ events, she had tried and successfully pushed the desire for a gift of her own out of her mind. Until now.
    She forced herself to smile and bid good day to the woman before turning and rolling her eyes. First she had to encounter Gavin, then be reminded yet again of her lack of a gift. What more could attempt to ruin her high spirits? She paid a quick visit to the guarderobe in an attempt to compose herself, determined not to let the irksome events ruin anymore of her day.
    By the time she returned to the Great Hall, Rosalind and Terric had joined the party and people were beginning to make their way to their seats. Her mother grabbed her arm and led her to the head table where they were to be seated with Rosalind, Terric, Rosalind's younger brother, Colin, and King Lawrence and his wife. She sat down and eyed the trays of brightly colored and exotic fruits on the table, anxious to sink her teeth into a juicy plum.
    “Pardon me, but I regret that I have yet had the chance for a formal introduction.” Gwendolyn turned to see that Tristan had been seated directly to her right. She shouldn't be surprised. For as her brother's lead defender, he would, of course, always be close by. She just hadn't expected to have to spend the entire feast by his side.
    Smiling she said, “You already know who I am, but if formalities must be observed, my name is Gwendolyn.”
    “'Tis true; I did already know that, but it's nice to hear it from your own lips.” She wasn't sure, but Gwendolyn thought he may just be attempting to flirt with her, and she thought she just might let him.
    She relaxed as the servants began bringing in tray after tray of the most delectable food in the Kingdom. There were trays of roasted mallard, pigeon pie, sturgeon and even boars head complete with the tusks brought in along with plates beautifully arranged with sage fritters, delicate tarts, sweet dariols, and plenty of wine and mead to quench the thirst of the entire Kingdom. Gwendolyn had never seen so much food in one place in her life.
    As everyone began to feast on the bountiful offerings, the talented harpist resumed her playing and a half-dozen peacocks entered the room and began strutting languidly around the crowds, adding to the magical charm of the celebration.
    “Tell me about yourself,” Tristan said just as Gwendolyn had placed a bite of roasted rabbit into her mouth.
    She quickly chewed and swallowed before answering him. “I'm afraid