Written in the Stars Read Online Free PDF Page B

hand over and kissed her birthmark.
    The witches’ mark at her wrist froze beneath his touch, the chill spreading through
     her body.
    Why does his touch bring fear to my heart?
    “My son speaks true. What do you enjoy, Lady Elizabeth, so we may provide it?”
    Elizabeth tried to still the shiver deep inside her as Carlyle continued to stroke
     the birthmark at her wrist. She forced words from her tight throat.
    “Riding is my greatest pleasure, Your Grace.”
    “Mine also.” Smiling, Laurel looked around the duke. “We shall ride on the morrow.”
    A deep crease cut between the duke’s wide eyes as he shook his head. “I must deny
     you, Laurel. I fear it will sap your strength and make you again unwell.”
    “My lord, Charles Grey urges me to breathe in the fresh air outside our castle walls.”
     Laurel gave him a pleading expression and placed her hand on his arm.
    Sighing, the duke covered her hand with his own wide palm. “So be it. Will, you must
     accompany them.”
    “I can accompany them, father,” Carlyle drawled beside her.
    “We meet with the council tomorrow.” The duke nodded. “It must be Will.”
    Down the long narrow table, Will rose. His black cloak worn over one shoulder and
     gathered up over the arm secured by a sash was more somber than Carlyle’s embroidered
     gold. And more striking for it.
    She met Will’s eyes, and to Elizabeth, the flickering torches seemed to throw all
     else into shadows except him. Again their gazes melded together, neither able to look
     away this time.
    He bowed. “It shall be as you wish.”
    Will spoke the words for the duke, yet she sensed deep within her that he meant them
     for her.
    A profound sadness settled into her soul as she sent him the silent message he already
     recognized.
    My wish is not for friendship. My wish is for what we both know can never be granted.

Dunham Castle, 1601
    The sun rose this day with laughter.
    It came from Stephen, Will Grey’s motherless infant son.
    Will’s face and body haunts me and now his tenderness with his son, and the babe himself,
     has found a place in my heart. Both are beloved of Laurel and the duke. If only I
     could be a part of such a band of happiness. I cannot.
    The sun set with a strange fear.
    At the banquet to celebrate my betrothal to Carlyle, the duke commanded much merriment.
     I felt no joy but forbidden desire in the arms of Will as we danced.
    And I sensed danger.
    My shudders of fear come from my betrothed, Carlyle, despite the kindness I have seen
     in him for Florea, his old nurse. My feelings make me yearn for my Cybil’s power to
     pierce the mists of time to see what is true. Is this, too, a choice my beloved nursemaid
     warned against? Because of being drawn to Will, am I choosing to poison all feelings
     toward Carlyle so when he touches me, peering down at my birthmark and smiling, I
     freeze with fear?
    I know well the alliance between my father and the duke will bring much wealth and
     power to Wharton Keep.
    I promise you, I shall purge myself of these foolish forebodings of Carlyle and feelings
     toward Will! My duty is to forge the right path for you who come after me.

Chapter Three
    Since the day Will had been brought to Dunham Castle long ago, the duke had decreed
     they begin and end each day together. Before dawn, Will entered the duke’s warm chambers
     to find him pacing, a sheath of letters clasped in his hands.
    “What has happened?” Will asked sharply, concerned at the heavy lines in the duke’s
     face and the slumped shoulders of the man he admired above all others.
    His eyes weary, the duke turned. “Pray give me pleasure, Will, not such a frown to
     begin this day.”
    Knowing what was needed, Will smiled. “It is a fine morning for riding with the wind,
     your Grace.”
    “Yes, thanks be to you.” The duke sighed, clasping Will’s shoulder. “In you I see
     your mother’s smile. It is much needed this day.”
    “Tell me what has happened?” Will asked