Total pages in book: 104
Estimated words: 97127 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 486(@200wpm)___ 389(@250wpm)___ 324(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 97127 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 486(@200wpm)___ 389(@250wpm)___ 324(@300wpm)
Magnus approached her. “Are you all right, Mary?”
“I was feeling ill when you arrived, but a sound night’s sleep, though it was more like a full day’s sleep,” she said with a laugh, “has seen to reviving my health.”
He stepped closer to her. “Reena advised me of your note and request for help. What is it we can do for you?”
“There are some things that I will need of you, though I cannot discuss them with you now.”
“We will be here for you,” Magnus assured her.
“I appreciate your help and patience in this matter.”
Thomas stepped forward. “I stand beside my lord in all matters.”
She smiled. “You are true friends and we will talk soon, but now I must see to another matter that needs my attention.” She thanked them again and left the hall.
“Something more goes on than she tells us,” Thomas said to Magnus.
“I agree and I think it involves your wife and mine.”
Mary hurried out of the fortress to see if she could find her husband. He was chastising a group of his men in the center of the courtyard. She approached slowly, keeping her demeanor that of an obedient wife.
Decimus turned, his tongue sharp. “I am busy, wife, what brings you to me?”
“A private question, my lord.” She trembled to show fear, though the act was not difficult. His dark, penetrating eyes could put the fear in anyone. She had to remember he was the man she loved.
He dismissed his men with the wave of his hand. And while he kept his expression stern he spoke in a soft whisper that only she could hear.
“You are feeling well?”
“Aye, my lord,” she said, bowing her head to keep up appearances.
“I am sorry to send your friends away, but the longer they remain the more careful I must be, and I selfishly want what time I have left with you, without worry of discovery.”
“I feel the same and I ask that they be allowed to remain here until the end of the week.”
He waved his hand as though he dismissed her remark and said, “I see no problem with that.”
“One other thing,” she said, softly. “Reena told me that Roarke had returned part of the way with them and then left to find the Dark One. Have you heard from him? I wish to know that he is well and safe.”
“He waits for me in the woods, where we will begin to formulate a plan for your death and escape.”
“May I go to him?” She intended to find him whether given permission or not. But she did not want Decimus to know that.
He hesitated a moment. “Take Reena or Brigid with you so that it looks like you are taking a walk in the woods.”
“I will see you later,” she said and bowed her head.
“Be gone,” he shouted. “I have no time for nonsense, take your walk and leave me be.” He turned and walked over to his men without another glance.
Mary found Reena but left Brigid who was already busy securing the items necessary for the escape.
“Roarke will not speak to me in front of you,” Mary said, when they had almost reached the area where he waited for Decimus.
“I will wander off on my own,” Reena assured her, making it known in a raised voice that she went in search of feathers for quills and that Mary was to relax and enjoy the beautiful summer day.
Roarke stepped out from behind a tree as soon as Reena had disappeared into the woods. “Reena knows you meet me. She did not need to leave.”
“You are too perceptive,” Mary said with a smile. “But I needed to talk with you alone and Reena understood.”
“She and Brigid took good care of me,” he said and reached out his hand.
Mary took it and he helped her to sit on a fallen tree, and joined her.
“They are good friends, like you.”
Roarke’s handsome face brimmed with a smile. “You want something from me.”
She nodded and looked out on the beauty of the woods, so alive with new summer growth, the bright sun shining down and a gentle breeze wafting around them. It was peaceful here and that is what she wanted for Michael and herself—peace.
“Have you spoken with Michael since your return?”
“Briefly,” he said. “He told me you are aware of his identity and I hear congratulations are in order.”
She placed her hand to her stomach. “He will be a father come winter.”
“He is pleased, though . . .” Roarke did not finish.
She saw he was upset and she prayed he felt the same as she. “He deserves a life, Roarke.”
“I have told him this time and time again. His family, especially his sister, would not have wanted him to surrender his whole life for them.”
“But he feels they surrendered theirs for him, does he not?”