Dare to Defy Read Online Free

glancing at his son’s frowning face.
    “How was your journey, Ethan?” Rufus asked, gesturing for a guard to bring the younger man a chair, hiding a grin as the item placed was the plainest in the chamber, lacking even a cushion. Ethan plopped down distastefully, his loose thighs slapping the wood loudly. He snapped his fingers as he demanded wine, and then called for sweets to refresh himself. Once again, Rufus glanced up at Günter’s face and offered a slight nod, reading the younger man’s angry and defensive posture. The decision had been made, communicated in the gesture. Rufus would not subject his daughter to the likes of Ethan, not even in the name of peace. The slight movement of his hand sent the crown prince silently from the room to ensure Daynel’s safety. Ethan, in the midst of his pompous bluster, failed to notice Günter’s absence.
    “Where is my bride, Rufus?” Ethan demanded, kicking his filthy boots onto a table. “She had best be as beautiful as promised. I took a very long and unpleasant trip to claim her.”
    “How is your king father, Prince Ethan?” Rufus asked, emphasizing the title as he lifted his hand to stop the guards from advancing upon the rude man.
    “His health is declining rapidly, if that is what you are inquiring. I think the old man is just waiting to see if I can produce a whelp before he drops off.”
    “That is a concern of a king for his realm. You have no other brothers or sisters?”
    “None that survived. They all met with…unfortunate accidents,” Ethan chuckled. “I have a half-sister from one of my father’s trysts, but she is of no concern. This news should please you that your daughter is being wed to the strongest survivor of my father’s loins, does it not? Now, where is the princess?”
    “Günter has gone to retrieve her. We were not expecting to see you so soon. At least, not until another season.”
    “She will have to learn quickly to adjust to my needs. I often go where and when I please and I will not have a whining wench holding me back.”
    “That whining wench is the princess of my realm and my only daughter, Ethan,” Rufus said with a warning in his tone. “I demand that you speak of her with respect.”
    “Very well, until she becomes mine. Then you have no further say. I will not stand to have a disobedient female in my presence. Or one with an ill temper. I would have you know that her reputation is poor and that I agreed to wed her out of compliance to my father’s demands. Other than that, I have no interest in females.”
    “He probably prefers goats,” one guard whispered, reddening as both his king and the “guest” looked sharply in his direction.
    “How dare you!” Ethan stood, placing his hand upon his sword hilt.
    “Stand down, boy. My guards, although uncouth, will gut you before you take a single step. Guard, go check on the prince’s search. I suspect he is needing help in finding his sister’s whereabouts. She is often away on a ride this time of day.”
    “Yes, Your Majesty,” the man bowed, hurriedly leaving the room. He raced up to Daynel’s chambers, finding them empty. The chambermaid redirected him to Ilesbet’s rooms. He entered to find Daynel weeping in the arms of her sister-in-law as she hummed an ancient lullaby, and Günter standing close by with a sickened look upon his face.
    “Pardon, Your Highnesses. The king sent me here to assist. Please,” he looked pleadingly at Günter, “do not allow this. He is not for her. He will destroy her. There is much evil within him.”
    “Fear not, my friend,” Günter said calmly, patting the man’s shoulders, “This wedding will not happen. The princess’ tears are of relief, not sadness. However, we must find a means to hide her until we can dissuade him.”
    “We could dress up a goat and pretend it is she,” Ilesbet said bitterly, rocking the young woman in her arms.
    The guard chuckled, sharing his overheard comment and the lack of humor