Joanna Davis - Knights In Shining Armor Read Online Free Page A

blinked at him in confusion.
                  "Now my dear Lady Emeline, we should address the matter at hand."
                  "We should?"
                  The hall was quiet as everyone strained to hear what he was saying.
                  "Yes. Edward had given me the stewardship of the region. He thought this castle would be an excellent place from which to oversee the large forces necessary to oversee the border to the north."
                  He waited until she nodded.
                  "I see."
                  "Since this castle was without a leader, it seemed an ideal solution when he decided to elevate my position. Except for one thing. You."
                  She was very still now, staring at her plate.
                  "He gave me the final say in what to do with you. You, like everyone else who lives at Fairhaven, are now my responsibility. The King made several suggestions but it will be up to me to decide what the best course of action will be."
                  He waited for a response for her. Belatedly she seemed to realize that she should acknowledge his words.
                  "Oh. I see."
                  Her voice sounded very small. He sipped his drink.
                  "The wine is excellent by the way. Your steward has done an excellent job."
                  "We don't have a steward."
                  He raised his eyebrows at her in disbelief.
                  "You manage the castle yourself?"
                  She nodded, her eyes downcast. She appears to be attempting to shrink into the floor stones. He almost felt sorry for her. Almost.
                  "Excellent, then you can give me a tour tomorrow. I'd like you to continue serving as chatelaine until a decision is made regarding your future position."
                  "What are the choices?"
                  "Excuse me?"
                  "For me. You said the King gave you several choices."
                  He almost laughed aloud. She'd walked right into his trap. He'd been searching for a way to tell her what the King had promised him. To reveal his ultimate power over her.
                  "I believe his exact words were 'Wed her, bed her, shed her, or behead her'."
                  He watched as the blood drained from her face. Her mouth opened in a small 'o' of surprise. He watched her chest rise and fall as she took tiny gasps of air.
                  Now. Now she understood.
                  But she didn't beg for her life or try to influence him. She just sat there, holding back tears. Utterly powerless.
                  "Of course, I'm to be married after Michealmas, so that only leaves three options."
                  He watched as his words sunk in. He'd deliberately made it sound as if he was considering them all. She stared at him in stark disbelief. Her hand went to her throat and he felt a pang of regret. Perhaps he shouldn't have included that last one. He wouldn't actually behead her. He just wanted her to know that he could.
                  She raised her chin and asked in a voice that barely wavered; "May I- be excused please? I'm feeling poorly."
                  He nodded and she was gone, hastening from the room as if the fires of hell were at her heels. One by one the men left the table until only a few remained. Finally he was alone.
                  Tomorrow he would decide what to do with her.
                  Not that there was really anything to consider.
                  He knew what he was going to do. He'd always known.
                  He smiled and stared into the fire, contemplating the