Magic in His Kiss Read Online Free Page A

of royal ire down on their heads.”
    He huffed. “Right now Stephen can barely lift a mallet, much less wield it. Have you heard of his heir’s death?” At Nicole’s nod, he continued. “Stephen is far more concerned with keeping hold of his crown and throne than with the whereabouts of one Nicole de Leon. Nor, I believe, would your sisters suffer. From what I have heard of Alberic and Darian, I dare say both would make powerful adversaries, and Stephen is needful of all the good will and allies he can convince to remain his supporters.” He stepped forward, a hand outstretched, palm up in an offer of succor. “Think on it, Nicole. The time for you to escape is now, when your absence will barely be noticed. By the time King Stephen is aware you are gone, you will be safely in Wales.”
    The door swung open and Sister Claire burst into the chamber, her eyes wide with concern. “I heard shouting! Nicole, have you been harmed?”
    With Rhodri’s reasoning swirling in her head, Nicole absently shook her head at the distressed nun. “I beg pardon for my outburst, Sister Claire. I did not mean to disturb you or the vigil.”
    Sister Claire took a calming breath. “Well, then, if you are finished, you may again take your place at vigil and I will accompany your visitor to the door.”
    Except Nicole didn’t want Rhodri to leave just yet.
    Could he be right? Could she leave Bledloe Abbey without worrying over what the king might do to her or her family? Could she escape a marriage that might not be to her liking?
    Dare she take the risk?
    She needed more time to further ponder her uncle’s unexpected and wickedly tempting offer of refuge. Nor could she abandon Mother Abbess in these last hours before her death.
    But how to keep Sister Claire from banishing Rhodri from the abbey until she could further ponder Connor’s offer?
    The answer to Nicole’s dilemma popped forth and rolled off her tongue before she could question its wisdom.
    “Sister Claire, Rhodri ap Dafydd is a bard. Might he be allowed to play his harp for Mother Abbess?” She spun to again face Rhodri, not caring if he saw through her ploy to gain more time. “Mother Abbess weakens hourly, and I doubt that in all of her life she has heard an accomplished bard play the harp. Would you do us the honor, Rhodri?”
    His answer was immediate, his graciousness genuine. “I would be most pleased to play for all who care to listen.”
    The nun chewed on her lip in indecision. “This is a most uncommon request, Nicole. Men are not allowed within the depths of the abbey.”
    “For the past sennight we have allowed men into the infirmary to visit Mother Abbess.”
    “Two priests and a bishop who came to give comfort and say final prayers. One can hardly compare the circumstances!”
    “Rhodri’s music can also give comfort,” Nicole countered. “I know my request is unusual, but consider the joy you could give Mother Abbess in her final hours. I beg of thee, Sister, give her this one last gift.”
    Nicole held her breath while Sister Claire hesitated before relenting.
    “You must leave your sword behind,” she ordered Rhodri before leaving the chamber, no doubt headed for the infirmary to warn the other nuns that she’d broken one of the abbey’s rules.
    Delighted, Nicole let loose her breath.
    Rhodri laid his sword and scabbard on the bench and unsheathed the beautiful harp. The silver strings caught bits of light and flung them throughout the room, like tiny stars whirling brightly in the night sky. The harp’s music would sparkle as brightly. Oh, how she’d missed a harp’s music!
    “Sister Claire must have been very near the door if she heard you shouting at me,” Rhodri commented.
    Nicole couldn’t remember
ever
shouting since entering Bledloe Abbey. Embarrassed at her lapse of good manners, she explained, “Loud sounds carry far down stone passageways. Surely she heard me from the infirmary.”
    “Or she hovered outside the door to spy on