Vengeance 03 - Believe In Me Read Online Free Page A
Author: Lana Williams
it.
The familiar smell of hay and animals eased her nerves. A soft whinny made her smile. Impatient to be on her way, she began to feel her way along the row of stalls toward the back where her mare was kept.
As she reached the heart of the stable, she saw the vague outlines of stalls. The horses’ movements were comforting, their snorts giving her a better sense of where she was. She ran her hand along the stall doors to keep her balance. The wood was worn smooth from constant use in some places, yet rough in others. Her fingers trailed across woolen fabric, and she stopped, trying to place the feel with what she knew to be in the stable. She patted it curiously.
“You are awake very early, my lady.”
Cristiana jerked her hand away as fright stole her breath. That deep voice could belong only to the knight sent to fetch her. Other than a few servants, no men resided at the convent. Blast him!
“As are you, sir. ” She fought to keep her voice from trembling.
“Where is it you’re going?” the irksome man asked as he reached out to steady her.
“I ...I wanted to prepare my horse for the journey.”
“ A bit early, isn’t it?”
“I like to be ready.”
“Truly? How efficient of you.”
He released her, and it was all she could do not to rub her arm where he’d held her to stop the tingling sensation. “That describes me well. I am nothing if not efficient.”
“ How interesting. Allow me to assist you.”
“No need. I’m certain you have many other duties to perform before we depart.”
“But I insist. Which horse is yours?” He took her elbow and turned her toward the rear of the stable.
She jerked her elbow from his grasp. “I prefer to work alone.”
“As do I.”
She had the distinct impression that he was amused by her, though she could barely make out his features in the dim light.
With a huff of breath, she led th e way to the back, her mind racing to find another means of escape. The answer lay in getting rid of the knight. She certainly couldn’t overpower him. She’d tried to bluff him to no avail. Her attempt to bribe him had met with no success. There had to be another way.
“ Is Sister Mawde as efficient as you?” he asked.
Puzzled, she looked up at him. “What do you mean?”
“Abbess Catherine advised me that she’s accompanying us on the journey.”
Cristiana’s head fell back and she closed her eyes in disbelief. The day was getting worse every moment and it had only just begun. “Sister Mawde? Are you certain?”
“Indeed. Why?”
“Traveling to the local village with Sister Mawde is a trial. Going with her all the way to Longsbury will be a nightmare.”
“How so?” he asked.
“I believe I’ll let you discover her attributes on your own. I wouldn’t want to be accused of gossiping along with my other sins.”
“Have you so many sins that you feel the need to count them?”
“I won’t be listing them for you.”
His low chuckle sent shivers down her spine. What was it about this man that unsettled her so?
They reached the end of the stable and Cristiana unlatched the window shutters and pushed them open. The sun had not yet arisen, but the light was bright enough to hurt her eyes after the dimness of the stable. She turned to look up at the knight, struck yet again by his attractiveness. How unfortunate that he stood between her and freedom, else she might’ve enjoyed getting to know him.
Those intelligent brown eyes of his made her worry. It seemed as though he waited for her next move, ready to outflank any step she took. She’d yet to ruffle his steady regard.
But the day wasn’t over.
Whatever the cost, she had to escape as quickly as she could manage. She’d watch for an opening and seize it. Having Sister Mawde along could actually work in her favor. The woman might provide her with the perfect distraction.
Her horse stuck her nose over the stable door and Cristiana reached out to stroke the soft muzzle.
“ I fear I’ve
The familiar smell of hay and animals eased her nerves. A soft whinny made her smile. Impatient to be on her way, she began to feel her way along the row of stalls toward the back where her mare was kept.
As she reached the heart of the stable, she saw the vague outlines of stalls. The horses’ movements were comforting, their snorts giving her a better sense of where she was. She ran her hand along the stall doors to keep her balance. The wood was worn smooth from constant use in some places, yet rough in others. Her fingers trailed across woolen fabric, and she stopped, trying to place the feel with what she knew to be in the stable. She patted it curiously.
“You are awake very early, my lady.”
Cristiana jerked her hand away as fright stole her breath. That deep voice could belong only to the knight sent to fetch her. Other than a few servants, no men resided at the convent. Blast him!
“As are you, sir. ” She fought to keep her voice from trembling.
“Where is it you’re going?” the irksome man asked as he reached out to steady her.
“I ...I wanted to prepare my horse for the journey.”
“ A bit early, isn’t it?”
“I like to be ready.”
“Truly? How efficient of you.”
He released her, and it was all she could do not to rub her arm where he’d held her to stop the tingling sensation. “That describes me well. I am nothing if not efficient.”
“ How interesting. Allow me to assist you.”
“No need. I’m certain you have many other duties to perform before we depart.”
“But I insist. Which horse is yours?” He took her elbow and turned her toward the rear of the stable.
She jerked her elbow from his grasp. “I prefer to work alone.”
“As do I.”
She had the distinct impression that he was amused by her, though she could barely make out his features in the dim light.
With a huff of breath, she led th e way to the back, her mind racing to find another means of escape. The answer lay in getting rid of the knight. She certainly couldn’t overpower him. She’d tried to bluff him to no avail. Her attempt to bribe him had met with no success. There had to be another way.
“ Is Sister Mawde as efficient as you?” he asked.
Puzzled, she looked up at him. “What do you mean?”
“Abbess Catherine advised me that she’s accompanying us on the journey.”
Cristiana’s head fell back and she closed her eyes in disbelief. The day was getting worse every moment and it had only just begun. “Sister Mawde? Are you certain?”
“Indeed. Why?”
“Traveling to the local village with Sister Mawde is a trial. Going with her all the way to Longsbury will be a nightmare.”
“How so?” he asked.
“I believe I’ll let you discover her attributes on your own. I wouldn’t want to be accused of gossiping along with my other sins.”
“Have you so many sins that you feel the need to count them?”
“I won’t be listing them for you.”
His low chuckle sent shivers down her spine. What was it about this man that unsettled her so?
They reached the end of the stable and Cristiana unlatched the window shutters and pushed them open. The sun had not yet arisen, but the light was bright enough to hurt her eyes after the dimness of the stable. She turned to look up at the knight, struck yet again by his attractiveness. How unfortunate that he stood between her and freedom, else she might’ve enjoyed getting to know him.
Those intelligent brown eyes of his made her worry. It seemed as though he waited for her next move, ready to outflank any step she took. She’d yet to ruffle his steady regard.
But the day wasn’t over.
Whatever the cost, she had to escape as quickly as she could manage. She’d watch for an opening and seize it. Having Sister Mawde along could actually work in her favor. The woman might provide her with the perfect distraction.
Her horse stuck her nose over the stable door and Cristiana reached out to stroke the soft muzzle.
“ I fear I’ve