Read Online From Darkness Won by Jill Williamson - Free Book Online Page B

Syrah?” Vrell brushed past her maidservant and turned to the door to the receiving room, squeezing her hands together. The room, wallpapered in elegant paintings, held only a sideboard, four chairs, and a short table. She hoped Jax would be comfortable, despite the diminutive nature of the chairs. “There is nothing clandestine about receiving an honorable soldier when a chaperone is present.”
    “I’m hardly a reputable chaperone, m’lady. I doubt the duchess would approve.”
    “My mother will not find out, Syrah, because you will not tell her.”
    Syrah curtsied. “ Yes’m .”
    Vrell sighed, frustrated she had spoken to Syrah so. “Forgive my tone, dearest. My daily dance on a pincushion is making me behave badly. But without this opportunity, I do not know what I shall—”
    A knock rattled the door. Vrell smoothed her skirt and straightened, aggravating the wound in her side. She held her breath against the pain, weighing whether or not she could handle such a posture for the entire conversation.
    What was she thinking? This was Jax, her friend. She nodded at Syrah and slouched, instantly relieving her side.
    Syrah opened the door to Jax mi Katt, a giant man who stood over seven feet tall. He ducked inside, and his long braids swung out before him. As always, he wore a red scarf over his head like a marauder. A bushy beard covered his face. Even indoors he wore daggers and axes strapped to his legs in leather sheaths.
    Jax’s large brown eyes settled on Vrell, and a rangy smile parted his beard. “Hello there.”
    Vrell beamed at her old friend until Sir Rigil entered behind him. What was this? Why bring Sir Rigil along?
    Sir Rigil, a knight in his early thirties, looked small next to Jax. He wore blue and black, the colors of Zerah Rock, his home town. His hair was blond and cut short, except for the top, which swooped back in a lazy wave over his head. His short sideburns and beard were red.
    Until Achan’s true heritage became known, Sir Rigil had been the most eligible bachelor in all Er’Rets. Years ago, Vrell had mistaken Sir Rigil’s chivalry for romantic interest. But over time he had become like an older brother. And now, being Sir Eagan’s half-brother, she realized he was her half-uncle.
    All this was unbeknownst to him, of course, as Sir Eagan had not publicly claimed Vrell as his child.
    Jax laid a hand on Vrell’s shoulder heavily.
    She hugged his waist. “I’ve missed you, Jax.”
    “Well, bless my belt! Lady Averella home at last.” Sir Rigil took both Vrell’s hands and squeezed. “I’ve asked your mother about you time and again, but she would not—”
    “Sir Rigil, Jax. Please, sit.” Vrell motioned to the chairs. “Are you thirsty? Syrah, offer the men something to drink.”
    Syrah rushed forward, but Sir Rigil waved a hand. “We’ve just come from the great hall. Why have you not eaten there? I hope you are not ill.”
    “Please, Sir Rigil. There is a reason I invited Jax here, and I will speak if you give me a chance.”
    Sir Rigil bowed. “But of course, my lady. I apologize.”
    The men settled in two chairs beside each other. Jax’s chair creaked under his weight, but he looked comfortable enough. Vrell sat in one on the other side of the table. “I have heard you leave first thing for Armonguard. Since I shall be going—”
    “Forgive me a moment, my lady, if you please.” Sir Rigil pointed between Jax and Vrell. “When did you become acquainted? I was under the impression you had not met.”
    Vrell stifled a sigh at Sir Rigil’s interruption, but Jax answered before she could.
    “Not officially,” he said. “We spent a week together last spring when Khai and I escorted her to Mahanaim.”
    “Mahanaim?” Sir Rigil’s lips pursed, as if his mind searched for an answer he could not recall. “I heard you were there, my lady. I also heard rumors of an abduction, but Prince Oren said it had been resolved. Since none of us ever saw you, I figured your