Read Online Terri Brisbin by The Betrothal - Free Book Online Page B

thejourney and while here still hurt. And the backs of her thighs still stung and pulled when she moved. The evening of the day he said he’d not interfere, that first bath arrived.
    One appeared each evening now and as she slid into the steaming water it was both pleasure and pain. However, Joanna would not have given it up for anything. Lady Margaret’s own maid helped her through it. Her hair was washed and rinsed twice in a separate bucket and she soaked until the water cooled before getting out. Her body, now cleaned and soothed from its injuries, wanted only sleep.
    Wearing a new chemise and covered with thick, warm blankets, Joanna could feel the pull of sleep on her. Even the thought that she was not alone could not keep her from it. In the shadows she noticed Lord Braden’s cloak still hanging on a peg by the door. Then, the dream began and she was lost in it.
    She traveled on a horse, down a road in a dark forest. The trees were so thick that no light broke through to show her the way ahead. Someone was behind her and she knew she must escape. The sounds of a horse and demonic laughter made her urge her mount to greater speeds. Then, the forest ended and she was trapped before a huge black castle. The walls grew as she watched and her pursuer stopped before her, blocking the way.
    Joanna climbed down from the horse and tried to run around the other rider. He controlled the massive destrier without effort and her attempts were stopped. When he flew off the horse toward her, she backed against the wall and covered her face.
    There was no way out.
    Then the voices began, first whispers she could not hear and then accusations made louder and louder until they wailed like the wind around her.
    “His father was mad.”
    “He killed his mother.”
    “The devil’s own.”
    “Evil.”
    “Madness.”
    “He will not let you live knowing his secrets.”
    “You will die giving him a son or for not giving him one.”
    She turned and turned, looking for the source of the voices, but no one was there. Only him. In the shadows now where his face did not show. His cloak flowed around him like the clouds in a storm—dark, swirling, uncontrolled.
    Then he stepped closer to her.
    The scream caught in her throat as she saw his gleaming eyes and evil intent. Forced back as far as she could, her voice finally escaped and she let out a long, keening scream. On and on, with no one answering her plea for help….
    Strong hands held her and shook her from the dream. When she forced her eyes open, the object of her nightmare sat next to her. She pushed him away, forced her way out of his grasp and slid back until she hit the cold stone wall. Even the protesting of her legs and bottom did not stop her from putting as much distance between them as she could.
    “Joanna? Are you well?” he asked as he leaned over her. “You were screaming.”
    Images from the dream flooded her thoughts again and she saw the menacing look in his eyes. Blinking over and over, she watched as his face took shape. His eyes were filled with concern, not evil. His face no longer looked demonic, but just like a man. She tried to speak, tried to breathe, but her chest would not take any air in. Gasping, she tore at the blankets.
    “Here now. Your thrashing has tied you up in these,” he said as he grabbed the blankets and pulled them free. “Come away from the wall and sit on the edge.” He took her hands to help her move forward and she dangled her legs over the side of the benches. Then, with one hand on her back and one on thetop of her chest, he straightened her up. “Breathe now. Force my hands apart with your breaths.”
    The heat from his hands spread and soon Joanna was able to expand her chest and take in air. He quietly urged her on as she struggled with each inhalation and exhalation. After a few minutes, he released her and stepped away.
    “Were you dreaming of me?” he asked from across the chamber. His voice was soft again, but his