Read Online The Queen's Lady by Shannon Drake - Free Book Online Page B

again, this time impatiently, then gave her no choice, picking her up easily and setting her atop the tall stallion before jumping up behind her. There was no help for it; his arms came around her as he managed the reins. She swallowed deeply, wondering how this person who could be so blunt and rude seemed to arouse something in her that she had never felt before.
    It was absurd. And wrong.
    Keeping her seat was not difficult. His horse was an immense ebony stallion, but completely under his control. The animal’s gait was smooth, even and swift. Gwenyth leaned back in an uncomfortable combination of misery and arousal, more aware of a human touch than she had ever been in her life.
    At last they returned to the copse where James and Mary awaited them. The queen cried out, upset, rushing over to Gwenyth and pulling her close the minute Rowan set her on the ground, hugging her fiercely, then withdrawing to search out her eyes and look for any injury upon her person.
    â€œAre you hurt? My poor dear, it was my fault.” She accepted the blame while casting an angry eye toward her brother. “What happened? You found the boar. No, obviously, the boar found you. Oh, dear God, to think of what might have happened…”
    â€œThe creature is dead at last. We’ll send someone for it, Your Grace,” Rowan said.
    Mary cast him an appreciative glance, then looked back at Gwenyth. “You are all right?”
    â€œMy dignity is sadly shaken, but in all else, I am fine,” Gwenyth assured her, then drew a deep breath. “Laird Rowan arrived with miraculous timing. He—” Why, she wondered, did she hate so to say it? “He saved my life.”
    â€œThen we are beyond grateful to Laird Rowan,” Mary said gravely.
    He nodded in easy acknowledgment of her words. “Your Grace, I am pleased to serve in any way that I can.”
    James said gruffly, “Let’s return to the palace. Lady Gwenyth needs care and rest.”
    â€œYour horse?” Mary asked Gwenyth.
    â€œI dare say the mare has returned to the stables. I’m certain she knows the way,” Rowan said. “Styx is broad and strong,” he added, indicating his horse. “Lady Gwenyth and I will reach the stables as easily as we rode here.”
    To protest in the circumstances would be futile and she would merely look the fool, so Gwenyth acquiesced with no more than a murmur.
    Later, when they returned, and stablehands and servants ran about shouting and hurrying to assist in whatever ways they could, she heard Laird James speaking softly with Rowan. “If they are to prowl the forests seeking diversion, then they must learn to ride.”
    Gwenyth longed to turn and confront the man, but then, to her surprise, found she did not need to do so.
    â€œJames, I believe the lady rides as well as any woman, perhaps as well as any man. No one can stay atop a falling horse. If the horse is flat upon the ground, so shall the rider be.”
    Startled by Rowan’s defense of her, Gwenyth was not prepared when one of the large, bulky guards came to take her arm and escort her within.
    â€œI can stand on my own, please,” she insisted. “I am not hurt, merely wearing much of the forest floor.”
    She was not released on her own say-so. The guard looked to Mary, who nodded, and only then was she allowed to stand on her own.
    She fled to her apartments, anxious to escape being the object of so much concern.
    Â 
    R OWAN WATCHED G WENYTH GO , surprised by the tugging she could so easily exert upon his heart. He didn’t know if it was the look in her eyes, the passion in her voice, or even the ferocity of her manner combined with the innocence that lay beneath.
    â€œLaird Rowan,” Mary said.
    â€œMy queen?”
    â€œI did wish to speak with you away from the palace, but the opportunity did not present itself. And so, if you will attend me in chambers…?”
    â€œWhatever your