Read Online The Second Life of Magnolia Mae by Angela Schroeder - Free Book Online Page B

she was not sure what good that would do her. Certainly, she would not know everyone here, only those she had seen in her dreams and read about in the history books.
    A firm soothing voice came next that she recognized as Jaceson’s. “She told me who it was. I always knew he was a conniving serpent, but I didn’t think he would have betrayed you. It is no secret how you feel for her. Everyone knows of the ring.” Feet shuffled across the floor. A cluttering sound reached her ears and a crackle; a log had apparently been tossed on the fire. “We cannot allow someone to get this close to her again.”
    “Jace?” She finally mumbled, slowly opening her eyes. Her throat was drier than the desert. Her hand shook when she moved it.
    She saw the look of confusion exchanged between the men, and the look of jealousy that came from the man with haunting blue eyes. The eyes from her dreams, the eyes of Alistair. Jaceson stepped toward her bed.
    “I want to go home, Jace.” Part of her ached for the home where she’d grown up, the home of her Jace. Though this man who stood before her was very much like him, he was not her sibling here. She wanted her brother back, but to have that she had to reject this place, forget that she was here for a reason. It didn’t matter to her what that reason was if she could not have her brother. She had lost her parents. She was not sure she could stand losing her brother also.
    “You are home. This castle is your home now.” His words were soft and soothing as he stepped even closer to her.
    She watched him as he glanced from her to the pitcher of water. In silence he filled a cup and brought it to her lips. The liquid soothed the dryness, and she licked her lips before accepting another drink.
    “Don’t you remember?” he asked as he set the cup down, looking at her then at everyone else in the room.
    “Remember what?”
    “Your journey here. Our journey here, settling everyone into their new homes. This was all because of you, m’lady.” Concern filled Jaceson’s eyes. “What do you remember?” He leaned against the wall, crossed his arms over his chest, and looked down at her.
    Her eyes went from him to the man who moved to stand next to his side. He was tall and muscular. His dark hair and piercing blue eyes screamed at her to remember. She recognized him but only from her dreams and what she’d read in the books. A deep sadness filled her heart as she realized that this man who looked at her so lovingly now was not in love with her, but in love with whom she had been before Gordon came along.
    “I…” She glanced at Nonna to see kindness and understanding in her eyes. The old woman’s hand held Magnolia’s, comforting her. “I remember speaking with Nonna about talking to King Pelonis, seeking an audience with him to have this land for our own home, a kingdom of our own. I remember Gordon in the village hurting me then. A chase through the woods, being followed by someone. Terrified that if I did not make it back to the camp, I would never see my family again.” She swallowed and felt the gentle squeeze of Nonna’s hand. “Last night, Gordon said he enjoyed the hunt. I remember the struggle.” She lifted her hand to her throat, gently touching it.
    A dark scowl went across the faces of both men.
    “He will pay for what he did.” Alistair grated the words out.
    “You found me. I wanted Bash.” She glanced around the room, looking to see if she had missed anyone else. She thought that Jaceson would have brought Bash here. What was it he had said last night?
    “I am here.” Alistair stepped forward, a small smile on his face.
    Confusion filled her. Was this not Prince Alistair in front of her? She shook her head while looking at him.
    “Alistair Sebastian of Marcello. You and Jaceson are the only ones who call me Bash.” He dropped to his knees by her bed.
    With his face so close to hers, she could see him much more clearly. He had a few days growth on his