Read Online Wicked Lord of Thessaly (Halcyon Romance Series Book 3) by Rachael Slate - Free Book Online

to have tossed the parchment into the blazing hearth.
    There was no forgiveness to be had for choosing this life. Her heart ached for her brothers Antion and Dryas, who would grow as cruel as the twins without her presence. Perhaps Agrius might aid her in finding a solution.
    Her musings veered to him, to those gentle pewter eyes and the wicked curve of his smile.
    She had no doubt the Fates wove their paths together. These past two weeks, she’d witnessed everything in him a woman could desire in her husband.
    My mate.
    She bit her lip, grinning like a madwoman. Nothing could halt this budding blossom of love between them.
    Tonight, she’d ensure her dashing centaur fathomed precisely how devoted a wife she would be to him.
    “Stay within our view, milady,” one of the guards called to her as she passed through the garden gates onto the estate below. “Lord Agrius left orders you were not to wander outside the grounds alone until he returned.”
    She inclined her head toward them. “Very well. I’ll stay within view.” True, she longed to ride through the forests, hunting and gathering, exploring this new world, yet Agrius’s caution was warranted. A new territory meant new boundaries to learn and even new vegetation. She’d benefit from the aid of a guide.
    Eione paced along the stone path toward the edge of the woods. The dusky glimmer of sunset pitched long shadows throughout the trees. She halted and inhaled, the earthy, rich scents of black pines and chestnut trees filling her nostrils. The forest stretched beyond her view, peaceful and quiet, an oasis.
    Yet she no longer suffered the urge to flee. To seek solace.
    This was her home. Her true home.
    She climbed the slight slope, the forest floor of crushed needles, packed earth, and moss cushioning her footsteps. Twisting around, she waved at the sentinels, ensuring she remained within their view.
    They bowed their heads, keeping their focus on her.
    No one had ever guarded her for the purpose of her safety before. It was an unfamiliar, yet enjoyable feeling, to know these men would protect her.
    That Agrius would protect her.
    Twigs snapped in the distance, followed by the thwack of rocks clinking together. Had an animal lost its footing on the side of a slope?
    Odd. She treaded forward, a few steps beyond the view of the guards, to inspect the origin of the sounds.
    Perhaps a hunter? Although, wouldn’t the guards have warned her?
    The hairs on her arms raised. Something wasn’t right. Animals didn’t make such clumsy noises.
    Humans did.
    Eione whirled around and gasped at the hazy form of a male. She grasped for her bow, but the male aimed the point of his dagger at her. “Don’t.”
    Cold sweat beaded along her spine. She knew that voice.
    “Myron?” My brother. One of the twins.
    He stalked forward, the shadows playing across his face and casting a sinister aura around him.
    This was not the time to succumb to fear. She straightened her shoulders. “You’ve encroached upon centaur lands. All I need do is scream and a dozen guards will surround us.”
    “Mayhap, but you won’t,” Myron sneered. “You’re too soft, Eione. You’ll return to your home and do as you’re told.” He waved the dagger. “You will not disgrace us. You’ll wed the Prince’s comrade and honor your family. We’ll overlook this incident. Attribute it to the beast poisoning your mind. A weak, easily manipulated female stolen from her family’s protection.”
    Bile rose in her throat. Being related to this barbaric male disgusted her. She’d never go back with him.
    Stall him. Keep him talking. Time enough to form a plan. The guards would seek her out any moment. “How did you find me?”
    “I followed Abiron.” He smirked. “I found it odd that our best tracker chose not to pursue the most obvious trail, and I was right. The traitor will be hanged.”
    No. She clasped her hand around her neck, but swallowed her protest. If she convinced her brother she’d