Demon Within Read Online Free Page B

agenda, he’d advise the King.
    Leon approached the carriage occupied by the cook, laden with all their supplies for the journey; food, wine and ale. Leaning against the window, the smell of freshly baked pork pies overwhelmed his senses. The shapely cook welcomed him with a warm smile.
    ‘We’ll be making camp soon Dori. My apologies, it's been a long journey.’
    ‘Oh no worries Leon, I’m sure it will all be worthwhile, and thank you.’ Her rosy cheeks swelled as she smiled. ‘I expect everyone’s hungry and wanting a hot meal by now.’
    ‘I’m sure they are! And I have to admit, I’m looking forward to tucking into one of your pies.’
    Leon gave her a wink and then turned around and cantered past the first carriage. He watched Roulan as he clung onto the side of the carriage peering through the window, leering at Nissa. He didn’t like the way he skulked around her and Eloise. Having rescued Nissa when she was young from a destitute life, he looked at her as his own.
    Nissa was just sixteen when Leon found her in the market, begging for money. In a pitiful state, Leon questioned her actions and after explaining both her parents had died within a year of each other, leaving her orphaned, he took pity on her. Offering her food and shelter at the castle, with the promise of sanctuary, Nissa and accepted his gracious offer. A young woman of her beauty and grace could be easily swayed into an immoral living in times of despair. He, at least, could find her work within the household where she would be safe and well cared for. Nissa would make an excellent attendant for Eloise and the King thanked Leon for his insight. Eloise and Nissa instantly bonded, and since their first meeting were inseparable.
    Peering through the window Roulan’s eyes fell straight to Nissa. Surprised by his sudden appearance, she quickly looked away; his lecherous gaze made her cringe.
    Roulan took an interest in Nissa from the day they met. Blue eyes and sun-kissed blond hair caught his attention. Recalling her giddy manner when she first arrived at the castle, the room filled with sunshine and light.
    At first Nissa was friendly towards Roulan, but later became cold and she avoided him whenever possible. Overhearing a conversation between Nissa and Eloise, her description of him wasn’t kind. Afterwards he’d chosen to ignore her to try to preserve his already bruised ego, when in reality it added to his list of insecurities.
    ‘Hello ladies. You’ll be pleased to know we’ll be making camp soon.’
    Nissa leveled a stony stare.
    ‘I clearly remember you stating that some time ago brother.’ Eloise glared. ‘Do you promise?’
    ‘I give you my word.’ His lips curved into a wicked smirk as he mockingly placed his hand over his heart.
    Forcing a smile before Eloise drew the curtain; she heard him curse as he cantered away. Rudeness wasn’t something she practiced, but he’d annoyed her today. Shouting, ‘Thank you! Dear brother.’ She grinned and fell back against the seat.
    ‘I hope he’s telling the truth this time.’ Nissa wanted to believe him, but Roulan was unreliable and enjoyed tormenting his sister.
    Eloise gave a relieved smile at the thought of stopping and resting. She’d avoided broaching the subject of her intended, but the closer they came to Littlewood, the more she thought, and it made her uneasy.
    ‘Do you think he’ll be handsome Nissa?’
    Nissa panicked at Eloise’s question. Hesitating before she could think of something, her answer wasn’t convincing.
    The rumors of Kai of Darkmide and his barbarous practices had reached Brightstone. Nissa hadn’t told Eloise what she’d heard. Since Eloise’s father had given the news to his daughter about the arrangement, her sleep had been restless and details of her intended would only make it worse. At least Roulan hadn’t provided Eloise with any gruesome details; she’d expected him to tell Eloise everything he knew.
    ‘I’m sure he’ll have many