Divided Enchantment (Unbreakable Force Book 4) Read Online Free

gaped at him. He’d been so careful to keep her a secret. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he lied, frowning at the younger man. “And I’m tired of you questioning me. I’m the clan chief, Donell. Don’t forget it.”
    He turned and stalked away from camp, leading Star, ignoring the questioning looks some of the clan members gave him. He was so intent on getting away he almost walked into Kenroc at the edge of encampment.
    “Again?” The lines around Kenroc’s eyes were creased with suspicion. “Bran, you keep entering the city. If you’re caught skulking around, the repercussions could be serious.”
    “I’ll be fine,” Bran said, a little more sharply than he intended. He moderated his tone. “I’m just going in to see if the magistrates and nobles have any plans regarding us.”
    “Have you given my suggestion any thought?” Kenroc asked. “If we left, it wouldn’t matter what Ruis planned.”
    “I have thought about it,” Bran replied slowly. “I still haven’t decided.”
    “There was a time when you wouldn’t hedge and hesitate so much.” Kenroc eyed him doubtfully. “And a time when you were more honest.”
    “I am honest,” Bran snapped, before remembering he’d lied to Donell moments earlier. He took a deep breath. “I’m still considering it, Kenroc. But I don’t want to make any hasty decisions.”
    Kenroc didn’t look convinced, but he nodded and withdrew.
    Bran’s mood had taken a turn for the worse by the time he left the large, sprawling camp behind. If clan members were beginning to question his authority, then he needed to put on a stronger show of confidence. He glowered at nothing as he rode Star to Ruis. Kenroc was probably right; the clan would do better to travel south, even if the villages and towns were fewer and farther between. But he couldn’t leave Grace. He loved her. At the thought of the bubbly, vivacious young woman, Bran smiled to himself, urging Star to a trot. He’d never been to a Ruis social before, or any social for that matter. This was the night he’d sweep her off her feet.

 
    8
    Grace
     
    T he Flores Winter Social was a major event. All the important people of Ruis were invited and the Flores family spared no expense in decor, music, and food. The entire house was decorated in splendor, the most skilled musicians were hired to play, and the finest wines and delicacies were put out on several long tables that were lined up against two of the walls in the ballroom.
    Grace was wearing her red dress, the neckline just low enough to emphasize her full bosom. Her hair was swept up, blonde ringlets falling on either side of her face. Her rouge was set. She wore pearl earrings and a matching necklace, and her snug white gloves were delicately crocheted. Her mask was small and white, edged with gold. She looked absolutely lovely—her father had said so. She knew so, too, after looking in the mirror.
    She was going to turn heads tonight. Normally the thought thrilled her. It was fun to see how many men she could lead along. Tonight, though, she felt positively ill with nerves. She pressed her hands to her stomach, trying to stay calm. Why did she invite Bran? Her father couldn’t possibly approve of the man she’d chosen; her mother certainly wouldn’t. What would everyone else think of the stranger? That dratted Mr. Jameson expected her to dance with him. Three whole dances! Why had she said yes?
    She put on a smile and greeted people warmly as they crossed the Flores threshold. Men’s eyes, single or not, turned to her. She remembered Polly telling her she’d be a head-turner, and she was right. But what about Bran? There would be plenty of other beautiful women. Would he still find her pretty?
    “Grace!” With a swish of gold silk, a young woman wearing an elaborately painted mask hurried toward her. It was Annabelle, Grace’s lifelong friend. They hugged briefly, then Annabelle stood beside her, practically bouncing on her