Forbidden Magic Read Online Free Page B

pondered her first sight of Sir Amery's handsome features; in her previous travels she had only seen the light brown hair streaked golden by the sun, for his back had been turned to her. But his size and height had taken her breath away, and she could only assume him to be the most dashing knight in any king's army.
    Dawn considered other things. She worried Jewel was right about her betrothed's feelings for women. And if he shunned Jewel as he had Gwynne, Dawn knew it would have a greater, deeper effect on Jewel. She sighed inwardly, knowing no amount of prayer would help, and readied herself to find out within a few moments.
    Of the three, only Jewel frowned, for in her heart she suspected their first meeting would burn an image in her mind so vivid that it would last her lifetime. She had shared a few secrets with Dawn, but not all. She had not told her that Amery's half brother, Radolf, had spoken of his love for her, had told her that if in some way he could change the agreement between their fathers, he would seek her hand in marriage. Jewel recalled her surprise when he had first voiced his feelings for her, for she had been certain he only teased, but when he had tried to kiss her, she had been appalled. Although it had happened several years ago and in no way could show upon her face, Jewel feared that once Amery looked upon her he would discover her unfaithfulness. Others might not term it such, but, deep inside, Jewel blamed herself for Radolf's boldness, feeling that in some way she had unknowingly led him on. Her frown deepened as she chewed on her lower lip. It would be all the evidence Amery needed to prove that his mistrust of women was well founded.
    "Oh, they're gone," Lynette whined once they had turned the corner and found the hallway empty.
    "Maybe they only went to the kitchen to appease their hunger," Dawn suggested. "Let us try there." Without giving either girl a chance to object, Dawn started off but was brought to an abrupt halt when the door to the dowager queen's chambers opened and one of her attendants stepped outside.
    "Oh, Lady Jewel," the young girl said, surprised to find her standing there. Regaining her composure, she gave a short curtsy. "Her Majesty sent me to summon you to her chambers. She wishes to speak with you on a matter most urgent."
    Had Amery sought out Queen Eleanor's help in dissolving his father's oath to see them wed now that Lord Ryland was dead? she wondered, then mentally shook off the idea. Amery's father had died while Amery had been away and, unless the dowager queen had spoken of it, he would not know as yet. Then what could be of such importance that she would be summoned at morning light? The king? Had Queen Eleanor received disheartening news about her son? Jewel glanced worriedly at her friends.
    "We shall go to the kitchen, Jewel," Dawn said quietly, sensing the young woman's uneasiness, "and wait for you there." Leaning forward slightly, she placed a light kiss on Jewel's cheek, an unspoken gesture of strength, then took her sister's hand and hurried away.
    Jewel remained a moment watching until the sisters had disappeared from view, then took a deep breath and let it out in a rush. Smiling softly, she turned to the young attendant who waited. "Come. I have dallied long enough and do not wish to upset Her Majesty." Stepping aside, the young girl allowed Jewel to enter, then followed her inside.
    Although Jewel had spent many hours in the dowager queen's bedchambers, their elegance always left Jewel speechless when she first looked upon them, for though Harcourt Castle in itself was magnificent, it lacked sorely in comparison. Checkered tiles covered the floor and leaded glass windows let in a rainbow of color, which fell warmly on the wood-paneled walls. A huge stone hearth filled one wall and was enhanced by a deeply carved wood mantel. Before it sat two high-backed chairs, each with its own silk-covered footstool. But the most stunning of all sights was the