Knight of Seduction Read Online Free

to the conclusion.”
    “Obviously.” 
    Hugh lifted his arm, gesturing for Henry to help him with his leather breastplate.  He wasn’t wearing armor—he wasn’t afraid of anyone in the castle—but his body was covered with hidden weapons and leather.  If some oaf jumped from the shadows to stab him, they’d have trouble piercing the skin.  And, of course, Hugh would kill any man demented enough to try.
    “How did you learn of this?” he asked.
    “I kissed a maid who hates Blodwin.”
    “Ranulf’s widow?”
    “Yes.  I guess she’s a shrew.  The maid couldn’t wait to tell me of the scheme that was hatched.  In case Blodwin was behind it, the maid wanted her foiled.”
    “Have you seen the true Rosamunde?”
    “No.”
    “I suppose I should take a look at her before I wed that auburn-haired virago.  Just to be certain.”
    “You’ll still go through with it?”
    “Why not?  You know I don’t care who I marry.”
    Hugh’s life had been filled with soldiering and battle.  He’d had scant interactions with women, unless they were whores.
    He was marrying for the reason all men married.  To sire sons.  To establish his line.  He’d been orphaned as a boy and had no siblings.  Henry was his sole relative, so he’d always been an outcast. 
    Now, for his years of loyal service, King Richard had rewarded him with Castle Morven.  For the first time ever, Hugh had a home to call his own.
    His bride could be a halfwit or a dullard or a harpy.  It mattered not to him, so long as she spit out the boys he required.  He didn’t plan to expend much effort with her and would visit her bed only as necessary so that impregnation occurred on an annual basis.
    His passionate entertainment would be provided by his paramour, Charmaine, who was impatiently dawdling in London.  He would bring her to Morven as soon as affairs at the castle were more stable.     
    “Wouldn’t you rather wed the lord’s daughter?” Henry pressed.  “If your intent is to calm hurt feelings over Ranulf’s demise, shouldn’t you settle on Rosamunde?”
    “If you’d seen Anne, with her hair down and her emerald eyes spitting fire at me, you wouldn’t have to ask.  Besides, I was informed that Rosamunde is spoiled and insipid.  In a choice between the two, I’ll have the tempestuous vixen.”
    “She might be more trouble than she’s worth.”
    “I’m sure you’re correct.” 
    “She claims she’s about to take the veil.”
    Hugh scoffed.  “It would be a crime against nature for that beauty to be locked behind convent walls.”  He grinned, titillated by the memory of how sparks had flown whenever he’d touched her.  “Let’s play a game with them, shall we?  Summon them both.”
    “Why?”
    “I want to watch Anne as she lies and pretends.  Then I’ll have her bathe me.”
    “Bathe you!  Gad, you’re wicked.” 
    “With Blodwin away, she’s supposed to be the lady of the manor.  She’s obligated to offer me the courtesy.  Let’s check her mettle.  I’m curious to see how she holds up.”
    Henry went to the door, murmuring to the maid who was hovering outside.  She hurried off to fetch Anne and Rosamunde.  Hugh and Henry relaxed and drank, waiting for the pair to arrive.
    An eternity passed before he heard them scurrying down the hall.  Anne had delayed to the end of his patience, to the point where he’d been about to go to her room and force her to comply.
    What she didn’t seem to understand, but what he would teach her, was that she was his minion—as was everyone at Morven.  He could be a fair lord or a cruel one.  She would quickly learn how to stay on his good side, and the sweeter she was, the better his disposition would be for all concerned.
    Anne—the real Anne—marched in, and a thin, plain blond girl slinked in after her.
    Hugh and Henry remained rudely lounged in their chairs, refusing to rise in greeting and Hugh in the initial stages of undress.  Hugh stared