Knight of Seduction Read Online Free Page A

at Anne, the false Lady Rosamunde, until she couldn’t bear the tension.
    “You wished to see us, Lord Hugh?” she finally asked.
    “Yes.”
    He added nothing further, and her color rose, her temper sparking.
    “Well,” she snapped, “what do you want?”
    “I’m told this is your sister.”  He gestured in the blond’s vicinity, but didn’t take his gaze from Anne.  “Introduce me.”
    Anne sucked in a deep breath, as if mustering her courage.  “Lord Hugh, may I present my half-sister, ah…Anne.”
    She was a terrible liar and had no aptitude for artifice.  Her cheeks flushed, and she was peering over his shoulder.  If he hadn’t already been notified of their deception, he’d have been suspicious as sin.
    He bit down a snort of amusement.  The blond was hiding behind Anne, and he barked, “Show yourself.  Let me have a look at you.”
    Rosamunde stepped forward, and Hugh studied her, his boredom clear.  She was a vain creature whom he instantly disliked.  It was obvious she was incensed by his arrogance, by his lack of regard for her, but she couldn’t mention it.
    She was so ordinary, while her half-sister was so extraordinary.  How did the poor bland child stand it?  She paled in comparison to the point of being invisible.
    “I’ve been thinking,” he said to Anne, the fake Lady Rosamunde, “as to what should become of your sister once I wed you.”
    “First of all, I’m not marrying you.  Get it through your thick head.”
    Hugh grinned at Henry.  “I’ll never have a dull day with her.”
    “Because she’ll drive you insane with her absurd chatter,” Henry replied.
    “Second,” Anne interrupted, “you needn’t worry about my sister.  My mother is her guardian.”
    “No.  I’m in charge now, and I’ve decided she should wed.  One of my knights needs a wife, and I promised him he could have a bride from the castle.”
    The duo shared a frantic visual exchange, and Anne declared, “You’re not marrying anyone in this castle to your knights.  You’ll take no action until my mother is present.”
    “And why shouldn’t I?  Your sister should be glad I’m interested in her welfare.  After all, she’s just Ranulf’s love daughter.  With his paramour, wasn’t it?  It’s not as if she can be choosey.”
    Both girls were fuming, and the real Lady Rosamunde was about to explode.  Surreptitiously, she reached over and pinched Anne.  Anne whipped around and glared at her.
    “Do something,” Rosamunde hissed.  “Say something.” 
    They shared another silent, frenzied exchange, then Anne pushed her toward the door.  “Why don’t you return to your bedchamber, dear sister?  I’ll conclude this conversation with Lord Hugh, then I’ll join you.”
    Rosamunde scowled at Hugh, her malice clear, but she was exhibiting an enormous amount of spite for Anne, too.  Apparently, Rosamunde wasn’t blind, and she understood who was the true beauty in the household.  No doubt Anne had suffered years of belittlement and scorn.  What a wretched life she must have had! 
    “Go!”  Anne shoved Rosamunde out, but before she stomped off, Hugh couldn’t resist hurling a last jab.
    “We’ll have your wedding in the morning—the moment mine is over.  I’ll tell my man the happy news so he can celebrate all night.  He’ll be hung over tomorrow, but you might as well get used to his drinking right from the start.”
    Rosamunde stiffened as if he’d hit her.
    “Go!” Anne repeatedly more firmly, and Rosamunde heeded her, her angry strides echoing down the hall.
    Anne seethed, “You are not picking a husband for her.”
    “Then I guess I’ll have to be satisfied with one wedding.  Mine to you.”
    “Do you ever listen to anyone?”
    “I listen—if the person is male and if he says something worth hearing.  As we’ve previously established, you’re a woman, and I can’t imagine how you could possibly interest me when your remarks are all so