Medieval Rogues Read Online Free

skills.”
    She nodded, but could not stop her smile from slipping.
    In the dim light, the squire’s face reddened. “I do not wish to disappoint you, but I must obey your father’s orders. With the threat of de Lanceau—”
    “I know.” She sighed.
    Aldwin’s gaze turned earnest. “Milady, do you realize I have honed my prowess for you? Until that son-of-a-traitor is dead, I fear you will not be safe. I have sworn upon my honor—indeed, my life—that I will always protect you.”
    His words were softly spoken, but echoed the passion of the chivalrous knights in his tales. As his voice faded, she stared up at him. She wondered if he referred to more than de Lanceau.
    Aldwin had never tried to discuss her upcoming wedding with her. Yet, he was a man of fierce convictions.
    His thumbs caressed the backs of her fingers, and she fought a shudder. If she confided how much she hated her betrothal, would he see her as a damsel in distress and do all within his power to save her from her plight?
    Desperate hope soared within her. If he agreed to be her protector and help her flee Moydenshire, then she would not have to marry Sedgewick. She would also be safe from de Lanceau.
    Once her father had crushed that treacherous rogue, she could return and marry a man of her own choosing. A knight as noble as those of the chansons .
    A man she loved.
    Her belly knotted. Such a plan meant deceiving her father and angering him, but she had no other choice.
    She met the squire’s concerned stare. “Aldwin, I—”
    Footfalls sounded near the top of the stairwell. “Where is she? Does she ignore my summons?”
    At her father’s roar, Elizabeth yanked her hands free. Under her breath, she cursed her foolishness. How could she have considered discussing such a matter now? She must not risk her budding plan’s success, or get Aldwin into trouble.
    Keeping her voice low, she said, “I must speak with you. This evening, in the garden?”
    Curiosity lit Aldwin’s eyes, and he bowed. “I will see you anon, milady.” He brushed past and pounded down the stairs.
    Elizabeth squared her shoulders, drew a calming breath, and hurried up the last steps. As she entered the hall, the tap of stone under her shoes became the crunch of dried herbs and rushes. Wood smoke hazed the chamber, but she made out her father’s tall figure, hands clasped behind his back, pacing the floorboards. Nearby, her guards stared down at their feet.
    Her father glanced up. “Elizabeth.” He dragged a hand through his silver-gray hair. Tension lined the corners of his eyes, and guilt pinched her. She had not wanted him to worry.
    She crossed the distance between them, but a throaty rumble drew her gaze to the lord’s table. The balding man seated there might long ago have been called handsome, but now his features were bloated by excess.
    His mouth slid into a lecherous grin, and he wiggled his fingers. “Beloved.”
    The knot in her belly twisted. “Baron Sedgewick.”
    She had not expected to see him today. Was this another surprise visit, in which he would try to woo her?
    “I brought you a gift. I hope you like it.” He held up a delicate hair comb, studded with gemstones.
    “Thank you.” Revulsion for him pressed upon her like a granite slab, yet she graced him with an elegant curtsey.
    She straightened, and his tongue flicked over his lips. He tossed aside the comb and slurped his wine, then reached under the table and groped at his bronze silk tunic, stretched over his stomach. His hand kept rummaging. She looked away.
    Shivers crawled over her skin, colder than when she had overheard the servants whispering of Sedgewick’s perversions and cruelty. Malicious gossip started by a former lover , her father had said. Pay it no heed . Could there be truth to the rumors?
    “Daughter.” Her sire hugged her, and, with a sigh, she leaned into his reassuring warmth. He pushed her to arm’s length, and frowned down at her. “You look pale. Are you