Rowena Through the Wall: Expanded Edition Read Online Free

each side. A high wooden bed stood in the center, its head against one wall, a tapestry above it. The bed was already made up with fresh linens. Across from it, an unlit fireplace segmented the wall.
    It was as if my mother had left for a long weekend and was expected back at any moment.
    "I have always kept it waiting for her," Grandfather said, facing a large oak wardrobe. "I've left all her garments as they were. They can be yours now, if they fit." He opened the wardrobe doors and I fell in love.
    First, there was my mother's sweet scent. It drifted from her clothing and enveloped me in the tenderest of memories. Tears came to my eyes. I missed her now, even more than in those early days after her death.
    Then―those clothes. All her favorite colors. Greens and burgundies, silks and velvets.
    I pulled out a beautiful ivory form-fitting gown. My heart broke. There was no way I would fit it. Back it went.
    There were a few exquisite formal gowns in a different s tyle that I thought might work. I pulled out an emerald green silk with a high waist and fully gathered skirt. The bodice might need letting out, but the skirt would be perfect for my generous hips.
    "I remember when she last wore that," Grandfather said. "It was a feast night not long before she left."
    I could feel his sadness all about me.
    "Goodnight, dear one," he said from the door. "I hope you'll be happy here."
    I hoped so too.
    It was a warm night and my poor nightgown had gone through enough. I pulled down both straps and let it slide to the floor. Naked, I reached to pick it up and felt a little puff of air sweep past me.
    "Is anyone there?"
    No one answered.
    With a shrug, I moved to the window and peered outside. How strange and yet how beautiful the evening was in this world. Two moons dazzled against a cloudless black velvet night sky. For several moments, I was transfixed by the twin moons. This is what my mother had seen every night of her young life.
    At last, I pulled away. Leaving the window open t o let in fresh air, I blew out the candle and climbed into bed.
    Sometime in the night, I awoke. It was still dark and it took me a moment to take in the stone walls and the tapestry―and to place where I was.
    Ivan was sitting in a chair by the door. A strip ed orange tabby lay curled on his lap.
    I sat up in surprise, holding the bed linens closely to me.
    "We're taking turns guarding you," he said. "I have tonight." He calmly stroked the cat.
    Ivan seemed to be the most stable of the three boys who would be my suitors. The middle brother, he was built like a chariot and I didn't doubt that he could protect me very well. His arms were knotted with bulky muscles and I could see scars running down both forearms. He had a clever wit, and in the great hall, I had con cluded that he seemed very in control of himself―which only goes to show how wrong a girl can be.
    Richard, the youngest, had looked barely eighteen. But people aged early in this primitive world. He was probably at least twenty.
    He had seemed wiry, on edge , as if anxious to prove himself among men.
    Cedric hadn't yet made an appearance, but from everything I'd heard, that was a good thing.
    Ivan shifted the cat carefully off his lap and stood up. I could see beads of sweat on his forehead. He focused on my eyes and held them. A strange, calming warmth seeped through my mind.
    How odd, I thought. How did he do that?
    "I want to protect you, and I can only think of one way to do that," Ivan said, his eyes drifting over the sheets that covered my nakedness.
    "Are you suggesting what I think you're suggesting?"
    "If we wait until tomorrow, Cedric will find a way to disarm me."
    I didn't doubt him. Even the name Cedric gave me the creeps.
    "Rowena, will you let me?"
    My mouth shot open. Protection, my size seven foot. I didn't pretend not to know what he meant, but I hardly knew what to say or even think.
    "I don't even know you!"
    "You know I'm your grandfather's kin." His warm brown eyes