The Guardian (Chronicles of Dover's Amalgam Book 1) Read Online Free

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    Therefore, she made him uncomfortable, because she did not fit into any one category. She had no properties or categories. Elizabet just was . He was not accustomed to the confusion this invited. Good character rarely acknowledged confusion. It was an oxymoron to strength and dignity. The way she spoke of his injury was hindsight to her. The trouble was that no one, even if they felt it, claimed to be annoyed with him since he was bestowed the title of Duke. Elizabet’s every fiber reeked of discontent.
    But still, he liked her and he suspected she liked him, as well. It was evident in the way she cared for him. In the way she spoke even though she did not think he understood. The fevered way she attempted nursing care when she lacked skill or knowledge. Elizabet trusted him to guide her through his own healing, yet he knew she studied when she was away. How else would she come to know words such as ‘debridement of a wound’?
    Jareth toyed with the edging on the book and watched her fix the covers over the bed. It was something she did even though she was aware he could not stand having his feet bound. She used exaggerated strokes as if she was deflecting his curiosity, tucking the heavy bed cover under and around his heels. She was angry—again.
    He let a smile curve on half his lips. He would do something for her, after she had done so much for him. “You are relieved of your duties.” There. He had said it, even though he really did not mean it. He was, of course, willing to let her go. She was not a vassal or a servant. If she stayed, he wanted it to be because she wished to stay.
    Elizabet’s motions stiffened yet another fraction. “I wasn’t aware that I had duties. I thought I was doing a favor. Or maybe just plain kidnapped . . .” Her voice trailed off as she turned away.
    Perhaps her discontent of caring for him came from the fact she had been forced to do so. It was not her choice to be here with him. Jareth surmised that she was not someone who liked to be dictated to. He hoped if she felt free, then she would perform her ‘duties’ with a fraction of joy. Using reverse psychology was risky, but he prayed it worked.
    “I am familiar with the term,” Jareth said as he wiggled his feet until the covers loosened from the tuck. “Kidnapped. It means to be taken. Stolen. Is that how you feel? As if you were stolen?”
    “Stolen,” Elizabet repeated. She clasped her hands behind her back and leaned forward against the foot of the bed, her thighs against the thick post. “I was lied to. Mrs. Wheatley told me this would be an adventure, not a nightmare. I thought you would have a small flesh wound.”
    Jareth tilted his head; he tapered his eyes slightly. “I have offended you.”
    Her eyes rounded. “Offended? No. Not offended. I wouldn’t call it that.” She shrugged with one shoulder. “I’m not sure when you’ll let me go home. I can’t be here for days. My grandma will send out a search party. Again. I can’t pretend that I ran away. Again.” Each time she said ‘again,’ her voice raised an octave. It bordered hysteria.
    “I apologize that you had to lie.”
    It had been necessary that she remain during the first days of his care. It was not until a venous line had been established and he no longer needed nursing around the clock that Mrs. Wheatley had been allowed to fetch her.
    He sensed Elizabet was not afraid of him, but maybe she did not yet trust him, either. It was not wrong of her to feel kidnapped, but it had been many days since she had been forced to stay. Kidnapped sounded criminal and without honor. Jareth had honor in droves. The fact she could not see that made him a touch angry. He was right, though. She needed to feel free; he would liberate her even though he did not desire it.
    “You have told me that your grandmother accepted the excuse you presented.” Jareth rubbed the book cover with his fingertips, but watched her. “And I fail to be convinced