The Knight and the Dove Read Online Free

father had done so without complaint. Megan told herself she would do no less.
    “How long before I go?”
    Vincent smiled in the face of her acceptance. “Two weeks. I know things might be a bit strained for you when your mother returns, but I want some time with you. I’ll see you to Hawkings Crest myself.”
    “I assume Bracken’s mother lives within the castle walls.”
    Vincent shook his head. “His aunt. I have not met her, but I trust the two of you will fare well.”
    Megan nodded, but neither one had much more to say. They went for a ride a few hours later but did not discuss the trip or wedding.
    The day turned out to be so full that Megan took herself off to bed at an early hour, still not having seen her mother.
    Having talked with her father and gained awareness of the situation, she slept deeply that night. She would not have slept so soundly had she known he was to be called away early the next morning.

Three
    “I HAVE SERVANTS FOR THAT, M EGAN .” Annora’s voice was cold, but Megan stood her ground. They were in the kitchen, and Vincent had been gone all of three days. To Megan it felt like a lifetime.
    “Be that as it may, Mother, not one of them knew of this poultice for tooth pain.” Megan’s voice was respectful but unyielding.
    “The servants take care of themselves. Do not disgrace your father’s name by acting as a commoner.”
    Megan’s eyes narrowed in anger. “The disgrace is on you, Mother, that you would allow one of your servants to writhe in agony with a sore tooth. Where is your compassion?”
    “You will not speak to me in such away!” Lady Stone nearly spat. “Your return has disrupted my entire life.” Annora stopped to let this barb sink in but saw that Megan’s face was calm. The older woman was so furious that for a moment she couldn’t speak. When she did, it was with the full intention of wounding her daughter the only way she knew how.
    “I have decided that you will leave for Hawkings Crest this day.”
    Megan’s eyes widened, giving her mother great pleasure.
    “But Father isn’t here. He was to take me.”
    Annora’s laugh was heartless. “Your father is more than capable of mounting a horse if he wishes to see you.”
    “But my clothing, Mother—” Megan tried to reason with her, seeing that she’d pushed too far. “My wardrobe is not complete.”
    Annora’s lip curled with cruel enjoyment. “You seem to be more at home dressed in homespun cloth—look at you! Besides, you have onedress that will suffice, and you won’t want to travel in that anyway. I’ll send your clothing when it’s ready.”
    Megan stood in mute horror, her whole body trembling with fear over the way she was being sent away. Her heart cried out to God to send her father home early, but it was not to be.
    “Now ready yourself,” her mother drove home her final thrust. “I will order a guard to escort you. You leave within the hour.”
    Annora swept away then, but it took a moment for Megan to realize the occupants of the entire room were watching her. Not one of the servants at Stone Lake loved their mistress, so Megan was met with genuine stares of compassion. The young servant girl whose tooth Megan had treated had tears in her eyes.
    “I’m sorry, my lady.”
    Megan gently touched the dark hair on her head. “Don’t fret, Merry, all will be well. You take care of that tooth, and I’ll see you when I come again.”
    Megan left with all the dignity she could muster, hoping that no one could see how her legs trembled in shock and terror.

     
    True to her word, her mother sent for her an hour later. Four horses stood in the courtyard of Stone Lake, and Megan fought down every emotion within her to keep her face calm. Hawkings Crest was miles away, and her mother was sending her on horseback with no caravan, which meant no maid, no ladies in waiting, and no entourage of any kind. Just four horses, and three male guards—none of whom she even knew.
    One of them helped