Total pages in book: 31
Estimated words: 30228 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 151(@200wpm)___ 121(@250wpm)___ 101(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 30228 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 151(@200wpm)___ 121(@250wpm)___ 101(@300wpm)
“What happened to Chieftain Thurbane?” Arran asked.
“He remains on his land but with no control and his daughter was forced to wed the man that was declared the new chieftain of the clan.”
Raven hurried her arms around herself to hug herself tight, tears ready to fall for the chieftain’s daughter, Alynn. She didn’t see Alynn often but when they did get to see each other, their visits were always filled with fun and laughter.
“That will never happen to Raven!”
Raven smiled, hearing Royden declare it as if it were law. Her smile soon faded, thinking that her brother would take up arms against any who tried to harm her and protecting her could cost him his life. Tears spilled down her cheeks at the horrifying thought.
“I’ll see that sentinels are sent farther out over our land so we can be alerted to any advancing troops. And I’ll make sure the village is prepared as well,” Arran said.
“Why didn’t Thurbane reach out to the other clans for help?” Royden asked.
“He had no knowledge, no forewarning, of what was about to happen. A troop of warriors showed up one day and it was done. Thurbane doesn’t even know who is truly behind this. A man, unknown to him, declared the confiscation of his land for the King and told him what he had to do if he wanted his clan left unharmed and if he wanted to live. There was no choice left to him.”
“William will be arriving tomorrow to discuss this further with me,” her da said. “And that’s not the only thing he’s coming to discuss. He wants the marriage agreement between you and Oria signed and for you to wed soon after. He fears if his clan is attacked Oria would be forced to wed someone else.”
Raven shivered when she heard Royden respond with an anger that frightened her.
“That will never happen. I will see the man dead first.”
“Then tomorrow the documents will be signed and the ceremony arranged for—”
“No more than three days’ time,” Royden finished. “I will not lose the woman I love.”
Her brother’s words brought a small smile to her face. She was glad Royden and Oria would wed soon. She would have a sister who would help defend her against her brothers.
“I fear dark times are about to descend on the area. If clans continue to fall and daughters are forced to wed men of a stranger’s choosing, then I will have no choice but to send Raven to the Abbey for protection.”
Raven hurried her hand over her mouth to stop her gasp from rushing out.
She heard a loud burst of laughter and knew it was her brother Arran and smiled at his remark, pierced with more laughter.
“Good luck with that.”
“Raven will obey me,” her da insisted.
“How often does she truly obey you or anyone, Da?” Arran asked.
“She has a mind of her own,” Royden said. “You might be better off finding her a husband of your choice so she will be safe and protected.”
Raven wanted to punch Royden and Arran too when he spoke again.
“Royden’s right, not that Raven would ever agree to a marriage, but it is the one way of seeing her protected and kept safe.”
“We make a promise here and now,” her da said. “Whatever happens, if only one is left, we swear an oath to do whatever is necessary to see that Raven is kept from harm. I swore to your mum I’d keep our daughter safe and I will not break that promise to her.”
“I swear an oath,” Royden said and Arran quickly followed.
“I swear an oath the same for all of you,” Raven whispered. “I will do whatever is necessary to keep you all safe.”
Chapter 2
Royden stood at the top of the keep stairs watching his sister Raven run to the woman he loved, and who he fully intended to make his wife, and hug her fiercely. Both women had his heart. Oria would be his wife, he would have no other. They had loved each other since they’d been young. There was no other woman for him and he wanted no other woman. His heart belonged to Oria and always would. He couldn’t wait until they wed and shared a bed, a home, a life.
Arran had teased Oria senseless when they’d been young, telling her she was too plain and quiet for his brother who would one day rule the clan, and he’d received many a beating from Royden for it. That all changed when Oria grew into a woman who stole every man’s eye.
She had soft green eyes filled with joy that made you feel good and happy in her presence, and a beautiful, heart-shaped face. Her honey blonde hair complimented her pale, unmarried skin that was so smooth he always wanted to touch it. Her head reached past his shoulder and he was tall so she was of good height, for him at least. She was shapely, having felt the curve of her waist when he’d lift her on and off her horse. And he loved the feel of her full breasts when she planted herself against him in a huge hug. On occasion, he’d let his hand drift down over her rounded hips, but he would go no farther, not wanting to disrespect her. Or it could have been that he feared she wouldn’t have stopped him if he had and if that was so, he wouldn’t have stopped. He was eager to make love with the woman he loved. He didn’t, however, stop from kissing her. He so enjoyed kissing her, their lips made for each other. He had felt it so from their first kiss when they’d both been young and he had gotten the courage to kiss her quick. She had smiled, giggled, and ran away from him and he had chased her ever since.