Demetrius (Brethren Origins Book 2) Read Free Page A

raced, as she struggled to compose the perfect plea to sway him.  “Although I have no wish to defy thy authority, since birth I have always known I was meant for a higher purpose than that of a wife, who functions as little more than an heir maker and decoration for her husband.  When Papa placed me with the Carmelites, as an oblate, I dedicated my life to the Lord.  While I have yet to make my final profession of vows, I have long honored the covenants of poverty, chastity, and obedience, and I cannot reconcile the austere existence with the requirements of the sacrament of holy matrimony.”
    “But thou will, because I order ye to do so, and thou hast naught else.”  Despite their years apart, how well Athelyna read his steadfast bearing.  “In light of thy impending nuptials, I have ceased payment of thy dowry to the nunnery, thus thou hast nowhere to go.  And if ye do not abide by the agreement I signed on thy behalf, I shall disown ye and turn thee out to suffer the consequences of thy stubbornness.”
    “Thou would do that to me—thy sister?”  Swallowing a sob, she suppressed impending tears, as it was no time to exhibit weakness, even as her dreams yielded to a slow and painful demise.  “Thou would condemn me to a cruel fate because my ambitions conflict with thine?”
    “I would ask the same of ye, given our futures are inextricably intertwined, and I shall enjoy political prestige with thy union to His Majesty’s knight.  If thou dost rob me of my chance to advance at court, then I shall repay ye, in kind.”  His once boyish charm ceded to an implacable visage, which portended doom.  “As I inherited the estate and title, and thou art my property, to do with as I deem appropriate, I shall dispose of ye like so much useless rubbish, if ye dost force my hand.  The choice is thine.”  Gerwald shrugged.  “So, what say ye?”
    “I submit thee dost offer no real alternative, brother.”  Reality struck her between the eyes, and grim acceptance settled as a bitter pill in her throat.  Uttering a silent entreaty for divine intervention, she waited for a sign.  When no adventitious bolt of lightning struck her on the spot, she sighed.  “As per thy decree, I shall wed Sir Demetrius.”
    “Ah, thou hast made me very happy, and we shall put the unpleasant business behind us and never speak of it again.”  All smiles in the face of her downfall, he drew a box from beneath his cloak.  “Now I should present a gift from thy groom.  I understand thee didst meet him.  Notwithstanding the circumstances of thy acquaintance, which I might deem amusing had ye not flouted my prerogative, how didst ye find thy new lord and master?”
    For a few minutes, she pondered the query, as she studied the carved wooden box.  With hair as black as a crow’s feather, an olive complexion, chiseled features, and pale, silvery eyes unnerving in their clarity, her one-time ally possessed a quiet and unassuming nature, in startling contrast with his stature.  Indeed, the man manifested a mountain in size, yet he had been thoughtful and gentle when she begged for his assistance, which he offered without request for recompense.
    “In truth, I know not what to make of him.”  After untying the blue ribbon, she lifted the lid and revealed a spectacular gold brooch nestled in a bed of red velvet.  “ Oh —how extraordinary.”
    “What unusual markings, and the craftsmanship is masterful.  And look at the size of the gems.  It must be worth a fortune.”  Peering at the jewelry, Gerwald snickered.  “Thou must have made quite an impression upon him, in so little time.  Did he touch ye?”
    “How dare ye insult me with such nefarious claims.”  In a fit of pique, she snapped shut the tiny chest.  “I was raised in a convent, and I am chaste, in all things.”
    “But ye were alone with Sir Demetrius before the King’s guards arrived.”  Her brother’s expression sobered.  “What happened