Kara Griffin - The Pith Trilogy Read Free Page A

when I …” Julianna lowered her gaze to her lap.
    “You envision a man? Do tell.”
    “Nay, forget I said that. I’m certain Bleeth doesn’t feel attracted to me. Why, only this morn he teased me.” She stood and paced the chamber. “Aren’t you afeard of what’s to come? Steven is going to hurt you and …” She searched Sara’s brown eyes for a sign. “I cannot bear that happening to you.”
    “Julianna, Steven would never hurt me. I look forward to what’s to come.” She smiled sheepishly. “I love him with all my heart. Edwina was a witch for telling ye about the marriage act. She’s wrong and I’ll prove it to you. Marriage is a blessing and is magical, so is love.”
    Julianna kept thoughts of her stepmother to herself. “You believe that nonsense? I don’t believe in magic or love. At least I will never have that kind of love when he finds the most horrid man to marry me to.”
    “Have Bleeth turn him into a toad.” Sara giggled at her jest.
    The corners of Julianna’s mouth turned. “Ye always make me laugh.”
    “You mustn’t be distressed. When ye marry, you’ll finally be safe. You’re so beautiful. How could your husband not love you?”
    “Sara, you are kind. Nay, I shan’t marry, not now, not ever. I cannot risk it no matter how much I might love a man. There’s something that I haven’t told you.” She tried to hide the tears forming in her eyes.
    “Does this have something to do with your father?”
    “I cannot speak of it, but one day I shall tell you. Why don’t we get ready for the feast? I’ll try to be merry for your sake. I do care for you and only want your happiness.” Julianna couldn’t divulge her secret or that she believed the monster killed her mother. No one could know about the king and what her mother had done.
    “I care for you, too. Now I have a few promises I want from ye. We might not get a chance to talk before the ceremony tomorrow and after …”
    Julianna sighed and waved her hand for her be forthcoming. Sara’s promises were usually many.
    “If ye meet someone you can be happy with, don’t think much about it. You’ll find happiness and love. If ye need me, find your way to the KirkConnell clan. Keep the dagger with you at all times. Promise?”
    “Very well, Sara. I promise on our friendship. But I don’t like the thought of using the dagger. It makes me uncomfortable, knowing I could hurt someone.”
    “I do worry about you every time you go home. Use the dagger for your protection, Julianna. I will worry if ye don’t.”
    “I promise, now can we go?” She could hear music as they neared the great hall.
    People crowded the hall from wall to wall. In full swing of celebration, noise from the well-wishers shook the rafters. A raven squawked, provoked from his post. Julianna watched Sara dance with Steven. Her friend’s dream of marrying the Highlander was coming true. At least someone’s dreams were being fulfilled. In a way, she was a little envious of Sara’s life.
    Sara waved from across the room. Julianna waved back and swore she would enjoy herself. Pushing her worrying thought of her father aside, she decided to join in the dance. Ladies waved sheer scarves as they circled their partners. Men danced with an arm behind them, their movements practiced and elegant.
    She tried tapping her foot to the music and forced a smile. The music stopped and the dancers blended into the room. She turned to see Sara talking to her betrothed, who motioned to the musicians. The next song began and Julianna was asked to dance by a man. She joined in and took someone’s hand.
    Women formed an outer circle around the men, who made another circle within theirs. When the music stopped, whichever woman held the white cloth dropped it in front of the man standing face to face with her. He would retrieve the cloth and receive a kiss for his gallantry. The music began again, and another woman was given the cloth to repeat the game.
    Julianna grimaced