Taurus Read Free Page B

bones. Shortly, a patrol would be along to escort him to his richly appointed suite in the fortress. He intended to make it as easy as possible for his kidnapper to have an audience with the governor of Panua. She must not be disappointed.
    ****
    Kallie slipped through the halls of the governor’s residence. It became a simple matter to blend with the constant flow of servants and soldiers weaving to and from their duties. The fortress employed many people, and Kallie bided her time until the opportunity to pilfer a ladylike dress befitting her station arose. She disliked dressing as a noblewoman, but as sister of the emperor she followed the rules of noble society, having attended more than her fair share of pretentious dinners at her brother’s palace. Everyone loved Caius, the new emperor. Everyone except Kallie! She had reasons to despise him and seek out the governor of Panua to ingratiate herself and gain his assistance with an untenable situation.
    The opportunity presented itself in the form of a maid with an armful of clothing, clean and on its way to the owner. Kallie slipped a dress out from the inattentive girl’s bundle and ducked into a darkened alcove to change. She smoothed out her hair with her fingers and rubbed the dirt smudges off her face. She had stumbled on water and cleaning salts in the kitchens earlier, and she was as fresh and clean as possible in her unusual situation. The gown fit a little tight across her deceptively curvaceous body, but the pastel tone enhanced her dark hair and eyes, suited to most palettes. With little chance of a reflective surface coming within reach before she managed to find the governor’s office, Kallie had to trust in her looks as they were. Time had run out for further preening and primping. After one last look down the vast hallway of the mansion— she must mention to the governor he lacked adequate security —she took the last few steps to an ornate door and steadied her nerves. In a moment she would be at the mercy of the Monster of Panua!
    Kallie edged through the doors without making a sound and closed them with a soft thud . In the dim light a man sat at the far end of the room, working on parchments. She absorbed the essence of the governor’s well-appointed office, and the signs of a wealthy, powerful man buoyed her confidence in seeking the governor’s assistance. She moved with grace to the man as he sat in great concentration. “Hmm, hmm.”
    He raised his head from his work.
    Kallie hoped her disappointment did not show — her first impression must be a lasting one — but the man failed to meet her expectations from the well-known tales of Panua’s ruthless leader.
    “Governor Paulinus, I am pleased to meet you,” Kallie began, relieved the man’s initial reaction remained calm. “My name is...”
    A voice rang out from the alcove to her right. “Stay exactly as you are or prepare to die.” Someone hidden in the shadows had interrupted her speech.
    Kallie turned to gape at the owner of the familiar voice as he stepped from the dark recess, holding a bow and arrow aimed at her chest. She froze as a rugged face and broad shoulders filled her view. The lamplight glinted off the golden strands running through the general’s tawny hair. Confident and superbly masculine, he had a unique, intriguing quality. Before she managed to collect herself, a guard appeared.
    “Tie her hands behind her back,” the commander barked.
    The guard briskly did his job.
    Kallie returned her attention to the man at the desk. “Governor, please, I mean no harm. I have an urgent request, and as the sister of...” She flinched as the guard yanked the rope to guarantee the knot stayed in place. The general lowered the bow and arrow, took hold of the rope now wrapped around her waist, and tugged eagerly. She stumbled to him.
    “You clean up well, for a fugitive,” he said smugly, catching her in one arm. His gaze boldly ran over her figure, previously concealed in