Unbidden (The Evolution Series) Read Free Page B

he stated. His excited heart dropped into his belly. “You wanted her for yourself.”
    His friend’s sigh told him everything . David had no wish to steal a woman from his best friend. In fact, the idea appalled him. “Did you tell the emperor?  You deserve any estate you wish to have!  You can certainly defend it as well as me!”
    “He wants a man from another region . A new man. A strong, loyal, fighting man.”  Theo pressed his fist in his hand. “The only thing he wanted from me was a suggestion, the name of that man.”
    “And you named me.”
    “I did.”
    “You gave away the woman you love without even asking for her?”
    Theo whirled, the flash of anger in his eye at odds with the orange tassels dangling from his hat onto his forehead. “I do not love her!  I have not seen her in years!  If you must know, I did ask him for her. Bah!  I thought her a logical, intriguing match. Her late father was a friend and she has grown into a rather marriageable lady. I asked for her, but the emperor is too embroiled in his own schemes to give much weight to what his vassals might want.”  He poked his finger at David’s nose. “She needs a protector. So I had a choice to make. Give her away, as you say, to someone I know. Or let the emperor choose some drunken stranger who might beat her, or waste her money, or kick her mother out of the house.”
    David crossed his arms across his chest . “Does she know of your interest in her?”  The answer meant everything to him, and relief surged through him when his friend’s head shook in the negative.
    “She has not laid eyes on me since burying her father three years ago.”
    “No secret letters?  No messengers?”
    “Do not be ridiculous . Since when have I had any secrets from you?”
    His own e state!  It was within his reach. Still, the idea of this woman having a history with his friend didn’t sit well. “I do not know, Theo.”
    Theo threw his hands up. “What do you not know, David?  I have just spelled out the next several years of your life. Marry pretty girl, live on pretty estate, kill your fellow countrymen in cold blood when Louis tells you to. Which part do you not understand?” 
    “The part where I marry the pretty girl you want to marry . What kind of man does that make me?”
    “An imperial subject, David, like the rest of us.” He sighed . “This is not a choice. Louis is already set on this course. His advisers spoke most highly of you once I mentioned your name.”
    David bridled . “Of course there is a choice. I can say no, she can say no.”
    “Then you will expose yourself and her to dire consequences . Louis is settled on you, and is not in a mood to tolerate resistance. Rochelle needs a protector. The emperor has taken notice of her little bit of land. She has no living male relative and a mother with a less than impeccable bloodline. By God and by our ruler, Rochelle and her estate are being handed over to someone on a platter. I would consider it a great personal favor if you would take her hand in marriage so some fat rutting pig does not get hold of it.”
    David studied his friend . “Her name is Rochelle?”
    Theo nodded . “Rochelle of Alda. The estate lies near the Ill River, just 13 leagues south of Ribeauville. We would practically be neighbors.”  He put his hand on David’s shoulder. “You must make this marriage. You will be lord of your own estate and have a fine wife. You are an honorable friend, but do not worry about me. I have no claim on her at all, most certainly not one of the heart. In fact, I have my heart set on a woman who can sew. I would save a fortune.”  His face cracked into a genuine smile.
    David grinned back . “My wife’s name will be Rochelle,” he said, full of wonder at the idea. “I never imagined I would learn that bit of information this morning. When can I meet her?”
    “In a few days . My men are escorting her and her mother to Aix as we speak.”
     

 
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