Chapter Eleven

Miriam screamed when she saw the armed intruder. Unbelievably, King Gregory himself was not far behind. She was only thankful she had snuck out for a quick wash after Ketil had gone. It would not do for her sovereign lord to suspect what had happened to his youngest daughter last night.

As if he cared.

Of one thing she was certain: Prince Renaud would not have measured up. Ketil had certainly stretched her, even after she relaxed and began to enjoy her first time. The kissing had been her favourite part. This man was no groper. She felt like she had been worshipped – everywhere.

Why she had ever feared him was a mystery. Maybe it was because of his overt masculinity.

She had a bad feeling now. Why was her father just standing there, his mouth opening and closing? There had been a horrible smell emanating from the direction of the palace and the village was strangely quiet. Were they keeping indoors, just as birds stopped singing when there was a sparrowhawk about?

Miriam sank into