Free The King's Executioner by Donna Fletcher

was it that Anin was nothing like her mother’s people? She did not have their height or their skill with weapons. And never would a Lammok woman fear thunder. How was it that she was so different? And what would the King do when he discovered his intended was not what he expected her to be?
    It was not his worry. He would see this task done and then be on to the next task. There was always another one, always someone who broke the King’s law or someone who did something so foul that even death was not a good enough punishment for him.
    Anin’s fate was in the King’s hands and with that thought on his mind Paine fell into a restless sleep.
    Bog scratching at the door woke them both. Paine sat up and, after a stretch of his arms and a twist of his neck to both sides, he got up and followed the wolf outside. He was more surprised than relieved to see that not only had the rain stopped, but that dawn had brought the sun with it and also a little warmth. Bog had taken off, which meant he sensed no present danger and Paine was quick to see to his own needs before returning to the dwelling.
    Anin looked ready to leave when Paine entered. Her hair was freshly plaited and her garments were brushed clean, her cloak already over her shoulders and clasped at her neck. She looked at him anxiously.
    “The weather is good,” he said. “We can take our leave.” Her whole body seemed to sigh with relief and he wondered if she regretted begging him to hold her in his arms last night.
    “That is good news.” She looked away from him for a moment and then back again. “Last night—”
    “Is forgotten,” he finished. “Time to be on our way.” She looked as if she wanted to say more, but he did not give her a chance. “Go see to your needs while I see to the fire pit.”
    Anin hurried past him and she was not surprised to hear him call out. “Do not go far.” She needed no reminding, he had told her often enough. Though, today instead of not going too far, she wanted to run as far from him as she could.
    She entered the woods and stood staring in the distance. She did not know why thunderstorms frightened her as they did. Over the years she had tried to conquer her fear, but to no avail. Last night, in his arms, was the first time she ever felt safe from them. She did not know if it was the strength in his powerful arms that comforted her or...
    She shook her head and hurried to see to her needs, but when she finished and went to return to the dwelling, she stopped. The comfort of his strong arms had certainly helped, but it was what she felt pressed so tightly against him that settled her fears while raising others.
    He cared for her in a way she had never known anyone to care for her and she found herself feeling the same toward him, and it frightened her. She was promised to the King, but something in her felt for the executioner and it continued to stir in her, for when he had entered the dwelling she had felt a catch to her insides. And it grew when his green eyes met hers.
    This was not good. It could never be between them. She was to be Queen.
    “Anin!”
    She gasped, her hand quickly pressing against her middle as if she could stop the fluttering inside. “I am here,” she called out hastily and rushed her steps. As soon as she entered the clearing around the dwelling, he turned and started walking off. “Bog?” she called out as she hurried to follow.
    “Will join us soon enough.”
    After last night, Anin decided it was best to keep to herself and ask no questions. The faster they reached Pictland, the faster this ordeal would be over. Or would it just be beginning for her?
    They walked for half the day without exchanging a word and came upon a croft soon after.
    Anin was thrilled to see it and hoped those who dwelled there would offer drink and food, the berries she had eaten while walking had not been enough to quench her hunger.
    Bog drifted off well before they reached the dwelling. And as she and Paine