Free WINDREAPER by Charlotte Boyett-Compo

man, her tail wagging furiously in an attempt to have him pet her again.
    "I'll put her outside," Teal said, taking a step toward the animal.
    "Let her stay," came the rasping demand from behind the mask when the dog laid her head on his boot and seemed content to remain there.
    As he looked with worry at Conar, terrified the man would reveal his true identity, Brelan was as unsure of himself as he had ever been in his thirty-three years of life. Unaccustomed to fear, not on close terms with nervousness, Brelan felt an anxiety he didn't like, for he felt as though he could not control it. He had to clear his throat twice before he could find his voice.
    "King Legion, Queen Elizabeth, may I present Lord Darkwind?" He was suddenly sure that Elizabeth would recognize Conar. He glanced nervously at Roget and their gazes held.
    King Legion A'Lex stepped forward, obviously wary of the masked stranger, but his lips lifted in a welcoming smile. After all, had not Brelan vouched for the man? Had not Brelan told him this man could be trusted? He reluctantly extended his hand. "We are happy you have come." When Conar made no move to accept his hand, Legion let it drop, seemingly embarrassed and a little more than annoyed. "My lady-wife thought you could help us to regain our son."
    Roget du Mer's brother, Teal, stepped forward, embracing his sibling, patting him heartily on the back. His twin dimples, so like Roget's, indented his face in welcome. He had been warned not to reveal Roget's identity as yet, but his likely relief at seeing Roget had made him forget. "How are you?"
    Roget sighed, glancing toward Legion. He removed the mask from around his face. "Teal was ever an impatient one, eh, Legion?"
    Legion A'Lex flinched in surprise. "Roget?" He enveloped the man in a bear hug. "When did you get home? How long have you been here?"
    "A little while," Roget answered. He smiled at his Queen's laughter.
    "Perhaps you can keep this gypsy lord in line now that you're home, Duke du Mer," she teased.
    "Doubtful, Milady." Roget grinned as he took her offered hand, bringing it to his lips. At Conar's snort of anger, Roget released her hand. He swept Conar a quick glance, then moved away. "I can try, though."
    Legion turned his happy gaze back to the masked man. "I'd heard rumors that there were many men with you from the Labyrinth." He glanced at his brother, Brelan, then turned his full attention back to the Raven. "Bre tells us my wife's brothers are somewhere nearby. Would it be possible for us to see them?"
    Conar looked away from Legion's avid blue gaze and stared once more at Liza. He closed his hands, forming tight fists, but he didn't answer A'Lex's question.
    * * *
    Anya Elizabeth A'Lex could not seem to look away from the man who glaring at her. There was something compelling about him, something that mesmerized her and keep her rooted to the spot. She had wanted to greet him, to thank him for coming to hear them out, but could not force her lips apart. She felt sweat lining her palms and the vein in her right temple pounded for no reason she could fathom. She felt the babe in her womb stir and covered her belly with her hand.
    The look of pure hatred that shot from the man's eyes made her blush with shame. Annoyed she should dare to feel that way about a babe of Legion's made her capable of tearing her gaze from him. Nervous, she sat in a wingback chair beside the unlit fireplace.
    Legion put his hands on his hips and cleared his throat. "Brelan has told you why we asked you here. I know it was dangerous for you and we greatly appreciate it. There is no one else we can turn to for help. It is imperative that Prince Corbin be taken from the temple before he can be consecrated to the Domination. I don't know how much you know about them, but…"
    The Raven's gloved hand move in contemptuous haste. "I know enough!" The rasping, oddly accented voice through the black silk scarf seemed hard, deadly, impatient.
    Somehow Liza found her