Free His Highness the Duke by Michelle M. Pillow Page B

enjoy your new home.‖
    The marriage was complete.
    ―Follow me,‖ the king snapped to his nephew.
    Bron had no choice but to follow his uncle from the platform into the
    surrounding forest. When they were away from prying ears, Bron said, ―My king, I can
    explain.‖
    ―I know what you have done,‖ the king said.
    ―King?‖ Aeron repeated, her words mumbled. ―I needed to speak to the king. It‘s
    important.‖
    King Llyr frowned. Leaning over he plucked a green plant with a yellow center
    from the forest floor.
    ―I must speak to you, king,‖ Aeron continued to mumble, her words slurred and
    unsure. Bron pulled her next to him.
    The king walked to her, lifted the plant between two fingers and he rubbed them
    beneath her nose, crushing the little buds.
    ―I…‖ Aeron blinked as she inhaled the plant. Instantly, she passed out.
    ―Get yourself under control,‖ the king ordered now that Aeron was quiet.
    ―Do not look at me like that, son. I know what you have done and I suspect the
    council knows as well. You took her last night. That is why she responded to the crystal
    the way she did,‖ said the king. Bron lifted his chin, careful to keep a hold on Aeron as
    she slumped against him. ―I won‘t have our family name soiled by an unhappy
    marriage. There are those who wish to see our line ended. After my sons, you are my
    heir. I will not grant the Var the pleasure of seeing our family name tarnished.‖
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    Michelle M. Pillow
    ―Yes, my king.‖ Bron answered, ashamed that the man knew his secret.
    ―Take her away from here before she awakens,‖ King Llyr ordered. ―I do not
    know how she will react now that the crystal is broken. The effects might linger for
    hours or days or even years. A man can well handle a doting wife, but not one who
    follows him around like a lovesick solarflower after the sun. The traditions are in place
    for a reason. Get her to your home and make this right with the gods. Or, better yet,
    take her to the north cabin. There is no reason why you must return home so quickly.
    Your brothers can manage without you. Whatever duties arise in your absence will be
    secondary to this problem.‖
    ―Yes, my king.‖ What else could he say?
    The king sighed. ―I may be king but I am still your uncle and the only father you
    have left in this life. I understand the temptation of our brides and you were made to
    wait a long time for yours. Such will be taken into account when considering your
    honor. Go. Take her. Figure this out. I will tell your brothers you are well and will
    return home in your own time. The fewer who discover this lapse in judgment the
    better. The groom will bring your mount from the stables and meet you near the
    twisted tree where you boys used to practice throwing knives.‖
    ―Yes,‖ Bron whispered. He lifted his unconscious bride in his arms and moved to
    take her through the forest.
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    His Highness The Duke

Chapter Six
    If the rocking didn‘t stop she was going to be sick. Why didn‘t the pilot use the
    atmospheric stabilizers? Aeron moaned, blinking heavily. Bright light invaded her lids,
    blinding her to her surroundings. The rocking continued, a steady back and forth, back
    and forth, back and…
    ―Blast the stars,‖ she moaned, jerking up as nausea rose in her throat.
    Consciousness came as she was sliding off the back of a giant horned beast. Rough
    terrain passed by her vision. Her arms flailed, but she didn‘t find anything to hold on
    to. A startled scream escaped her lips. Nothing made sense.
    A hand grabbed hold of her waist to keep her steady, jerking her upright. She
    gave a shorter, softer shout of surprise. A voice soothed, ―Easy.‖
    It took her brain all of two seconds to place Bron‘s voice. It took her body exactly
    two seconds after that to react to it. Desire shot through her like an electrical shock. She
    became aware of his hand on the side of her gown. The material offered little protection
    from his heat. Her