Free Written in the Stars by Patricia Rosemoor, Sherrill Bodine Page A

caused him to grip the mantle, his fingers turning white.
    “Do you plan to take her up before you on your horse and flee to Europe? Sell your
     sword to kings and princes for coin? Disgraced, neither of you would be received by
     any but the lowest among us. I wonder if you will think of those you leave behind.
     The men, women, and children who will suffer and perhaps die because you put them
     in harm’s way without the protection and prosperity of alliances made between leaders.
     Can such love flourish in soil tainted by your selfishness and dishonor?”
    Stunned by such words spoken in disdain by his father, Will straightened in boiling
     anger and disbelief. “Are these the words your father used when he convinced you to
     betray and desert my mother?”
    Watching his father’s face crumple felt like a kick to his chest, taking away his
     power to breathe.
    In two steps he was in front of his father and fell on one knee. “I was seized by
     madness. I came to ask permission to gather a troop of men to inspect and fortify
     our borders. To leave to preserve my honor, not to bring you this pain. Forgive me.”
    “How can I forgive when I have never forgiven myself?” With trembling fingers, he
     gripped Will’s shoulder. In the firelight the tears drifting down his face sparkled,
     starkly revealing his pain. “I would give you my heart to feast upon if it could change
     the past. I know well the love you feel and the agony of your choices.”
    “Is it right that we must make such choices for others? Should they not be free to
     make their own?” Will asked quietly, his chest tight with regret.
    “In another time, another place, such ideas may flourish and bear fruit. This is our
     time and our place.” The duke rose and Will followed. He looked into cornflower-blue
     eyes so much like his own. “Out of my love I grant you free choice, Will, to do what
     your honor dictates and your heart can bear. Whatever you choose, I vow I shall do
     everything in my power to protect you and Elizabeth from all who might harm you. And
     I pledge I shall try to make amends to Wharton Keep to protect the peace between us.”
    Knowing his father spoke the truth, the only decision Will could make settled into
     his soul.
    …
    After Alice, still laughing and reliving her dance with Tom, retired, Elizabeth lay
     wide-eyed, haunted by waking nightmares.
    Her body, awakened to its needs by Will’s touch, ached for him. She craved his strength.
     Wanted to bask in the security his arms offered.
    Together we are invincible.
    The thought came from deep inside her. From the place she was only beginning to know
     and still did not fully understand.
    She rose and padded to the chest where the celestial girdle slept.
    Holding it, running her fingertips over the jewels, the golden crescents of the waxing
     moon, she sought answers to the questions plaguing her.
    Yes, she knew there was great danger, for she felt the energy of darkness around her.
    From where does it come? And what should I do to overcome it?
    These were the questions which haunted her. Yet they faded, becoming nothing compared
     to the heart of her torment.
    How can I change the course of my life to intersect with Will’s?
    Feeling the chill of the hours past midnight, she crawled into bed, clasping the jeweled
     girdle to her breasts, praying its magic would give her the answers.
    Alice found her there in the morning.
    “God in heaven, you could have hurt yourself with that thing in your bed while you
     slept!”
    Having been granted no answers, but rather a sleepless night, Elizabeth sat weakly
     on the side of the bed while Alice fussed about, gathering scented water and all Cybil’s
     potions to better help her greet the day.
    The knock came at the door as Alice finished lacing Elizabeth’s morning robe.
    Will, neatly dressed, his hair darkened by water and his skin glowing, stood in the
     entry.
    My prayers have been answered.
    Joy exploded through her blood,