Free Rowena Through the Wall: Expanded Edition by Melodie Campbell

nose Roman and his expression intelligent.
    I feared―yes, feared ―this was a very clever man.
    "I hear you have been married recently , m'lady," Sargon said, smiling. "Your husband is a lucky man."
    The intensity of his gaze flustered me and made me rather hot.
    "You honor me," I replied. "For as you know, he did not have many from which to choose."
    Sargon barked a laugh. "What fresh wit! Why, Huel, she has a quick mind within that lovely form. What a rarity in a woman."
    "No rarer, surely, than I find in men," I shot back.
    His eyes widened.
    For a moment I thought I had gone too far. But no, he threw back his head and laughed again, the only sound in the courtyard.
    "Well said, fair lady. I'll spar with you later and look forward to it. But for now, business."
    With a brief nod, he turned to Grandfather. He strode to the stone steps, his black cape flapping behind him, and took the steps two at a time.
    Then Sargon, Grandfather and Ivan went inside the castle.
    "Well, rock my socks," I muttered beneath my breath. "That was kinda fun."
    "Are you out of your mind, Rowena?" Richard hissed behind me. "Do you have any idea how dangerous he is?"
    I stared at the horses being brought into the stable.
    Yes, I had a very good idea how dangerous Sargon might be.

Chapter 11
     
    We were to meet in the great hall for dinner. Ivan came into my bedroom and flopped down on the bed.
    "Things aren't good, are they?" I said, turning from the wardrobe. Things weren't good in my wardrobe either, but that was another story.
    Ivan stared at the ceiling. "No, they're not."
    I sat down on the edge of the bed and waited.
    "There are rumors of a takeover coming from the south. Sargon's here to confirm alliances and take stock of the remaining men."
    I remembered something. "Jon told me there was nothing left to fight for since the fertile women and children are gone."
    Ivan rubbed his weary eyes. "It seemed that way when everyone was grieving. But now you have a lot of men with nothing to occupy their time but petty grievances. There is nothing to do but drink and fight. Even though there is no obvious reward."
    "You're saying men fight because it's their nature?"
    "Exactly."
    This was a new development in our relationship. Ivan was sharing . He had come to my room to talk things over with me, a real a turning point, and I was happy to play my part.
    "What does this mean for Grandfather," I asked, surprised at how much I really cared.
    "Durham, the castle south of here, was razed in the last battle. It's a ruin. We're first in line for a southern attack. I can't see how we can defend this castle and stand with Sargon at his. There aren't enough men. He'll pull us from here, I fear, and leave Huel defenseless."
    A chill ran down my back. This beautiful castle left defenseless to enemies who might burn it?
    "You don't like Sargon, do you?"
    "He's devious, Rowena. I don't trust him an inch."
    I thought that was a fair assessment, and probably the very reason Sargon was still king.
    "'Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown,'" I quoted.
    "What did you say?"
    I repeated it.
    "I like that." Ivan smiled. "It speaks the truth. Tell your grandfather that one."
    I didn't like to think about what my family faced in the near future. It was hard enough coping with what I had to face tonight.
    "How did Sargon know about me?" I asked.
    "The man has scouts everywhere. He probably knew the exact hour you set foot in the castle." He stood and stretched. "You had better get dressed. I said I'd be down early to sort out the sleeping arrangements for our guests." The disdain in his voice was clear.
    When Ivan was gone, I turned back to the wardrobe. Dinner was a problem. My last good dress had been wrecked in the mud fight and I still hadn't completed the alterations on the few remaining gowns that didn't fit. I had two muslin day dresses, but to wear them at dinner would be an insult to our esteemed guest.
    The only thing left was the turquoise two-piece from