Free Vow of Deception by Angela Johnson Page A

that King Edward ordered me to marry Sir Golan?”
    When Rand hesitated, she dropped her arms from her knees and shoved up from the column awkwardly. He clutched her arm gently to help her rise and released her as soon as she was on her feet so that she did not feel threatened.
    â€œRand? Why will you not answer my question?”
    â€œI am sorry, Rose. I could not disobey my king.”
    â€œSorry for what? Unless you…Tell me the truth.” Her voice grew louder, almost shrill. “Did you or did you not know Edward was going to force me to marry when you came to Ayleston and escorted me to court?”
    Rand braced himself for her contempt. “Aye. The king told me of his plans.”
    The stiff mask of her face crumpled and she shrieked in despair. Surprising him completely, she launched herself at him. Her hands arched like the claws of a cat.
    Rand, reflexes amazingly quick, caught her hands before she could gouge his face.
    Rose tugged on his grip wildly, her body wiggling like a captured eel trying to get free from a trap. She wailed, “How could you? How could you do this to me? You knew I never wanted to marry again.”
    â€œStop, Rose. Calm down. I could not tell you. Edward made me swear to keep the knowledge to myself.”
    â€œBut you knew. You knew I was going to take a vow of chastity. Now it is too late. I’m trapped. How could you betray me like this?”
    â€œRose. Stop struggling. You’re going to hurt yourself.”
    â€œNay! Let me go!” she hollered.
    Rand released her wrists. Not yet spent, she began hitting him in the arms and chest. Rand let her land a few blows he thought were well deserved and then wrapped his arms around her. He held her till her fury elapsed.
    Rose slumped against him. Her tears wet his tunic and her heavy breathing penetrated the cloth, bathing his chest with warmth.
    â€œWhy, Rand?” she begged, her voice thready. “Why did you not warn me when you came to the castle?”
    â€œI could not. The king swore me to secrecy. As his loyal and sworn man, honor bade I keep my word.”
    Rose pulled out of his arms with a violent tug. “What of your loyalty to me? We have been friends for a long time. And once were much more to each other. Have you forgotten so easily the night we made love? Where was your honor then? I deserve better treatment from you. I shall not forgive you for this betrayal.”
    â€œAre you speaking of that night we made love? Or that I could not tell you of King Edward’s plan to marry you to Golan? Because you know that night was a mistake on both our parts. You made me swear never to speak of it.”
    Rose clutched her hand over her heart. “Aye, I do not want to be reminded of what a fool I was. Twice. I cannot believe I actually trusted you.”
    â€œBelieve me, I wanted to warn you.”
    Her eyes widened with sudden terror and her body tensed as though she were a frightened doe about to bolt. “Oh, Lord, how shall I survive marriage to Sir Golan? He will be furious now. I fear what he will do to me.”
    â€œDo not be afraid. I’m not going to let him hurt you. I promise.”
    â€œHow can you make such a promise?” Rose shuddered, blue eyes haunted. “The man will be my husband in two days’ time. No one could protect me from Bertram, and no one can protect me now.”
    Rand clutched her head between his hands and forced her to gaze into his eyes. His eyes blazed with conviction. “Listen to me. I know I failed you before, but I am going to make it right. I swear to you, Sir Golan will never have the opportunity to hurt you again.”
    â€œWhy should I believe your promises after you lied to me?”
    â€œBecause despite what you think, I care about you. I do not wish to see you forced to marry a man I now know is a danger to you.”
    â€œWhat are you saying, Rand? Edward insists I marry; there is naught you or anyone can do