Free My Lord Eternity by Alexandra Ivy

at all surprised to discover that the second villain had disappeared as well. The Inscrolled slaves would be indifferent to any injury, no matter how grievous, in an effort to return to their master. His attention moved to the iron pipe that ran close to the window from the gutters above. That no doubt explained how the intruders managed to enter the house undetected.
    â€œThey must have crawled through the window,” he murmured.
    She crossed to join him. “Yes, it was open when I stepped into the room.” There was a startled pause. “They have disappeared.”
    Realizing that she had expected to discover two broken bodies in her garden, he gave a negligent shrug.
    â€œYes, the drop is not far.”
    â€œStill—”
    â€œAt least they are gone,” he firmly interrupted, reaching out to grasp her shoulders and turn her to meet his reassuring gaze.
    â€œYes.” A sudden shudder raced through her body. “But why were they here?”
    He softly stroked the tense muscles of her shoulders, wishing he could assure her that she need never fear again.
    â€œDesperate thieves, no doubt.”
    She gave a slow shake of her head, her brow pleated in unease. “They spoke of a necklace. My necklace.”
    Lucien sternly kept his expression unreadable. He had hoped that she had not overheard the rasping words of the intruders. It would be difficult enough for her to forget the terror of having her home invaded without worry they might return for the Medallion about her neck.
    â€œPerhaps they noted the amulet when you entered the room and presumed it worth stealing.”
    â€œI suppose.” Her expression remained filled with doubt. “It is still very odd.”
    Stepping closer, Lucien carefully encircled her in his arms, hoping to surround her with his strength.
    â€œLet us not dwell upon it, my dove. They are gone and I do not believe that they will soon return.”
    There was a short pause before she slowly lifted her head to regard him with a somber expression.
    â€œI am relieved you were here.”
    Lucien stilled, caught off guard by her soft words. Then slowly he smiled deep into her darkened eyes.
    â€œSo am I,” he whispered gently, wanting nothing more than to ease the fear that lingered within her. This maiden should know only joy, he told himself fiercely. And he would do whatever in his power to see it done. “You see, for a frippery fellow, I do have my uses upon occasion.”
    To his great relief, a measure of her tension eased and her lips even twitched with reluctant humor.
    â€œUpon occasion, I suppose,” she conceded.
    He lifted his brow with a wicked glint smoldering in his eyes. “I have numerous other uses beyond rescuing damsels in distress, if you would only allow me to demonstrate.”
    Despite her best attempts, she could not entirely prevent the faint hint of color that touched her cheeks.
    â€œI believe you have demonstrated quite enough for one evening.”
    â€œAh, but that was only a taste.”
    â€œReally, Mr. Valin,” she protested in breathy tones.
    His hand lifted to lightly stroke the soft skin of her countenance. “I believe you called me Lucien earlier. Such formality is surely unnecessary between friends.”
    He heard her catch her breath as she abruptly spun away, as if to hide her expression from his searching gaze.
    â€œI think it best if we—” Without warning her words came to a halt and she took a step toward the bed. “What is that?”
    Lucien frowned as she reached out to pluck a scrap of paper from the heavy quilt. “I haven’t the least notion.”
    Holding the paper in fingers that visibly trembled, Jocelyn moved toward the window, where the moonlight offered a silver glow.
    â€œMiss Kingly,” she read aloud. “They are dying. Will you save them? It is in your hands.”

Chapter 5
    Jocelyn was uncertain how she discovered herself flat