Free Echoes and Embers (Rebel Angels) by Cyndi Friberg Page B

mortal man. Her instincts surged, prickling uncomfortably.
    “Enos, Lord Diadem. I regret that we have not been properly introduced. We never crossed paths at court.”
    She acknowledged his bow with the subtle incline of her head. He waited for her to proffer her hand, but Alyssa just studied him. His features were arranged more delicately than Sariel’s, but there was a definite resemblance. “What brings you to Monthamn Castle ?”
    “I was visiting a neighbor nearby when I remembered that Monthamn Castle is the home of Lady Rosalind. I thought only to renew our acquaintance. Is she available?”
    “Who were you visiting?” Her gaze narrowed on his handsome face. Their nearest neighbor was three hours’ ride due west and she knew for a fact the family was across the channel in Burgundy .
    “Lord and Lady Consterns . They recently inherited Wolverton Green. That was the purpose for my visit.”
    His ink-black gaze met hers directly, but Alyssa couldn’t silence her instincts. This man was not what he seemed. She’d heard of Wolverton Green but didn’t know who currently occupied the manor.
    Excuses and lies tumbled through her mind, but Alyssa resisted each one. She must speak only truth or the mists would swirl in and abolish reality. “I’m sorry. My ward is unavailable. You’ve made the trip in vain. I’ll let her know you stopped by. Would you like to leave a message?”
    He heaved an audible sigh, draping his gauntlets across one broad shoulder. “I noticed an inn in the village. When do you expect Lady Rosalind to return? I hate to have come all this way for nothing. I don’t mind waiting a day or two.”
    “I don’t honestly know when she’ll return. I’m sorry you’ve been inconvenienced. If you had sent a message ahead, I could have saved you the trouble.”
    “Where is Lady Rosalind?” His deep voice carried a subtle compulsion. “Perhaps I can visit her at her present location.”
    Wickedness flashed within his gaze before he concealed it from view. Alyssa felt it more than saw it. Fallen! This was no angel. She was entertaining a demon.
    Guarding her expression and her thoughts, she chose her words carefully. Could he read her mind as Sariel could? Could he sense her emotions? Smell her fear? “I do not know you, sirrah . I’m not comfortable giving you information about Lady Rosalind.”
    His dark gaze narrowed. They stared at each other, tension mounting.
    “As you wish.” He finally relented and strode from the hall.
    Alyssa exhaled a shaky breath and hurried to the stairs leading to the parapets. She climbed to the highest tower and watched until the stranger emerged on the drawbridge. Her heart pounded and her spirit cried out for Sariel.
    Had she just located his lost subordinate?
    Why was a demon searching for Rosalind?

Chapter Five
     
     
    “Your ruse will not fool them for long, Rosalind. Let me take you back to the castle. It’s not seemly for us to be here alone and you know it.”
    “Nay.” Wrapping her fingers around the warm pottery cup, Rosalind inhaled the fragrant brew. God only knew what herbs Ray had mixed into the steaming beverage. His cottage was cozy and welcoming. She felt more comfortable surrounded by its wattle and daub walls than within the dank, drafty corridors of Monthamn Castle . “Danny was told to discard my cloak as soon as he crossed the river. No one will remember me passing their way because a lad is riding my horse.”
    “You put yourself in great danger venturing out alone.” Ray’s sensual mouth pressed into a grim, disapproving line.
    “You sound just like Alyssa. I came here to escape her. I’ve made up my mind. I’ll not go back until Alyssa controls me no longer.”
    “Lady Alyssa is your guardian—”
    “For three more years, unless I wed.” Rosalind paused, sipping the tea Ray had given her shortly after she arrived. Her teeth had stopped chattering, but an occasional chill still shook her shoulders. She hadn’t realized