Free Joanna Davis - Knights In Shining Armor by Haven; Taken By The Soldier

wine skin under her arm and hurried up the stairs to her chamber. Her heart pounding wildly in her chest, she grabbed her cloak, jewelry, a small dagger and a clean dress. Shoving all into a blanket and tying a knot, she took a last look at her room.
                  It had been her prison for so long. It no longer mattered that the last year had been near bliss without her husbands cruelty. Nor did the pleasure she found in Rowan's bed change the cold hard facts she faced. Now he too had the ability to hurt her, but his power was far deeper. He could break her heart.
                  Not could. He would. She closed her eyes briefly. If she was truthful, he already had.
                  She hurried down the stairs to the lower level. She would take the secret tunnel leading to the sea. She was about to go without a backward glance before she remembered her sweet friend. Rowan might take it out on Bessie if Emeline disappeared. She knew he would not be happy when he found her missing… Who knew what he might do? Shivering at the thought, she stowed her bundled goods and hurried outside to fetch the goat.
     
                 
     
     
     
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                  Rowan was drilling his soldiers when he caught a glimpse of long dark hair from the corner of his eye. He smiled but Emeline didn't see him. She was hurrying off somewhere, her cloak pulled down around her face. When he saw her with her goat, he grinned, imagining the night ahead.
                  Tonight he would tell her that he'd written to the king, asking that he postpone his wedding. He wouldn't tell her everything though. He wouldn't tell her that he also asked about breaking his betrothal contract and taking Emeline as his wife instead. Even if he couldn't trust her completely, even if she was a spoiled, vain creature, he couldn't bear to let her go or see her distressed by being made into his second woman.
                  He knew now that he would never let her go, no matter what Edward decided.
                  She would be grateful of course and show him in the best way possible… with her delightful body. His love was still shy but her passionate nature made her an excellent bed partner. He loved the way she fought losing control to him. Every night it was the same. He'd toy with her body until she was insensible with desire. By then, he'd be aching too. When she finally let go of all sense of decorum, only then would he give her the release she craved.
                  It was getting close to dinner so he decided to let the men go a bit early. He wanted to bathe and find a trinket to give to Emeline.  A token of his affection. He'd called for the jeweler to come to the castle. The man also happened to be the local magistrate and serve as postmaster. In the middle of the countryside, many of the gentry wore more than one hat. He was expected to arrive shortly before dinner. Rowan had to hurry to be ready for him.
                  An hour later he was selecting an amber necklace from Mr. Henry Jefferson. He'd also set aside the matching bracelet and was eyeing an emerald ring. It was costly, but when he saw it he knew it would be a perfect bride gift for her. The dark green was the exact color of her beautiful eyes.
                  After they'd completed their transaction Rowan invited the man to dine with them. He was of middle years and seemed affable enough. They'd be working together closely in the future, he knew.
                  "I thank you but I am expected back home. Before I forget, I wanted to ask if you wanted the Lady Emeline's letters returned to you?"
                  "Her letters? What do you mean?"
                  "The former Lord Fairhaven forbid her to send mail. I've been holding back her letters ever since she arrived here. I have a trunk