Excerpt–Battlesong

BATTLESONG by Allison Knight (Medieval Romance – rating R)
available from Champagne Books in both digital and trade paperback format

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She tensed when someone knocked on the door to her chamber.
Nay, it was too soon.
“Come,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
As the door swung open, she moved deeper into the furs, praying
she could somehow disappear.
Arthur ap Brynn Ffrydd glanced around the room. Ach, he was
a handsome brute. His light brown hair hung to his shoulder, curling against
his surcoat. Deep brown eyes gazed at her and she read his annoyance. Why
did he have to appear so—so manly?
“What kind of room is this in which to greet a bridegroom?
Where are your attendants?” His rich, husky voice echoed through the small
chamber. He glared at the small space she called her own. Could he see her?
“‘Tis too small. Why are you not in a chamber suitable for a bride?”
She opened her mouth to say something and could not. His look made something
inside her cringe with fear, but also stirred strange feelings of warmth. What
would happen when he realized she was not his intended bride? Surely, her
father had doomed them all to death.
He stepped into the room and walked to the cot, shedding his surcoat.
“You are not the woman I saw in the bailey.”
He had seen Nairna. He knew!
“Nay, I am not,” she whispered, afraid of what would happen next.
“Who are you?”
“I am Laren, daughter of Laird Blair, half sister to Nairna.”
“Where is my bride?” His tone was hostile and Laren wondered if
she should pray for a quick and merciful death.
“I am the woman you wed.”
He glared at her. “The king of England made a contract with your
father. I was to wed a woman named Nairna.”
Laren cringed. How was she to explain? She could not say to this man
he had been mistaken. Not with his fierce countenance and fearsome brown eyes.
“You must look at the marriage contract you signed with my father. My
name is the name of your bride.”
He said nothing and spun out of the room. After a moment, she heard
the plank drop over the opening.
Someone had been witness to his leaving for once again, she was locked
in this chamber. What would happen now, for he must know he had been tricked?

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