Read Allegra's Dream (Avador Book 4, a Books We Love Fantasy Romance) for Free Online Page A

that really didn’t accomplish anything. To say that neither country works the mines is no solution. It only offers a temptation too great to resist, for anyone desperate to search for gold. No, there must be a better way.” He tapped his fingertips on the table. “I have ideas on how to solve control of the mines, but first, we must defeat the war faction. And in order to defeat them, we must raise money and bring people over to our side.” He smiled. Why, he was almost convincing himself.
    One of the advisors sat forward. “Sir, I believe that most of Fomoria stands with you. The people are tired of war. They want peace as much as any of us do. Still–“
    ”Still, the war faction is powerful,” he said. “If we can find divisions among them, we can bribe those individuals away from the others, bring them over to our side. Or blackmail them, if we can find anything to use against them.” His eyes lit up, his voice infused with enthusiasm. “Once we defeat these assassins, I can marry Princes Allegra. If only we knew her location. . .” He paused, his gaze going from one man to the next. “You all know this is a dangerous game we’re playing. If any of you betray me, you will suffer the most severe punishment.”
    “Sir, you can count on us.”
     
    * * *
     
    After riding to the palace at Emain Macha and back to Mag Bregha, Allegra and Rowan stopped to rest by the Nantosuelta River. Today was Sacred Day, he’d explained, one day free from his duties at the Hall of State.
    He helped her dismount, his strong hands around her waist, a look of anticipation in his eyes, or was that only wishful thinking on her part? A spark of desire rendered her weak, wanting this moment to never end. She sighed inwardly as he set her on the ground, wondering why he had this effect on her. Don’t lose your heart to this man.
    Sunlight sparkled on the water, the sun at its zenith. A warm, pleasant breeze rustled through the trees and bushes, bringing the sweet scent of earthberries. Squirrels scampered across the grass and munched on acorns.
    Almost one nine-day had passed since Queen Keriam’s party, and this was hers and Rowan’s second outing, a time she treasured in getting to know him better. She knew nothing would come of their friendship, and that’s all it was, just friendship. Still, it was a new experience for her, a welcome change from her years in Elegia, where her activities were so closely monitored. She recalled when a chaperone always accompanied her, even during her horseback riding lessons. Why did she enjoy these outings with Rowan so much? she wondered, wishing they could spend more time together. Surely it was because she wasn’t supervised; surely that was the only reason. Too bad his duties at the Hall of State demanded so much of his time.
    Rowan found a spot on the grass and flipped a blanket out, then spread it on the ground. He glanced her way, a teasing look in his eyes. “I’ll wager you’re hungry, my lady.”
    She laughed. “All this riding whets my appetite.”
    He knelt on the grass. “Well, sit down and I’ll see what my cook packed for us.” He reached inside his saddle bag; the sweet aroma of apples floated through the air and teased her nostrils. Yet a melancholy reminder nudged her, the memory of her home in Fomoria, where dozens of apple trees thrived on the castle grounds.
    Slices of ham followed, which he placed on pewter plates, besides oat rolls and cinnamon and raisin cakes. Cutlery followed. First instructing her to hold on to her pewter mug, he poured them each corma from a stoppered pitcher, and that completed their repast, a simple but appetizing meal.
    With a fork and sharp knife, she cut into her slice of ham, her mind busy with all she wanted to ask him. “Something I’ve wanted to know. . .”
    He glanced up. “Yes, my lady, ask away.” He drank his corma, keeping a steady look on her. She liked his eyes, deep brown, flecked with gold.
    “Doesn’t it bother your