Read Bellona (Part 1.5 of The Saskia Trilogy) for Free Online Page A

there, that they nearly hurt you.” I place my finger on his lips. “I’m safe, and you’re here, so dance with me.” I remove my finger and watch his emerald eyes light up before he smiles. “Anything for you, Bellona,” he says and he keeps to his promise; he dances with me the whole night and I never laugh as much or feel so powerful.
     
     

 
    Chapter Six
                                              The Barn
     
     
    My heart races as I leave my chambers. Nierra has asked me to come and watch his training today and not to stand in the shadows, but to sit in sight of the men. He said he would set up an area where I would be safe from any swinging fists or swords, but close enough that I can enjoy the training. I smile as I walk. My light blue dress brushes the floor as I walk. I have left my hair down today, a bold move if my mother discovered it, but I am feeling bold.
    “Bellona you look beautiful.” Nierra’s kind words cause a soft blush to taint my cheeks, I smile back shyly.
    “Thank you,” I say as Morrick moves towards us. In three strides he is in front of me, taking my hand and kissing it. I want to pull it out of his grasp, how dare he touch me. But for my future husband’s sake I smile while lowering my eyelashes so he can’t see my eyes.
    “You are more beautiful every day I see you, my lady.” I look at a smiling Morrick.
    “You are too kind.” I don’t wait for more of his fancy words but take a seat to watch Nierra. Once seated, I give Nierra a real smile and he smiles back. “Good luck.”
    “I don’t need luck when I have you.” Nierra’s response makes my heart feel lighter and I beam at him, my jaws hurt from smiling. Morrick grabs a sword and throws one at Nierra, my heart gallops but Nierra catches it without looking and strides over to me. “You are distracting me already Bellona.” His eyes linger on my lips and I find myself wetting my own lips. My movement causes him to smile, he leans in and my heart races, he wouldn’t kiss me in public, or would he? I am feeling bold today but I’m not sure if I was feeling that bold. Nierra’s lips brush my cheek before he turns to Morrick and starts his practice. My fingers touch the place that he has kissed and I find myself smiling as I watch him practice. I cheer for Nierra and boo Morrick every time he wins. It feels like one of the best days ever. Where I’m not a princess with a cruel mother, I am a young girl in love. I don’t want to leave but the servants have arrived. My mother waits for me to join her for dinner; I leave while glancing back at Nierra several times, and each time he smiles back, not moving from the spot that I have left him at.
    My mother doesn’t seem bothered with me today. She eats quietly and dismisses me before I have even finished my meal. But I leave immediately, grateful to the gods who must have been at work. I have never had such an easy dinner with my mother. I return to my chamber to freshen up, and take my time as I know the men may have left too for food. I don’t want to seem too eager.  I make my way back when a sufficient amount of time has passed, but on returning I see that maid again, the one who always smiles suggestively at Nierra. I don’t move from the shadows but watch her flirt again with Nierra. She wants to take him from me, I need to stop her. I let out a heavy breath and smile, understanding exactly what I must do. She needs to be removed and only I can do that. He isn’t suited for a servant, he is the future king and her notions of him are silly and unrealistic. It has to end.
    I leave then, not returning to Nierra. His eyes scan around the girl and I wonder if he is looking for me. I don’t feel a smile come to my face at the thought of him looking for me. No, the maid has really and truly upset me. I will wait until later when no one is around and then I will end this.