The Duke and the Dryad (Elemental Series) by Elizabeth Rose Page A

everyone. She turned abruptly, setting them off balance, and when he went to grab her, he stepped on her toe.
    “Ow,” she said, hopping up and down on one foot.
     
    Wolf e had almost kissed her in front of everyone, and was almost glad now that he’d stepped on her toe He looked down and to his surprise, Rae once again wore no shoes. He hadn’t even noticed that earlier, as her feet were hidden under her long skirts as she moved across the floor effortlessly. But he’d felt her soft toes under his boot now and also felt bad by what he’d done.
    “I am so sorry, I had no idea you weren’t wearing shoes.”
    “’Tis fine,” she said. “I will be alright.”
    “Rae, I . . . I feel like we’ve been ignoring each other for the last few days.”
    “We have.”
    “I don’t feel good about it.”
    “Neither do I.”
    “Mayhap we could -”
    “Lord Wolfe,” interrupted Sir Braden, rushing in from the guard house.”
    “Not now,” he said, waving the man away.
    “’Tis important,” he said, urgency in his tone.
    “Whatever it is, take care of it yourself.” All he wanted to do was to get back to his conversation with Rae and for everyone to stop interrupting him. But then a straight horn sounded, calling his attention to the door.
    There was Lord Clive and his entourage, making a grand entrance. The tall, dark-haired man was mayhap twenty years his senior, hardened from war, with battle scars over his body and a huge scar across the side of his face.
    “What the hell are they doing here? ” he said under his breath. “They weren’t supposed to arrive for another day or two. And certainly not this late in the day.”
    “They arrived early, my lord,” said Sir Braden. “That’s what I was trying to tell you.”
    “I can see that, Sir Braden. Now is there anything you want to tell me that I don’t already know?” He looked over to Rae and then back to his uncle, who was traipsing into his castle as if he owned it.
    “Rae . . . I . . . I . . .damn, not now!”
    “’Tis fine, my lord,” she answered. “’Tis time for me to get home anyway.”
    “Nay, don’t go. Please.”
    “Lord Wolfe, your rudeness of not greeting me properly is way out of line.” Lord Clive strode forward, flipping the end of his cloak over his shoulder.
    Wolf e turned back to talk to Rae, but she was gone. He looked over to the corridor and saw a flash of pink hair disappearing out the door, heading for the courtyard.
    “Earl Clive, welcome,” he said, clasping hands with a half-embrace and a pat on the back with the man who’d raised him. “We were not expecting you so soon or I would have prepared a chamber for you.”
    “Well, prepare several, as I and my soldiers would be staying for a sennight.”
    “A sennight?” he asked, not wanting the man to stay any longer than he had to. Things were always on edge when Lord Clive visited and the man made him feel very uncomfortable.
    “We have something to discuss. Now get my men some food and drink and let’s retire to the solar where we can speak in private.”
    “Of course, my lord.” Wolf e gave the orders needed, then escorted Lord Clive to the solar. Once inside, he settled himself on a chair and offered a seat to the earl as well.
    “I’d rather stand for now,” said the man, going to look out the open window.
    “What is it that takes your concern, Uncle?” Wolfe asked.
    “The Dolmars have gathered their troops on the east ridge and they are going to attack the low lands. Lord Solomon’s lands are threatened and he has requested help. I want you and your men to go there at first light. Bring your best knights and every weapon you can get your hands on. This is going to be a bloody battle.”
    “But why aren’t you sending your armies to their aid? I have no qualms with the Dolmars nor am I an ally of Lord Solomon. Seems to me this is your battle and you should be the one fighting, not me.”
    “Are you denying orders?” aske d Lord Clive.
    “Nay,