Deliverance by Adrienne Monson Page B

dry. Her stomach was beginning to get in the way of the basket and she had to carry it on her hip.
    Placing the basket next to others waiting for the women to get to, Iliana turned to go back for more washing.
    A jovial laugh made her freeze. Glancing over, she saw Turney flirting with a serving wench at the servants’ entrance.
    Barely pulling in a breath, she slowly made her way toward the washing room, flitting glances at him over her shoulder as she went. Her hair was piled under a knitted cap, and she was certain she didn’t look the same as when they had parted.
    But he noticed her anyway. The big smile on Turney’s face vanished when he saw her protruding stomach. Anger ravaged his expression, and suddenly the clear sky clouded over.
    Terror threatening to close her throat, Iliana turned and fled as fast as she could. Of course, she was no match for Turney and his long legs. Just as she came around to the front of the castle, his hand grabbed her from behind and roughly pushed her against the stone wall.
    “You’re pregnant.” He said it as if she had conceived on purpose.
    “It’s not yours,” she blurted.
    Keeping his grip tight, Turney narrowed his eyes.
    “After I left you, I went to the next village over and some men cornered me. They forced themselves on me,” she lied. “I don’t even know which one of their seed took root.”
    The pressure eased off of her shoulders a bit, and Iliana began to hope that he believed her. His striking gaze bored into hers for several minutes before he responded. “You lie. I can feel the connection from the child. It’s mine, and no seed of mine can flourish in this world.”
    He seized her with both hands, his fingers circling around her throat and squeezing with terrifying strength. Panicking, Iliana scratched and clawed at his hands, desperate for air. Black spots swirled before her eyes and her lungs burned with need.
    A low voice boomed over them from several feet away. “Make way for the prince!”
    Turney paused and turned to the prince who was striding in their direction as everyone bowed. “Turney,” he said pleasantly. “I almost thought you would have another one of my serving wenches rolling with you in the hay again.”
    Turney boomed with a pleasant laugh and released Iliana to bow his respects.
    Gasping and coughing for air, Iliana didn’t stay to hear their discussion. As soon as she saw that no one was paying attention to her, she put her head down and slinked away as quickly as she could. Apparently, Turney was working to stay in the prince’s good graces because no one pursued her.
    Iliana reached the apartments for the washerwomen and rushed to her room. She packed the baby blanket and clothes she’d knitted and got her stash of money along with a large dagger. She would have to take her chances on the road and do her best to protect herself against attackers.
    It would be difficult to disappear and stay unnoticed. Who would forget a pregnant woman traveling alone? But she had little choice in the matter. It was the only way to save herself as well as her unborn child.

Chapter 10

    A s Samantha emerged from the shower, it struck her that she suddenly felt revitalized. There was no more fatigue dragging at her until she just wanted to sleep and never move again. She didn’t even feel depressed anymore. In fact, she was near to bursting with energy.
    Toweling off and changing into clean clothes as quickly as she could, she went into the main room of their suite where Liam sat, reading a book.
    “Liam.” She sat next to him on the couch. “I feel wonderful! I’m not tired in the least right now.”
    Liam’s shoulders suddenly dropped an inch and he smiled softly. “So that must mean my mother’s all right. She must have escaped somehow.”
    Since they had no idea what really happened, Samantha didn’t comment. Instead, she studied how much more relaxed the boy looked. He’d been acting so much like his usual Zen self that she