All Chapters of HATING HER KING: Chapter 71 - Chapter 80

Alexander picked up the letter that Edmund had carefully placed on his table. The missive was from Brand. At long last, he had sent a reply, and Edmund had told that it had arrived during the quiet hours of the previous night.He felt for the size of the letter and frowned at its lightweight. The envelope was slightly creased from its journey, but the seal remained perfect and intact. He crossed over to the settee and threw himself on it. Whatever reply Brand had decided to send after all this time should include his arrival for his birthday or he would make his brother suffer the consequences, he vowed.The letter read:'Your Majesty,I cannot say I was not pleased to receive your letter, as you will have my head, but I can say that it found me in good health, enjoying the finest weather – which you always disagree with – but I hope that this letter finds you in the same fortunate state.'Alexander rolled his eyes hard. Brand was becoming quite bold with his dare.'America is indeed

Alexander scoffed. "There is no such thing as the perfect blow, nor can anyone deliver it." He remarked, shaking his head slightly. Then like her, he stuck his sword to the ground and crossed his hands over his chest. "Guinevere? Look at me." She obeyed, meeting his gaze. Her cheeks were flushed, from either the mild sun or from embarrassment. He would decide on the former. "If you are learning to fight to cause harm to another, then it is already a lost cause."When he had first taken up the sword to learn, it had been to waste away the days. His father had just discovered Lady Wilmot and so had become infatuated, so much so that he did not care any longer for his son and heir. His mother had been more obsessed with her husband and his mistress than caring for her son. He loved the sword, not because he was good at it, but because for the longest time, it had been his closest companion. Carlisle had come after his mother had died so he had been given a friend but the bond with his sw

Guinevere ran off into the castle, headed to her bedchamber. As soon as he had sent her on her way, Alexander walked to the edge of the field, even as the sword valet approached him. Edmund came to him. Alexander handed his sword to the young valet at his side and began to massage his bruised palm. Unlearned as she was, Guinevere had delivered a hard blow that punished his little finger. The fault was his; he had held his sword incorrectly for a moment. The valet bowed and hurried away."Your Majesty," Edmund bowed upon arrival. "Lord Denney has come calling."At such a late hour? The evening sun was almost gone, casting a pink glow across the sky. His uncle was evidently too eager to confront him, not even bothering to wait for the new day. His urgency told that he had made a new discovery and could not contain his impatience. Why had he come in such haste?He turned to Edmund. "Entertain him and have him wait for me. Yes, I am now in a better mood now, however, I still am a thread a

Gwen nodded thoughtfully and slowly leaned on the fallboard. She was intrigued. A foundation house? Charity? The royal household was involved in charity. It was surprising. Alexander was a self-absorbed man who took pride in his crown and position, and he did not fail to remind everyone at every given situation. Except for his proper kingly duties, she did not think him capable of catering to others."You seem surprised." Alexander remarked.Did he notice her thoughts? "I do not." She said tersely. Then quickly added. "Does it cause any strain to the royal family?"Alexander hesitated, and Gwen saw that he was struggling to keep his laughter hidden. She was appalled."I should think not," he said, "or else it would be said that we are poor."She gasped, shocked. "That is not what I meant. I_""The foundation is in the name of the king," he interrupted. "But many help to sponsor it. Carlisle supports it massively.""Lord Carlisle? He is a good man." Gwen mused aloud. She thought of how

Guinevere was afraid. She was shaken, yet, it wasn't the recent events that troubled her most. She was scared of what had happened before, something she had fled from in the past and continued still to evade. Something that scares her to continue running."Guinevere…""Can I leave?" Guinevere interrupted. Alexander remained silent, watching her intently. Without waiting for his permission, she turned and started away."You are running!" He called out suddenly. And it was the truth."What?" Guinevere stopped in her tracks, turning back to face him. She was appalled."You are running.""I am not.""Yes, you are. You are running and have always been running.""Your words cannot provoke me to stay." She began once more for the door.That was not his intention. He rose and went after her. As she opened the door, he pushed it back, closing it. "Only a moment ago, you said you do not know what you feel. That you do not know why your body responds to me this way. I think you do.""I do not."