Hiding Katherine GG Shalton (the read aloud family txt) 📖

would encourage her in front of others to participate in their daily amusements yet chastised her in the privacy of their chamber if she did not decline their activities that he saw unfit. She was not to engage in long conversations with any men or women unless he was present. She could only answer direct questions, so she would not appear rude. She was a good wife and learned his expectations carefully to avoid his anger.

It worked for the most part and she survived the next couple of weeks without any punishments. On the way back to their estate, her excitement to see Daniel was short lived as she started feeling queasy and had to stop a few times to wretch outside of the carriage. Her husband announced his suspicions as did her maid. It was confirmed by a healer a few days after who announced she was with child.

Alexander was very happy with the news. He was affectionate and caring to her during her weeks of pregnancy. She was afraid to ask him what would happen if they had a son. Would he take the titles away from Daniel? She buried those thoughts and showered Daniel with as much love as she could.

Chapter 28

The next few years flew by and Katherine found herself with child again. Her fourth was making her more ill than she remembered with the others. Her other daughters, Sara and Joslyn were growing like weeds and they had Alexander in the palm of their hands. They were his weakness and he treated them both like princesses.

One day, Katherine sat in the garden as Daniel played with a wooden sword. Alexander had given him a pony for his birthday and he constantly begged to ride him. She thought he was too young but did not argue. He was his heir and he treated him well.

“Lady Katherine, your husband sent a message to meet him in the great hall within the hour. You have unexpected visitors coming.”

Katherine stood rubbing her stomach. She was only five months along, but her back was already killing her. “I will go and change. Please watch the children.”

She went upstairs and washed her face changing into a royal blue gown. After brushing her hair and tying it back, she put on her white slippers and went down to the hall. She found her husband sitting by the commander of his men. She dared not interrupt and stood at a distance. He noticed her and lifted his hand for her to come forward.

She walked to him and took a seat beside him. He patted her hand affectionately.

“We have some men from the west who have news of the rebels. The fighting is getting worse and we have lost more territory. Jakub Travis and some of his clan are coming to visit us today about the state of our opposing forces. Their support is needed, and we need to convince them to build a bigger army. They could help us unite more clans to take back our land. The added stress of clan wars is depleting our forces. I know that you were friends with them as they were Ian’s family, perhaps they will look upon us favorably if you are here as support. Actually, Jakub is the one who requested the meeting and that you attend.”

Memories flooded her mind and her throat tightened. Marion had been so kind to her and welcomed her like a daughter. She should have written to her over the years but chose to cut ties. Especially after Jakub’s offer and Ian’s death, she didn’t want to remember. Moving on meant letting go. She looked up at her husband as he waited for her answer, and she nodded and replied, “As you wish.”

Some of his men came into the room and joined them. They spoke of the army they needed to build and support they could count on. Katherine tried to listen, but her mind was on seeing Jakub again. She hoped that Marion would join them. After several minutes of talking, a few guards appeared and announced Jakub and his family’s arrival.

Katherine watched the group of men walk into the hall. Her heart pounded with nervousness at facing her former love’s family. Thoughts of Ian still plagued her mind although they were fading. A commotion to her side interrupted her thoughts and she focused on the men in front of her. She felt her breath leave her body as she was unable to comprehend the man standing beside Jakub.

So many things happened at once. Raised voices, yet she didn’t know what they were saying. Her name being called and replies that were met with resistance. She grabbed hold of her chest and stood up as she felt Alexander grasp her arm. She twisted out of his hold stepping forward a few steps and then yelled his name, “Ian!” before she fell into darkness.

The dream was vivid, and she didn’t want to wake. Ian was chasing her, and she could feel him getting closer, turning around she reached for him, but he retreated from her. “Don’t go!” she shouted, but he shook his head walking backward and disappearing from her sight.

“Katherine!” She heard someone calling her name. It was a distant sound and she wanted to answer. “Katherine!” The voice came again and shook her from her sleep. “Wake up, sweetheart.” The words were clearer now, and she cracked her eyes open and saw a blurred vision of her husband. Shutting her eyes again she reopened them focusing on his face.

“Alexander?”

He touched her head with the back of his hand. “Yes, my love. Are you well?”

“Yes, what happened?” She felt dizzy as she tried to sit up.

He sat on the edge of the bed staring at her. “Relax and have sip of ale.” He handed her a cup and helped her drink it.

“Do you remember anything?” He reached for her hand rubbing the top with his thumb.

“I am not sure. The