Hiding Katherine by GG Shalton (most difficult books to read txt) 📕

smaller chambers across the corridor for your Lady’s maid and wet nurse. I will have need of you tonight, so please make sure she keeps Daniel.”

Katherine settled into castle life over the next few months. Alexander was often in Edinburgh in meetings with the king and various other noblemen that she lost track of their names. Daniel was thriving in his new environment and no one questioned his age. He was nearing ten months, but people accepted his age as eight months and made comments that he was an early crawler and getting very big. Alexander had a bulky frame, and no one questioned the size of his son.

She dressed for dinner in her light green gown. It was one of Alexander’s favorites with a plunging neckline and he had requested that she wear it when he arrived home. He had missed dinner with her the last few nights due to late night meetings with the king. Katherine took her time plaiting her hair and wore the emeralds that had been a gift from Alexander a few weeks ago.

She waited in one of the parlors off the great hall. It was a more intimate dining area reserved for special guests. Alexander was entertaining a few nobles from the king’s court and it looked like he aimed to impress them. The way the room was decorated would be more set for a king.

A few moments after accepting some wine to drink, she heard his boisterous voice through the walls, “Come on in, gentlemen. My wife awaits to welcome us.” Alexander appeared with four men that were dressed in pristine uniforms. Katherine smiled as they greeted her by kissing her hand and she welcomed them into her home. A medium built man with dark slicked back hair remained near her. “Lady Katherine, the tales of your beauty did not do you justice. Your husband is a lucky man.”

Alexander studied the man with a guarded smile. “Lord McIntire, I couldn’t agree more.” He slid his arm around her waist pulling her next to him.

Another man accepted a glass of wine from a servant and smiled. “I see why you have kept her hidden from the king’s court. She would cause quite a stir.”

Alexander shrugged keeping a smile pasted on his face. “I have not kept her hidden. Katherine is adjusting to life as my wife and the responsibility that entails. I plan to introduce her next week.”

The footman came in and announced dinner and they sat around the dining table. Many courses were served as the men spoke of pleasantries and about people that she didn’t know. Katherine remained quiet and only responded when asked questions. Alexander was strict about her engagement with others. She made that mistake a few months ago with a foreign dignitary who had visited from France before they came to Edinburgh. He was flirtatious with Katherine, smothering her with compliments. Alexander blamed Katherine for encouraging him with meaningless conversation and punished her later that night in their chambers. She was unable to leave her room for a week until the swelling healed.

After dinner, Katherine excused herself as the men enjoyed their drinking. The men begged her to stay, but she politely refused and made her way to her chamber. Feeding Daniel was a lot more tempting than staying with them.

The following week, Alexander gifted her with many fashionable gowns and matching jewels. She gasped at the expense but knew the truth. It was not a gift for her as much as for him to show off his wife. He wanted the noblemen of the court to admire his accomplishments and the beauty of his wife. He announced to Katherine that they were to stay with the king for a few weeks and she would not be taking Daniel. Her heart crushed, and she tried futilely to beg Alexander to let her take him. But he refused. His word was final, and he warned her not to ask again.

Chapter 27

The king’s court was in full swing when Katherine arrived on Alexander’s arm. Many people greeted him as he entered the large room. Dancers were entertaining the guests, servants were serving ale and wine, and people were laughing and eating and enjoying the evening.

Alexander approached a man sitting on a platform. His crown gave away his title, and Katherine curtsied as Alexander held onto her. “Your Grace, may I introduce my wife, Lady Katherine.”

A smile crept across his face. “We meet at last, Lady Katherine. I often wondered about the woman who brought powerful men to their knees. Almost starting wars for your hand in marriage. I see now that you live up to your reputation.”

Katherine was leery of his words. Was he angry with her? She did not mean to cause any harm to anyone and had left with Ian because she loved him. A rumble of laughter spurted out from his mouth. “Did I frighten you, my lady? Forgive me. It was only a compliment. My cousin has married well and must be very happy with his match. I understand you gave birth to a son not long ago?”

She felt Alexander squeeze her arm as she found her voice. “Your Grace, thank you for your compliment. It’s an honor to make your acquaintance. Yes, my son Daniel is at home.”

“A voice like honey. Please enjoy your stay in court. I look forward to speaking with you again.” He nodded toward Alexander as Katherine curtsied again before walking away.

Alexander kept her close the rest of the night, introducing her to many people with titles that she was sure she would forget. She knew many women would gladly take her place in such luxury and enjoy a courtly life. But she preferred staying in a small manor raising her children. That is the life she craved.

Alexander kept up a charade in front of the other nobles, playing the devoted husband who would allow her the same freedom as the other wives. He