Wolf Story/Linda Sole

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the
author’s imagination or are used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any
resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is
entirely coincidental.

The Princess and the Wolf by Linda Sole

Red Rose™ Publishing
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Red Rose™ Publishing
Copyright© 2009 Linda Sole
ISBN: 978-1-60435-324-2
Cover Artist: Shirley Burnett/Merris Hawk
Editor: Melissa Glisan

Line Editor: WRFG

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Angelica had been running for hours. The light had faded gradually, and

soon it would be dark in the woods. She did not fear the woods or the creatures in

them, for they were her friends. As a child she often hid from people, climbing into

the branches of a friendly tree while they searched below and called her name in

vain. Then she had laughed because the people she evaded were her nurses or her

teachers, but this time she was afraid of being caught.

She was to be married to a man she did not know, simply because he was the

ruler of a neighbouring country, and her Uncle, who was now the ruler of

Lindisfarnia, needed to make a new treaty. Angelica was hardly out of mourning

for her father, who had been prince of Lindisfarnia, and now she was to be married.

Her feelings were of no account and Prince Harlan was coming here to claim her.

―I shall not marry unless I choose!‖ Angelica's brave words rang in her ears as

she remembered the terrible quarrel with her Uncle when he had told her she must

marry a man she had never met. Eyes flashing, proud and haughty, she had defied

him only to be locked in her bedchamber and told she would do as she was bid or

face the consequences. She had no idea what her Uncle meant by this except that

she feared he would like to be rid of her by any means possible. Her death would

give him complete control of the kingdom.

Angelica had chosen to escape by climbing out of her window onto the

branches of a tree. Hearing a servant cry out, she realised she had been seen; panic

swept through her as she fled the palace gardens.

―Stop her! She is escaping!‖ The shouts and cries followed her as the

servants gave chase almost at once. In her terror, she had run and run until the

cries became fainter. She had escaped into her beloved woods, chest heaving, her

side hurting as she put as much distance as possible between her and those that

pursued her. Surely here she would be safe! The sounds of pursuit ceased after a

while, but Angelica kept running. She would never return to the palace! She would

not allow her Uncle to sell her to his neighbour for gold and a treaty!

Angelica’s pace slowed to a walk as she looked about her, beginning to

realise that her life must change, because she was no longer a princess. Now that

she had defied her Uncle, she must find a living for herself. She had no idea how she

might do that, but she would do anything rather than marry the wicked Prince

Harlan! The servants had whispered in corners of his cruelty, of his mad rages and

wild ways—and this was the man her Uncle would have her wed!

As Angelica fought to recover her breath, a strange cry echoed in the depths

of the wood. Somewhere a creature was in pain. Hunters set cruel traps in the

woods. She had learned the trick of them when she was a child, and she had set

more than one poor creature free.

Her own problems momentarily forgotten, Angelica listened intently then

heard a howling noise, which sent shivers down her spine. The only animals she

knew might be dangerous to her were the wolves that hunted in packs in these

woods. People spoke of them in whispers, for it was said they could tear the

unwary traveller to pieces—if they were hungry enough they might attack her.

Walking cautiously towards the source of the sound, she heard a low snarl

and her heart beat wildly. As she entered a small clearing she saw where all the

noise was coming from and stopped. A small wolf—little more than a few months

old—had its leg caught in a cruel wire trap. It was struggling, trying to break free,

but with each attempt the wire tightened and pulled deeper into his flesh.

―Oh, you poor little thing,‖ Angelica said apprehension replaced with pity. ―I

can help you if you will let me. Please do not be frightened. I want to set you free.‖

The wolf looked at her, snarled, and its hackles rose. It sent up a howl of fear

and anger, which was answered from somewhere deep within the woods. Angelica

felt ice at the nape of her neck. The pack was somewhere near. If they thought one

of their young was in trouble, they might come investigate.

―I am not going to hurt you,‖ Angelica said walking slowly towards the wolf.

She knew that talking softly often helped to calm wild animals. Even small

creatures fought when they were frightened, and she had been bitten once or

twice, but the wolf-pup had sharp teeth. ―Stop pulling like that. You will only

make the noose tighten. Stay still and I shall free you.‖

The wolf stared at her, its eyes a melting yellowish brown that touched her

heart. She saw it was terrified so she moved very slowly, murmuring words of

comfort. The pup whimpered and fretted but then its ears pricked and it looked

towards a thick clump of trees.

Angelica did not dare glance around. She kept her eyes fixed on the puppy

and continued to talk softly. The wolf-pup had quietened. She was near enough

now to see the trap. The wire was cutting into the wolf's flesh, but had not yet

become so deeply buried it would be impossible to remove. She held out her hand

to let the wolf get her scent, hoping he would understand and not bite her. The

wolf made an uncertain snarling noise in its throat but made no attempt to snap at

her.

―That's right,‖ she said softly. ―Let me help you, I hate the cruel men who set

these wicked traps. I will loosen the wire and remove it from your leg. I have

nothing to put on the cut to help it heal, but I was told once that wild animals lick

their wounds. Once you are free, your family will help you.‖

She smoothed her hand down the wolf's leg. It flinched and trembled but the

snarling had ceased, and it did not attempt to bite her. Angelica worked carefully,

loosening the wire and easing it wider until the opening was big enough to slip his

leg through. As soon as it was free, the pup shot off toward the trees yelping, the

injured leg hardly touching the ground.

Turning her head to watch, Angelica saw four pairs of yellow eyes staring at

her from the trees. She swallowed hard, fearing that they would attack her, as one

lifted its head and howled. However, as if it were a signal, the others turned and

slid silently into the dense woods.

The wolf that had howled stared at her for a moment longer then it too,

turned and vanished into the woods. Angelica breathed a sigh of relief. She began

to destroy the trap, pulling it out of the earth, and twisting the wire into a knot so

it could never be used for such a vicious purpose again.

Once she had finished her work, she searched the bracken for signs of other

traps but found no more. After some minutes had passed, she sat down on a fallen

log and stared into space. Tears began to trickle down her cheeks, because she had

no idea what to do next. She was hungry and thirsty, and she did not know where

to find food.

She would not give way to self-pity! She brushed the tears from her face and

got to her feet. Somehow she must find food and somewhere to sleep for the night.

Her encounter with the wolves warned her that it would not be wise to sleep in

the wood, and it was too dangerous to go on, for all kinds of perils might be

waiting for her in the darkness.

She turned in a full circle, trying to decide which way to go. Hearing a

rustling sound in the trees to her right, she decided to take the left path, which

looked as if it might have been used by woodsmen going about their business,

rather than some others that appeared to be the trails of animals. It would be so

easy to go round and round in circles for she had never come this far into the

woods and she was lost.

She walked for some minutes and then came to a fork; once again she had to

choose between turning to her right or her left. As she hesitated, she heard a

growling sound from her right and she turned left because she felt anxious that one

of the wolves was near. Her spine prickled because she sensed that she was being

watched…followed. Glancing to her right she saw a pair of yellow eyes staring at

her from the midst of the trees.

Angelica held her breath. Would the wolf attack her? She had stopped

walking and so had the wolf. She took a few steps forward and the wolf did the

same. It was tracking her! Fear coursed through her and she was tempted to flee,

but if she did that the beast might attack. She fought for calm. Why had it not

attacked her before this?

As she turned her head from the wolf, determined not to show fear, she saw

a bush laden with ripe blackberries and she walked towards it, picking a handful

and eating them. Never had food tasted so good! She turned her head and looked at

the wolf; it was still watching her with those yellow eyes.

―You brought me here.‖ In a strange way it was true. She had turned this way

because she had not wanted to stray into the wolf's path. ―Thank you for my

supper.‖

Picking more berries, she ate them as she walked, now very aware of her

shadow. Each time her steps faltered, the wolf made itself known, seeming to

beckon with its compelling eyes, leading her in a certain direction. Somehow, she

felt comforted, as if she had a friend—as if he were protecting her, helping her.

When she saw a cottage just ahead, she ran towards it. Her heart raced with

excitement. Perhaps here she would find someone who would offer her shelter!

Angelica knocked at the door. No answer came. She placed her ear against

the door, listening for some sign of life within but heard nothing. She tapped the

door softly once more. Still, no sound from within! When she pushed tentatively

against the door it opened, creaking slightly as it swung open on rusty hinges. She

ventured inside cautiously, wondering what to expect. A small fire was burning in

the grate and she saw a candlestick on a scrubbed pine table.

―Hello? Is anyone here?‖

There was no answer, Angelica was uncertain, clearly someone lived here,

but there was no sign of the owner. Would it be too impertinent of her to sit by the

fire and wait until the owner came back?

The wood was dark and the night cold, too cold to sleep under the stars.

Here in the cottage she would be safe and warm—but dare she take the chance

that the owner might return and be angry? She was too tired to go on. She must

risk it and hope that whoever owned this cottage would show her compassion.

A jar of tapers stood next to the fireplace. Angelica took one, lit it from the

fire then lit the candle. Now she could see the large room more clearly. It was a

room used for living and cooking, furnished adequately but without luxuries, or

anything that a woman might bring to her home. A huge dresser stood at one end

and a small chest at the other. There were platters and tankards on the dresser and

a pitcher.

Angelica investigated the contents and discovered that the pitcher

contained water. Surely, the owner would not mind if she drank a little? She

poured some into a tankard then saw the covered platter on the table. Lifting the

cloth she discovered bread and cheese. Her stomach rumbled, the berries had been

delicious, but she was still hungry.

Dare she eat just a little piece of the bread and cheese? She had no money to

pay for them, but perhaps there was something—some task she could perform in

payment?

Glancing round the cottage, which was reasonably clean and neat, Angelica

found a rush basket filled with clothes. She shook her head as she saw the tears in

the fine linen. She would not have expected to see such good cloth in a cottage

such as this. Opening the lower drawer on the dresser, she found a box that

contained skeins of silk thread and a needle box. A smile touched her mouth as she

realised she had found the way to pay for her meal and shelter. She would eat some

of the food then she would mend these beautiful shirts with stitches that would

make it almost impossible to see where they had been torn. In the morning, if the

owner returned and she were allowed to stay, she would wash and iron them.

It was late into the night when Angelica finished her self-imposed task. She

folded the last shirt, placed it in the basket, then got up, and went into the small

back room. She had peeked in earlier and discovered a bed. Since it seemed the

owner was not returning that night, she blew out the candle, which had burned

very low, and crawled beneath the covers. She was so very tired.

―What are you doing in my bed?‖

Angelica woke with a start as she heard the voice. She sat up, her heart

pounding as she saw a man glaring down at her. For a moment she was too

frightened to speak then she blurted out her tale of being lost in the woods and

frightened of the wolves.

―I ate some of your supper,‖ she confessed as she stood. ―But I mended your

shirts and I shall wash and iron them if you will allow me to repay you for sleeping

here.‖

―You were foolish to stray so far into the woods,‖ the man said. Angelica saw

that he was a man of perhaps thirty, not ill favoured but with a fearful scar on his

right cheek. It looked inflamed and raw, as if it had been done recently. ―There are

many dangers here.‖

―Yes, I know. I was running from someone and became lost.‖

―Where do you live?‖ His eyes moved over her, considering thoughtful. She

returned his stare with one of her one, seeing the dark tawny gold of his eyes,

almost the color of topaz, and his dark hair, which he wore long, looked as if it

needed cutting. ―You are not of the common-folk. Your clothes are too good and

your skin too fair.‖

―Nor are you, sir.‖ His voice, manner and clothes were not those of a poor

woodsman. His shirt barely hid the rippling muscles beneath and his riding

breeches fit him like a second skin. ―Your shirts are fine quality, though you have

been careless with them.‖ She blushed as she realized that she had been forward.

―Yes. I am sometimes…careless.‖ His tawny eyes narrowed. ―Do you wish me

to help you find your way home?‖

―Oh, no! I must find a place to work…‖ she swallowed a sob. ―I can never go

home.‖

―Come, I shall make breakfast while you tell me why a beautiful girl like you

cannot go home.‖

Angelica followed him back to the kitchen. The smell of porridge cooking

was tempting, and a kettle was boiling on the fire. He motioned for her to sit.

―Tell me as I make the food. I have honey to sweeten the porridge.‖

Angelica watched him as he worked. ―My father was the prince of

Lindisfarnia, but now he is dead and my Uncle rules in his stead. He has sold me to

Prince Harlan—and I would rather die than wed such a monster!‖

―You have heard the stories of his wild rages, then? You fear that he would

harm you?‖

―I don't know. I have never met him. The servants told tales and I listened.‖

The man smiled oddly. ―You ran away because of servants' tales?‖

―Yes…‖ Angelica blushed. ―It sounds foolish when you say it that way…but I

do not want to be wed simply because of a treaty…‖

―Are you certain that it was because of a treaty?‖

―What else could it be?‖

―Perhaps Prince Harlan had heard of your beauty and wished to marry you?‖

Angelica laughed. ―Why would such a man care about beauty?‖

―Why indeed?‖ He turned to tend his cook pot.

―You asked about me…‖ Angelica felt oddly uncomfortable, as if she had said

something unkind. ―You have told me nothing of yourself.‖

―I am no one.‖ He turned to look at her. ―My name is Larne and I live here

alone because it suits me.‖

―Have I offended you?‖

―Why should I be offended?‖

―In my ignorance I was rude about someone. You must think I am a spoiled

child.‖

―Have you not been spoiled all your life? It is what people say of Princess

Angelica.‖ His brows arched, seeming to mock her.

―Do they?‖ She was shocked. ―Why?‖

―They say you caused much trouble by running away into the woods as a

child. Servants were beaten and punished because you were lost and your father

feared for your safety.‖

―I never knew that…‖ She looked puzzled, and then ashamed. ―I am sorry for

it, if it is true.‖

―It is true.‖ He gave her an unflinching stare.

―But, I never intended they should be punished for my naughtiness. It was

not fair.‖

―Life is seldom fair.‖

―Will people be punished because I have run away this time?‖

―Yes, of course. What does it matter? Servants may be beaten for no one

cares about them—do they?‖ His eyes seemed to accuse her, making her feel

ashamed.

―I care!‖ Tears started to gather in her eyes. ―I do not want them punished

because of me.‖

―Then you must return and do your duty, princess.‖

―But, that means marrying a man I have never met.‖ She felt the sting of tears

for it would break her heart to marry a man she did not know—and must fear if the

tales told of him were true.

―If Prince Harlan knew you did not wish to marry him, he might set you free

of your Uncle's bond.‖

―Do you think so?‖ She looked at him with consideration.

―You will never know unless you try.‖

―You are telling me to go home, aren't you?‖

―I am telling you nothing—except that your breakfast is ready.‖

Angelica sat at the table and ate; Larne’s words had gotten through to her in

a way she had least expected. Her Uncle was a harsh man, but he had not treated

her ill until he had demanded that she marry for the sake of the kingdom. After she

had finished, she got up stood, lost in thought, not noticing her benefactor had left

and washed the dishes with water he had heated on the fire. Remembering her

labours from the previous night, she fetched fresh water and began to wash the

shirts she had mended.

Her work done, Angelica’s thoughts returned to the man who had given her

the shelter of his home. Where had Larne gone and who was he? Thinking about

he'd told her, she knew she had to go back to the palace. If servants were being

punished for her sake she must put a stop to it.

She hesitated outside the bedroom door and heard a strange sound—almost

like the snuffling of an animal—perhaps a wolf? An icy shiver ran down her spine;

she breathed deeply, then pushing the door open, she saw Larne was sleeping in

the bed but did not appear to be resting. He tossed from side to side, moaning and

crying out in his dreams. The sound she had heard must have come from him.

―Larne, wake up,‖ she said and shook his shoulder. ―You are having a

nightmare.‖

He sat up and snarled his eyes more yellow than deep topaz now, his teeth

sharp and pointed. For a moment she shivered with fear, he seemed more wolf than

man. In an instant he was wide-awake and the fierce look fled from his face.

―Why did you wake me?‖ he demanded. ―It might have been dangerous.‖

Angelica gasped as she saw the ridge of brown fur on his hand. She drew

back, staring at him in shock as the tales her nurses had told her of men who could

change into wolves at will came into her mind. Could Larne be one of those

creatures?

―Who are you—what are you?‖

―You should go from here. Forget what you have seen.‖ He sounded bitter,

defeated, as if hiding some terrible hurt.

―Are you a man-wolf?‖

―Where have you heard such tales?‖ Angelica blinked and looked again at his

hand and saw that the fur had disappeared. Had she really seen it—or had she

imagined it? Was her fear simply something the servants had taught her?

Larne was not evil! Whatever he was, she would not believe ill of him!

―Go back home, princess and forget me.‖

―It was you in the forest,‖ Angelica said realization dawning. ―You watched

as I set the pup free then you guided me here.‖

―I took pity on you because of what you did,‖ Larne said and looked angry. ―I

made a mistake. Go now, before I change into a wolf once more and eat you!‖

―You would not harm me,‖ she said. ―Tell me why you are like this—did

someone put a spell on you?‖

―It is a curse I was born with,‖ Larne said and his eyes glinted. ―My father

was cursed and his before him. We are doomed to roam the woods by night as

wolves, while by day we return to our man-shape. But we belong nowhere…‖

―You must be so lonely…‖ Angelica caught her breath. His admission had

touched something deep within her, awakening feelings she had never dreamed of

and she could not help wondering about what it would be like to be loved by such

a strong mate. He was so fierce and wild at times, and yet, there was something

about him that drew her as a moth to a flame. She caught herself looking at his

mouth, becoming aware of a deep hunger inside, a need to feel his lips on hers. His

body pressed close. ―Was your mother a wolf or a woman?‖ she asked and turned

aside, afraid that he might see her feelings reflected in her eyes.

―We may mate only with humankind,‖ Larne told her, making her turn

instantly to meet the strange, distant look in his eyes. ―But once the truth of our

nature is discovered…what woman would want to live with a creature such as I?‖

―If she truly loved…‖ Angelica got no further for Larne seized her, crushing

her in a punishing embrace. His lips took possession of hers, his tongue invading

her mouth, teasing her, tasting her. She felt as if she were swooning, being drawn

into something so strong and powerful that she gasped as he let her go. ―Oh…‖

―If you had wandered in here by yourself I should not have let you leave

before we mated,‖ Larne told her, his eyes burning fiercely. ―I release you only

because of what you did for the wolf cub. Go now or I shall carry you to my bed

and make you my mate…‖

Angelica backed away from him, her eyes wide and fearful. She turned

suddenly and ran from the cottage, hearing the howl of the wolf-man as she fled in

terror from his lair.

She began to run in blind panic, though she was not certain what she was

running from. Was it fear of Larne or of herself?

Angelica had been wandering for hours when she heard the sound of

hunting horns. She stood still, hesitating as she recognised the sounds. Her Uncle's

men had hunting dogs and they had been tracking her. If she ran from them now

they might track her scent to the cottage in the woods. They might find

Larne—and if he were in his wolf form the huntsmen would kill him.

She stood perfectly still waiting until the hunting dogs came to her. The

sound of their excited cries as they surrounded her brought the huntsmen soon

after. Her Uncle was among them for he loved to hunt with the other nobles of his

court.

―So we have found you, Angelica,‖ he said, looking down at her from his

horse. ―You have caused me a deal of trouble, girl!‖

―Yes, uncle, I know,‖ Angelica said. ―But it was my doing and none other.

You must not punish the servants for my wrongdoing.‖

Prince Fendi frowned. ―Will you do as I bid, and marry Prince Harlan? If you

promise not to run away those servants who were to be beaten shall be spared.‖

―I promise. I shall return with you now, and I shall do my duty.‖

―Very well, I shall send word to the kingdom of Harldine that the wedding

will be in two days.'

Angelica bowed her head. She allowed one of the huntsmen to help her

mount behind him, holding on to his surcoat as they rode back towards the palace.

If it was her fate to marry Prince Harlan then she must accept it—there were other,

worse fates.

Angelica allowed her servants to dress her in her finest robes. She was

wearing the jewels her mother had left for her, diamond rings on her fingers and

pearls about her neck. Her hair was dressed in curls on top of her head, one ringlet

allowed to fall onto her neck. She held herself proudly as she left her chamber for

the last time and went down to the banqueting hall where all the nobles had

gathered to see her wed to Prince Harlan.

Angelica was trembling inside. What would Prince Harlan be like? Could he

be as cruel and wild as everyone said?

―Here you are, niece,‖ Prince Fendi took her hand, drawing her to the dais

where a priest was standing. ―It is time for you to do your duty, girl.‖

―But where is Prince Harlan?‖

―He was delayed by matters of state,‖ her Uncle said. ―He has sent his cousin

to stand proxy. You will be wed then you will leave immediately to join the prince

at his court.‖

―But…‖ Angelica's voice trailed away as her heart sank when the young

man dressed in peacock finery stepped forward to take her hand. It was not too

late! She could refuse to go through with the ceremony, tell her Uncle that she

would marry only when she found someone she could love. If she did that he would

punish the servants. Even though she felt as if her heart were breaking, she must

keep her promise—the promise she had made to Larne in her heart. Instead she

choked out, ―Is there to be no feasting?‖

―The feasting will begin once you have gone,‖ Prince Fendi told her. ―Come,

give your hand to Prince Rupert, and the ceremony will begin.‖

She obeyed, feeling numb. She was not even to be feasted by the court. Her

Uncle could not wait to be rid of her! He did not care what happened to her!

Angelica held back her tears as the brief ceremony took place. She did not

speak as her uncle kissed her and told her to be a good wife to her husband. It was

as if she were in a dream, as if none of this was real. She longed with all her heart to

be back in the woods with Larne—but he had sent her home, told her she must do

her duty! There was no escape for her.

―Come, Princess,‖ Prince Rupert said. ―We must hurry for we must be in

Harldine before night falls.‖

Angelica nodded her face pale. She allowed him to help her mount her

palfrey and lead her away from the palace and all that was known to her.

―We must hurry,‖ Prince Rupert looked anxious. ―There are wolves in the

woods, when night comes it can be dangerous.‖

Angelica shivered, she had not forgotten Larne and the kiss that had thrilled

yet terrified her. She had wondered so many times what kind of a curse had made

him a creature that could never find true happiness.

―I do not fear wolves, sir,‖ she told Prince Rupert. ―I have heard tales that my

husband is a cruel man—wild and bad…‖

―You should not believe all you hear,‖ Prince Rupert told her. ―It is true that

he has rages at times, but he is not mad and is never deliberately cruel.‖

Angelica said nothing; she was becoming more and more nervous of meeting

her husband, but did not want her escort to know how frightened she was.

They had been riding through the woods for more than an hour when the

howling started. First there was one, long, mournful howl that sent shivers down

her spine then the cry was taken up from different parts of the woods, as if the

wolves were passing a message. Angelica felt that they were being watched and she

saw her companion's nervous expression.

Suddenly, she saw a group of wolves just ahead of them, but they were not

looking at the travellers. Instead they had grouped around something lying on the

ground. Angelica realised it was a large wolf that had been pierced through one eye

with an arrow. She could hear the fearful groaning noises coming from it as it lay in

pain.

―Stop,‖ she cried and jumped down from her horse.

―Princess, you must not!‖ Prince Rupert cried but Angelica ignored him.

Her heart was beating fast as she ran to the wolf. Surely it was her wolf? The

man-wolf that had guided her to safety…Larne. The other wolves parted as she

approached them. They looked at her from their yellow eyes and one or two

showed their teeth but not a one made an attempt to attack her as she knelt down

by the injured wolf.

―Oh Larne…‖ She wept as she saw the blood trickling from his left eye. ―I fear

they have killed you…‖ She heard a guttural sound in his throat. He was trying to

speak to her but she was not sure she had understood his meaning. ―You want me

to pull the arrow out?‖

For a moment the wolf opened his other eye. Angelica knew what she must

do. She took hold of the arrow and drew it out, slowly and steadily, her stomach

twisting with nerves, because she knew it must be hurting him dreadfully.

At last the arrow was out. She broke it in two and threw it away, tears

flowing from her eyes as she saw the blood seeping from the damaged mess that

was all that was left of his eye. She bent over him, laying her face against his face,

her tears soaking into Larne's fur, running into his damaged eye, as she stroked him

with her hand.

―Forgive me for hurting you,‖ she said. ―I wanted to help you. I love you…‖

Larne opened his lone good eye and looked at her then made a growling

sound.

―I can't leave you,‖ she wept. ―Please let me stay with you. I want to care for

you, to love you, and stay with you.‖

―Come, Princess, you must leave now,‖ Prince Rupert took her arm. ―You

have done all you can‖

Angelica struggled as he drew her away. Her heart was breaking. Larne was

lying there as if he were dying, unable to raise his head to look at her. Yet she knew

he had told her to go. Perhaps he wished her to leave him to the wolf pack, for they

were his only friends.

―Goodbye, my dearest Larne,‖ she whispered as she mounted her horse. ―I

shall never forget you I love you more than my life itself.‖

Angelica looked around the apartments she had been given. Prince Harlan

lived in complete luxury; she had everything she could possibly want. Smiling

servants were anxious to please her, bringing her delicious foods and wonderful

clothes to wear.

However, she had seen nothing of her husband. She was told that he had

been called away and would see her in the morning. It was a reprieve. She had

dreaded the moment, but for now she could only think about Larne and grieve for

his hurts. Would she ever see him again? Her duty was here at the palace, but she

longed to be free – free to roam the forest with the man she loved, whether he be in

human form or wolf.

She heard a slight noise behind her and turned, a shock of surprise and then

delight going through her as she saw Larne standing there. He was wearing his

leather breeches and one of the shirts she had darned and washed for him, and he

had a patch covering his left eye.

―Larne…‖ she cried and went towards him, her hands outstretched. ―Oh, my

love. Are you in terrible pain? How did you come here? When I left you in the wood

I thought you were dying.‖

―I should have died had you not come to me,‖ Larne told her. ―You have the

healing touch in your tears, Princess Angelica. You made me live.‖

―I am so glad I was able to help you,‖ she said. ―But should you be here?‖ She

glanced over her shoulder, fearing what might happen to him if he were found in

her apartments.

Larne smiled. He reached out for her, drawing her into his arms and gazing

down into her face before he bent his head to kiss her. His kiss seemed to draw her

very soul, his tongue delicately licking the line of her lip, making her moan with

something she vaguely recognised as desire.

―Did you mean it when you said you loved me?‖

―Yes,‖ Angelica sighed as he released her. ―I loved you from the first. I want to

be with you, to stay with you, be your mate—but I fear what might happen if

Prince Harlan returns and finds you here. We should go quickly, before he comes…‖

―I do not fear any man or beast if you truly love me,‖ Larne said touching her

cheek. ―You do understand what you have done?‖ She shook her head, eyes

widening in wonder. ―It is night and I am still a man. You saved my life and your

love broke the curse. I am no longer forced to hunt with the pack at night. I can

stay with you without harming you with my teeth and claws.‖

―Oh, Larne…‖ Angelica's eyes misted with tears of love. ―I am so glad, but we

must leave…‖ She broke off as the door opened and a servant entered. Angelica

gave the girl a haughty stare.

―What do you want? I did not give you permission to enter.‖

The servant was looking at Larne. She looked startled, then fearful, glancing

over her shoulder as if she feared something. ―My Lord, I did not know. Forgive

me…‖

―It is all right, Sara,‖ Larne said. ―You may go. Your mistress will send for you

when she needs you.‖

―Larne?‖ Angelica looked at him as the servant hastily left and closed the

door. ―She knew you? Who are you?‖

―Have you not guessed, my dearest?‖ Prince Harlan asked. ―We were wed

some hours ago. I meant to come myself, but I was stuck in my wolf shape and

could not change so I sent Rupert to bring you home…‖

―You are Prince Harlan….‖ Angelica stared at him. Suddenly, everything

made sense, all the tales and the mystery that surrounded him, the way he had

protected her in the woods—the way he had told her that she should do her duty.

―Why did you want to marry me, Larne? I shall always think of you as Larne.‖

―It is one of my names,‖ Prince Harlan said. ―I watched you in the woods so

many times. I saw you tending the animals and birds you found injured and I fell in

love. I did not think you would marry me, so I offered your Uncle a treaty he

needed with Harldine. But, then you ran away and I found you in the woods…'

―Oh, Larne,‖ Angelica cried as she went to his arms. ―I am so glad that it all

happened the way it did, for if I had met you and not known you…‖ She quieted as

he kissed her, her body melting into his as he picked her up and carried her to the

bed. ―I love you so…‖

Prince Harlan smiled at his bride as he lay down beside her, his hand

reaching out to stroke her soft white skin. ―You are so lovely,‖ he said. ―I could not

tell you how to break the curse for love must be given freely…‖

―I shall always love you,‖ Angelica said, thrilling to the touch of his hands as

he claimed her and made her his own. ―Forever and ever…‖

And that, my friends, is how all good fairytales should end!

The End

http://www.lindasole.co.uk

Linda Sole was born in Swindon. Her family moved to Ely in Cambridgeshire

when she was nine, and Linda attended the local school but left at fifteen to work
as a hairdresser in her father's business. She was married at eighteen and ran her

own hairdressing business for some years before moving to Cambridge, where she
lives now. She started writing in 1976, combining this with helping her husband to
run his antique shop.

Writing as Anne Herries, Linda won the 2004 RNA Romance Award and

the Betty Neels Trophy. She lives in Cambridgeshire. After many happy years of
taking their holidays in Spain she and her husband, now have a second home in
Norfolk. Being only a short drive, they can visit for a few days at a time, which
suits their busy lifestyle these days. They are only just across the road from the sea,
and can see it from their windows. At home and at the sea they enjoy watching the
wildlife and have many visitors to their gardens, particularly squirrels. Anne loves
watching their antics and spoils both them and her birds shamelessly. She also
loves to see the flocks of geese and other birds flying in over the sea during the
autumn, to winter in the milder climes of this country. Anne loves to write about
the beauty of nature and sometimes puts a little into her books, though they are

mostly about love and romance. She writes for her own enjoyment and to give
pleasure to her readers.

She is very multitalented and has the following books out:

The novels published so far are:

Published under the name:

LINDA SOLE

Title

Publisher

Availability

JUSTICE IS SERVED

Severn House

LIB-PUB-AMA

A MISCARRIAGE OF JUSTICE

Severn House

LIB-PUB-AMA

WISH DOWN THE MOON

Severn House

LIB-PUB-AMA

A BRIGHT NEW DAY

Severn House

LIB-PUB-AMA

GIVE ME TOMMOROW

Severn House

LIB-PUB-AMA

AMY

Severn House

LIB-PUB-AMA

KATHY

Severn House

LIB-PUB-AMA

SONG FOR ATHENA

Severn House

LIB-PUB-AMA

BRIDGET

Severn House

LIB-PUB-AMA

A ROSE IN WINTER

Severn House

LIB-PUB-AMA

THE CORNISH ROSE

Severn House

LIB-PUB-AMA

THE ROSE ARCH

Severn House

LIB-PUB-AMA

THE HEARTS THAT HOLD

Severn House

LIB-PUB-AMA

THE BONDS THAT BREAK

Severn House

LIB-PUB-AMA

THE TIES THAT BIND

Severn House

LIB-PUB-AMA

FLAME CHILD

Severn House

LIB-PUB-AMA

SPRING WILL COME

Piatkus

LIB-PUB-AMA

THIS LAND THIS LOVE

Piatkus

LIB-PUB-AMA

ALL THEIR DAYS

Piatkus

LIB-PUB-AMA

SHADOW PLAYERS

Century/Arrow

LIB

THE LAST SUMMER OF
INNOCENCE

Century/Arrow

LIB

LOVERS & SINNERS

Century/Arrow

LIB

Key to above table:

= part of a trilogy

LIB

= Available from the Library

ULV

= Available in Ulverscroft Large Print series are available from

Amazon

PUB

= Available from the publisher

AMA

= Available from

Amazon

Severn House, who will publish the new books over the next few years, published these books.
Most of the Severn House books are still available, though the earlier ones are out of print and only
on library shelves.

Linda often writes in the first person, though THIS LAND THIS LOVE is written in the third. Many
of the novels published under the name of Linda Sole are sagas, but she also writes
suspense/romance.

SHADOW PLAYERS & FLAME CHILD are both suspense/romance. The others published so far
are classified as sagas, but there is usually an element of mystery or danger in all Linda's books.

Published under the name:

ANNE HERRIES

Title

Publisher

Availability

MARRYING CAPTAIN JACK

LIB-PUB-AMA

MARRIED BY CHRISTMAS

LIB-PUB-AMA

MARIANNE AND THE MARQUIS

LIB-PUB-AMA

A WORTHY GENTLEMAN

LIB-PUB-AMA

A WEALTHY WIDOW

LIB-PUB-AMA

AN IMPROPER COMPANION

LIB-PUB-AMA

THE STEEPWOOD SCANDALS

LIB-PUB-AMA

THE SEEDS OF SIN

Severn House

LIB-PUB-AMA

LOVE LIES WEEPING

Severn House

LIB-PUB-AMA

RANSOM BRIDE

LIB-PUB-AMA

LOVERS AND ENEMIES

Severn House

LIB-PUB-AMA

HER KNIGHT PROTECTOR

LIB-PUB-AMA

MY LADY, MY LOVE

Severn House

LIB-PUB-AMA

A KNIGHT OF HONOUR

LIB-PUB-AMA

A VERY SPECIAL MOTHER'S DAY

Mills & Boon

LIB-PUB-AMA

A PERFECT KNIGHT

LIB-PUB-AMA

MILADY'S REVENGE

Severn House

LIB-PUB-AMA

THE ADVENTURES WIFE

LIB-PUB-AMA

LADY IN WAITING

LIB-PUB-AMA

A WICKED WENCH

Severn House

LIB-PUB-AMA

LIB-PUB-AMA

LIB-PUB-AMA

LIB-PUB-AMA

- another part of

the Steepwood Scandal.

LIB-PUB-AMA

THE ABDUCTED BRIDE

LIB-PUB-AMA

THE SPANISH PRACTICE

LIB-PUB-AMA

LORD RAVENSDEN'S MARRIAGE

Anne's first part of the Steepwood Scandal
(a sixteen book series starting in May
2001)

LIB-PUB-AMA

SARA'S SECRET

LIB-PUB-AMA

THE MOST PRECIOUS GIFT

LIB-PUB-AMA

ROSALYN & THE SCOUNDREL

LIB-PUB-AMA

A MATTER OF HONOUR

LIB

SATAN'S MARK

LIB

AN IDEAL MATCH

LIB

RACING HEARTS

*****

LIB-ULV

THE MARRIAGE CHESTS

***

LIB-ULV

ROSANNA & THE RAKE

LIB

THE DEVIL'S MERCENARY

LIB

FOR LOVE AND LIBERTY

LIB

THE SPANISH WITCH

LIB

THE FLAME & THE SWORD

LIB

RAPHAEL

****

LIB

THE SLEEPING DEMON

LIB

THE WILD HEART

LIB

DEMON'S WOMAN

****

LIB-ULV

BEWARE THE CONQUEROR

****

LIB-ULV

THE WOLF OF ALVAR

****

LIB-ULV

DEVIL'S KIN

****

LIB-ULV

Key to above table:

= part of a trilogy

LIB

= Available from the Library

ULV

= Available in Ulverscroft Large Print series are available from

Amazon

PUB

= Available from the publisher

AMA

= Available from

Amazon

= Published by Harlequin Mills & Boon (Historical Romance)

Published by Harlequin Mills & Boon (Medical Romance)

***

Published by Harper Collins (Historical Romance)

****

Published by Harlequin Mills & Boon and Ulverscroft Large Print
(Historical Romance)

*****

Published many moons ago, but now republished by Ulverscroft
and available

Other titles to be announced approximately every four months.

Paperbacks can be bought from stores such as WHS or from the Reader Club direct from HM&B,
or Amazon. And of course you can find all the new ones on the library shelves. If they aren't there
– ask!

Published under the name:

EMMA QUINCEY

Title

Publisher

Availability

FORGOTTEN SINS

Piatkus

LIB-PUB-AMA

HER MOTHER'S SINS

Piatkus

LIB-PUB-AMA

Published under the name:

LYNN GRANVILLE

Title

Publisher

Availability

BITTER SWEET

Robert Hale

LIB-ULV

DARK BLOWS THE WIND

Robert Hale

LIB-ULV

PAGAN FIRES

Robert Hale

LIB-ULV

THE WITCH CHILD

Robert Hale

LIB-ULV

Published under the name:

JULIANA LINDEN

Title

Publisher

Availability

IN THE NAME OF HONOUR

Aspire (paper back)

LIB-PUB-AMA