title: Swan Bride (Swan Maiden, Book 1)
author:  Betina Lindsey 
description: Moria grew to womanhood in the realm of Myr, wise in the art of women, and utterly innocent of the ways of men. her delicate beauty belied her inner strength...yet she wondered, trembling. For tonight she passed through the circle of stone into the world of men...
zlib_text: 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  The Swan Maiden
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Heather Tomlinson
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  For Stan
  
  
  
  
  
  Thank you, my honey
  
  
  
  
  
  -H.T.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Chapter One
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ***
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  I n the quiet hour before dawn, Doucette Aigleron crept from her bed. The
  chill air made her shiver as, mouse quiet, she finger-combed her hair into two
  long plaits and dressed in a shift, gown, and pair of thick wool stockings.
  
  
  
  
  
  Dim gray light filtered through the shutters, picking out silver candlesticks,
  richly carved chests, the sparkle of silk ribbons, and the softer sheen of
  three long fur robes hanging on pegs by the canopied bed. Though velvet
  curtains partly veiled the bed's two remaining occupants, Doucette looked to
  make sure her rustling garments hadn't disturbed her older sisters. Then,
  shoes in hand, she tiptoed across the tower chamber and around the pair of
  leather bags by the door.
  
  
  
  
  
  One had been packed and strapped closed--Azelais's orderly work, no doubt.
  Doucette's hand skimmed along t