CHAPTER SIXThe Duke flung open the door of the room in time to hear Elva scream again.
She was fighting fiercely against Prince Ivor, who was pulling at her gown in an attempt to lift her off her feet and onto the bed.
The Duke rushed forward.
As the Prince saw him coming, he released Elva.
Even as he did so, the Duke struck him a violent blow on the chin and he fell backwards with a crash onto the floor.
Elva flung herself at the Duke and he put his arms protectively around her. He was conscious of her whole body trembling against his.
She hid her face against his shoulder as he soothed her,
“It’s all right, Elva, he will not hurt you again.”
Prince Ivor now raised himself off the floor into a sitting position.
“You have insulted me,” he grated, “and I demand satisfaction.”
The
