Neither Merida nor I knew what to say. Both of us lived privileged lives compared to Derex, especially me. Merida’s family wasn’t of nobility, but they had a comfortable home and Bezilo Pierce had a steady occupation. Merida was never hungry, and she never wanted anything.
“Would you like to come in and meet everyone?” Derex asked. “I am home from the butcher’s shop only for half an hour, but I would love to introduce you to my family, if you would like.”
In my mind I could hear Jack telling me that going into this man’s house was daft. I had only met Derex that week, but he seemed so innocent. Besides, Malachi was with me. No harm would come to Merida and me. How could I refuse such a humble offer?
“I would love to meet them,” I replied. I turned to Merida. “You can stay out here with Sir Malachi if you want.” But Malachi was already by my side with his hand on his sword again, and Merida clung to my arm.
“I’m not sure this is a good idea,” Malachi said in my ear.
“Don’t worry; I have you.” I nudged his arm.
He looked flattered, and to my surprise he followed us up the path to Derex’s house. Sometimes, all it took was a compliment to get him to comply.
As soon as we entered the small, dim house, I heard the voices of children. A woman was in the kitchen, and there were little children playing on the dirt floor around her.
“Everyone, I'd like to introduce Lady Scarlett,” Derex said. The house grew silent, and the children’s faces filled with shock as they stared at me.
“Oh, my lady! This is such a surprise!” The woman who I assumed was Derex's mother ran over and curtsied. “Please, come and sit down.” She led me to a chair in the kitchen, and before I had time to protest, she instructed Derex's whole family to prepare food for me. They all raced around the small kitchen, bumping into each other.
The awkwardness carried on as Merida and Malachi stood in the corner, unnoticed. Derex’s family placed a plate of food in front of me. Then they all stared at me. I couldn’t possibly eat these people’s food! They all looked close to starving, nothing but skin and bones, and food was much too convenient for me to take it from them.
The inside of the house was worse than the outside. I hadn’t realized just what kind of life Derex lived. Compassion welled up inside me. He must have thought me a spoiled, rich girl with a perfect life. I had everything I needed and didn’t even have to work for it. But Derex worked hard every day — I could tell, as he looked worn even at his young age — and still he barely had enough food, couldn’t afford nice clothes, and slept on a dirt floor.
But as much as I didn’t want to take food from their mouths, I knew it would be an insult to refuse. “Thank you very much. You are all very hospitable.”
Derex looked embarrassed by his family. “Let’s let Lady Scarlett meet everyone.”
His intervention saved me from the awkwardness I felt. He first introduced me to his mother. She was kind, but I wasn’t sure she was completely sane.
“And these are my sisters.” He motioned to five girls standing in one corner of the kitchen. “Brigette, Kristina, Rosamund, Anna, and Lena.”
“Hello,” they all said, curtsying and smiling sweetly.
“And this,” Derex went on, “is my little brother, Tommy. He is three.”
An adorable little boy with shaggy blonde hair stood and smiled at me with large dimples.
“Hello,” I said, waving to him.
“Hello.” His cheeks turned pink.
I smiled and placed my hand over my heart, wanting to take the precious little boy home with me. To feed him, bathe him, and clothe him properly.
“Didn’t you say you had an older brother?” I asked Derex.
Before he could answer, a tall man with hair a slight shade darker than Derex's entered the house. His facial expression reminded me of Cordel, only much humbler. His skin was tanned, and his shoulders looked muscular from years of physical labor.
“This,” Derex said, “is my brother Barrett.”
The young man’s eyes locked with mine, and he got to one knee, bowing so low my eyes widened in surprise. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Lady Scarlett.”
“Thank you, Barrett.”
“He is nineteen, older than me by three years,” Derex explained.
Jack’s age.
Barrett was handsome, even in layman’s clothes and with a bit of black soot on his face. He looked like he worked with the blacksmith, as his hands were dirty. His clear blue eyes glistened in the slight sunlight coming through the small windows. I couldn’t help but glance at Merida, as I wondered what she thought of this man. Her eyes were wide, staring at Barrett.
“It is very nice to meet you, Barrett,” I said. “And all of you. Derex, you have a wonderful family.” I glanced around at each of them. True, they had close to nothing, but they had one another. And they seemed to love each other very much.
Malachi cleared his throat from behind me. I jumped up from the wobbly chair. “I should be going, but first I would like to introduce my friend Merida, the daughter of Bezilo Pierce.” I grabbed her hand and pulled her forward to stand in front of Barrett.
“It's very nice to meet you, Miss Merida.” Barrett gave her a handsome half smile and bowed to her.
“You as well.” Her voice was a bit squeaky, and she looked like all the air had been sucked from her lungs.
When Malachi cleared his throat again, I nodded to Derex’s mother. “Well, I think we should leave now. Thank you for your hospitality.”
“Goodbye!” she called. “Come whenever you'd like, my lady. You are always welcome in our humble home.” She continued to wave at us much longer than necessary.
“Thank you,” I replied. Then I looked at Derex. “I will see you soon.”
As soon as we got back onto the street, I said to Merida, “They are so kind, especially that Barrett.”
Her cheeks pinked, and she smiled.
“I knew you would think he was handsome, Merida.”
“Well, he is very handsome. And did you see the respect he showed you? Oh, Scarlett, he was so polite!”
I laughed. “You are a hopeless romantic.”
“But what’s wrong with that? Someday you’ll understand. Someday, when you meet a man you think is handsome, and it will be love at first sight.”
“Don’t be stupid,” I said. “There’s no such thing.”
Merida frowned.
Getting married wasn’t something I thought about often. It was fun to try to pair my friend up with handsome men, but I didn’t believe in falling in love with a man for his good looks. “Perhaps I would be excited to get married if I had as much say in the matter as you. My father will probably try to marry me off to someone wealthy — someone old. Surely he won’t be handsome like Barrett.”
Merida snorted. “There are plenty of wealthy men who are handsome.”
“Yes, but aren’t they all much older than I? And don’t they all live somewhere far off, like England or Ireland?”
“Not all.” She wasn’t very convincing. “Besides, your father is kind. I don’t think he would force a marriage on you.”
He had forced a marriage on Cordel. Ever since my brother was a young boy, he had to live with the fact that his wife was already chosen for him. Even if he hated Lady Grizelda, he had to marry her. That was the law.
We continued talking about Barrett as we walked through the village and toward the courtyard. I felt bad for Sir Malachi, having to listen to our entire conversation.
Sir Jeremiah ran up to us when we approached the courtyard gate. “Lady Scarlett. Your father requests your presence in his private study at once.” The urgent look on Sir Jeremiah's face made me worry. What could it be this time?
“All right.” Then I turned to Merida. “You should go.”
“Will I see you tomorrow?” she asked.
“Of course. I wouldn’t miss your birthday for anything.” Then I followed Malachi and Jeremiah into the castle.
Once inside the study with only Father, Malachi, and Jeremiah, Father spoke quickly. “Scarlett. What I'm about to tell you is very important. You need to promise not to tell anyone about this until I give my consent. Not your maid, not Merida Pierce. Nobody.”
I nodded. “All right.”
Father began, “Do you remember Duke Aaron and Duchess Liliann, from the ball?”
“Yes. They had two daughters, right?”
“Lady Elsa and Lady Sabine. The two of them are in danger. The region where they live is under attack, and the two princesses need to come and stay in Darrenberg for a while to be protected. They will arrive tonight, but it could be very late. Do not tell anyone why they are here, but only say that they are visiting and that they are our friends.”
Trying to take all this in, I nodded. “How long will they stay?”
“I know not, and neither do their parents. I have told you all the information I know. I was only told a few details in a message from Duke Aaron.”
The only person who ever really stayed with us was Lady Grizelda. Besides that, it was just the servants and our family who stayed at the castle.
I worried about the princesses, but I didn’t want to bother my father with more questions. He had moved on and was speaking to Malachi and Jeremiah now.
###
Later that night, I bathed and, after Britta talked me into it, I put on the yellow dress I wore the day Cordel arrived.
I went down to the Hall and found Sir Malachi, my father, and many guards assembled there. Malachi glanced twice at me when I entered, his eyes growing wide. I went to stand beside him.
“You're very dressed up this evening.” He eyed my dress.
“Yes, well, my maid forced me.” I laughed. “She wants me to make a good impression on the princesses.”
“I am sure you will.” Malachi turned to look straight ahead toward my father, who stood at the front of the room.
I hoped my cheeks weren’t red. Being complimented by Sir Malachi was not something that occurred very often. He was a man of very few words and even fewer emotions.
“Everyone,” my father said in a loud voice. Cordel and Jack entered from the back of the room then. “Very soon, Lady Elsa and Lady Sabine of Dovehoven will join us. Lord willing, all will be well during their stay in Darrenberg, and they will be sent back to Dovehoven in due time. But should any of you see a sign of anything suspicious, report it to me. I want to make certain the princesses are safe, and be sure none of the men threatening their region have followed them. I do not know many details of who is attacking Dovehoven or why, but I will tell you soon, once I get the information. Now, let us go and welcome our guests.”
Most of the guards turned to leave and go outside, where the sun had already gone down. Jack approached me. “I’m scared for them, Jack. They must be so bewildered.”
“They will be all right. Father won’t let anyone harm them.”
“You’re right. It’s good they’re coming here.”
He got a sly look. “It’s only unfortunate they aren’t older.”
I rolled my eyes. “You are repulsive.”
Cordel stood looking impatient. I guess Father and Jack talked him into coming here to greet the girls, but he obviously had more important things to do.
A guard came into the Hall and reported that the princesses had arrived.
Sir Jeremiah escorted the princesses into the castle. My brothers, Father, and I rushed over to greet them. Both had fear in their large eyes as they clutched each other’s hands.
Father said, “Guten Abend — Good evening. Welcome to Darrenberg. I promise you will be safe and protected while you’re here. We have prepared a bedchamber for you beside my daughter’s, and a maid will help you with whatever you need.”
The girls were reluctant to reply. Finally, Lady Elsa, the older of the two, said, “I thank you, Your Grace. You are most kind.”
“You’re welcome. These are my sons, Lord Erguston and Lord Jack, but I’m certain they wouldn’t mind if you call them Cordel and Jack.” He smiled.
The girls curtsied and my brothers bowed. “My chamber is right down the corridor from yours, and if you ever needed anything, I could be there in a matter of seconds,” Jack assured them.
The younger girl, Lady Sabine, peeked out from behind her sister. Her cheeks were pink, and her hair was blonde. Lady Elsa had light brown hair and brown eyes. They both wore rather fancy gowns and had their hair in neat buns.
“I’m sure you remember my daughter, Scarlett.” Father touched my shoulder.
The girls said hello. “It’s lovely to see you both again,” I said. “May I show you to your room?” They nodded, so I tucked the younger girl under my arm and walked with them to the grand staircase. Neither of them spoke as we walked to their chamber.
“This is where you’ll sleep,” I said when we reached it. Then I pointed to my door. “My chamber is there. I’m very close by, and so is my maid, Britta. Don’t hesitate if you need anything.”
“Thank you,” Lady Elsa replied in a mere whisper. I felt like I should be offended by their lack of enthusiasm, but I reminded myself of what they were going through. They must have been exhausted from their journey and frightened by the situation.
“I’ll let you both settle. If you are hungry, we can ask a servant to bring you some food.”
They both nodded, glancing around the chamber.
“My father’s men are bringing in your things now,” I said.
Lady Sabine had tears in her eyes.
“Are you all right, dear?”
“We will be fine,” Lady Elsa replied for her sister. “Thank you for everything.”
“Of course. Goodnight.”
I turned and left. My heart ached for the girls. I wanted to embrace little Sabine, but she seemed so shy and reserved.
Perhaps they would feel better after a night of rest.
CHAPTER 12
“Happy birthday, Merida!” I threw my arms around her neck as she stepped outside her house. Today was her seventeenth birthday, and Malachi and I came to go walking with her.
Merida gathered her things and the three of us, along with her little brother Max, headed toward the market. I bought a blueberry pie for her to take home to share with her family. Then Max bought her a pale pink rose.
“Thank you, Max!” Merida kissed his cheek.
We walked through the streets, looking at shops and stands selling a variety of wares. Merida wandered over to a small cart of ribbon and fabric while Malachi, Max, and I looked at an archery cart.
“Scarlett, come here!” Merida called from across the street, holding up a piece of pink fabric.
“Lady Scarlett?” an unfamiliar voice asked.
I turned around. A tall man in a black robe and a hood pulled slightly over his face stood looking down at me. A chill went down my spine.
“Yes, I am she,” I answered.
The man did not bow. “May I request you direct me to the blacksmith's shop? You see, I am new to this region, and my horse will need new shoes after the long trip here.” He held the reins of a huge horse — few people of Darrenberg had horses that looked like that unless they were of nobility.
“It's in that direction,” I pointed. “Down that side street there.”
The man continued to study my face. He reminded me slightly of Cordel — the deep voice and the tall, broad frame. When I grew uncomfortable, I broke eye contact.
Finally, he said, “Thank you,” and hurried off in that direction.
Malachi ran to my side. “What business do you have speaking to the princess?” he called after the man.
But he had disappeared into the crowd.
“It’s all right, Malachi,” I said. “He only wanted directions.”
But Malachi looked angry as he stared after the man. “Why did he ask you, of all people?”
I shook my head. “What does it matter?” Then I went to find Merida.
I had not seen the prince
sses of Dovehoven that day before leaving the castle. I heard they stayed in their chamber and had breakfast brought to them. I decided I would have to go visit them later and make sure they were doing all right.
Merida gushed over some pink fabric I didn’t have much interest in. She went on about how she could make a new dress with it.
While she spoke, I glanced across the street and saw Derex Peterson and his brother. I touched Merida's shoulder. “Look.”
She looked, and as soon as she did, her eyes got wide and her lips parted. She put the fabric back in the merchant’s cart. I took her hand and pulled her into the street.
“Stop!” she protested.
“What's wrong?”
“I need a looking glass. What does my hair look like?” She reached up and smoothed her braid.
I laughed. “You look beautiful, Merida.”
She hesitated, but finally she let me pull her across the street.
Max and Malachi followed.
“Hello, Lady Scarlett!” Derex called when he saw us. He gave a cheerful smile and bowed.
“Hello, Derex. Barrett,” I said.
Barrett bowed like last time, only he didn't get on one knee. “Lady Scarlett. Miss Pierce.”
Merida curtsied and introduced Max.
“What brings you here today?” Derex asked.
“We are just walking,” I explained. “It’s Merida’s birthday, so we have been shopping in the market.” I smiled at Merida while she blushed.
“Happy birthday, Merida,” Barrett said, giving her his handsome half smile.
“Thank you.” She looked at the ground.
The six of us began walking along the side of the cobblestone road. I began to feel uneasy when Derex asked, “I heard that two princesses from…Dovehoven? I think that's it. I heard they’re staying in Darrenberg. How did that come about?”
I looked at Malachi, who was staring intently at me with an expression that said, “Don’t you mess this up.”
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