The Crimson Castle

by Samantha Holt

  Evelyn looked at Isabel in surprise. “Not you, surely, Isabel?”

  She could not see jovial Isabel being oppressed by her husband.

  “Nay not I, although there are times when I would enjoy some conflict. Sir Walter was more than double my age when we married and no livelier than he is now. Still, a wise woman knows how to control her husband and ‘tis not without its merits.”

  “I doubt there would be much controlling Lord Tibald. Not even you could accomplish that task, Isabel.”

  The shrill sound of a woman’s scream echoed through the air, breaking their merriment. A scurrying look at the source revealed a young family stood in the muddied road while a small hoard of Tibald’s guards surrounded what Evelyn assumed to be their home. Further inspection revealed several other peasants with the same look of distress on their faces. The sound of angry male voices drew her attention to a group of men, in front of which Sir Gabriel stood.

  “Isabel, what is happening?” She turned to her, still clinging to her arm as Isabel looked on with sadness on her face.

  “A burning I should think.”

  “A burning?”

  Evelyn spotted the torches ready to be lit, awaiting their moment to wreak their destruction on the wooden shelters.

  “Aye, not uncommon here, I believe.”

  “Can we not do something?”

  She watched in horror as Gabriel pushed away from the men and the guards stepped in front of them, forcing them back from their homes. A shouted order saw the torches lit. Evelyn knew such events were not unusual but she had never seen in with her own eyes and such a barbaric act would never have been allowed to occur in Beldersert.

  Isabel gave her a woeful smile. “What would you have us do, Evelyn? Stand in front of their flaming torches? This is not our business. Come away, you would not want to witness such an act.”

  “Nay, I cannot.”

  She pulled her arm away from Isabel, dashing towards the first home. Isabel shouted after her but she ignored her, knocking past the guards who were not expecting her to barge through. As she stood in the doorway of the hut, Gabriel looked at her in incomprehension. The soldier holding the flaming torch stood mere paces away, his hand poised to set the home aflame.

  “Evelyn, what in God’s name are you doing?” His anger made his voice shake and Evelyn looked fearfully from him to the flaming stick, but she stood firmly.

  “I beg of you, do not do this!”

  Running his hand through his hair and shaking his head with a sigh, he moved towards her to grab her but she pulled her arm from his.

  “Evelyn, you should not be here. Go back to the keep.”

  “Nay, not until you stop this madness.”

  “I cannot, I have my orders.”

  “What could these families have possibly done to deserve having their homes destroyed?”

  “They have not paid their rents for many months, Evelyn. ‘Tis no more than they would expect.”

  “That does not mean ‘tis right!”

  She could not understand how he could be so cold, his eyes a blank mask of disinterest. Or was it weariness? Did he weary of such tasks? Hope sparked within her and as he made a grab for her once more, she kicked at his shin, causing him to yelp and let her go.

  Moving back, he looked at her in exasperation. “Hells teeth, Evelyn, do you wish to burn?”

  “I would rather burn than stand aside and do naught! Pray, Sir Gabriel, I beg of you, leave them be. I will pay their rents.”

  They stared at one another for a while, panting with fear and frustration, both weighing up each other’s intents. Truth be told, Evelyn knew full well that Gabriel could easily remove her from the doorway but she relied on him not wishing to manhandle her in front of a crowd. The watching mob waited with baited breath for the outcome of what had been one of the most exciting events in Etone.

  He exhaled and gave a gruff, “Fine!”

  Turning to his men, he ordered them to stand down. Evelyn gave a sigh of relief, rushing towards Gabriel and flinging her arms around his neck causing the bystanders to laugh at his look of shock. Remembering herself, and the man who she was touching so familiarly, she straightened with a look of embarrassment.

  “I thank you, Gabriel.”

  He nodded brusquely with a roll of his eyes as she fumbled in her purse for coins, pressing them into his hand. Folding them into his palm, he ordered his men to disperse before turning to her briefly.

  “You may think that you have helped, Evelyn, but you do not know Tibald as I do. You do not aid these people with your charity; you only serve to aggravate their pain.”

  “I do not understand the workings of such a mind, that much I will admit to, but I will sleep soundly tonight knowing my conscience is clear. Tell me, Sir Gabriel, how will you sleep tonight?”

  He gave a grunt and stalked away from her as the peasants rushed forwards to thank her. She smiled at their effusive words but she could not help but wonder with a pang of unease what Gabriel had meant.

  Isabel scolded her playfully, “Lady Evelyn, you are more outrageous than I! You stood in a burning doorway was truly a sight to behold.”

  “’Twas not burning, Isabel!” Evelyn objected.

  Isabel continued, ignoring her interruption, “Why, it took all my composure not to run in there and join you. I was sure Sir Gabriel was going to throw you over his shoulder and cart you away! I, for one, would have gone willingly.”

  Pleased to have Isabel to lighten to mood, Evelyn could not help but chuckle.

  “I must admit I thought he would, especially after I kicked him. I am sorry I hurt him.”

  “Oh, I think it would take more than a delicate foot to damage a man like him. His pride, however, is most likely severely injured. He must have a high regard for you to allow you to make such a fool of him. ‘Twill be long before the rabble respect him again.”

  “I did not intend to make a fool of him…” Evelyn bit at her lip, “but he deserves no less for attempting such a callous deed.”

  Isabel gave her a grin with a slight shake of her head. “Oh, Evelyn, how I wish I could see things as you do! But I fear too much time in the world of men and I am as heartless as your Sir Gabriel.”

  “He is not mine!” Evelyn protested with enough vigour to extend Isabel’s mischievous smile. “And I do not believe it; you are as sympathetic as I.”

  “Once I was, mayhap. Now I am resigned to the ways of men. ‘Tis in their nature to destroy and there is naught you or I can do about it. No matter how many burning buildings you should like to take residence in!” Isabel added with a sassy raise of an eyebrow.

  “Oh, Isabel, I shall miss you. It had been a true pleasure to share your company. Will you not visit me at Beldersert should I ever return?”

  “I shall indeed, just as I shall pray for your safe return.”

  ***

  Isabel and Sir Walter left with many of the guests that afternoon though some lingered making the castle a little livelier than usual and Evelyn was thankful that Tibald’s attention would still be diverted from her.

  Saying goodbye to Isabel distressed her more than she expected for such a short acquaintance and she felt truly alone once more. Isabel gave her hand a squeeze as she left and looked at her with an uncharacteristic seriousness.

  “Be cautious, Evelyn, I fear you do not comprehend the danger you may find yourself in.”

  Evelyn gave her a reassuring smile as she watched them depart in spite of the anxiety pooling in the pit of her stomach. An aching sense of loneliness threatened to consume her and she held back the tears of frustration as she made her way back to her chamber, her solitude seemingly emphasised with the thud of the door as it shut behind her.

  ***

  Up in the minstrel’s gallery, Evelyn stood watching Tibald and Gabriel with apprehension. She couldn’t see Tibald’s face but he could be heard throughout the keep, his voice echoing off the stone walls and she had scuttled to the hall to see what the commot
ion was. Seeing the scarper of servants and guests alike, she made her way to the gallery, her sense of curiosity triumphing over her need for self-preservation, as it was want to do on many occasions.

  Gabriel stood stoically in front of him, his face expressionless aside from a weary cast to his eyes, probably used to Tibald’s ranting’s.

  “If I give you an order, I expect it carried out!” Tibald was pacing, agitated, his fists clenched at his sides.

  “My lord, the taxes were paid. There was no need to punish them.”

  He stepped towards him and a flinch from Gabriel brought a gasp from Evelyn, as they both expected Tibald to hit out at him. Instead he held his fists firm, glowering at the taller man.

  “Fear, Gabe! Fear is the only thing they know! Soon, they will all be thinking they can do what they like.”

  “I am sorry, my lord. I thought it best-“

  “I do not pay you to think! I pay you to burn, to beat, to destroy! What use are you if you cannot even do that? Where in the blazes did they get the damned money from anyway?”

  “You have the money now, my lord, surely the source does not matter.”

  Evelyn jumped back into the shadows as Gabriel’s eyes flicked up to where she was standing, a cautioning look in them. Why did he not just say it was her? Surely Tibald would not treat her so?

  “Are you trying to be facetious? You know better than anyone that the rabble must be controlled and that I do not take kindly to orders being disobeyed. Have you any excuse for your behaviour?”

  Gabriel cast his eyes down, resignation written in his body. “None, my lord.”

  Tibald circled him, like an eagle hunting his prey. Evelyn saw his face as he moved slowly round him and the ice in his eyes sickened her. In a flash of a movement, Tibald struck out at Gabriel, a backhand to his face. Evelyn cried out at the crack of flesh upon flesh and shot out of the shadows, unsure of what to do next, but knowing she could not remain silent.

  Tibald looked at her in surprise as Gabriel gave her a grim look of warning and an almost imperceptible shake of his head. She dashed down the steps into the hall; heedless of the danger she was placing herself in.

  “Please stop, my lord.”

  She hurried over to him and was about to place a placatory hand upon his arm until she saw that look in his eyes now directed at her. She froze, eyes wide, her heart hammering in fear.

  Tibald licked his lips, tilting his head back so he could look down his nose at her. “Do you have something to say, Lady Evelyn?” his voice hissed out through his teeth.

  Gulping, she drew in a calming breath and met his eyes. She would not be intimidated by such a man. “’Twas my fault that Sir Gabriel did not act upon his orders, I begged him not to.”

  He pressed his lips together, a finger coming upon them as he studied her. “I had not thought Sir Gabriel could be so easily swayed by a woman…and the money?”

  Briefly closing her eyes, she met his gaze reluctantly once more. “’Twas mine.”

  He let out a sharp laugh before moving closer to her, his hot breath upon her cheek. A glance at Gabriel revealed a clenched jaw, his hands flexing at his side as if barely controlling himself and Evelyn secretly pleaded him to restrain himself. Suppressing a shudder as Tibald’s eyes raked up and down her, she flinched at the sharp bite in his voice.

  “May I suggest, my lady, that you stay out of matters that do not concern you?”

  He seized her arm, making her jump and look at him in shock. He began to drag her, fingers pinching into her flesh, to the entranceway of the hall.

  As he shoved her towards the door, his voice raised, “Interfere in my business again and you will regret it, that I promise. Now leave us! If I should come upon you once more today I will take great pleasure in showing you the error of your ways. I recommend you stay confined to your room for the rest of the day!”

  Evelyn tumbled through the doorway and fled, the shock of the encounter draining her courage. She had known a sinister temper sat behind the mask of benevolence, but to witness it up close was truly petrifying. She prayed his temper had been spent on her and that Gabriel would suffer no more because of her actions.

  The blazing cerulean of his eyes were burnt into her mind, the mixture of valour and resignation sickening her as she speculated as to his fate, but it was the fear in them that played on her most, particularly when she realised it was not for himself but purely for her.

  ***

  The sun was setting when he found her, an amber glow setting her usually pale features alight, her flaxen hair shimmering as it fluttered in the light night air. She stared out at the sunset over the wall, its waning light casting shadows over the terrain, potently beautiful but somewhat ominous, the orange cast licking at the castle walls as if it were aflame - a sinister reminder of previous deeds.

  His heart pounded at the sight of her, a sickening thud against the wall of his chest. He had faced many a dangerous foe but none incited such a reaction within him as she did. He stopped suddenly unsure as to why he had searched her out. She was an angel of light, luring him in like a moth to a flame. Doubt filled him and he drew back, but it was too late, she turned and saw him. He thought he saw a spark of pleasure upon seeing him, her slight smile sending a jolt to his heart. As she neared her expression changed to one of pity and Gabriel fought the urge to turn and flee.

  Pity was the last thing he wanted and yet he knew when he met her with his battered face it would be what he received. Why, then had he searched her out? To prove his worth to her mayhap? His mind battled with his heart, knowing of the irrationality behind his behaviour. Falling for the intended bride of his lord had to be his most foolish deed throughout his years of service to Tibald.

  “Oh Gabriel…was this…?” she trailed off as he neared her, her voice filled with remorse. “Was this because of me? Did Tibald punish you for my behaviour this day?”

  Seeing the pity and unable to bear it, he turned his face from her. “‘Tis no matter.”

  “I am sorry.”

  She reached up to him and ran a finger over his cheek, tracing the cuts. He closed his eyes momentarily and turned back towards her. She put her other hand up to his face and cupped it gently.

  “I am sorry,” she repeated, brushing her hand over his swollen lip.

  All coherent thought gone under her soft caress, he grasped her hand, placing quick fevered kisses against her palm with no thought for what her reaction may be. Instead of withdrawing she pushed her palm into his lips, her mouth opening in a gasp, her lids fluttering closed. He could not help but stop and stare in awe at her beauty, the last of the daylight highlighting her lips, begging to be kissed.

  “I would take a thousand beatings for you, Evie.”

  Her eyes opened at his words and, leaning towards him, she placed a kiss upon the corner of his lips. Gabriel jumped slightly at this touch but, before he had had time to take any other action, she had shifted her mouth, placing her lips fully on his. He whispered her name against her lips and gripped at her shoulders, as she clutched at his upper arms. His mouth was still sore but the honeyed taste of her made him forget his pain as his mind fell into a deep haze of desire, and he bundled her closer to him, her fragrance engulfing him.

  Disbelief registered in his thoughts briefly, wondering mayhap if he was in a sweet, sweet dream, as he gratefully tasted the lusciousness of her inviting lips. All doubts of the reality of their embrace were erased when she spread her hands across his chest with a gentle moan, their featherlike touch scorching a fiery path through his shirt, forever imprinting the feel of her caress in his memory.

  Evelyn found herself lost in the feeling and wanting more. A gasp heaved from her as he opened his lips to hers and she felt the hotness of his mouth, her knees trembling beneath her. She inhaled in wonder at the intensity of the sensations that shot through her, all rationality gone. The image of his handsome face, marred by the consequences of her actions, pulled at her heart and she finally came to unders
tand how her recklessness had such an effect on others. As his tongue brushed against hers, the images faded and were replaced with an uncontrollable urge to touch him.

  Struggling for air, Gabriel broke the connection and trailed kisses down her neck. She moved her hands down his arms, enjoying the feel of his powerful form, his muscles undulating under her touch. Her hands slid around his back and under his shirt, finally rewarded by the warmth of him under her fingertips. She felt him shudder under her touch and she marvelled at the feel of his smooth, taut skin. Her hands travelled up and down his back until her fingers brushed against one of the many scars scattered across his back.

  Gabriel stiffened at this, quickly lifting his head, an unreadable look on his face. Evelyn dropped her hands abruptly and looked at him in confusion, chest still heaving. They stared at each other for a moment; their faces still close enough to feel the breath from one another.

  She reached up a hand to his face, the light touch causing him to flinch and, as if she had set him alight, he pushed her back roughly so she stumbled, almost losing her footing. She looked at him in astonishment as he cursed crudely and, as he ran a hand through his hair, he finally looked up at her, regret etched across his face.

  “‘Tis late, my lady, I shall disturb you no longer.” And with that he left, leaving her to watch the broad outline of his back fade into the darkness.

  ***

  When out of her sight he laid against the stone wall momentarily, hoping to abate his passions in the cool night air. His fist clenched in shame as the memory of her hot kisses, her willingness echoed in his mind. So unexpected were they, he could barely believe what had just taken place and he angered at his own eager response, knowing hers were likely to be caused by pity.

  Once again he had proved himself contemptible, behaving as an oaf rather than with chivalry as a knight ought. If she would ever forgive him for his rough behaviour, he would be surprised. And he would not blame her, for what kind of a man takes a woman in his arms only to fling her away?

  Gabriel’s body throbbed from his beating, but he was glad of the pain. It served as a reminder as to the danger that woman was. If Tibald ever found out that Gabriel had laid a finger on Evelyn, he would probably have his hands removed.