The Crimson Castle

by Samantha Holt

  Looking over to Gabriel, the pounding subsided. He was alive! The moment she had seen him enter the clearing she was struck by such overwhelming fear that Lazarus would indeed succeed and kill him. The image of the arrow hitting him still made her stomach lurch and she had been convinced at that moment that he was dead. Moments from death herself, the sweet relief of his arms around her, his voice murmuring reassurances in her ear, felt like pure ecstasy.

  He was sat with his shirt discarded on the floor, attempting to patch up the arrow wound in his shoulder. Evelyn watched his face crinkle in frustration as he was struggled to dress the lesion with only the one hand. She smiled slightly to herself as she watched the concentration in his face.

  Moving over towards him, he looked up at her with a start, so involved in the task at hand that he had not noticed she was awake.

  She took the bandage out of his hand. “Let me help you.”

  Gabriel didn’t say anything but stiffened under her touch as she cleaned the wound and began to apply the dressing.

  With each touch to his exposed body, her breath shortened and she could feel the heat filling her cheeks. She smiled at him, attempting to hide her reaction to his bare chest.

  “This seems familiar…” referring to the last time she had nursed him, “…although you are being a better behaved patient this time.”

  Gabriel’s frown deepened and Evelyn, mistaking the reason behind it, felt foolish for making a joke of his injury. After all, she had been the cause of it.

  “I am sorry, Gabriel. ‘Twas my fault that you sustained injury, I know. I am just…just grateful that you were not killed,” her voice choked slightly as her emotions caught up with her.

  He looked up at her in surprise and saw the shimmering in her eyes. She fumbled at his wound and Gabriel winced. As she drew her hand back in apology; he quickly grabbed it and kissed her palm, a gesture so familiar to her now. He stood slowly, still saying nothing, and took the remaining bandaging from her unresisting hands, placing it on the side.

  Evelyn took a slight step back, his naked form seeming to tower over her. She struggled to breathe, feeling as if the air had suddenly been sucked from the room. She froze now as she watched his hand move towards her neck.

  He slowly lifted her hair, with the lightest of touches, and studied the mark on her neck. She shuddered as his thumb accidently brushed against her neck.

  “Forgive me for having allowed this to happen, Evie,” he said gruffly, his voice filled with remorse.

  Her body softened and she put a hand on his arm, somehow feeling he needed comfort almost more than she did.

  “‘Twas not your fault, Gabriel, we both know it was my recklessness that put us in danger. Will you forgive me? ”

  As he glowered over her, Evelyn was once again struck by what an imposing man he was. His strong features and furrowed brow still remained stern and Evelyn wondered what it must be like to go through life, inciting fear by the mere sight of you. It was no wonder Gabriel had struggled to find his place in life.

  His features softened and a slight smile slid across his mouth. “Evie, you are reckless and headstrong but I would have it no other way. I love you.” His last words came out in a sudden rush, as if he feared if he did not say it, it would never be uttered.

  She blinked at him, his words robbing her of speech and breath, creating an agonising ache within her. He had said those words to her before, but in such anger that she dared not believe she would hear them again. Somehow his declaration stripped any remnants of bravado and she felt acutely exposed.

  Undeterred by her silence, he closed the distance between them, skimming his fingers up her arms until his hands captured her face.

  “‘Tis well enough, Evelyn; I know I am a fool to hope for your love. That you even allow me to touch you is more than I deserve.”

  Before she could respond, a thumb brushed across her bottom lip as he placed a tender kiss to her forehead, the bristle of his chin contrasting with the softness of his mouth, causing a flutter within her chest. Her hands traced a path up the rigid muscles of his stomach, landing on his chest and, as he inhaled sharply, she pressed her lips upon his.

  Her body ached, her neck and arms sore from her ordeal, but it was nothing compared to the ache that this man created within her, creating fissions of a feeling unknown to her until meeting him. His hands wound through her hair, as she explored his solid chest, luxuriating in the freedom of being able to touch him. Breaking from his teasing tongue, she pressed a scorching open mouthed kiss to his chest, causing him to tighten his clasp on her hair.

  “Sweet Lord, Evelyn!” he groaned huskily.

  Pulling her back from him, he looked over her with a slanting smile. “Would that I could receive your attentions forevermore but I must tend to my shoulder. And you, my lady, would benefit from tending to yourself.”

  Guiltily, she withdrew her hands, eyeing the laceration. He moved back to his chair so she could finish treating him, but not before brushing a tender kiss across her lust swollen mouth, causing her to release a moan of frustration as he moved away.

  With his wound patched, he donned his ripped shirt with the aid of Evelyn, much to her disappointment. He caught the look in her eyes and his eyes glinted in return, a silent promise emitting through the stifling atmosphere of the small room.

  Reaching for her hand he led her to the chair, motioning to her to sit down. “Your turn, my lady.”

  She frowned at being ordered around but sat anyway, the promising gleam still in his eyes causing fervent desire to bubble up within her. Sulky discontentment soon revealed itself on her face as he began to clean her face, dabbing gently at her scratches, and he laughed at her petulant expression.

  “The lady is displeased.”

  Evelyn reddened but lifted her chin, using her bravado to cover her embarrassment at being so obvious. “I had thought I might deserve more than these simple ministrations after my ordeal.”

  Eliciting a chuckle from him, her heart lifting at the sound, she studied him as he continued to tenderly dab at the grazes on her arms. Watching him now, she wondered how she could have ever thought of him as depraved. Here he exhibited far more caring and consideration than any other man she had known.

  “What has changed, Evie?”

  She broke out of her contemplation to catch him staring at her intently. “What do you mean?”

  “I am still the same man, Evie. My deeds are unchanged, yet you would allow me to kiss you with such passion. I do not think you to be a woman who takes pleasure in tormenting a man but pray tell me if this is some female trickery.”

  “Nay, this is not trickery. Surely you do not think me capable of such cruelty?”

  “I do not but my heart will not withstand another rejection. I must know that these are not the actions of a woman merely grateful to her rescuer.”

  Evelyn captured his hand and brushed a kiss across his knuckles. She had not considered that she had hurt him so badly, so caught up in her own sorrow; she had given little thought to the pain he was going through.

  “I would not reject you, Gabriel. I realise now I was wrong about you.”

  “You were not so wrong, Evelyn,” he said grimly.

  “You are a good man, Gabriel. I know that now. I still wish you had done things differently, but I understand you better now.”

  “I am sorry for my behaviour; you should not have had to endure it. I swear to you I will never behave so again.”

  Leaning forward, she kissed him gently. “You are forgiven.”

  Surprise and gratitude lit his face. “You are too generous, Evie. I do not deserve it.”

  “Gabriel of Merston, when will you learn that you cannot tell me what to do? If I choose to bestow my forgiveness on you, you had better accept it!”

  He gave a gruff laugh at this and Evelyn was glad to have lightened the mood once more. He pulled her close, burying his head in her curls, and Evelyn shuddered at the feel of his breath on her neck. The
air fairly crackled as the coarseness of his jaw chafed across her cheek, seeking her mouth.

  Hauling her to her feet, she found herself in his embrace once more and unable to deny him what he sought, heady desire commanding her body to do as he bid. The brush of his lips across her ear caused her to shudder and she clutched at him as she wilted under his touch. With a growl he pulled her hard to him, her breasts crushed against the unforgiving solidity of his chest. She registered his rigid manhood pressing into her and her body arched against it.

  It took an inhuman amount of restraint not to lead her to the bed and take her then and there when he felt her soft sweetness pressed against him. But Evelyn deserved better than that and he drew back from her, releasing her slowly as she faltered under his grip. She stood, chest heaving, a flush upon her lips and, in spite of her torn clothes and scratched face, appeared to him like the spirit in his dreams. He had spoken before of her being his second chance and he wondered if she was his guardian angel, helping him to become a better man.

  “Evie, you have need of food and rest.”

  She gave him a sweet smile and he thought his heart might shatter, the overwhelming emotions colliding within his chest.

  “There are other things I would rather do.”

  He groaned and rolled his eyes. Trust Evelyn to try and push him to the brink. In her innocence, she had no inkling of the kind of torture she was placing him under. Ignoring the temptation, he forced her to sit once more and had a servant bring them some food.

  As she hungrily tucked into some rye bread, Gabriel realised it must have been some time since she had last eaten and he chastised himself for not having forced her to eat sooner.

  “I will have to marry Tibald.”

  He wondered if he had misheard her but a look at her face told him he had not. Running a hand through his hair, the carefree atmosphere vanishing with her words, he paced.

  “Evie, you cannot.”

  “What choice do I have, Gabriel? He will destroy Beldersert if I do not. I am all they have now, I must do my duty.”

  Gabriel sighed, knowing now that Evelyn would never abandon the people of Beldersert but still selfishly wishing she would.

  Pausing in front of her, he muttered, “I would run away with you, you know.”

  Evelyn looked at him in surprise. “You would? But before…you said you could not leave. You said you owed Tibald.”

  “Aye, but I had not a notion of hope then. ‘Tis true, I owe him much but your safety is of more import than the debt of a condemned man.”

  “What do you owe him, Gabriel?”

  There was a pause.

  “My life.”

  She blinked at this, not expecting such an answer. “But why…?”

  “You know I…” He struggled to say the words.

  She looked at him in expectation and stood, placing her plate to one side, and putting a reassuring hand on his.

  He started again. “When it was discovered I had…killed my father I was sentenced to hang…”

  Evelyn gasped at the image of a young boy facing his death.

  “The day before it was to take place, Lord Tibald paid me a visit. He asked me about my father, about killing him. He asked me what it felt like…” Gabriel’s words came out strangled. “I had not realised it at the time but Tibald must have seen something of himself in me. He recognised the same evil spirit within me.”

  “Gabriel, you are not evil!”

  He shook his head, knowing she was wrong. “He pardoned me in exchange for my father’s land. He promised if I served him faithfully, he would restore my lands.” He snorted, “I know him well enough now to know he will never stay faithful to his promise. I know I have done wrong but I do not know what I could have done differently. Mayhap if I was stronger…I have not your courage, Evelyn.”

  “Nay, I have not courage.”

  “Yet you would submit yourself to a match with a merciless man for the sakes of your people.”

  “Do not mark me as a martyr, you know better than anyone that my selfishness has fought against this decision.”

  “I would not see you under the command of such a man; no good would come of it. I beg of you, Evie, run with me.”

  “You know I cannot. We would run for the rest of our days and the people of Beldersert would pay dearly for such folly.”

  He turned away from her to look out the window, running his hands across his face and resting his arm against the cold stone wall. He felt so powerless. All his life he had worked under the conquering grip of Tibald to gain power, to make something of himself and now he finally had found something he wanted, everything he had worked for was useless. His impotence crushed him.

  Chapter 10

  They had only succeeded in capturing a handful of the outlaws much to Tibald’s chagrin. Lazarus had not been among them, the escape having been well thought out and executed. Gabriel itched to get his hands on his villainous neck and repay him for his treatment of Evelyn but he suspected he was long gone, probably making his way north with his new found riches, just as Gabriel would if he were in the same position. Now, he had to concentrate on his new foe. Lord Tibald.

  Returning to the castle the next day, Gabriel and Evelyn were greeted by Tibald in the Great Hall.

  “Lady Evelyn!” Lord Tibald bellowed, in spite of the fact that she was right in front of him, making her jump. “You seem to have a knack of getting yourself into trouble. Not only did you cause several of my men to gain injuries…”

  Evelyn looked at her feet.

  “…you also cost me a fortune in ransom money. And you are not even my bride yet!”

  Evelyn brought her head up at this, meeting his eyes. “I will pay back any monies owed for the ransom.”

  If he noticed that she made no mention of being his bride, Tibald showed no sign of it

  “May I suggest, Lady Evelyn, that you do not go off on any more little adventures? I’ve already ordered Gabe to keep a closer watch over you. If you have no care for your own skin, then mayhap you will pay more heed to his,” he sneered and she shuddered at his tone. “Rest assured, my lady, I will not take you running off again lightly and any failure to watch over you will be severely disciplined.”

  He turned to Gabriel. “As for you, Gabriel of Merston, your carelessness shall not go unpunished! See if you won’t be more careful after you’ve had a good thrashing!”

  Evelyn looked up at him in shock and then to Gabriel to see his reaction to this, but he remained expressionless, avoiding her gaze.

  “Lord Tibald!”

  He raised his brow at her, his mouth stretched into a thin, disproving line. “Do you have something to say, my lady? Maybe you wish to watch the punishment…” he chuckled at this, his eyes wide with glee, “or mayhap you’d like to do it yourself?”

  “Pray, my lord, Sir Gabriel saved my life.” She could not see Gabriel hurt a second time through her actions, it would surely break her.

  “Which would not have needing saving if it hadn’t been for his negligence!”

  “Lord Tibald, it was my fault, my rashness meant Sir Gabriel could not keep watch over me. Pray do not punish him.” She could see her words were having little effect and she added falteringly, “I beg of you, my lord.”

  “Oh indeed?” His amusement at her seemed to increase. “This I would very much like to see.”

  She hesitated only briefly and looked to Gabriel, who stood stoically. He gave her a barely visible shake of his head, his eyes pleading her not to. She could tell he was restraining himself, fearful of revealing any sign of what had passed between them.

  She sank to her knees in front of Tibald. “Pray, my lord; I was the one at fault. I will gladly take whatever punishment you see fit.”

  Evelyn kept her head lowered but she knew he would be laughing at her, delighted in bringing her down. A clammy hand came under her chin, none to gently lifting her face to meet his. He towered over her, his stance intended to be one of intimidation.

>   “My dear lady, such obedience! What has wrought such a change?”

  He pulled her to her feet but she kept her eyes lowered knowing she could very well reveal the source of the transformation with but a glance. Prickling apprehension trickled down her spine as she felt his eyes bore into her.

  “Nay, I find I have no wish discipline you. ‘Twould not do to mar such beauty.”

  Bringing her face up to meet his swiftly, she could tell he had noted the short spark of fear in her eyes and she hoped he had not realised it was for Gabriel.

  “Pray, my lord, will you not offer leniency as a…” she gulped, her heart palpitating with trepidation at the prospect of what her words would bring, “…a wedding present.”

  An unpleasant smile came across Tibald’s face as he reached for her hand and brushed a kiss across her knuckles, his leaden eyes never leaving hers.

  “Indeed I would. Am I correct in my belief that you wish for our betrothal?”

  “You are, my lord.”

  He laughed triumphantly, gripping her hand painfully, and it took all her will power not to wrench her hand from his and run from the hall. A look to Gabriel steeled her resolve. If one good thing could come out of her betrothal, it would be preventing his punishment. She could see the sickening pain in his eyes but he remained impassive to everyone else but her.

  “Then let this be a day of celebration. Let the banns be declared and we shall be wed within the sennight!”

  ***

  As the week went on Gabriel found his time taken up with wedding preparations. Food was to be ordered in for the feasting and the castle made ready for guests. Increasingly unable to spend time with Evelyn, much to his frustration, they stole moments when they could, waiting until Tibald was too drunk to notice their absence or using excuses to visit the market and concealing themselves amongst the dwellings, sharing elicit kisses and fumbling caresses.