by Wend Petzler
Lucian heard enough when the conversation came back on Eiry. He knew by the man's roaming eyes he was responsible for making her life hell. He knew the girl had done her best, in spite of her situation as a peasant staving off an elected official
"Is the debt for back taxes satisfied?"
Wary, Robert inclined his head hesitantly. “Yea, the matter is settled."
Lucian took an intimidating step toward him, ignoring the mercenaries as they rushed forward, protecting Lord Robert in case he did something to cause their employer any bodily harm.
"Consider Sanctuary my problem from here on out. My home is none of your concern. This also extends to Eiry, for she is under my protection as are her people. I would consider it ill-advised to pursue either of these subjects any further,” Lucian warned the nervous man, pinning him to the spot with the look of wanting to break him in half. His next words were directed to Derrick. “Derrick, escort Eiry over to the stockyard and aid her in her search of livestock. Men, help with the loading of supplies,” Lucian ordered without taking his eyes of Robert.
Derrick offered his arm to Eiry, smiling with barely contained amusement at the way Lady Beatrice licked her lips as she viewed Lucian as a prime meal. “Come Eiry, we needs to be about our business. Lady Beatrice.” He bowed charmingly to the beautiful woman before leading the uneasy girl away. Not surprised, he heard Lady Beatrice address Lucian.
"My lord, would you be as kind to escort me along. It would be my pleasure to show you around our quaint little town.” Stressing the word ‘pleasure', Beatrice smiled prettily, her breath caught when Lucian bowed low to her before offering his arm out to her.
A ghost of a smile curved Lucian's firm lips as her brother grimaced, unable to protest. “I am curious, why all the excitement in town? Surely I am not the cause of such a stir? Is something special being planned?” Lucian inquired, noting the way Robert visibly stiffened as he led Beatrice along. Lord Robert's men boldly followed, hands remaining on their hilts, eyeing him and his men suspiciously.
Flirting outrageously, Beatrice smiled beguiling up at him. “In two day's time, Prince John and his entourage shall arrive for a hunt in the Peake Forest, and we are holding a spectacular feast in his honor. I do hope you will accept my invitation and attend? Our parties tend to be quite ... gratifying.” The seductive gleam in her eyes implored to him as she rubbed up against him suggestively, batting her eyes coyly.
"I would be honored to accept such a warm invitation.” He grinned wolfishly, enjoying the way Lady Beatrice's brother reddened by the way she was acting. “Lord Robert, I was wondering if the brigands responsible for murdering Sir Thomas and his wife were ever apprehended."
Chagrined, Robert answered through clenched teeth, “We are certain Lady Thief is personally responsible for murdering Sir Thomas while her men slew and robbed the knights escorting him and his wife."
Not completely convinced about what the man told him, Lucian decided to let it go for awhile. He knew Lady Thief was no murderer. She could have easily let the rogue knights kill him and his men, afterwards, killing the attackers and taking whatever value on the slain. Instead, she saved him and his men. The knowledge he owed a woman a life debt grated on his nerves.
"Will Prince John be staying at Peveril Castle?” he asked Lady Beatrice as they continued to walk, viewing the hustle and bustle of the townspeople.
"Oh, yes, indeed. Robert and I adore playing host to Prince John. In the next couple of days, all manners of royalty and nobles shall be arriving, all staying at Peveril Castle, too. It will be loads of fun,” she gushed, her eyes bright. Beatrice pressed against him, rubbing his chest suggestively. “I must admit the prince's imminent arrival pales in comparison to your impressive presence in Derbyshire."
"You flatter me. I shall do my best to live up to your expectations.” Lucian's hard mouth lifted at the corner. Without a doubt, he knew the well endowed beauty could provide him with a good tumble in bed. Could she also provide information he needed in finding the man who murdered Sir Thomas and his wife?
The idea of taking the beauty to bed left him cold, even if it was a way to get information. There had to be another way to get Lady Beatrice to talk. Beatrice smiled up at Lucian, flashing him a brilliant smile, unaware of his predicament.
"My lord, how was it you became dear Lilia's guardian? Did you personally know the Savoy family?
Lucian knew he was being watched very carefully by Robert who perked up at her question. Taking his time in answering, he watched Eiry walk amongst the large cows, moving them out of her way with the walking stick. Damn, she was beautiful even when wearing a plain brown, woolen gown. Her soft, silvery-gray eyes met his briefly, nervously looking away when he allowed his hunger for her to show.
"It was an offer I could not refuse."
* * * *
Robert silently fumed at the drastic change in their situation. He let Beatrice smooth the awkward situation, keeping Lucian Martine occupied with seemingly inane questions. What the hell was he going to do with the deadly Butcher of Acre living at Sanctuary, claiming the lands and Eiry as his own? Their carefully laid out plans could go up in smoke at anytime! Why hadn't the ambush succeeded? Damn the woman thief who eluded his best hunters. He was going to personally hang the bitch when he caught her. To make matters worse, Martine was a Crusader, and his orders were to let none live when his patrolling knights came upon one. A messenger must be sent to Prince John at once, requesting orders of what he wanted done to the Butcher.
His attention was drawn to the tall, young woman. His body hardened in response, barely able to repress his lust for the beautiful peasant girl who walked around town as if she was of royal blood. Her contempt at his zealous efforts to woo her into his bed was wearing thin on his limited patience. Of course he could force her, rape did have its merits, but Robert wished something more with her. He had Eiry to the point of desperation, placing her in a position where she was forced to trade her delicious body for his help until Martine showed up. With the hulking knight protecting her, the girl was well out of his powerful reach. At least until Prince John gave the order to kill Martine.
Rage filled him at the lost opportunity, replaced with a healthy respect for the Butcher of Acre. How was he to control the beast of a man when he was barely able to protect the highways from the outlaws? The damned thieves robbed the rich without once being caught, giving it all back to the poor. Prince John was having apoplectic fits about the halt in income received by the taxes collected when most of the monies went to hiring more mercenaries to protect the King's Highway. He was quite vocal in complaining about Robert's inadequate handling of the thieves. Making matters worse, word had it of another thief making a name for himself near Nottingham. The prince was losing a lot of money between the two, bold thieves. Lost in his thoughts, it took a moment for his mind to register Martine had asked him a question.
"Forgive me, my lord, what did you say?"
"I asked, Lord Robert, if you had heard yet of the attack upon me and my men on our way to Sanctuary?” Lucian asked, pinning Robert with a suspicious glare.
Robert barely recovered from his surprise by the unexpected question. He turned a concerned face upward to see the tall knight's features better. “My men found several knights dead on the road, and they appeared to be killed by bowmen. I assumed it was a terrible deed committed by those despicable thieves we've been hunting for these last couple of months."
"The knights you found were not yours?” Lucian asked casually.
"Why would you think they were my men?” Robert's eyes narrowed suspiciously.
"You are the only man in the district who needs hire mercenaries. And the men who attacked us were most definitely hired knights."
Beatrice answered instead, “Sir Lucian, I assure you those despicable thugs who attacked you were not in my brother's employment. Robert is a better judge of men than most. Come, let us not speak of such dreadful things. The day is beautiful, and the company except
ional.” She brushed her full, ripe breast against him suggestively again.
"My lady, how long have you lived here in Derbyshire?"
"Oh, not long. I came to Derbyshire to give whatever support I could offer my brother."
Beatrice had to admit she was pleasantly delighted at having such a virile man in her company again. Bored with living far from London life, she felt exhilarated by having fresh game to play with. Beatrice was quite happy having the Butcher of Acre residing so close. “Has your wife adjusted to living in the country?” she inquired, silently hoping the man was not attached, although wives had never stopped her from pursuing a man when she wanted him.
"I am not married."
Beatrice smirked in self-confidence, knowing it would not take long to convince Lucian Martine to share her bed. A bit of doubt entered her plans. She took note how he watched Eiry, seeing his interest lie there with the tall girl. Had Martine bedded her already? Why would any man find the tall, gangly creature attractive? Most men preferred frail, petite woman such as she, not a cow like Eiry.
The girl slipped from the corral and rejoined them, staying clear of Beatrice's brother. Poor Robert, she thought with a small laugh at the frustration he endured at not being able to obtain what he desired. The girl carried herself with self-assurance and a hint of arrogance as she spurned Robert's ardent advances to bed her. If Robert wanted her, he might have to force the maid into his bed, she surmised nervously, which would undoubtedly bring the Butcher's wrath upon them.
Seeing an opportunity to cause some mischief, Beatrice asked, “Dear Eiry, when are you going to visit us at Peveril Castle? My brother so enjoys your company ... so intimately.” Beatrice turned her bright smile up at Lucian, allowing her lust to blaze in her hungry eyes. “My lord, you are more than welcome to come by anytime you wish. I would love to get better acquainted with our newest neighbor."
* * * *
Still reeling from being blamed for the murder of her own parents, Eiry examined the animals being sold, cold and numb from the shock. What would Lucian do to her if he found out about her secret life if he believed the outright lie? Confused, anger rose sharp and dangerous within her when Robert's amorous sister pressed her ample bosom against Lucian's arm suggestively. Biting her lip from screaming at the tart, Eiry released Derrick's arm and grabbed a walking stick leaning against the wooden fence. Ducking between the poles, she went about selecting several fat cows, using the walking stick to prod the big animals aside. As she inspected the lazy animals, Eiry was unable to help looking at Lucian, watching him as he led the sultry blonde along the market. Lucian looked her way, his dark eyes warmed in appreciation, not of Beatrice but of her! Flushing, Eiry looked away in confusion, heat pooling in her stomach by the stark desire in his eyes for her. Why would he want her when he was in the company of such a beautiful, aristocratic woman as Lady Beatrice?
Perplexed by Lucian's odd actions, Eiry wondered what his game was. Why was he taunting the sheriff by using the man's own sister? She leaned against the fence and watched the mercenaries intently, not liking the way they hovered like a pack of wild dogs around them.
Eiry continued to fume inwardly. The uncouth woman caressed Martine's chest with familiarity while casting a smug look in her direction. She inadvertently clutched the walking stick tighter in her grasp, wishing to smack the arrogant woman over the head with it. Lucian disengaged his arm, making an excuse about needing to pay for the cows she selected. Beatrice sauntered over to where Eiry waited for him to return. Silently groaning as the vicious woman approached, Eiry clenched her teeth, praying she had the strength not to strike Lady Beatrice's smug face.
"So, do tell. How is Sir Martine in bed?” Beatrice spoke softly, giggling at the offended glare Eiry tossed at her. “Oh come now! Don't tell me you haven't slept with your lord yet? What other way can you keep your position as nanny over that silly little child?"
Fortunately Lucian returned before Eiry could form a satisfactory retort to the outrageous question. She wanted to wipe the superior expression off the spoiled woman's face so badly, her jaw ached from grinding her teeth in frustration.
"I have made arrangements for the man to deliver the cows along with all of his poultry. We must return to Sanctuary,” Lucian ordered crisply, eyeing Robert suspiciously when the man cleared his throat.
"My lord, I feel I should give fair warning about your safety concerning the thieves who roam the Peake Forest and the King's Highway. I have personally placed a reward of five hundred gold pieces upon the head of the woman known as Lady Thief. I have it on good authority she is deadly and will stop at nothing to get what she wants.” Robert followed as they walked back to Lucian's men waiting by the loaded wagon.
Beatrice lifted her skirts and hurried to catch up to Lucian, not seeing the bottom of the stick was thrust in front of her silk slipper covered foot, effectively tripping her. A short scream issued from Beatrice as she fell into a fresh, steaming pile of cow dung. Screaming, she tried to rise, succeeding only in spreading the manure more over her beautiful gown. Eiry attempted to help the fallen woman flopping about.
Lucian rushed to help as Lady Beatrice cried hysterically, trying to wipe the green-brown slime from her bright yellow gown with a lacy handkerchief. Lucian's accusing glare clashed with Eiry's whose guilty gaze finally dropped. “Lady Beatrice, how may I be of assistance?” Lucian inquired politely, trying to help as the woman ranted and raved about her ruined gown.
Robert rolled his eyes at the way his sister was carrying on. He slipped his cloak off and placed it around Beatrice's delicate shoulders, covering up the smelly, greenish slimy. “Sir Lucian, my thanks for your concern, I shall take Beatrice home immediately. Do not concern yourself, I am quite certain it was an accident. My sister is not use to being around animals.” Beatrice glared at him. Robert ignored her and continued, “Please feel free to come by Peveril Castle anytime. Welcome to Derbyshire.” He escorted his railing sister away, his wary men following.
But Lucian knew better. He grabbed Eiry by the arm, nearly dragging her along with him. “What were you thinking? Lady Beatrice is not some peasant whom you can just embarrass! I warn you only once, if you cannot control yourself, I shall replace you as Lilia's nanny and find a woman better suited in teaching manners as well as exhibiting them."
"Forgive me, my lord, I really didn't mean for Lady Beatrice to fall in the manure. I shall strive not to be so clumsy in the future.” She kept her head bowed, her eyes fixed upon the pointed tips of her worn, leather slippers.
Lucian halted by his horse. “Are you telling me that was an accident?” He jerked her arm, forcing her to look at him.
Derrick came to Eiry's rescue. “Lucian, let us not make a big deal about it and just go home. We need to get our supplies back to the castle for tonight's supper."
Grumbling under his breath, Lucian grabbed Eiry by the waist and practically threw her up on the stallion, ignoring the animal's snort of protest. Swinging up behind her, Lucian turned the stallion about and rode out of town, furious at Eiry's ill behavior toward a noblewoman. Lucian continued fuming. Whilst he actually hadn't seen her deliberately trip Lady Beatrice, he was very certain she had something to do with it. His temper was wearing thin, his shoulder aching, Lucian hated the games nobility played with people's lives, and Robert and his sister were master players.
It had never been his nature to stomach the ways of the rich or the forwardness of the aristocrat when they saw something they desired. Son of a duke, Lucian grew up amongst his father's degradation and plotting. Vowing to never allow the Duke to rule him anymore, he had abandoned his title and all which went with it. When he joined with Richard, such a dynamic and driven man, Lucian thought he had found a man worth following. To his eternal shame, he realized to late what hell Richard would lead them to.
Shutting his mind from his past, anger burned raw and hot when he remembered the way Lord Robert lusted after Eiry. Watching the expensively dressed man, Lucian had the
impression something was not quite right about him. Lord Robert's eyes were cunning and there was a devious light in the bright centers. The man was evil as Eiry had implied earlier. He liked not the way the man kept staring hungrily after her, caring not who saw his desire. The bastard would never touch her while he lived! In reflex to his thoughts, he unconsciously tightened his grip around her.
The stallion plodded along. Lucian decided to take their time returning to Sanctuary rather than rush, liking the way Eiry felt in his arms. Gazing over her shoulder, Lucian realized he felt more than desire for the girl. A strange sense of confusion swept over him about what to do with Eiry. In the brief time they had met, she helped him as none other than Derrick had. Unsure what her motives were, he grew determined to find out why she went out of her way to help him when she should resent him for taking over her life.
Why did get he get the impression she controlled Sanctuary, and he was merely a knight hired to protect her ward and people?
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Chapter Six
Seething at being so publically reprimanded, Eiry knew better than to say a word. Her actions today had embarrassed Lucian deeply in front of the sheriff and his lusty sister. Yet, nor could she could find it in herself to be sorry either. When his arms drew her closer to his warm body, she wondered about this so-called killer. Her breath caught as he held her tighter. She rested her head against his shoulder, his long hair caressed her cheek, so satiny and soft. Eiry inhaled his scent, amazed how it made her tingle clear down to her toes. The strength Martine possessed should have terrified her, not excite her. When he rested his cheek against the top of her head, Eiry trembled, her imagination escalating to other parts of him. Despite the chill of the day, he excluded a heat she had never felt before. Hesitant, she put her hand on his forearm, amazed by the strength underneath her touch.