The Defiant Bride

by Leslie Hachtel

  Not soon enough, pink edged its stain across the sky and the blackness of night was forced aside reluctantly, overpowered by the dawn. William was up and clothed before the light had fully established itself as victor to the night sky and he was eager to be on his way. He hurried down the stone steps and through the main hall, pushing his men into wakefulness as he went.

  John was to accompany him. The trip should be short, since the place he sought was less than a day’s ride. He hoped to find his angel of mercy quickly.

  Richard would, as always, stay with Leah and see to her safety. Richard had been his knight and trusted friend for as long as he could remember. Leah always seemed to feel better when the man was near. William knew the feeling between the two was mutual. Their attachment to each other was obvious. They, however, seemed the only ones unaware of how devoted they were.

  William mounted his huge bay stallion, the horse prancing in its eagerness to be away, and urged him toward the outer bailey. Leah hurried down the steps and called to him, “May God go with you, dear brother, and lead you to that which you seek.”

  He turned back and graced her with a smile. “I shall return with my lady before a week has passed.” He and John kicked their horses forward.

  CHAPTER 4

  The spring morning was warm and the forest rang with the songs of small flitting birds. It was a feast of the glorious colors of the myriad flowers that sprang up everywhere. How was it possible to be sad in such a setting? She had spent the last hour gathering flowers to brighten the cottage and was delighted to see Tamara waiting when she returned. They embraced in warm greeting.

  “How does he fare?” Dariana asked without preamble.

  “Worry not. He is well and on his way home. My concern is for you. He remembers.”

  Dariana took a deep breath. “What shall we do?”

  “For the time being I believe our secret is safe. I think I convinced him you were but a dream in his injured state and he seemed to accept that. But I do not feel secure and nor should you. Your knight is William, Earl of Dansworth. But we have hidden you before and we can do so again.”

  “How do I dare stay under your protection knowing I put you at risk?”

  “There is no risk to me. It is your fate and that of your father that concerns me now.”

  “Perhaps this new king will not view my actions too harshly if I am found out.”

  “Child, you have rebelled; against Henry VII or Henry VIII, it matters not. You have defied a royal edict and that is not tolerated.”

  “You say he is an earl. There is power in that. What if he should mount an appeal for me?” Dariana inquired, fearing the answer.

  “Your father is an earl. How much power did he have against the will of the king?” Tamara retorted. “Oh, my dear, sweet girl. Let us speak of other things for now on this wonderful spring day.”

  “I have no wish to complain, dear Tamara, but I long for something I can never have.”

  “You must banish him from your thoughts. You should not be having impure thoughts about a man.”

  “How can you know my thoughts? And how do you know they are impure?”

  “Are your thoughts of the earl of Dansworth?”

  “Perhaps I think of him on occasion,” Dariana admitted sheepishly.

  “Then they are, no doubt, impure.”

  “You are a scandal, my friend. I am an innocent.”

  They giggled.

  “I have brought you food and I dearly wish I could bring you a new gown of silk or brocade, but I fear if you are clothed too richly and someone chances on you, it will be suspicious.”

  “You are the dearest friend. I don’t miss the silks and jewels. I have come to accept my lot and only pray that someday my circumstance will change. Though there are times when the loneliness is hard to bear.”

  “I wish there had been another choice. Perhaps our idea of a nun would work to bring you to my home. Remember? We could say you were traveling to a convent and—I am not sure. We can work out the details. Much time has passed, so perhaps this kind of deception would allow you to be accepted without question.”

  “Think you so?” Dariana could barely contain her excitement.

  “I think it wise to wait a bit more to ensure the knight will not return to question us about seeing you. He would certainly not be fooled, I fear. But I believe we can disguise you as Sister Agnes before another frost has cooled the land.”

  “That would be wonderful. Perhaps I can borrow a habit so all will be prepared when the time is right. No one ever looks at the face of a nun. To be around others again is such a lovely dream.”

  “Well, we shall endeavor to make your dreams come true.”

  Tamara had left and Dariana walked along the edge of the forest. The warm sunshine brought renewed cheer. Her thoughts drifted in many directions, but so many questions! What a torment. They made it hard to enjoy the surroundings. If her plot were uncovered, the king would surely punish all involved in her deception unless she could convince him she had acted alone.

  The lack of suitable answers made her feel quite overwhelmed. She tried to quiet her mind by inhaling the sweet scents of the flowers, bringing the promise of spring. She breathed deeply. After a moment of reflection, she realized that of all the questions, the one that truly plagued her was…what if she never saw him again? Was it her fate to live alone and isolated for the remainder of her days? Would she never bear children and enjoy their comfort in her later years? What was to become of her?

  The gown she wore was old and faded, like the path of her dreams, and she sank into a feeling of sadness and self-pity. She sighed loudly and then realized she had no one to blame but herself. If she had to choose again, would she choose differently? Nay, she thought, I would make the same choice. No mater what this life brings, it is surely better than my fate with a stranger in a foreign land.

  She felt that somehow, inexplicably, there was hope. She hugged herself and whispered William’s name into the breeze, breathing it as if in prayer. She could hardly admit she longed for a knight of the realm. This was so impossible as to be unthinkable.

  Dariana gazed into the pool of water; the vibrant rays of sun twisted this way and that, dancing on the crystal surface. Her thoughts were mingled, flashes of memory, visions. A part of her took great pride in her survival in so different an existence, but what had she gained? She had lived through cold nights and painful loneliness, but to what end? She was unmarried, yes, and not exiled to a land where even the language was foreign, but she was thought dead.

  Perhaps she could do something else, something that would give her life meaning after all. Her thoughts continued to wander and she dipped her hand into the cool water and watched as the ripples further disturbed the shafts of light in their attempts to float on the surface.

  All at once, a reflection joined her own. She was jolted at the image, then chided herself for allowing her imagination to conjure it. She stared at the shifting shape and reached out her hand, wishing so dearly it would be real. The water stilled and the reflection behind her grew more clear. Could it be?

  Her instinct was to throw herself into the warmth and protection of his arms, but she feared she might be hurling herself into nothing more substantial than the cold water, so she hesitated, waiting for the apparition to dissolve.

  “Did you miss me?” William questioned softly. “For I have thought of nothing but you since the day you came to my aid.”

  She stood and turned, staring at the man who faced her, a smile tilting his chiseled mouth upward. She shook her head, then met the dark gray eyes with her own. He reached out his hand and feathered his knuckles along her cheek. She pulled back as if burned, then touched the place where his hand had been, still disbelieving. He had come back. But at what price? Her secret was uncovered and now her father would pay.

  She jumped up and ran. The land was familiar to her and offered her the advantage. She darted between trees and around rocks. Dariana raced until her
lungs felt like they would burst, her body screaming from the exertion until she had no choice but to stop and catch her breath. She leaned over at the waist for a moment, inhaling. She lifted her head and he was there, in front of her. She screamed her frustration, but she was winded and no sound emerged. She spun, ready to fly again, but he grabbed her around the waist. She lost her balance and he twisted as they fell. She landed on top of him. The feel of his body was like a lightning bolt through her. Her senses reeled. Her breathing increased. She knew struggling would be futile, so she relaxed.

  “I have come for you and I will not be denied,” he stated, a man used to his orders being obeyed. He moved her to the side, rose, and held out his hand to assist her.

  She ignored it and stood.

  “I know who you are, my lady, and I will protect you. But I will not leave without you.”

  “My lord, I cannot go with you.” She needed to find a way to dissuade him. “Please, I beg you. Go away.”

  “William. My name is William and I cannot live another day, another moment, without you.”

  She caught her breath. “I have no intention of leaving here, but you must. Perhaps you should search for the one you believe me to be. I am but a poor peasant’s daughter and not the one you wish.”

  This last gave him a moment’s pause, but he looked into her eyes and she could see he did not believe her.

  He grabbed her wrist and held it, almost painfully. “I think you understand not. I shall not be denied. Prepare. We ride immediately.”

  “I beg your pardon, my lord. But I take orders from no one. And—let go of my wrist. You’re hurting me.”

  William loosened his grip at once, but he did not release her. “My lady, if you choose to turn this into a battle of wills, I assure it is I who will be victorious. It is a measure of my love for you that I do this.”

  The fury rose in her like a poison. It coiled for a moment in her throat, then poured forth. “Your love for me? ‘Tis more a measure of your arrogance, my lord. Can you not understand my words or is it the rebuff you cannot accept? Has your head grown overlarge from too many years of simpering servants and willing maids impressed by your title and your manner? Well, I am not moved.” She turned her back to him and waited for the sound of his retreating footsteps. Instead, his hand wrapped in her thick hair and drew her close until her back rested against his hard chest.

  “I will not indulge you more. I am running low on patience.”

  “This, I suppose, is a showing of your love for me, too?” She pushed away and he released her hair. She turned and took a deep breath. “I want you to hear me, Lord William. Since you think you know who I am, you must be aware I have done much, sacrificed much, to hold onto my freedom here. I will not be so easily broken.”

  “Would your father be proud to learn his headstrong daughter remains—free? Or might his anger be roused by knowing his child risked his lands and his very life to disobey the king? Shall I go on—Dariana?”

  She choked at the sound of her name. There was no longer a question. How had he discovered her identity? She knew in her heart no words could shake his belief in the knowledge. She was defeated. A thousand thoughts raced through her mind: fear for her father, for Tamara. In her selfishness, would she now bring down the wrath of the king on the ones she loved best? What had she been thinking? Simply put, only of herself. She had been thinking of her own needs. How could she have done such a foolhardy thing as running away and attempting to hide from her fate? And how many would suffer because she was so spoiled?

  As if he could see into her thoughts, he whispered, “I would never betray you.”

  “If I do as you bid?” she spat. Savor this victory, she thought, as it will be your last. I will defy you in my mind and in my heart and no threat can stop that. “You have won nothing.”

  The inside of her eyelids burned with the tears she held back, but she refused to give him the satisfaction. Terrible heat surged through her veins, fueling her vow to escape him and make the king understand it was her betrayal alone and that no one else should bear punishment for her crime.

  He turned away and moved behind some trees, returning almost immediately, leading his stallion. “You will ride with me.”

  “Do I have a choice, my lord?”

  “My name is William and I would have you address me thusly.”

  “Is that an order?” She tried to infuse honey into her tone, but felt unconvinced she had succeeded.

  “If it must be so, then yes. Do not bait me so. You have no choice, as I prefer you not ride with John. Unless your preference is to walk, but I fear that would delay us much.”

  She ignored his jibe and instead only heard his reference to another. “John?”

  The knight emerged from the trees on horseback. Dariana was dismayed to see him. She had felt so safe all this time in her forest and now two had come upon her and she had been completely taken off-guard. She had been overconfident.

  William took hold of her arm and mounted his horse. Without releasing her, he lifted her into the saddle in front of him. “You are even lovelier than my memory of you, Dariana,” he whispered against her ear.

  “Pray, sir, do not address me by name, for others will suffer if the truth is overheard.”

  “Agreed. Matters must be settled with the king before you are proclaimed alive. But the fact remains, you are still very beautiful. I am pleased.”

  “Anything to serve you—William.” She spoke his name as if it left a bad taste on her lips.

  “You will be happy. You will see. You will be glad I came for you.”

  She smiled with a bitterness that spoke of her thoughts, although he could not see it and have warning of her response. “I will be glad when the fires of hell turn cold, William,” she returned sweetly.

  The ride toward William’s home was jarring and painful, as she had not been on a horse for some time. There was also the constant reminder of the man himself against her back, his arm pinning her close to his hard chest, as if to make her aware of her captivity.

  After a few hours, every bump and rut became a new and excruciating trial; the leather of the saddle was unsympathetic. Her pride, however, stiffened her jaw. She refused to complain.

  A castle loomed ahead. She relaxed. Soon, she could dismount and stop this abuse to her backside.

  “So, the idea of being mine is no longer abhorrent, my love?”

  “You mistake me, my lord. It is the prospect of removing myself from the back of this beast lumbering beneath me that pleases me.”

  “This beast is my prized stallion and it seems his nature is infinitely better than yours. Do not, I pray, release your anger in his direction when it is clearly mine.”

  “You are correct, my lord. The stallion is innocent of the pain he imparts.” Dariana turned her head as the tears threatened to spill down her cheeks.

  “We are within sight of home and you will feel much improved under my sister’s tender ministrations.”

  They clattered across the moat and into the outer bailey. William seemed relieved. It was as if he was certain the ride was not a pleasant experience for Dariana and was anxious for it to end. Their coming had been announced and a woman was waiting. Her eyes widened as she noted the rider siting in front of her brother, but she stayed in place as they approached. It must be the sister, Dariana thought.

  William slid to the ground, then reached up to assist Dariana. She lifted her head high, to declare her independence, but obviously gave no thought to what the long ride had actually done to the muscles of her legs. As soon as they touched the earth, they buckled beneath her. She grasped for purchase and her hands fastened on William’s chest. His arms went about her waist. He drew her weight against him. It was shocking in its intensity. Her eyes held his and she was certain he felt it, too. She tried to disengage herself.

  “Please let me go.”

  “Are you quite sure your legs can support your weight?”

  “Let me go.”

&
nbsp; “As you wish, my lady.” He stepped back. Her legs betrayed her and she fell to the ground. William tried not to smile at her plight and he extended a hand to help her up. “You did say to let you go, my sweet, and I do so seek to please you. Did I do wrong?”

  Dariana felt her cheeks flush red. “Does this give you pleasure, my lord?” she inquiredhrough gritted teeth.

  “If only you would but allow my true feelings, perhaps your anger at me would lessen. You have bewitched me and I find I can think of nothing else.”

  Dariana rose and steadied herself; the woman stepped forward, smiling. “I am Leah, William’s sister.”

  William leaned into his sister and loudly whispered in her ear, “Is she not glorious?”

  Dariana refused to acknowledge the compliment.

  Leah turned her full attention to Dariana. “You must be tired and obviously sore from your ride. Come, lean on me and we shall get you settled. Did he feed you?” Leah didn’t wait for a response. “Of course he would not think of that. Men!” Then she faced her brother. “Did you consider how long a time has passed since she has been on a horse? Did you think to stop and rest?” She included both John and her brother in the last verbal assault. “You have behaved disgracefully and without consideration.”

  William dropped his gaze to the ground and hurried away to occupy himself with other tasks.

  “Don’t worry.” Leah turned her attention back to Dariana. “He’ll get over it. Too soon, I fear. But men are so thoughtless at times, do you not agree?”

  Dariana smiled. “Yes, I do. It’s good to meet you. I am—”

  “I know, dear,” Leah interrupted. “One look at you and I knew. And if you are to harbor any resentment, I am the one to blame. It was I who told William of your identity.”

  “How could you know?”

  “Your beauty for one. Once I laid eyes upon you, there was no doubt in my mind. And the strange circumstances. Noblewomen do not live in the king’s forest. Unless they might be hiding? A strange choice for one. You must have feared the alternatives greatly. By the way, I do thank you for caring for him. I love my brother and the thought of any injury to him is unbearable. It was his description of you and bits and pieces of gossip combined. All thought you had perished a year ago. I am thrilled the tales of your death were just that.”