The Defiant Bride

by Leslie Hachtel

  “I suppose there is no need to try and deceive you, but I have indeed lost much because of your cleverness. Perhaps you could help me return to the safety of the forest. We would all be so much safer. Have pity.”

  “Do not blame us overmuch. We mean to bring you naught but comfort and love. William is a good man, an honorable man. He will devote himself to your happiness, I promise you.”

  “Honorable? Is it honor to take me against my will, risk all who have aided me?”

  “Is that a question of honor? No. This is a question of love. There are no laws to bind love or rules to control it. William is honorable. He intends to marry you, I know. Then he will convince the king of your innocence. This love William bears you brings with it many complications, but his heart has blinded him. There are worse reasons to bring you here.”

  “Do you not understand? I am not innocent. I am a rebel. Please, save the lives of others who will bear my guilt. Help me go back.”

  “I cannot. You must trust William.”

  The two women had reached the arched doorway into the main room of the castle. It was a welcoming place, the walls covered in brilliant tapestries and ancient portraits. Leah helped Dariana to a soft chair near the hearth.

  “Rest here while I have a bath prepared for you. I shall send Hildy to you after you have freshened yourself. She is very bad-tempered I fear, but she is peerless in her ability to soothe the aches and pains. Ignore her complaints and she will see you are comforted. I would like to be your friend, Dariana, as well as your sister. I pray you will grow to trust me.”

  Dariana saw before her a woman whose sweet nature enhanced her physical beauty. There was such gentleness of spirit in Leah that one could not help but be drawn in by it.

  “I already do. You have been so kind and I fear I am the one who has been ill-tempered.”

  “You have suffered much and I hope all will do naught but improve for you now.”

  CHAPTER 5

  Leah left the hall and Dariana saw her chance. She ran to the door and pressed herself against the stone wall. No one was in the courtyard. She raced across to the stables, forgetting the pain and stiffness in her limbs. Again, she was alone. She assessed the horses and led a pretty sorrel out of the stall. She found a headstall and slipped it over the horse’s head. Grabbing a handful of mane, she jumped astride the horse’s back. The horse leaped forward. Pressing her lips together against the pain, she kicked the horse’s sides, encouraging it into a gallop.

  Dariana had to find a place to hide. William would come after her. She must get word to Tamara. It would not be easy. Her thoughts were cut of by the sound of approaching hooves. By the saints! Why could he not leave her alone?

  The horse caught up to her. The rider was not William, but his man, John. “Stop, my lady,” he ordered. He kicked his horse so it jumped ahead and cut her of. Dariana’s mount reared and she grasped for purchase to keep from falling.

  Resigned, Dariana dropped her head. John pulled her onto his saddle.

  “My lady, this will not do. No one knows you fled. I will keep your secret, provided you do not try to run again. My lord would be very unhappy. I will see you back to the hall before it is discovered you are gone.”

  “Do you not understand? I have to go.” Dariana swiped a stray tear from her cheek.

  “No. You are the one who is unclear. You only need to trust Lord William. Now promise me.”

  Dariana knew she was without an ally here. She had no choice but to acquiesce.

  John grabbed the mare’s reins and then kicked his own mount forward. They galloped back to the castle, dismounted, and John escorted her to the main hall. Then he was gone.

  It seemed but mere moments later when a young maid appeared.”I am Erin and I will help you to your room, my lady. Your bath awaits.” The girl was young, perhaps fourteen summers, but she seemed genuinely pleased to serve. Dariana felt immediately that this was one place where the servants were well treated and happy in their work and it spoke much about the lord here. Perhaps it would not be so terrible to remain.

  By now her legs felt like water and she had trouble standing. Erin helped her up the stairs into a lovely room dominated by a huge bed with a thick cover in a pretty shade of deep blue. There was a chest and a table and chairs in the corner. The window would usher in the afternoon sun. The walls were hung with more tapestries, these depicting Greek characters from mythology. It was truly lovely.

  She was helped out of her garments and into the bath. The water had been delicately scented with rose petals and cinnamon. With a sigh of pleasure, Dariana sank into the soothing heat up to her chin. She inhaled deeply. When she closed her eyes she could almost hear the singing of the birds in the forest. It suddenly hit her—almost like a physical blow—that her life in the forest was no more and her discovery was fraught with much danger for the ones she loved. Tears coursed down her cheeks, unchecked.

  “My lady?” Erin said, concerned.

  Dariana opened her eyes and saw the fear in the young woman’s expression. “It’s all right. Naught is amiss that can be helped for now. I miss my home, is all.”

  Erin breathed out her relief. “Aye, my lady. I well understand. I came here not so many years past and I was in an awful state for weeks. It was terrible without my family but I got used to it. Oh, forgive me. I do tend to go on.”

  Dariana lost herself in the caress of the bath and the confusion of her thoughts. She was unclear as to what she should do from now on. It was fruitless to try and run away. Where could she go and find sanctuary? Besides, she had given her word to John. There was much to be considered. Not the least of which was how much she wanted to stay with William, even though he had taken her against her will. She surprised herself with this realization. After all, how dare he? But she knew. She was a woman in a world where the will of men prevailed. However, that certainly did not mean she should lay back and accept whatever men doled out. She had resisted before and could again, even knowing in the depths of her heart that her pride and willful nature could wreak havoc, not just for herself, but for others.

  What of the convent? The nuns would not turn her away. It could not be too far and she could hide. Then no one could prove her existence and William and the others would be safe.

  No. In her heart, Dariana was certain William would not give up so easily. He would continue to pursue her and it would only make matters worse. William had become her tormentor, her captor. Why did he have to be so handsome? She so wanted to hate him. Why did she find it so difficult?

  She was still absorbed in tormenting questions when she stepped from the tub. She jumped back, noticing an old woman standing nearby. Out of modesty, Dariana covered herself with a towel.

  The woman did not apologize for startling her but, in fact, chastised her for her action.

  “There’ll be none of that. I’ve seen many unclothed in my life and one’s the same as another, but I’ll need to look at you if I’m to heal you properly.” The old woman’s imperious tone demanded respect and obedience.

  “You must be Hildy,” Dariana said, determined to win over this crusty old woman.

  “Turn around and let me have a good look at the parts that give you discomfort. Yes, I’m Hildy, but being nice to me won’t lessen the pain if it’s necessary to heal you.”

  Dariana couldn’t resist a giggle as Hildy performed her ministrations. “There was a woman I have known all my life who has the gift to cure anything that ails. That is, she could cure all but her nasty temperament.”

  “Are you accusing me of suffering humors?” Hildy demanded.

  “You?” Dariana responded, the picture of innocence. “Why, I was certainly not speaking of you. Her name is Megan and she has served my family well. Why, I wouldn’t even be here to tell the tale if she hadn’t attended me so many times. You would not by any chance have knowledge of Megan, would you? She reminds me of you in some ways.”

  Hildy looked at her askance, but flashed what passed for a smile
. “Megan?” Then a cackle emitted from Hildy’s mouth that sounded more like a painful grinding of stone-on-stone than a sound of glee. “That old crone? She’s my cousin. We were taught by the same old woman when we were but children together.” Hildy’s voice held a touch a warmth. “Does she fare well?” she asked, almost as if she feared the answer.

  “When last I saw her she was quite well. I am convinced she has powers that will give her long life and that she’ll see us all on our way to heaven long before she lays down her head. She must be nigh on sixty years now.”

  “More like seventy,” Hildy said with delight. “Old Megan. My, my. Well, young mistress, you have given me more pleasure this day than I have had in years. And I shall repay you with a salve that will cure all the aches down to your very bones. I usually reserve it for the destriers, but you have proven yourself indeed worthy. Come and I shall apply the stuff.”

  Dariana had obviously won over Hildy, so much so that she was willing to treat her with the salve usually reserved for the great warhorses. Within an hour of Hildy’s treatment, Dariana had not so much as a memory of pain. The salve was remarkable and the relief caused her spirits to rise.

  Erin rushed into the room, her arms loaded with an array of dresses in a rainbow of colors and various rich fabrics, which she dumped on the large bed. She took a moment to catch her breath. “My lady Leah thought you might have need of some gowns so she bade me bring you these. They were made several years ago when she hadn’t partaken of quite so much food.” Erin giggled. “She hopes they fit well enough until others can be made.”

  “That is too kind.” Dariana beheld the richness of the raiments. It had been forever since she dressed in such fine clothing and she touched gown after gown, unsure of which to choose. Finally, she decided on a rich sapphire silk and brocade. The square neck showed her bosom to its full advantage and the silk felt so soft against her skin. The skirt was covered in embroidery entwined with a delicate silver pattern that wound about the sleeves and neckline and highlighted the creaminess of her skin. She wrapped a delicately worked silver girdle about her tiny waist. It was so wonderful to be dressed as a lady again. It had indeed been too long a time since she had worn beautiful clothes, and she was delighted.

  She was braiding her hair into a fat plait, as had been her wont all these months, when Erin appeared behind her. “If I may, my lady?” She reached for a brush and untangled the heavy curls. It took only a few moments for Erin’s talented fingers to weave the dark tresses into an artful array that flattered Dariana’s face and spilled down her back. “Perfect.” Erin stepped back admiringly and Dariana felt a blush of pleasure color her cheeks. She made her way to the top of the stairs, realizing she was more than a little unnerved. Here she was in a strange place with people she knew not and her fate, her very life, completely uncertain. She was pondering this when William’s voice came from the main room below. Suddenly her heart beat faster. Odd that it should actually please me that my captor is near. She could not help but recall the feel of his muscular chest against her back and the manly smell of him as they rode. Her body warmed at the thought. There was no denying the man affected her, but she knew she must control herself. I will not yield to him. He has taken my freedom, at least for now. I shall not reward him for it.

  Dariana descended the stairs. William waited below. He seemed frozen as he gazed upon her.

  It was Leah who stepped forward to greet her. “Come and have supper. You must be ravenous. I have asked the cook to prepare some special dishes. I hope they are to your liking.”

  “You are too kind.” They walked to the table together, with William falling in step behind them. Another man joined them and was introduced as Richard Lovington. Dariana noticed that Leah gave him quiet attention at every opportunity. He, in turn, gazed upon her as if she were an angel from heaven. No one else seemed to notice the two. Dariana hesitated to ask if he was Leah’s husband. For now, she contented herself to listen rather than question.

  Huge trenchers were placed before them and steaming dishes laid out. There were meats and fresh vegetables, cakes and pies. Dariana caught her breath at the variety and richness of the food. Her diet had been limited for so long. She tasted of each dish, praising the cook with every bite and finally, barely able to draw a deep breath, she sighed with pleasure.

  She turned to Leah, seated at her right. “That was wonderful. I thank you so much for the feast. You have been naught but welcoming and I am forever in your debt.” Dariana hoped she could still convince William to release her. If Leah was on her side… “But I fear I cannot abide here overlong. I know you understand my circumstances. Therefore I cannot put you at risk.”

  “Well, my dear, tonight is not the time to worry. You are tired. On the morrow, plans can be set.”

  “Thank you. I am tired and do agree rest will aid me in my decisions. So, if you will excuse me, I shall retire.” She rose, anxious to be alone in her chamber. William stood, but she saw Leah’s hand on his arm, staying him.

  William sat down and watched Dariana climb the stairs before turning to his sister. “There is only one course of action now.”

  “You mean since you know her to be real and she is here?”

  “Yes, to both.”

  “And that would be?” she prodded.

  “I shall send for the priest at first light.”

  “William, you cannot. It isn’t decent.”

  “It is the only decent thing to do. Once she is my wife, the king will not ask for retribution. She was, after all, excused from her betrothal and hadn’t been promised to another, so I do not defy the king or his late father.”

  “I think that to be a sword’s edge. Marrying without his knowledge or permission isn’t wise. You have spoken highly of this new Henry but his father was kind and caring in the beginning of his reign, too. What if he feels betrayed? Or defied? He is still a monarch and they can be as changeable as a wisp of smoke in the wind. If he thinks for one moment you do not bow to his throne, he could punish you in ways we cannot even imagine. And what of her? Do you not think she is entitled to be part of this decision? Can you not give her time? She has been through a great deal. Coming here must be difficult enough.” Leah wanted to gain Richard’s support in this argument, but knew it would be unfair to ask.

  “I hear you, sister. I understand your concerns. I believe I would be mad not to make her mine immediately. The king will forgive me, of that I have no doubt. I will convince him I was madly in love and could not delay another moment. He will understand.” Thoughts swirled in William’s brain. He believed he knew his new monarch, but he prayed he was correct in his assumptions. If he misjudged, it would be disaster to so many. He would have to present it in just the right vein. He would tell the king he’d been overcome and could not help himself.

  Would he be telling Henry the truth? Was he, in fact, overwhelmed, or did he need to possess the prize? Was he was certain he was hit by Cupid’s arrow? He hated to examine his motives. Sometimes he did not like what he discovered. He wanted to be a man who earned respect, especially from himself.

  Leah cleared her throat, interrupting his reverie. “What of the lady herself? Will she forgive you? She took desperate measures once to avoid a marriage not of her choosing.”

  “Ah, wooing her and having her grow to love me will be the greatest of pleasurable tasks, I assure you.” He raised an eyebrow for emphasis, then smirked even as a whisper of a doubt gnawed at him. He hoped her headstrong ways would not impede his goal.

  “It is good that I love you, almost as much as you love yourself.”

  “You tease me, sister. You know I am right in this.”

  “Do you care for her, William?”

  “Leah, ever since I first laid eyes on her, I have been out of my mind. I know that sounds silly coming from me, but it is true.”

  “If you do not love her, it is not fair to marry her like this. In point of fact, none of this is fair to her.”

  “She is stubb
orn. I know this. But I will convince her of my love. I want to be the one to ensure she never has another anxious day in her life. I want to care for her. Build a life. Have heirs. Have pretty little girls who look like their mother.” As he spoke the words, he knew them to be the truth. He had fallen for this incredible, magnificent woman instantly. When he thought her only a creation of his fever, he had been bereft. If she had not existed, he would have felt emptiness the rest of his days.

  “I am convinced. Now, all you have to do is convince her.”

  “It will be my lifelong goal.”

  “What of Melissa?”

  Richard rose at this and excused himself.

  “You are a coward,” Leah teased him.

  “Not at all, my lady. I merely have pressing matters to attend.”

  Leah shook her head and turned her attention back to her brother.

  “Melissa is a mere formality and I will deal with her. It’s not as if she were my ladylove or even if there was any true affection between us. She can be difficult, but I will bring her to understand and be reasonable.” Again, his bravado of speech belied the doubts that worried him. Melissa was a shrew whose family had long been favored at court. Now that she was the lone surviving heir, he worried that Henry might feel the need to champion her cause. The match was arranged before her parents perished and the king might feel obligated to honor it. He was unsure how much influence she could exert. He had to rely on the knowledge that Henry trusted him and loved him like a brother. He knew, in his heart, that all the obstacles would be overcome. It would not be easy, but his heart was lost to Dariana; he would fight with all that was in him to love her and protect her and make things aright.