The Defiant Bride

by Leslie Hachtel

  William grinned wolfishly and did not even try to mask his enjoyment of her dilemma. “If you give me a good morning kiss, I shall consider it.”

  “I shall strike no such bargain. Either you declare yourself or I shall simply wait you out.” She had her pride to consider, after all.

  “Very well. Kiss me and I shall release you. On my honor.”

  Dariana took a deep breath. She closed her eyes. But there was no pressure on her mouth. She was confused. “I thought you bargained for a kiss.”

  “Aye, but the bargain was for you to kiss me. Come on now.” William was enjoying this game.

  Dariana took another deep breath and let it out in a resigned sigh. She leaned into William to peck him on the mouth. But before she could retreat, he took hold of her arms in an iron grip and pulled her to him, covering her mouth with his own, plundering it with his tongue. Then he released her.

  “I am not greedy. There will be more of that later.” His grin infuriated her.

  Dariana fell back, confused, wanting more, but ashamed of her need of him. Determined he should not know the effect he had on her body, she ignored him as she jumped from the bed and dressed, knowing his eyes never left her. Without so much as a backward glance, she flung open the door to flee the room, unsure if her haste was due to hunger or frustration at the myriad emotions coursing through her. She was supposed to hate this man or at least feel resentment. Yet, her body responded outrageously. She wanted him to move his hands over her skin again and rouse the heated dragon that curled in her belly waiting to breathe fire. She had never experienced feelings like this. They confused her. If any man had inspired her in the past, she would be long married. And then none of this would have transpired. She knew she had to gather her wits. She must think, sort out all the conflicting thoughts, then decide on a course of action. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Self-pity would not solve any problems. For now, she needed food.

  At the bottom of the stone steps, she spied Leah at a table, talking quietly to Richard. She was intent on the man and it took her a few moments to notice Dariana.

  “Come, sit and eat with us. I see you survived the night. Is your head still aching?”

  “How did you know? About my head?”

  “It seemed to me you are unused to drink. You did partake more than your share last eve. Did it aid you?” Leah was smiling kindly at her. And Richard seemed embarrassed. “And my brother? How goes he this morn?” She lifted her eyes over Dariana’s head to gaze at William as he approached the table.

  William wore the most lascivious grin. Dariana huffed and turned her back to him. He slid in beside her and stroked her back. She squirmed under the pleasure his caress evoked, her ire rising.

  “Now, my love, you should act the devoted wife or my sister and Richard will get the wrong impression. They are under the notion that ours is a love match.”

  “Do not touch me, you son of the devil,” Dariana hissed under her breath. Then, remembering Leah and Richard, she turned. “Forgive me, I meant no shame to fall to you. But I fear William is sorely lacking in the manners of a gentle-born knight. If I didn’t know better, I would swear he fostered with wolves.” Richard cleared his throat, obviously stifling laughter.

  William ignored his wife’s comments. “Did you both know that Dariana managed virtually alone in the king’s forest for nearly a year?” He was obviously still incredulous at the information.

  “It surprises me not,” Leah responded. “She must have been strong and full of courage to survive so long in the forest with no protection. Let’s hope she fares as well against Melissa.”

  “Melissa?” Dariana raised her eyebrows ever so slightly.

  “Yes, William, pray tell her about Melissa.”

  Both women were staring at William now, and he grew uncomfortable. Luckily for him, it was then that the servants appeared with food to break their fast. With the servants were his two young squires.

  “I’m starving,” William announced too loudly, relief at the interruption evident in his tone. “Squires, come and greet your new lady,” he said to the two, who were fascinated by her. They approached slowly. It was clear to William that both were more smitten by her this morning than they had been the day before.

  “May I introduce Brian, future Lord of Dorset and Arthur, heir to Folkestone. Squires, this is your lady.” Each lad in turn took her hand, bowed low over it, then moved away, blushing furiously. As each retreated, he bumped into the other and both nearly fell. Recovering, they hurried from the room, clumsy and awkward.

  “Whatever is wrong with them this morn?” William asked no one in particular.

  “I wonder?” Leah gave Dariana a wink. Then all fell silent as they ate their morning meal. Richard excused himself to see to other matters and Dariana could see that Leah felt his absence.

  Finally, it was Leah who broke the silence. “William, there are matters to be discussed regarding your marriage. We must prepare a letter to the king requesting an audience and we must decide what to tell others, such as Melissa, so she will not run to Henry before you have your say to him. Also, there is the mater of Dariana’s father to consider. It will be quite a shock for him to discover she is both alive and newly wed.”

  At the mention of her father, Dariana grew pensive. “I’d very much like to return to my home and see my father, William. If the wrath of the king is to befall him, he should have fair warning. I can never make this up to him and if his wrath toward me is terrible, I deserve nothing less. I have served my own selfish wants and put him at unforgivable risk. I must face whatever he has in store when he discovers my lie.”

  “We shall depart as soon as you can prepare. But as for the wrath of the king, you should know that this Henry is naught like his father. This Henry will appreciate your courage and strength. His father would indeed have labeled you rebel and doled out some terrible punishment, while his son will certainly enjoy exacting a fine, which I can well afford to pay. However, our timing is crucial. The king cannot be caught unawares. He must hear about this mater from my lips rather than through court gossip. We cannot afford to offend him. So we must conceal all until the king has been told. Especially from Melissa, who would delight in ruining our chances for leniency as a means to settle the affront to her.”

  “Who is this Melissa?” Dariana asked.

  “Why, my betrothed, of course,” William declared, laughter evident in his voice.

  “Your what?” Dariana choked.

  “The papers were never actually signed,” William soothed.

  Fury rose like a wild animal and Dariana’s breathing came in short, hard gasps. It took her a moment to regain control. “My ears deceive me, surely. Either that or I am still in the forest, asleep and enmeshed in some outrageous dream. After all, it is not possible that a knight kidnapped me, forced me into an unwanted marriage against my will and the king’s, only to then inform me he is betrothed to another. It is not possible.” Dariana’s voice was tight, but her eyes flashed dangerously. She stood and turned to run from the room, tears stinging behind her eyes, but William had her by the waist before she could go more than a few feet. He looked over his shoulder to his sister and spoke quietly.

  “Leah, dear, could you leave us to our privacy? There are things I need explain to my wife.”

  “Yes, there are.” Leah moved from the room, shaking her head.

  Once Leah left, William spun Dariana around to face him, still grasping her waist so she could not flee.

  “You are despicable,” she spat.

  “I am madly in love with you.”

  “As you love Melissa?”

  “I could only love you. And I never loved Melissa. If truth be told, I never even liked her.”

  “Of course, that is why you suggested marriage to her? Do you take me for a complete fool, lacking in all reason?”

  “Dariana—I have never loved another. The betrothal to Melissa was a convenience. She possesses some land I desire and I was feelin
g the need to produce an heir. It was as simple as that. I never could bring myself to execute the betrothal contracts. It was as if I somehow knew I was waiting for you to come into my life. Now have I satisfied your curiosity? Or would you care to continue exhibiting your jealous rage?”

  “Jealous rage? My lord, you do flatter yourself. I am merely concerned with inviting more of the king’s wrath by being the one responsible for breaking your betrothal contract. I have trouble enough and I want no more.”

  “So you see, love, your jealousy is for naught. There is no written contract to break and you are my one and only love—”

  At that she swung at his head and he deftly avoided the blow. “Let go of me, you lout.” William bent and touched his lips to hers. His response further infuriated her.

  “Let me go, I say!”

  “Certainly, my love. But then you must hurry and prepare.” He pushed her from him.

  “Prepare?”

  “You said you wished to pay your father a visit. Or did I mishear?”

  She softened her tone instantly. “Oh, William, will you truly take me to see my father?” There was hope and excitement in her voice.

  “I gave my word, love, and I shall never break a promise to you lest God himself step from heaven to intervene.”

  Dariana took a step toward him, her anger evaporated. Standing on tiptoe, she placed a sweet kiss on his cheek. “Thank you, William. I shall gather my things.”

  Dariana’s delicate cheeks paled and her hands shook ever so slightly. They had just caught sight of Linford Manor, her home. It was more castle than humble abode and clearly built to sustain any onslaught. The gray stone walls rose to battlements and guards paced above. William wondered as to her apparent nervousness.

  “Is this the woman who fearlessly lived alone in the wild? Affrighted by a mere mortal old enough to be her father?” William made his tone light to take her thoughts from her fears. Dariana seemed not to hear. “And to think this beautiful creature beside me lived but a short day’s ride from my own home. But then, you were probably a most unsightly child.”

  “I was not,” Dariana responded, then laughed out loud when he saw her realize he had accomplished his purpose. “I am worried how he will take it, William. My being alive, I mean. It has been so long that the man has thought me dead, after all. I worry he will hate me. That I could not bear.” Her voice was so forlorn William ached to take her in his arms, but that would prove more than awkward on horseback. Instead, he reached over to squeeze her hand. She smiled. William swore he had never beheld a more beautiful sight in his life.

  As they approached the gatehouse, the challenge rang out. “Who goes there?”

  “’Tis I, Dariana, daughter of the earl.”

  “She is dead and you lie,” came the response. “Tell the truth or the next breath you take will surely be your last.”

  “Evan, is that you?”

  “If it were, how come you to know my name?” the man called back, suspicion in his tone.

  “I know it as I knew it all the years you welcomed me home after my rides in the countryside. I am who I claim. Come, look closer before you threaten my life.”

  Evan squinted down. Then his breath exploded in an audible gasp. “My lady, oh, my lady. Is it true? For it would indeed be a miracle.” Then, louder, “Open the gates. It is our lady. It is truly our lady.” The joy in his voice was evident.

  The gates swung wide as word spread throughout the manor. William tensed as people appeared and gawked at the entrance of their lady. Some certainly feared they were seeing a ghost. They surrounded her horse. The entire procession moved into the outer court, kissing the hem of her gown and making sounds of awe and welcome. William relaxed, pleased that she was being welcomed so warmly. It spoke of the devotion of her household.

  The group edged into the inner court and then a voice rang out above the sounds of welcome. “Dariana?” The voice was softened with disbelief. “Dariana?”

  Dariana raised her head at the sound and she slid from the back of her horse and ran to the one who called her name. He was huge and she disappeared into his bearlike embrace. William watched this scene, his blood burning. He, too, dismounted and strode to his wife unintimidated. However, before he could make a word of protest, the large man put Dariana away from himself and gazed at her, head to toes and back, shaking his head in disbelief. Then he quickly hugged her to him again very tightly. There was something in his manner of treatment that told William to hold his objections. So, trusting his instincts and attempting to quell the jealous poisons circulating in his blood, he stood quietly by until Dariana was released. She brushed the tears from her cheeks.

  “And who might this be?” the man asked Dariana.

  “Thomas, this is William Redfield, the Earl of Dansworth and—my husband. William, this is Thomas Corley, my friend and protector all my life.” The warmth in her voice was evident.

  Thomas eyed William, his look none too friendly. It took a moment, but suddenly the realization struck. “Husband?” Thomas boomed. “This is indeed a strange turn of events. I never really believed you dead, but hoped you had gone to seek your freedom. Your headstrong ways were not unknown to me. In my darkest forebodings, I feared you indeed might be caught in the eternal sleep. But never did I imagine you married and returning with a husband.”

  Dariana laughed out loud and the sound was music. “Truly, that was not my intent when I left here, dear Thomas. But it is now the way of things.” There was resignation in her tone and Thomas reacted instantly. Putting her behind his considerable bulk, he faced William directly. “Well, if you are not happy with him, my lady, I can certainly see to his removal.”

  William laid his hand on the hilt of his sword, preparing for a fight, but it was stayed by two guards. He realized that all the men who were armed had drawn their swords. The others stood strong in their stance, the message clear. Any movement would certainly prove fatal.

  “Thomas, call of your men. William is my husband and is due respect. I am not unhappy. You must trust me in this.”

  Thomas nodded and the men lowered their weapons and backed away. “I thought only to protect my lady,” Thomas said to William. “There was no offense meant to you, my lord.”

  William was in fact very pleased that Dariana had not disclosed the facts of their hasty union. He held out a hand to Thomas. “It pleases me my wife has such loyal defenders.”

  Dariana turned to Thomas. “My father? Is he well? May I go to him?”

  “Alas, my lady, he has taken quite ill. I fear he shall not last this week. But seeing you can only serve to give him renewed strength. You have been greatly missed.”

  Dariana turned and hurried toward the castle, William right behind. He caught up and took hold of her elbow. “Why did you not betray me?”

  “Just because I do not wish to see your flesh stripped from your bones does not mean I intend to be your devoted wife,” she declared, although some of the force of her words seemed to have ebbed. “I wish to see my father now—alone.” She swept away and into the cool darkness of the main hall.

  Thomas stepped up and clamped a heavy hand on William’s shoulder. William turned to him. “She’s upset by her father’s illness. Before the unpleasantness over the king’s decree, they were very close. It nearly killed him when word came of her death. But, truth be told, we never really believed it. I helped raise her and there was too much fight in her to merely have succumbed. I have no idea what has occurred this last year, or where she was hidden, but I take it you know.”

  “Aye, I know. But knowing doesn’t make it easier to believe,” William replied.

  “Well, then, come inside and I’ll get you something to wash the dust of travel from your throat so you can tell me the tale.”

  CHAPTER 8

  Dariana walked slowly up the curving stone staircase, a rush of memories flooding her thoughts. She ran her fingers lightly along the coarse stone walls, feeling their strong solidity. Light flooded thr
ough glass windows. She reached the top and looked into the solar. It was lit by huge bay windows, the edges of which glittered with colored glass, casting rainbows across the stone floor. She thought of herself as a small child, tearing up and down this very stair and hallway, hiding in darkened corners only to spring forth to surprise her mother with a hug.

  Sadness suddenly overwhelmed her as she thought of her mother, remembering her warmth and sweetness and how she filled the house with laughter. But when Dariana was but six summers old, her mother had taken the fever from some peasants she had been tending and succumbed to its painful clutches. Dariana had grown even closer to her father after that, but there was no way to truly fill the void of her mother’s loss.

  Her childhood, with the exception of her mother’s death, had been happy and carefree and fulfilling. She had been taught to read and write and make decisions and grow strong. It saddened her that she had been forced to leave her father rather than face an unholy union with some disgusting creature the king had named. After all, if the man had been appealing, he would have managed to woo a bride rather than have one chosen for him.

  As she paused outside her father’s chamber, she prayed he would understand her actions and forgive her. Dariana pushed aside the heavy wooden door and was momentarily shocked to see how unkindly the year had treated her father. Time had ravaged his features and drained the color from his thick, heavy hair. He had lost much weight and now looked small in the huge carved oak bed that dominated the room.

  “Sir? Father?” The old man’s eyes opened and he looked dreamily in the direction of the sound.

  “Dariana, my darling girl,” he croaked. “Is it truly you? So the time has come at last and I have passed over to the other side. I knew we would meet again one day.” There was resignation and a hint of pleasure in his voice.

  “Oh, no, my lord!” Dariana reached the bed and knelt beside it. “I am alive. Can you ever forgive me for leaving as I did? I know I caused you pain. “Her voice dissolved into sobs. She reached for her father’s hand, pressing the pale, dry flesh against her lips.