Father barked a laugh and his head bobbed in a good-humored nod. “Indeed they are. Well, she has spoken highly of you and while her trust is difficult to earn…” Father shot me a grin. “...It is always well placed.” He finished with a genuinely grateful look. This is why I have agreed to this meeting, Ben. You understand my need to speak with you before I would hire you, I’m sure. So now, tell me of your experience with this sort of work.” He pushed an empty plate towards Ben, then myself, his way of ordering us to help ourselves to the food already placed on the table.
I ate in silence, listening to Father and Ben discuss his previous experience, my own curiosity leaning more towards his Master and what circumstances had driven him to flee his duties to his House, though I had my doubts as to Ben’s willingness to share any details. Father watched and listened attentively, nodding thoughtfully as he acknowledged what Ben shared.
Ben spoke of his past between bites, his answers still frustratingly vague. “I served a wealthy lord in lands south of here since my childhood. I was trained with weapons from a young age and as an adult, became his bodyguard. I served him faithfully until his departure, and serve him still as I await his return.” His voice grew quiet as his expression shifted to neutral to hide his feelings on the matter.
Ben glanced over to me before continuing. “I am not sure what Lady Carys has told you, but my master fled his home and his duty, though I am not at liberty to say why. It is my search for him that has brought me to Lund and before you ask, I will tell you that I am able to serve your family and await my master simultaneously. While I know he is in this region, it may be some time before he shows his face. Until then, I am a man with no purpose, and my esteem for your daughters creates in me the desire to protect them from the dangers that lurk for as long as I am able.”
Father nodded slowly, watching Ben intently as he spoke, though his interest was piqued at the thought of finding others of noble blood out here. “And what is your Master’s name? And where does he hold land?” Father questioned with no shortage of curiosity. I was surprised he limited the interrogation to only two queries.
Ben’s jaw worked slightly, the man silently considering his answer before he spoke. “I’m afraid I cannot give his details at this time.” His head shook lightly in his attempt at an explanation, again being vague. This is getting annoying, I thought with an internal huff. Ben added carefully. “His disappearance was a delicate situation, and he is unaware of my presence here in Lund. Should his name begin floating around amidst rumors and gossip, he would flee once again and I would lose my opportunity to locate him.” He looked between my father and I, meeting our eyes as he hoped we would understand his predicament.
“And what exactly are your plans, should your master return?” Father asked quietly, taking another bite, chewing slowly as his eyes remained on Ben. That was something I hadn’t even considered, the thought of his departure to carry on his duties with his Master prompting a faint sinking feeling in my belly.
Ben’s lips parted slightly, though for the first time in my recollection, he hesitated in uncertainty. “Should my Master return and go willingly back to his duty, then I am bound to him and his service and will go with him. But until that day comes, I will serve your family.” He said evenly and honestly.
Father gave him a scrutinizing look, taking another bite of his dinner. “I see.” The room fell silent for a moment as Father considered this, finally looking over to me with an unreadable expression. “Carys, what are your thoughts?”
I had been caught off guard and it was written all over my face as I blushed. I cleared my throat, mustering up some confidence as I stated my opinion. “Ben has approached us offering his guardianship because he saw we had a need and because he wished to keep us safe from harm. For whatever length of time he is able to serve, I still recommend it.”
Father scoffed and said, “Even if his Master shows up in a month and he must go?” He gave me a direct look as though daring me to come up with an argument against that, and for a moment, my mind was blank...until the perfect reason to hire him popped into my head.
I grinned a little and gave my perfect argument softly, “Then Brynmor and Madox will have greater expectations to meet. You have to admit, Bryn has gotten lazy and to suddenly have a guard like Ben who is diligent and dedicated...you are setting his competition in front of him and showing him just how inattentive he is. He will be forced to take our safety more seriously so that he doesn’t look so terrible at his job.”
Ben barked a short laugh at my comment, a gleam appearing in his eye and I knew he was likely thinking of the look on Brynmor’s face when he realized they would be working together. Father glanced over to Ben, his brow furrowing in confusion at the sound of Ben’s laughter, but even Father’s lip twitched with amusement after considering the ramifications of Ben’s presence.
“Well, Ben. For however long you happen to be with us, may you provide an exemplary example for the others. Welcome to the House of Egon.” Father rose with a growing smile, extending his hand across the table. Ben rose a split second later, meeting him halfway for a firm handshake, sealing the deal.
“Thank you, Lord Llew.” Ben wore a serious expression, though his relief was apparent in his eyes. “I will do everything in my power to keep your family safe.” He paused for a moment, glancing over to me as he seemed to consider some thought. “I have a small request, my Lord.” He added, still looking at me and I had a feeling I knew what he was going to ask. I gave him a warning look and shook my head ever-so-faintly. Please, please, please don’t request that, I wanted to beg, but it was too late.
Father gave Ben a curious look before nodded to him to speak up, resuming his seat at the table. Ben seemed to stand a little taller as he asked exactly what I hoped he wouldn’t. “I would only request that you allow me to work with Carys and Rhian to teach them a few methods to defend themselves against attackers. I do not mean to turn them into warriors, of course, but I think it might be prudent for them to have a few tricks up their sleeve, just in case the unthinkable happens.” I tried not to glare at Ben, sparing him the smallest glance as I looked to Father for his reaction.
Father’s forehead creased deeply as his frown grew, head shaking emphatically. “No. Absolutely not. Women in Taurova, particularly aristocratic women, do not ever wield weapons. This is why we hire guards, to protect them so they don’t have to protect themselves. we do not train our ladies in warfare. They are much too...soft.” He said stiffly, glancing towards me. I arched my brow at him as though questioning his opinion, though this wasn’t the time to argue about being “soft.”
Ben’s tone grew soft as he gave his reasons for the suggestion, slowly lowering back into his own seat. “With all due respect, my Lord, we are not in Taurova. What social dictates applied there do not apply here, as the dangers here are different. After Lady Carys and Lady Rhian were left without protection, three bandits attempted to rob them and had I not seen them, they would have been harmed, having no knowledge in how to defend themselves. And the truth is, even had Brynmor been there, it would have been one against three and he could have just as easily fallen, leaving the girls without aid and vulnerable to harm anyways.”
Father eyed Ben, his frown holding fast, and I finally broke in. “Ben was already kind enough to show me how to break free if someone grabs my wrist, Father. He told me what parts of the body to aim for to give myself a way to escape in case I run into trouble.” I was not about to tell him the full truth of what Ben had already taught me, but I had a point to make in defense of Ben’s suggestion. “The truth is, I feel less helpless, if that matters to you. You can’t deny that even having guards, there may come a time when I am all that is left to defend myself. I don’t want to be left with no alternative but to stand there and let them hurt me.”
His eyes bore into mine as he listened, but his hard expression slowly softened when I told him that I felt better knowing a few things that might save my life. He was silen
t for a time after I finished my speech, his thoughtful gaze remaining on me before finally letting out a long sigh. “You actually wish to know these things?” He asked, sounding more resigned and less surprised, and I could tell by the hesitant look in his eyes that he had mixed feelings on letting us learn.
The admission was more difficult to voice than I expected, years of Taurovan customs drilled into me and wanting to honor those but conflicting with my desire to remain intact. “I want to be able to defend myself, Father. I want to be able to protect Rhian. We have guards that defend us and I am grateful for them, but what if something happens and we get separated from them? What if they are killed defending us? I would learn whatever Ben would teach me that might save my life.” I confessed quietly, meeting my father’s gaze with an assurance I only felt during lesson time.
Father looked grim as he studied me, considering my words and the reality of harm that might face us. He swallowed hard as he shifted his gaze from me to Ben, finally nodding slowly as he relented. “Should it come down to it, I would not want my daughters to be left with no way to defend their virtue or their lives. I will leave it up to the girls, if they wish to learn. I only order you to remember that they are noblewomen, not warriors. We may no longer be in Taurova, but I do not want my daughters dressing in leathers and warpaint.” He snorted, pouring himself some wine before offering the bottle to Ben.
I nearly choked on my dinner as the mental image of Rhian and I dressed as Yehketim in war gear and body paint flooded my mind, and I barely managed to stifle my laughter. Ben took the bottle, but rather than pour himself some of the ruby liquid, he reached over to top up my goblet as he smirked, replying only with. “Fair enough.”
Father chortled at my reaction and Ben’s comment before patting at his mouth with his napkin, pushing his plate away as he prepared to leave. “Well. I have some business to attend to this evening, but I am glad we had this opportunity to talk tonight. Carys has the paperwork, and you may start whenever you are available.” He rose from the table again, adjusting his coat as he stood tall.
Ben rose respectfully along with Father and nodded, saying confidently, “In that case, I would start this very moment.” My brow lifted and I released an amused chuckle at his eagerness. I reached down into my satchel, pulling out the contract for him to sign, setting it on the table as Father guffawed, his approval obvious. “I like you, Ben.” He smirked and headed towards the door. “I will see you both back at the house, then. Goodnight.” He dipped his head and left Ben and I to finish the paperwork.
CHAPTER 31
I gave Ben the contract which he scanned over as I explained the arrangements for housing, shifts, and pay. He nodded as I spoke, asking few questions before scrawling his name at the bottom of the parchment before handing it back to me. “Shall we sit in here or go into the main room, Lady Carys?” The waitress entered and gave us a shy smile before gathering the dirty dishes. I motioned for him to go, rising and taking my goblet with me. “We can sit in the main room. Someone else might want this one.” He nodded and motioned for me to go ahead, taking his own drink as he followed closely behind.
A quick survey of the front room revealed Rhian and Pedr seated at a table along the wall, Pedr smiling faintly like he was trying to have a pleasant evening, but Rhian looked glum, slumping a little at the table as she swirled her drink in her cup. Seeing Ben trailing after me into the room changed her entire demeanor, however, my sister quickly sitting up straight and beaming a smile, giving him a shy wave.
Ben snorted softly at her lightning fast change of mood, his eyes fixed on her and offering her an easy smile as we approached. “Good evening, Lady Rhian, I have some news that I think you will enjoy.” I sat down on the bench across from my sister and Pedr, expecting Ben to sit next to me but he took the place next to Rhian instead. He set his mug gently on the table as he informed her of his new role. “Your sister and Father have offered me a position as a guard with your House. I am to be your protector as I said I would be.”
Rhian’s elated shriek could have woken the dead, my face scrunching in a deep grimace as the sound continued to ring in my ears even after it had ended. She threw her arms around him in a tight hug, her beaming smile growing even more with her delight. He chuckled softly, not appearing to feel awkward by her embrace (which she didn’t seem very inclined to bring to an end), and I felt a tiny twinge of jealousy. He claimed to want us both kept safe, but I couldn’t help wondering if giving me lessons had only been a ploy to earn my trust. Was all of it just to get to her?
Pedr stiffened where he sat, whatever good mood he had just been enjoying gone in the blink of an eye, and he frowned at his bride-to-be. “Enough, Rhian.” He said crossly to her, and Rhian blinked and let go of Ben, her cheeks blooming with color as she seemed to shrink several inches. It seemed she hadn’t even considered that such an embrace might not be appropriate, especially when given to her guard in front of her betrothed.
Ben’s lip twitched, the only outward sign of his amusement, rising and rounding the table to settle on the bench next to me. Pedr nudged Rhian, who was shyly watching Ben while trying to look like she was looking elsewhere. “Sweetheart, do you want another cider?” Rhian’s head whipped around to look at Pedr, almost seeming embarrassed at being addressed as “Sweetheart”. She eyed my wine with a certain amount of envy. “I will have wine this time.” She announced with an air of confidence.
Everyone’s brows lifted at her choice, knowing how it didn’t take much to get her inebriated. I knew she was trying to seem more mature, and I couldn’t blame her for that. She was surrounded by grown-ups and about to be married and still drinking juice like a child.
Uncertainty was etched on Pedr’s features as he glanced in my direction, unsure whether he should agree to my sister’s wish. I gave a slight nod to Pedr before setting my gaze on Rhian, offering her a compromise. “How about you start with a half glass of wine. You need to make it home without being carried.” I grinned lightly at her, teasing her a little, though it seemed my attempt at humor failed.
She looked embarrassed and annoyed and said petulantly. “I am sixteen and about to be married. I want a full goblet and I will have it.” Her bottom lip poked out in a pout as her arms crossed over her chest like a toddler on the verge of a temper tantrum. Ben’s eyebrow arched slightly at her, though he said nothing to reveal his thoughts, his gaze eventually moving from her to me as though assessing my reaction.
I rolled my eyes, finding her blend of childish behavior mixed with claiming her adulthood left me unable to resist pointing out the disparity. “Adults don’t pout like children, Rhi.” I said wryly, her bottom lip sucked back only to be clenched between her teeth as she tried not to blush. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Ben’s smirk flash over his features though it dissipated as he rose from the bench.
With his usual graceful movements, our newest guard rounded the table, speaking with a tone of authority and not expecting his opinion to be questioned. “You will start with half, as your sister says.” He was striding towards the bar without waiting for a reply as Pedr’s lips tightened with disapproval of Rhian’s insistence. He nodded in agreement with us both as he glanced towards Rhian, murmuring. “You are not accustomed to drinking wine, half a goblet will be suitable for you.”
Rhian gave me an indecipherable look, conflicted about how to react. Finally she cleared her throat and said with more emotional control than I expected, though I could still hear the wobble of uncertainty in her voice. “Please stop treating me like a child, Carys. How am I to be viewed by others as an adult when I am constantly treated like a toddler?” Her bottom lip popped out a little again as she frowned unhappily and I knew what she really meant. Stop treating her like a child in front of Ben. Perhaps her feelings run deeper than I thought.
I studied my sister in silence for a moment, taking a sip of my wine before I said to her. “You have a point, Rhian, so I will treat you like an adult so long as you behave like one.�
� Anger sparked in her eyes at the prospect of still being treated like a child, evidently missing my point but before she could speak, Ben returned with her goblet, placing the half filled cup down before her with a little extra flourish before returning to his seat.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Ben’s introduction to the rest of the household as our newest guard went about as well as one might expect once we arrived home. Derryth had already left for the evening, leaving Madox there alone in the final stages of eating his dinner, despite the late hour. He looked up as the four of us entered the house, raising a brow at the sight of Ben in our company. A quick flick of his brown eyes to my blue asked the silent question, why is Ben with you?
My announcement was perhaps rather unceremonious, but I was in no mood for pomp, and anything grandiose for one person seemed like overkill. ”Madox, you have met Ben. We have hired him as a guard and he will now be serving our House.” Ben gave a quick nod as though confirming what I had said, murmuring a brief greeting.
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