“He was just a man in search of work, and I had no knowledge of his bloodline when I hired him.” I said simply, but carefully, trying to be vague until I could understand Ben’s warning. Whatever Ben’s reasons, his cautioning wouldn’t be ignored until I could understand its meaning, so I decided to say as little as possible and keep Ben’s true reason for his presence in Lund to myself.
Owain studied me from across the table. “So when we met last, you neglected to mention your sister’s abduction. I am glad to hear of her safe return, thanks to Lund’s grapevine.” He commented lightly, though his casual tone did nothing to lessen the shock of his knowing.
“H-...” My question caught in my throat, my good sense screaming at me to deny it, but he already knew. I cursed softly and sighed, slumping a little as I nodded. It suddenly occurred to me that as a man accustomed to wandering, he might have seen Rhian’s abductors. After Ben’s warning look, I was wary of saying too much to this man and yet, if anyone could help us track down the men who kidnapped my sister, it would be the Velynesians. They had a vested interest, after all. I licked my lips, making another decision. “Yes...She was abducted by two men...I believe they may have been Azkaelomin.”
His sharp intake of air spoke volumes to me, and I suspected he was either surprised I knew about them, or surprised to hear of their presence so near to Lundham. He quickly confirmed the latter when he murmured. “My people have guarded the borders of Azkaelom for centuries, tracking their movements and keeping them from encroaching on other lands. How did they slip past us?” His expression darkened considerably as he considered several dreadful possibilities, each one worse than the one before it. “And why would they kidnap a Taurovan adolescent?” He finally asked, as bewildered as I was.
“I don’t know.” I said weakly, having spent hours and days wondering the same with no answers. “They didn’t harm her other than a blow to her head, and she recovered easily enough from that. They made no demands other than four hundred gold pieces. Whatever their reasons beyond that, I couldn’t even begin to guess.”
Owain’s brow furrowed deeply, his weathered hand reaching up to absently scratch at the stubble on his chin. “Thank you for telling me this, Lady Carys. I will alert my kinsman and we will find them. Did they say anything to you? Did you see which direction they went?”
I thought to my notebook that I had left at home, my attempts at translating their conversation scribbled within its pages. “They spoke in a language I don’t know, and I wrote down as much as I could remember of what was said, though I didn’t understand any of it. We exchanged our coin for my sister at a place called the Bone Farm, then moved from Soruk as quickly as we were able to afford.”
Owain studied me intently, nodding thoughtfully before smiling broadly. “It is a place to start tracking them, at least. Lady Carys, bring your notebook the next time you come to town and I can translate their words. Perhaps therein lies some answers.”
It had not even occurred to me to ask for a translation, but now that he brought it up, I mentally berated myself for not thinking of it myself. I nodded to him and finally offered a little smile. “I will do that. I cannot promise much, but I will do what I can.” The thought of learning what had been said gave me hope that we might find these men and learn of their reasoning for taking Rhian and attacking us. Perhaps with the Velynesians’ help, we might even find some justice for Rhian and for all the others the enemy had harmed over the years.
Owain rose and bowed a little to me. “I will be away for a few days, but when I return, we shall speak again. Farewell.” He gave me a warm smile and turned, leaving the Stag with a renewed vigor in his step.
I watched him go, a new hope warming me at the idea of learning what Rhian’s abductors had said, and the possibility of finding them. After all the horrors they had inflicted on the Free Folk over history, it would be satisfying to find some measure of justice. For all the problems our family was continually facing, the idea of solving one of the big ones filled me with relief.
I didn’t have a chance to say a word to Ben about Owain, my guard motioning for me to come along, grunting his dismissal of Owain. “Whatever the Warden said, it was a lie. Now come, we must speak with your Father.” He ushered me out the door, tight-lipped and silent.
CHAPTER 41
Our arrival home was largely ignored, everyone’s attention on the messenger who had arrived earlier with another strongbox from Perinthas. Oh, thank the gods, I sighed in relief. Again, the gold numbered less than I liked, but this would certainly give us some breathing room while we awaited our investment payoffs. We would be completely out of debt, and finally able to afford a few luxuries that we had missed since our departure from home.
Slowly, we were regaining our noble footing after paying Rhian’s ransom, and the mood of everyone in the house was improving. After so many disasters, it is a relief that something goes right.
Ben gently pulled me along with him as he went into the study nook where Father was looking over the parchments that had accompanied the coin. “Lord Llew...may we have a word?” Ben requested formally. My brow arching slightly as did my Father’s.
His hand motioned to the bench nearby and he nodded, peering around the corner to see the rest of the family at the table, settling down for dinner. “What is it?” He asked lowly, not wanting to disturb the meal.
Ben relayed the details of Amir and Zahra’s encounter, saying at the end. “I believe they have been watching your family, my Lord. I am not certain how, as I keep a careful watch and I have seen nothing. Lady Carys and I both wondered if it was they who left the note on your door, and after conversing with the Innkeeper, we know they arrived two days before Lady Carys found the letter.”
Father’s brows furrowed tightly, turning to reach into the bottom drawer of his desk to pull out the letter. “That is a disturbing thought.” He murmured, scanning over the note again. “But why us? What is it they hope to gain?”
That was the question I was asking myself more often than I liked these days. Amir and Zahra, the two Azkaelomin...were they working together somehow? The lack of answers was disturbing, and Father’s jaw tightened before he said. “Go eat dinner, Carys. Ben, I would like to speak privately with you.”
I bristled with that dismissal, but a quick warning look from Father and I huffed, turning to leave them to their discussion and do as I was bid.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The sun was setting as Brynmor led me from the house to the patio overlooking the pond, insisting that we have a romantic evening outdoors, despite the growing chill in the air. He was growing increasingly persistent about claiming my time, insisting that as his betrothed, he should get me to himself.
I hoped Ben was nowhere near by as I sat down on the bench, fully expecting the overprotective guard to appear out of nowhere to stand watch, looming and brooding, and I didn’t think I could handle his disapproval tonight. There was only so much I could do to defend myself and the life I was being herded into.
I tucked my hands into my fur wrap, already feeling chilled and wanting to go inside, but Brynmor took a seat at my side with a grin. Draping his arm across my shoulders to pull me close with a possessive squeeze, he sighed loudly in contentment and smiled down to me, “Finally, we can spend some time together, just the two of us. No tragedies, no crazy dramatics, just us.”
I had told Brynmor about Amir and Zahra, and he had grown even more uptight about the pair, though he didn’t seem to pay any more attention to our surroundings than he did before. I, on the other hand, kept my head on a swivel in search of any sign of them spying. The idea of them watching us gave me a constant chill, and now being out in the cold with Brynmor added awkwardness to the icy thread that ran up my spine.
I hoped the look on my face didn’t give away how uncomfortable I felt about this, forcing a smile and rising to my feet to casually break free of his arm, walking over to the edge of the patio to look down into the water to see my reflection staring bac
k up to me. I look worn out, was my first thought, though Brynmor’s arms wrapping around my waist to pull me back against his chest interrupted any further thoughts.
His cheek came to rest against my head as his lips whispered against my ear. “We should go get married tomorrow. We don’t really need a wedding, do we? Or is that some girl thing where you feel the need to put on some floofy dress and weave flowers into your hair?” He smirked, kissing my ear.
I couldn’t help but cringe, though to this day I’m not sure if it was the thought of getting married the next day, the thought of marrying Brynmor, or wearing such gods-awful attire that forced a strangled sound from my throat. “No.” I said flatly, shaking my head with as much vigor as I dared without looking too fervently opposed to it.
He tightened his hold around my shoulders as he laughed, nuzzling his nose into my hair. “Just think, we could just get it over with and then you don’t have to stress out about it anymore.” His lips brushed my cheek and I could sense his growing desire, and I had serious doubts that my stress level was the reason he wished to marry so quickly.
I couldn’t help but turn around, unable to free myself entirely from his embrace, though facing him seemed a little more manageable. I was running out of excuses to put it off, and I feared that anything I said in response now would prove hurtful, so I smiled and tried to change the subject. “I’m not stressed about it, Really. Did you hear that Madox is seeing someone? It’s good to see him happy; he has seemed somewhat lonely lately, so it's nice to see him with someone to connect with.”
Brynmor deadpanned before rolling his eyes. “I don’t really care who Madox is seeing. This is our alone time, and I plan to take full advantage of it.” He gave me a wicked grin and pulled me in tightly against his chest, hardly giving me any time to react before he planted a kiss on my lips. He didn’t linger against me long and I sucked in a breath once he pulled away. He grinned down to me and murmured. “See? Kissing me isn’t so bad. Having babies won’t be so bad either. Especially the practicing.” He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively at me and my lips parted in shock.
I could feel the heat rising in my cheeks, though it wasn’t because I was completely ignorant of what happened between a husband and wife. Mother had given me The Talk years ago, but I had never had that sort of attraction for Brynmor and now this all felt forced and awkward. I narrowed my eyes, ready to erupt in heat of anger, until the most unwelcome thought slammed into me like an icy tidal wave.
I had been frustrated with my sister for balking against her arranged marriage and stubborn refusal to do her duty, and yet here I was, doing the same thing. I had no valid reasons to reject this arranged marriage, nor could I muster up any poor excuses, and with a heavy heart, realized it was time to be an adult about this.
I looked at Brynmor who was grinning, having accepted his fate better than I. How much energy have I spent resisting this marriage even though I knew I was bound to it? I sighed lightly and instead of giving Brynmor a piece of my mind, I tried doing something I never thought I would: Accept it.
I hesitated for a moment before I found the nerve to continue this awkward topic of conversation. “So...I suppose I should ask how many children you want…” I hoped it was a very small number, but Brynmor being Brynmor grinned widely and chortled, “Ten, naturally. It’s a nice, even number.” TEN?? I stared dumbfounded at him, jaw dropping again as I nearly screeched.
He burst out laughing. “I’m kidding!” He shook his head, grinning. “I always thought six would be fun. I was an only child, and I always wanted a lot of brothers and sisters. I would have more, if you wanted them, though.” He smiled down at me, and I tried not to grimace. There is no way I will have that many children! Brynmor tilted his head and smirked. “Alright, how many do you want?” He gave me a curious look, likely trying to guess the number before I said it.
None with you, I couldn’t help but think, biting my tongue against saying that out loud. I reminded myself that I was going to accept this fate, and begrudgingly replied. “I think I can only see me enjoying two...maybe three. We have three in my family now, and as you can see, it’s enough chaos. Six would double that chaos and I don’t think I have the mental fortitude to survive six children.” I admitted to him truthfully.
He waved a dismissive hand and said. “Sure, you can. It really isn’t that much different than three. Really!” He grinned and took my shoulders, turning me around so that his front was pressed to my back again, looping his arms around my waist. “I know life and marriage here will be a lot different than it would have been back in Perinthas, but you will see...it will be great! I will be the charming and benevolent Master of the House, and you can be the beauty on my arm and laugh at my jokes because I’m fascinating. We will live in finery and have lots of kids...everyone will call us Lord and Lady, and we will be the envy of Lundham!” He crooned into my ear, and I could hear the thrill in his voice at the prospect of such a life.
I tried to smile, but I was beginning to see the truth of this situation. While Mother spoke like our union would demean me and make me no better than a commoner, the reality was that Brynmor would go from a lowly guard to the head of a noble House, and since I was the heiress, the moment Father passed, the estate would shift to him and he would gain the control of my family’s legacy.
I felt a surge of resentment, loathing the idea of Brynmor’s careless whims being the guiding force of our family’s honor. Why had Father made this match? After trying to bring his family back from dishonor, why would he hand it over to Bryn, of all people? His desperation seemed to be the only possible reason, and my resentment grew as my acceptance of my doom started to fade. A gilded cage is still a cage, my mother’s words haunted me and I could audibly hear the creak of its hinges and I felt my body going cold.
Voices echoed on the path behind us, mingling with the sound of footsteps as they neared the pond. While I tried to pull free, Brynmor tightened his grip, forcing me to stay wrapped up in his arms as he turned me with him to see who approached. Rhian and Ben came into view through the trees, Rhian smiling happily as she held onto Ben’s arm, him smiling down to her in return.
Their smiles hitched as they saw Brynmor and I in our romantic embrace, Rhian’s frown and uncomfortable shifting to lean against Ben, pressing into his side as she spoke too softly for us to hear. Ben’s jaw tightened and his eyes narrowed, and I sensed the new rigidity in his body more than I could see it. His lip twitched as he responded to what Rhian said and strode forward, nearly dragging her behind him though it was clear she had changed her mind about sitting out here.
I could feel Brynmor stiffen against my back, and he grunted softly as he scowled. “So much for our alone time.” He muttered, though he smiled warmly at Rhian, adjusting his arm more tightly around me as he sought to make a point to Ben.
Ben forced a smile to his lips and dipped his head, a neutral look slowly taking shape over his features. “Good evening, Lady Carys...Brynmor.” He addressed us both coolly as he pulled Rhian gently towards one of the benches. Rhian looked uncomfortable, and I couldn’t blame her. She sat down on the bench and folded her hands in her lap like the prim and proper lady she used to be, eying Brynmor and I with a wounded look.
“Hey Rhian, Ben. Lovely evening, isn’t it?” Brynmor winked at Rhian before giving a pointed look to Ben, whose lips pressed together into a thin line. Ben’s eyes found mine with a steeled look, and finally I broke free of Brynmor’s arms, taking a step to a more respectable distance. Brynmor glanced down to me with a frown as I pulled away, Rhian starting to scowl at me though I didn’t understand why, and Ben’s eyes still met mine with disdain.
I could understand the reaction of Brynmor and Ben, but Rhian’s was a mystery. “What have I done to offend you this time, Rhian?” My frustration won out over my good sense, and I scowled right back. “You know what? I don’t care. Scowl all you want, be jealous all you want. It won’t change anything, it will only make everyone around you miserable!
” I snapped, surprising everyone into a shocked silence.
The tree overhanging the patio creaked with the wind in the silence that hung over us, though I could only think of the cage door locking me inside. Rhian’s eyes were wide as her already fair skin paled, staring at me before rising on wobbly legs. “What about you, Carys?” She retorted in a rare show of boldness. “You are getting everything that I have ever wanted, but I get nothing! So, yes, I’m jealous, and I hate that everything comes so easily for you, so shut up already!” She burst into tears and turned to run inside. Brynmor shot a dark look towards me and quickly followed after her, calling out her name as he gave chase.
My cheeks flushed with shame as she fled, knowing that she was right. Or at least, that she had a point. I was getting the life she wanted for herself, and while I hadn’t chosen this, she still piled the blame at my feet. She likely suspected I had maneuvered myself into this situation on purpose, just to spite her.
Ben stood still, his eyes boring coldly into mine until I met his gaze. I held it for only a moment, but it was a moment that felt like eternity as my insides slowly turned to ice. “How can you do this to her?” He growled at me, my jaw dropping as my eyes widened a little in amazement.
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