Amber rolled out of bed. “Leanna, why is it such a sin for us to sleep?”
Leanna threw an apron to her little sister. “Amber, just get dressed so it’s done when he gets back.”
Leanna went to the kitchen so she could feed the other children. Amber came in a short time later. “I’m tired of eating mush.”
The younger children ate their food in silence, and then ran outside to do their chores.
“You must stop talking like that in front of the children, Amber. They’ll get wild dreams in their heads like you. Uncle Pat doesn’t like it.”
“They’re not even his children. Why must we watch them?”
Leanna threw the dirty water out the window. “Because the men must hunt for food, you know that.”
Amber washed dishes while Leanna dried. “I want so much more then this.”
Amber followed Leanna outside. Leanna sat upon a stump and began to wash the soiled clothes. As she finished one item, she handed it to Amber. Amber began to squeeze the excess water out of them then hung them on the line to dry.
“Well this is our life, dear Amber, so live with it. Get your head out of the clouds and go do the laundry.”
Amber went out back to hang the laundry. Leanna walked back inside.
Just as she’d finished, a group of knights rode by. Mud spattered the freshly washed clothes. Amber was angry.
She grabbed a rock and threw it at them as they rode off, hitting one of them.
The one turned and they all stopped. Amber felt a lump in her throat. They all rode back toward her. One of the knights quickly dismounted.
“You dare throw a rock at a knight in Masias’s army.”
She put her hands on her hips. “Yes, I did.”
Leanna came running around the side of the house. “What did you do?”
The knight looked at Leanna, then back at Amber. “She threw a rock at the lordship’s knights.”
Leanna gasped. “Oh, please forgive her; she knows not what she did. Please accept my apologies for my little sister. She’s still young.”
Amber still had not backed down. She stood facing them with her hands on her hips. “Don’t apologize for me, Leanna. I’m not a little girl. I’m seventeen and I’m not sorry for what I did. Maybe he should teach his knights manners. You ruined my clothes.”
Keith looked at his brother. They both sat on their stallions dressed in full metal. The knight on the ground moved closer to the girl.
The knight that had dismounted approached Amber. “How dare you speak to a knight in that tone?”
She didn’t back down. Leanna moved closer, shoving her sister aside. “Please sir, accept my apologies. Whom did she hit?”
The knight pointed to a big fellow on a black stallion.
Leanna again pleaded for Amber. “Please forgive her. She’s wild in her ways and has a big mouth.”
The big knight dismounted. “Well maybe ‘tis best if she apologizes.”
Amber wrapped her arms around her chest. “I will not apologize when you are the one in the wrong.”
The first knight became angry, raising his voice in disgust. “Do you have any inkling what could happen to you for arguing with one of Masias’s knights?”
The big knight walked around her, circling her, and stopped right in front of her. “You’re pretty brave for a female.”
Amber glared at him, no fear showed in her eyes. “For a female? What do you mean by that? Why does it take ten knights to try and scare me? Are you not man enough to stick up for yourself?”
Amber heard a chuckle from somewhere in the group of men.
The big knight removed his helmet. Kolten smiled. Leanna fell to her knees, as did Amber. The first knight, Keith, removed his helmet as well. “Oh, now you will bow to me and talk to me with respect.” He was obviously amused by the whole scene.
Leanna began to shake. Amber kept quiet. Kolten walked over to her and lifted her up. “Stand before me.”
She did as she was told.
“I grant you permission to speak freely, lass.”
Amber looked him in the eye. “I have nothing to say.”
The other knights roared with laughter. “Oh, now she has nothing to say.”
Amber felt her temper about to flare. How dare he make fun of her? She wanted to tell him off. It didn’t matter that this sexy knight was royalty. It didn’t matter that his eyes were dark green and his lips were so kissable. Or did it? She didn’t like him. “I’ve plenty to say, but I’ll hold it inside.”
Kolten snapped, “Speak, lass; tell me what you want to say.”
Amber had never seen him before, but by the colors they wore, she knew he was Masias’s son. She’d heard of Kolten and Keith, but never knew they were so handsome.
“I spent a lot of time getting those clothes wrung and hung up. You and your knights came traipsing through here and dirtied them up. Now I’ll have to do them again. Yes, I was angry and yes, I threw a rock at you.” Her hands flew to her hips again. “And I’m not sorry I did it.” At that she turned, her hair slapping him in the face.
“Please sir, forgive her.”
Kolten turned to Leanna. “I haven’t the time to deal with her in a proper manner right now.”
He climbed up on his horse and left, the knights following behind. The girls sighed with relief that was short-lived, for Uncle Pat soon arrived home, and demanded the full story.
Smack!
The whip sliced across Amber’s back. Uncle Pat hit her again. “Do not you realize he could burn our lands? Take everything? You must be learning your place, lass.”
He hit her again. She fought with all her might not to scream. As soon as he had returned, one of the older boys had run to tell their pa. He pulled her out of bed by her hair and whipped her over and over. Her back was covered in welts.
Amber fell to the ground as soon as Pat untied her. “You will go and beg for their mercy. You will apologize in the morning.”
Leanna hugged her sister. “Amber, when are you ever going to learn to keep your mouth shut?”
* * * *
Keith sat next to his brother at the table. “What a brave lass she was.”
Kolten had thought nothing but of her all day. She made him laugh. A mere lass standing up to all the knights, she was a sight. She’d angered Haro, but a lot angered the old knight.
Masias sat down and laughed as the boys told him of their day with the fiery blonde.
“She actually hit you with a rock?”
Kolten set his drink down. “Yes, she did. I had on armor, so it didn’t hurt, but, Father, she never once backed down to any of us ‘til Keith and I took off our helmets.”
Masias chuckled.
They had finished their meal and were in the garden with Bess when three of the knights brought Pat and the two lasses around.
“Sire, I’ve come to offer my deepest apologies for the events that happened at me cottage yesternoon. Me niece, well, sire, she was crass to your son, a knight in the army, and I’ve brought her to apologize to them.”
Pat shoved her closer to them. She fell to the ground, not speaking, her eyes not once looking at any of them. Her hair covered her face.
Kolten looked at the two girls. Yesterday her eyes had been filled with passion, with fire. Today she hid her face in shame. What was wrong with her? It was as if she wasn’t the same girl.
Masias moved closer to the redhead. “I’ve heard about what happened yesterday and I tend to agree with her. My knights shouldn’t have ruined her washing.”
Pat’s eyes widened as Masias began to speak again. “I tend to like a lass who sticks up for herself and those she loves.”
Masias walked closer to Amber. “Rise up, lass.” He helped her up. Once she was standing, he touched her back. She cried out in pain at just his simple touch.
Bess jumped up and ran to her. “What is wrong with your back, lass?”
Amber continued to hide behind her hair.
Pat pulled her
closer to him. “She’s fine.”
Bess glared at him. “She’s not fine! ‘Tis blood seeping through that dress.”
Kolten and Keith both looked. Bess had turned her so her back was to Masias.
Masias snapped, “What happened to her back?”
Pat didn’t speak.
Bess gently took her hand in hers. “I’m taking her inside to treat her marks.”
Pat reached for Amber’s hand, but before he reached her, the guards had moved around him. Bess motioned for Leanna to follow them.
* * * *
Inside a spare bedroom, Bess slowly pulled the dress off her back. “Oh my heavens, child, did he do this to you?”
Amber still remained silent.
Bess grabbed her face. It was then she noticed the black eye and swollen lip. “Why did he do this to you?”
The older lady seemed to be caring and very nice, but Amber didn’t want to speak. Soon she would have to return with Uncle Pat and he would surely beat her near death for what happened. The welts did hurt badly. Amber’s eyes were full of tears. “He always does this to us. But I got it worse for talking to Masias’s son like I did.”
* * * *
Bess called for some chambermaids and left. With her hands on her hips, she marched to find Masias, Keith and Kolten. “That ass has beaten her.”
Masias turned to her. “Bess, such words for a woman to be speaking.”
Masias could tell she was mad. He’d not seen her that mad since she’d caught the boys in her spices. It was a castle rule not to mess with the spices.
“Masias, follow me to the chambers. He did this because she spoke to Kolten.”
The four of them walked up to the spare room. The girl’s back was uncovered and one of the maids was putting sap on her wounds. Bess shooed them out and helped Amber dress. Bess took her hand and led her out to the hallway where all three men stood.
Kolten grabbed her face. “Why did he do this to your face?”
Amber remained silent.
“Speak to me, woman, you had no lack of voice yesterday.”
Her eyes filled with tears. “And you see what happened, because of my words to you.”
Kolten grabbed his sword and took off down the steps. “Keith, follow him.” Keith did as his father said and took off after his brother.
The girls walked with Masias and Bess to the castle entrance. Kolten had Pat up against the wall with his sword to his throat.
Leanna screamed. Kolten turned to her. “Lord, he has children and no one to care for them. Please spare his life.”
Masias turned to Pat. “I’ll spare your life, but I seek something in return. Your life for the two lasses.”
Pat quickly nodded. “Yes, lord, you can have them. Please take them as your chambermaids.”
The guards took him to the gate and threw him out.
Masias stood at the gate. “Don’t ever come back here or your life won’t be spared.”
Bess took the girls inside.
“Father, why did you do that? Why did you take them in?”
Masias looked at his sons. “I didn’t take them in. They’re yours.”
Keith turned to his brother. “What does he mean by that?”
Kolten thought about it. He had his own ideas of what he would do to her.
Chapter Nine
It took a few days for the welts to heal on her back. She was placed in her own chambers and taken care of by the chambermaids. Leanna stayed by her side, making sure she was not harmed. No one had demanded anything of the two. Their food was brought up to them and they were treated well. But something didn’t fit right in Amber’s mind. Surely, she had seen plenty of chambermaids. It wasn’t as if they needed more. So why was Leanna and herself really there?
When she was finally able to get out of bed she sat next to Leanna by the window. “Why are we here?”
“I don’t know. I just know the chambermaids don’t like us. They have been so cross with me. I haven’t done anything to them, Amber.”
The door opened and two of the maids came in with fresh water. “Oh, Sleeping Beauty awakens. It’s about time.”
Amber didn’t like their attitudes. “Put the water down and leave.”
The bigger of the two set the water down on a table by the bed and some splashed on Amber’s dress. “You did that on purpose.”
She smiled at Amber. “No, really, Your Highness. I would never do that to the pets around here.”
Amber climbed out of the bed. “I’m not your highness. Now get out of my room.”
They both laughed. “You think this is your room? No, dearie, this isn’t your room. You’ll put in the chambers with us once they’re done with you. You two will be nothing more then wantons to Master Kolten and Master Keith. That’s all girls like you are good for.”
Amber hit her. The smallest one screamed, and the bigger of the two got up and attacked Amber. They fell over the bed and onto the floor. Amber shoved her off and climbed on top of her, punching.
Leanna stood against the wall in shock. She didn’t know what to do. Amber was surely going to get in trouble again.
The door flew open and Bess ran in with Kolten, Keith and Masias behind her.
Kolten pulled Amber off. “I can see you’re feeling better.”
Amber straightened out her dress moving away from Kolten. He once again saw the fire in her eyes.
“What’s this about?” The older lady looked upset.
The other girls didn’t speak. Leanna moved behind her sister.
Bess looked at the maids. “What is this about? Rolling around the room in some catfight? Tell me now.”
Amber let out a deep breath. She was still upset. How dare those wenches say those things to her? “These wenches, no, these gallas have been nothing but rude to my sister, then she just told me I would be nothing but a wanton for Kolten and Keith. Well, I’m not a wanton, and I won’t call anyone Master.”
Oh, Masias liked her from the start. Her fire inside reminded him of his dear sweet Hanna. Hanna had been the same way. She never backed down to anyone, even though women were supposed to remain quiet. She had a mind of her own, just like this hellcat in front of him.
“Leave these chambers and don’t return.” They bowed to Masias and left.
“I see you’re feeling better, Amber.”
Amber lowered her head and spoke to the older man. “Sir, I appreciate what you did for my sister and I, but I won’t.”
Leanna moved in front of her. “We appreciate your generosity. My sister is still tired.”
Amber pushed her out of the way. “Will you ever stop talking for me? I feel fine. Why did you keep us here? I can not be a maid and I sure as hell can not be a wanton to anyone.”
Leanna pushed her. “Watch your mouth.”
Masias moved toward the door. “Lasses, I don’t know your expectations. I’m not in charge of your future. Amber, you must answer to Kolten and Leanna, you’re to answer to Keith. Now I must leave.” He walked out with Bess.
Amber gasped. “I am not going to answer to anyone. You can take me back to my uncle now.”
Kolten smiled as if he knew he was in control. “Lass, you belong to me.”
He appeared to be trying hard to conceal his laughter. She flared up like an angry rooster.
“I don’t belong to you. I’m not cattle.” She went to shut the door in his face but he held his hand up to stop her. “You will answer to me, lass, and you will do as I say.” He slammed the door as he left.
Leanna looked at the dresses. “Have you ever seen anything so pretty?”
Amber ran her hands down the velvet. “I wonder who they belonged to.”
Bess walked in to the room the girls shared. She came carrying some flowers. “Those belonged to Hanna. She was Masias’s wife. She became very ill and died years ago. When we have guests, Masias lets the ladies wear them to parties.”
Amber held the green velvet up to her body. “It’s exquisite.”
Bess smiled to herself. “Grab the dresses you like and come with me.”
They did as they were told, following her to her chambers.
* * * *
Gunner stood across from Kolten. “I hear the Goathers attacked the south valley three days ago.”
Kolten set his wine down. “They dare not come here. I have men heading to the valley to check things over.”
People began to dance. Keith walked over to his brother. “So do you see a lass that you like?”
Gunner looked around the room. “Oh, yes, definitely. I want the one in the green.”
They all turned around. Kolten’s mouth almost hit the floor. “Tis her, Gunner, that’s the girl I told you about, the one who hit me with a rock.”
Gunner watched her walk in with Bess and another girl in a purple dress. “They’re both truly beautiful. Do you mind if I dance with them?”
Kolten pulled him back. “Yes, friend, we do mind.”
All eyes were on the mysterious women as they entered the room. Masias stopped talking to one of the lords and approached Bess.
He leaned in and whispered to her. “Are we trying to play matchmaker?”
She simply smiled.
“You ladies look lovely.” Masias took their hands.
Gunner moved in. “Ladies, I’m Gunner. 'Tis a pleasure to meet you both.” He kissed their hands. Both girls smiled. Gunner was a lady-killer. All the ladies liked him for many reasons, but the main one was he was literally magical in bed. Those who truly knew him understood the reasoning behind that. Gunner was, in reality, a magical creature—a fairy.
The night was filled with song and dance. Leanna and Amber had never seen anything like it. They sat in awe all evening, watching the couples dance. One by one everyone began to leave. Bess had long retired to her room. Amber started up the steps, then tripped on her dress and fell backwards right into Kolten’s arms.
He put her down. “Already falling for me, lass?” He laughed and went up the steps.
She continued upward. At the top, she found him standing there. “Why are you watching me?”
A smile spread across his face. “I wanted to make sure you got up the steps all right.”
The Willing Warrior Page 9