The King's Obsession

by Tanya Bird

  She wanted to look him in the eye, but her gaze kept returning to the animal at his feet. She did not trust it. ‘Warning heeded. And I was not sneaking up on you, I was being considerate to those fortunate enough to be sleeping.’

  They both glanced at Charis, who had not stirred throughout the noisy ordeal.

  ‘He will sleep through anything,’ Leksi said, crossing his arms. He watched her for a moment. ‘Are there any animals you are not afraid of, then?’

  She thought for a moment. ‘The stuffed kind mounted on walls.’ She shook her head. ‘Actually, I take that back. I always avoid those rooms when possible.’

  He grinned. ‘Come pet her,’ he said, crouching again.

  Horrified by the suggestion, she took another step back. ‘Absolutely not. A moment ago that animal was about to maul me.’

  ‘And now she is calm and has accepted you, despite your hostile body language.’

  She looked down at herself and then at the dog. ‘He can read body language?’

  ‘She. And yes, she can. Come.’ He gestured, and when she did not move, he added, ‘Would you like a chamber pot? Or would you prefer to take your chances outdoors?’

  His tone was serious enough for her to step forwards.

  ‘Best to crouch down to her height so she doesn’t feel threatened.’

  ‘So she does not feel threatened?’ Gathering the bottom of her cloak and nightdress, she did as she was told.

  ‘Hold out your hand,’ he said. ‘Let her smell you.’

  She cast a worried look at the knight. ‘Why?’

  Leksi rubbed the dog’s back. ‘Just do it.’

  Petra slowly extended her hand, and the dog stretched its neck to sniff her. ‘Well, she is no longer growling, so I suppose that is progress.’

  ‘Now pet her.’

  She stiffened. ‘I think we have done enough bonding for one night.’

  Leksi tilted his head. ‘Pet her.’

  She reluctantly reached out and ran her hand along the dog’s back. The fur was surprisingly soft. She continued stroking, eventually relaxing enough to look up at Leksi. ‘Why are you not asleep? You must be tired.’

  He shifted so he was seated more comfortably on the ground. ‘I have trouble sleeping in this house.’ He paused. ‘Too many memories.’

  She studied him. ‘Not good ones, judging by your expression. I gather your father has a drinking problem?’

  He nodded.

  ‘How old were you when it started?’

  ‘He’s been a drunk for as long as I can remember. I was eight when it became a problem.’

  She sat down also, her legs tucked beneath her. The warmth from the fire helped relax her. ‘What changed when you were eight?’

  He stopped petting the dog and leaned back on his hands. ‘My mother died during childbirth, the baby with her.’

  The dog rolled onto its back and stared up at her with large, pleading eyes. She hesitated before rubbing its belly. ‘I am sorry. That would have been hard on you being so young.’

  ‘I’m a firm believer that the events of our childhood decide the type of person we’ll be later in life. Mine made me tougher, and a much better fighter than I might’ve been otherwise.’

  She watched the dog for a while. ‘Maybe that is where I went wrong. I had a dull, uneventful upbringing. I was not prepared for my life.’ She looked up, suddenly feeling as though she had said too much. ‘About that chamber pot…’

  Leksi grinned. ‘It’s under the bed, behind the trunk.’

  ‘Oh.’ She had only taken a brief look under there, fearing she might spot a rat peering back at her. When she stood, the dog jumped up also. ‘What is she doing?’

  ‘She follows the attention.’

  Petra took a few steps back and the dog walked with her. ‘Where do you think you are going?’

  Leksi got to his feet and rocked on his heels. ‘You’ve made a friend for life now.’

  Petra was about to object and send the animal back to Leksi when she realised the company might be nice. ‘What if she turns on me suddenly?’

  ‘She won’t. Trust me.’

  She looked up at that. She had learned to read people, to sum them up within a few minutes, especially men. How else could she help the women in her charge survive? It might have been foolish, but she believed him. ‘Goodnight, Sir Leksi.’

  He bowed his head. ‘Goodnight.’

  As she walked away, she kept a wary eye on the dog trotting alongside her.

  Chapter 7

  She woke to the sound of someone chopping wood. Something shifted against her legs, and she glanced down to where the dog was curled in a ball, its eyes on the door. Looking in that direction, she was surprised to find a man leaning in the doorway, staring at her with a confused expression. She sat up with a gasp, causing the dog to jump down and trot away.

  ‘Who are you?’ he asked.

  Even from that distance, she could smell the stale drink on his breath. She saw the similarities then, the strong jaw and broad shoulders. Though this version of Leksi had a red face and thinning hair. ‘I am an acquaintance of Sir Leksi’s.’

  He studied her for a moment. Outside, an axe came down. ‘He’s here?’

  She nodded, the blanket pulled up to her chin.

  Leksi’s father sniffed. ‘He get you pregnant?’

  She hid her horror at the suggestion well. This was his house, and she needed to be respectful of the fact. ‘No.’

  He nodded before turning away, and she listened to the stairs creaking as he made his way downstairs, no doubt in search of his son.

  Pushing back the covers, she crept over to the window and peered out. Leksi stood next to an enormous pile of wood, axe in hand. He was sweating from his efforts, despite the cool morning. Wiping his forehead with the back of his hand, he set another piece of wood on the chopping block and split it in two. His firm body was visible beneath his wet shirt, and even she could see the appeal. What a difference to the men of Masville, whose flaccid bodies did not match the power handed to them.

  As though sensing he were being watched, he turned and looked up. She stepped back from the window just in time, feeling ridiculous.

  After she had dressed, she headed downstairs, where the smell of eggs frying drifted from the kitchen. When she stepped inside the room, she found Charis busy cooking at the stove, and Leksi’s father slumped in a chair. His food sat untouched in front of him. He did not appear to have much of an appetite.

  ‘Good morning,’ she said, walking over to Charis.

  ‘Morning,’ the squire replied, looking far more energetic than the previous night. ‘Food’s limited. How does an egg sound?’

  She forced a smile. ‘Lovely, thank you.’

  ‘Didn’t know to expect company,’ Leksi’s father grumbled from his chair.

  Petra cleared her throat and decided to start again with him. ‘My name is Petra. Sorry about earlier. I was just a little surprised by your… visit.’

  He looked up at her, grey-faced and red-eyed. ‘You were surprised? That boy only shows up when he needs something.’

  So it was not going to be an easy breakfast, then. ‘Sorry, I did not catch your name.’

  ‘I didn’t give it.’

  Leksi stepped through the door at that moment, and she could tell by the expression on his face that he had heard at least some of the exchange.

  ‘This is Thom,’ he said, glaring at his father’s back.

  Thom looked between them. ‘You know, this one has a different woman every week,’ he said, nodding towards his son.

  ‘All right,’ Leksi said, shaking his head. ‘We’ll be out of your way soon.’

  ‘Still haven’t managed to get rid of this one, I see,’ Thom said, waving a finger in Charis’s direction.

  The squire just carried on cooking as though he had not spoken. Clearly he knew what to expect from the man. Petra glanced at Leksi, embarrassed on his behalf and a little sorry for him. He did not meet her eyes, in
stead stepping up to the table and sliding the plate closer to his father.

  ‘You should try to eat something.’

  Thom shoved the plate away, and it would have flown off the table had Leksi not caught it. ‘I’m going back to bed,’ he said, standing unsteadily, his chair scraping on the floor. ‘Don’t bother chopping any more wood.’ He narrowed his eyes at his son. ‘It won’t last a year.’

  Petra stepped back as he shuffled past her and returned upstairs. Only then did Leksi finally look at her, appearing uncomfortable for the first time since they had met.

  ‘Would you like me to wash the linen and hang it out to dry before we leave?’ she asked, trying to save him from an embarrassing explanation. His expression softened.

  ‘Don’t bother. It’ll still be hanging there next time I come.’

  Charis walked over and handed her a plate. The smell made her mouth water.

  ‘Thank you,’ she said.

  Leksi pulled a chair out for her and sat opposite, dragging his father’s cold plate in front of him and snatching up a fork. She picked up her own cutlery, inspecting it for a moment. There were smudges on the blade of the knife.

  Leksi stopped eating, his loaded fork poised. ‘Something the matter?’

  She immediately lowered the cutlery to her plate, shaking her head. He already thought her a snob, and she was in no position to complain when they were kind enough to house and feed her.

  The moment Leksi finished eating, he stood. ‘I’m going to prepare the horses. I’ll meet you both out front shortly.’

  Petra stared up at him. ‘Would you like me to let your father know we are leaving?’

  He glanced at her. ‘No need.’ With that, he fled the kitchen.

  Charis came to collect the plates from the table. ‘This is how it’s always been. He’ll be fine once we leave.’

  Leksi seemed eager to put as much distance between them and the Corneon border as possible. Or perhaps it was his father. They moved almost at a gallop for the first hour, farmland and the odd house flashing past them, before finally slowing to a more sensible pace. She noticed he checked their surroundings constantly, always on the lookout for something. As much as she knew he resented the role of bodyguard, he took it seriously.

  ‘What village is this?’ she asked when they finally slowed to a walk. Children had come out of their houses to wave at them, all eyes on Leksi. He looked every bit the heroic knight in his red tunic.

  ‘Pelaweth,’ he replied. ‘This is where the flag tournament is held each year.’

  She watched as a woman ushered her young sons off the road. ‘Everyone is so friendly,’ she said, waving.

  ‘It probably just seems that way after spending the night in my father’s home.’

  She surprised herself by smiling. She looked the other way to hide the fact, but he must have seen it.

  ‘Was that a smile?’

  ‘No.’

  He looked rather pleased with himself. ‘I made you smile. You think I’m funny.’

  ‘No, I do not.’

  A satisfied grin settled on his face. At least she had managed to bring him out of his mood.

  ‘I’m finely tuned to the ways in which women respond to me, and you think I’m funny.’

  She shook her head. ‘I thought one comment you made was funny. That is not the same thing.’

  ‘When was the last time you laughed?’

  What a ridiculous question. So why did it make her uncomfortable? Probably because she could not remember. ‘Out loud?’

  He turned and looked at her as though she were crazy. ‘Yes, out loud. How else does one laugh?’

  Inwardly, like every other emotion she had felt over the past nine years. ‘Masville was a little lacking in humour.’

  He chuckled softly at her response. ‘Last stretch of the journey now,’ he said, kicking his horse into a canter.

  She took hold of him again, and Charis followed behind with the spare horse.

  An hour and a half later, they reached the outskirts of Veanor. Instead of continuing along the main road that led to the port, they veered left and rode south through a patch of forest, emerging on the other side to sandy grassland. She could smell it then. She had never visited the coast, never smelled the ocean, but somehow she knew it was close.

  They climbed a gentle hill, and when they reached the top, Leksi stopped his horse and loosened the reins.

  ‘The Arossi Sea,’ he announced.

  Petra looked past him. For just a moment, the raw beauty of it silenced every thought. She watched as waves built and crashed against the rocks, the water moving as though it had a pulse.

  ‘I love the ocean,’ Leksi said, breathing in deeply. ‘It can wash away anything, you know.’

  She continued to stare. ‘It is beautiful.’

  He turned in the saddle, a curious expression on his face. ‘Have you ever seen the ocean before?’

  She shook her head. ‘No.’

  ‘It’s not warm enough to swim yet,’ Charis said, stopping next to them. ‘You’ll likely freeze to death if you go in.’

  ‘I can’t swim,’ she replied, eyes on the water.

  Leksi walked the horse on. ‘Let’s get to the estate first. Then I’ll show you to the ocean.’

  They continued south for another twenty minutes before a small wattle and daub house came into view, a good distance back from the water’s edge. Behind it was a fenced garden and a small yard with shelter for the horses. In front was a grassy slope leading down to a stretch of pristine sand, enclosed by rocks at either end.

  ‘This is the… estate?’ Petra asked.

  ‘This is it,’ Leksi replied. ‘Been in the family for years, though no one makes use of it.’

  ‘I can see why.’ It was tiny, and underwhelming as far as royal houses went.

  ‘It’s perfect for our needs.’

  ‘Discreet,’ she said. ‘Is it leaning?’

  He smiled. ‘It’s not much to look at, but it does hold up well in the cold season when those coastal winds hit.’

  Thankfully, the cold season had just come to an end, and the grey clouds would disappear soon. Petra was looking forward to some warmth.

  Leksi stopped in front of the house and helped her down from the horse. Her legs were shaky and sore from the long hours in the saddle, and she had to hold on to him for a few moments until she was steady.

  ‘I could carry you over the threshold if you like,’ Leksi offered, teasing.

  She immediately let go of him.

  Charis dumped all of their bags at the door and then led the horses away in the direction of the yard. Petra followed Leksi into the house, recoiling at the musky smell that greeted her. It was dark and dreary inside. Walking to the closest window, she pulled the curtain back and let light pour in.

  ‘It’s been closed up for some time,’ Leksi said before disappearing into one of the rooms.

  She wandered around the space. Aside from a few pieces of furniture, it was otherwise bare. She paused at the log bench, running her fingers over its rough surface. It was a far cry from the polished appearance of Masville, and yet it was charming in its own way.

  ‘We’re going to need to buy some supplies,’ Leksi said, stepping back into the room. ‘They don’t tend to keep anything at the house.’

  ‘It will only get stolen if there is no one here to watch it.’

  He looked around. ‘At least it’s been kept clean.’

  She was tempted to disagree. Her hands were itching for some warm water and a scrubbing brush.

  ‘But I’m guessing you’ll clean every inch of it again,’ Leksi said.

  So he had picked up on the fact that she was a little particular in that regard. ‘Well, I have some jewels you are welcome to trade for supplies.’

  He watched her for a moment. ‘Coin is not an issue. Keep your jewellery.’

  Petra was beginning to feel bad that he was stuck at the edge of the world in a tiny seaside house—with her. She wanted
to help. ‘Shall I cook us some food?’ Except they did not have any food, or pots for that matter. ‘Are there fish in the sea?’

  He cocked his head. ‘In this sea?’ He nodded in the direction of the water.

  ‘Yes.’

  He suppressed a smile. ‘Last time I checked, yes, there were fish in the sea.’

  She scowled, not enjoying being laughed at. ‘At Masville, we used to eat fish that was wrapped in leaves with lemon and herbs, and cooked in coals. No utensils required.’

  He blinked. ‘And how do you plan on catching the fish?’

  She crossed her arms also. ‘There are many ways to catch a fish.’ She had never caught a fish in her life, but she had read books on the subject.

  ‘I can catch us some fish,’ Charis said, stepping inside and saving her. He placed a stack of saddles in the corner of the room, away from the fire. ‘All you need is a long sturdy stick, a dagger and a bit of rope. Crab you can get by hand.’

  ‘There you go,’ Petra said. ‘Charis will catch us some fish, and I will find us some large leaves.’

  Leksi had the most amused expression, and it infuriated her.

  ‘There are only pine trees in this part of the world,’ Charis said, almost apologetically.

  ‘Charis grew up in these parts,’ Leksi explained.

  She cleared her throat and glanced around the room. ‘All right, then I shall stay here and start cleaning up while the two of you go get supplies.’ When Leksi frowned, she asked, ‘What is the matter now?’

  He closed the distance between them, and she made a point of not stepping back. ‘I cannot leave you. Where I go, you go. That’s how it works from now on.’ He turned away. ‘And it’s safer if you stay away from the village. Charis will go into Veanor and bring back all we need.’ He faced the boy. ‘I can’t write you a list, so I’m counting on your sharp mind to remember everything.’

  Charis tapped his head with one finger. ‘No need for a written list, my lord.’

  Petra suspected he was the type of boy who most definitely needed a list, but off he went, confident in his abilities. She began rolling up her sleeves, preparing to get to work. Leksi stepped closer, and she looked up at him.