by Susan Simone
It was an uneventful ride. We didn’t talk much, there wasn’t much to say. Almost everything had already been said and I was happy just to sit with him and have his arms around me. The rains stayed at bay for once but this time we had oilskins to keep us dry. Miraculously my hair had stayed up through everything and I was dressed appropriately for court, or at least better than what I would have worn had I my own wardrobe to choose from. Stone was handsome in a silk shirt and brocaded waist coat. Red was a good color on him.
‘You seem happy today,’ he said.
‘I am.’
‘May I ask why?’
‘Do I need a reason?’
‘No, but I know you.’
‘I’m alive, you’re alive, this craziness is almost over. What’s not to be happy about?’
‘If I didn’t know better I’d say killing was good for you,’ he laughed.
‘Maybe I should be an assassin.’
‘Don’t you dare. If you get yourself into more trouble I think my heart will explode.’
‘Really, no one would see it coming. I can hide in the plants and pretend to be a fairy.’
‘Fairy? How much willow bark did you have today?’
‘None.’
‘So you’re naturally crazy then.’
‘Hey!’ I hit his arm and he laughed.
‘Look over that rise there,’ he pointed straight ahead to what looked like a pearl on the horizon. ‘Evard’s keep. It looks small now but it’s his main stronghold.’
‘It’s very white.’
‘That it is. He spends a fortune keeping it up.’
‘Why bother?’
‘He’s the king. Why not?’
Over the next hour, I watched the palace get bigger and bigger until it blotted out everything else. We went through the glaringly white gates as the sky turned colors and the sun was low in front of us; painting the walls of the palace in a myriad of colors. I started to understand why he kept the outer walls so white. As an artist I ached to paint it.
I’m not sure what I was expecting as we casually sauntered into the first courtyard. There was no fanfare or crowds. No one was waiting to greet us. The guards and knights waved to Stone and let us stroll by. The courtyard was littered with little houses and small vendors like a miniature city for the servants and staff. The people went about their business and barely even looked up.
We climbed the hill to probably the biggest building I had ever seen in my life, surrounded on all sides by gardens with an odd seasonal mix so that there would be a splash of color all year round. We approached the gates and here Stone had to explain who I was and what my business was. They knew him of course, and I noticed the flash of light as his ring caught the last rays of sun when he showed it. We were let through into the shining paved grand courtyard.
A ten year old boy came running from some hidden alcove and bowed low before us. It took me a minute to realize he was bowing for my sake. I looked at an amused Stone confused and unsure what to do. He dismounted and helped me down.
“This is Paige,” he said to the boy. “She can’t hear so don’t go yelling for her like you do me. Make sure she can see you coming.”
“Yes, Sir.”
“Paige, this is my faithful page, Arnold. He handles most of my errands. If you need to find me he usually knows where I am.” I smiled at the boy and he blushed furiously.
“Nice to meet you, miss,” he bowed again.
‘I’m not a Lady you don’t need to bow,’ I said with mock seriousness.
“Arnold,” Stone said. “I want you to learn to speak with your hands. It’s a good skill; that is if Paige doesn’t mind teaching?” he looked at me hopefully.
‘You’re determined that I teach the world aren’t you?’
“Yes.”
“Sir, his Majesty is waiting for you in the formal parlor.”
“Thank you. You know what do with Basil and my gear.” He turned around and dug through the saddle bags for a leather scroll at the very bottom and handed Arnold the reigns. ‘How’s your ankle?’ he asked me.
‘It’s been resting for two whole days. I can walk.’
‘Are you sure about that?’
‘Why? Is it far?’
‘No,’ he smiled. ‘Just checking on you. Follow my lead in there. Evard is a nice man in general, but there are a few things about protocol you’ve never learned.’ He held out his arm and I took it my cane in my other hand.
The palace passed before me in a blur of marble floors, richly furnished rooms and alcoves, and busy people all in uniform bustling about on various errands or chores. There were a few courtiers and nobles in opulent clothes strolling casually. Stone nodded to them curtly single minded in his destination. I would never remember my impressions as we hurried through the halls, I was too nervous and Stone didn’t pause long enough for me to breathe. I know now that the walls were painted a subtle blue color to accent the marble pillars and floors but at the time I would have sworn they were red, or green, or any one of a thousand hues possible.
We came to large wooden double doors with uniformed guards standing at attention. Stone whispered to one of them and he slipped in the doors to announce us. The king was standing near a cold fireplace with his arm stretched over the mantle. I had never seen him before. He used his wife’s likeness for our coins. He was younger than I thought to have a son as old as Rinald. He had longish brown hair held down by a golden circlet and a full beard and mustache. There were only occasional strands of gray mixed in. Based on his reign and his son’s age, he had to be in his forties or fifties but he could have passed for thirties easily with his young eyes.
Stone dropped my arm half way to him and strode forward and went down on one knee in a sincere bow. I stood nervously and waited to be noticed. I knew nothing of courtly manners. Stone got to his feet and brought me forward. I thought about trying to curtsey but he held my elbow keeping me up.
“Your Majesty I would like to present Miss Paige.” The king took my hand and I dipped my head for lack of a better idea. “She has much to tell in this report. She is also deaf so I will need to translate for her. I have kept her from bowing because she broke her ankle and I worry about her injuring it more.”
“Please, let us all sit,” Evard said taking my arm and leading me to a chair. He and Stone sat across from each other so I was sort of to the side but in clear view of both of them. “Forgive me, Richard, but I’m not feeling hospitable today. I am anxious for word of Rinald. You’re runner stated that you had news.”
“Yes we do. I am very sorry. I was too late. Too late by mere minutes.”
“What are you saying? Don’t break it to me gently. Be blunt. I’ve waited too long to endure niceties.”
“Rinald was murdered.” The king closed his eyes and I could see him gripping the arms of his chair in a white knuckled attempt to keep calm. Royalty wasn’t allowed to cry.
“Are you sure?”
“It was witnessed by Paige and I myself buried his body. Paige is an artist and she drew these the night I found her. I warn you it is not a pretty sight.” He handed Evard the scroll and I saw my drawings from so long ago. I didn’t know what to think. I had thought them lost long ago, but Stone had kept them safe this whole time. Through all the driving rain and battles and rock falls, he kept them safe. Just like me. Evard visibly braced himself and pieced through them one at a time until he could look no more and handed them back to Stone his hands shaking.
“Have them archived,” he ordered. “Lady Paige, what can you tell me about these men; about what you saw?”
‘You honor me with a title I do not own. I am only a peasant. I did not hear the struggle as I walked through the woods and stumbled into it. These drawings are accurate. The Prince was the first to see me. He tried to warn me even as he was being tortured. I only knew his last moments, but he was a good man. He died braver than most.’
“Thank you for that.”
“There is much more to report, Majesty,
” Stone said.
“I wonder if I am strong enough to hear it. Did you at least catch them, these murders?”
“After a time, yes, but it is a long tale.”
“Well out with it then. I am not looking forward to telling his mother.”
I watched as Stone told the whole story, start to finish. He spared no detail, no thought, no feeling. He told things I hadn’t even known, like how he had tracked the men in black for two months searching for Rinald and they were always only a step ahead. He told how he truly thought I was going to die on the road and how he tricked me into teaching him to speak with his hands intending only to keep me alive.
He spoke of waking in the wastelands without me knowing I had been taken. He had no horse, or water, or food of any kind, but still he searched for me. For three days he lived on grasses and spent hours collecting morning dew just to stay alive. He was spurred on by strange visions of Bear and Rinald. He followed believing himself fevered and dreaming. He believed that he would never have found me without those visions. He found his horse guarding our pack and made up a simple sleeping brew while he listened to me scream in the background. He had slipped it into their water supply and waited expecting to find me dead.
There was one place where his hands stopped moving and I knew the part he was telling. Evard looked at me with such pity I wanted to run and hide, but I only lifted my chin and tried to sit a little taller. I would not run from this anymore. I killed the man responsible for so much of my pain. I was strong enough to survive what they had done now.
Stone told the tale of his parent’s house under siege and how he had been lured into a trap using misinformation from his father’s own men. The men in black played a game we didn’t know the rules to. The Stonewell men being undertrained for such an event didn’t know to look deeper and reported the wrong information; leading Stone to believe they could safely extract their people using a direct route. They were ambushed and forced to watch while men in black tortured one of their own before sending him with the letter that would seal their my fate.
Evard listened attentively, more shocked as time went on until he was staring at both of us with his jaw hanging down.
“I would ask,” Stone ended his monologue. “If you can find a place here for Paige. She has no home, no family. Every last belonging and family member has been stolen from her. She doesn’t need much, just a place to sleep, food, someone to learn her language so she is not so cut off, and things to paint. In time when you see her skill maybe you will see fit to employ her as court artist.”
“You have a great deal of faith in her skill.”
“I do,” he smiled.
“I agree. Paige you are a true Lady and you are welcomed into this court until such time as you choose to leave us. I imagine you need some appropriate clothes as well.”
‘Y—yes Majesty,’ I said completely shocked making Stone laugh and Evard smile.
“I will assign you a maid. I think Betsy’s son has a deaf child. She’ll be used to the kinds of things you need.” He got up, I tried to rise with him but he motioned me down and returned a few minutes later. “You may both wait here for the maid. She’ll see to your needs. There will be a formal dinner tonight; unfortunately you arrived later than anticipated so dinner will be late as well. Don’t be afraid to ask for a snack. I’m—I’m sorry but I need to see to my wife and need some time alone.” He left quickly leaving Stone and me to stare after him.
‘I told you he was nice,’ Stone smiled.
‘I’m confused; does this mean I have a title now?’ He laughed at me.
‘Yes. At court you are a Lady now. Whether that follows you outside of court remains to be seen.’
The maid bustled in a few minutes later. She was almost as short as me and pleasantly plump. She had an easy smile and soft manner. “Sir Richard,” she said. “His majesty changed his mind and wants to see you in chambers right now.”
“Thank you.”
“Don’t worry about my Lady; I’ll take care of her.”
“I’ll stop by after I’m done with Evard,” Stone told me. “You’ll be alright?”
‘I think so. Things are just moving so fast.’
“You’ll get used to it. I’ll escort you to dinner,” he grinned. “Wait for me.”
‘Where am I going to go?’ He laughed and left. The maid looked at me with her eyebrows raised and a conspiratorial smile. I blushed a little and started to walk away.
Twenty Eight
My room was small but it had a little entry way room for my maid to sleep in. It was pleasantly furnished with brocaded furniture and a larger bed than I was used to. I had one window that looked out over the south gardens giving me a nice view of the village below and palace walls at sunrise and sunset. I sat in a chair and stared out the window, contemplating the torches along the palace walls and the peculiar way they lit the trees. The maid had left me an hour ago. I think she wanted to find a dress for me because she took my measurements and muttered on to herself as she went.
A large hand settled on my shoulder and I looked up into Stone’s face. He was dressed in formal uniform complete with sashes and medals declaring his rank. He was as high polished and as handsome as I’d ever seen him. I took his hand and he pulled me out of my chair.
‘You’re not dressed yet.’
‘My maid hasn’t found me a dress yet. I might have to go dressed like this.’
‘Betsy is good. I’m sure she’ll find you something ravishing. But it’s hard to improve on perfection.’
‘Sir Richard,’ I grinned. ‘Are you flirting?’
‘Of course. I need to talk to you about something.’
‘Anything.’
‘You know this isn’t over.’
‘I know.’
‘We have to find the rest of the crew. You killed the leader but they will re-group.’
‘I know.’
‘I have to leave tomorrow.’
‘Tomorrow!? So soon?’
‘Yes. Believe me I’d rather stay here with you, but this is my job. Evard has officially dispatched me.’
‘Will you come back?’
‘Always.’ I stared up at him, unable to contemplate him leaving me entirely. This was Stone. I—I couldn’t live without him. He was what gave me the courage to live, to be strong. Tears fell unbidden down my face and he reached out a hand brush them away. ‘Paige.’
‘Oh Stone, you have no idea—,’ I stumbled over words. Nothing I could say would be right, nothing would ever be enough. Looking deep into his eyes I finally found the right ones. ‘I love you.’ I turned and started to run for the door unable to face saying goodbye. I needed to be away; anywhere but here. I had thoughts of going to the garden where I could cry in the dark and let it take my pain, but he caught my hand. He pulled me to him and lifted me up in a deep, passionate kiss.
“I love you so much,” he said when we pulled away. His arms were still around me but I could read his lips just fine. I smiled and kissed him again; this time with a very serious intent I could feel working with my body, crushed against his. He slowly put me to my feet and tried to step away but I grabbed his collar fingering buttons that would loosen the entire uniform. I smiled up at him and undid those shining buttons and slid my hand in so it pulled apart.
‘Paige,’ he caught my hands.
‘Life is short, Stone. We don’t know what is going to happen or if you will come back to me. We waited last time and I nearly lost you. I’m not waiting anymore and I don’t give a damn if it’s proper or not.’ He stared at me for a long moment and then threw off his jacket. Kissing and laughing we frantically undressed each other until he carried me naked to the bed.
He crashed on top of me, kissing me, his hands roaming over my breasts and every inch of my body. His mouth followed his hands, kissing and suckling every last piece of my skin including places that shocked and delighted me. His gentle tongue and soft hands undid so much of the hurts I had endured. Every touch took aw
ay some horror and pushed it where it couldn’t hurt me anymore. Carefully he brought me to such pleasure I had to cry out and my whole body spasmed.
He crawled up my body, kissing as he went, and I could feel his hardness pressing into me, not at all unpleasantly, but there was still just the tiniest bit of fear. I braced waiting for the moment he would enter me, but he surprised me and rolled, bringing me on top of him while he sat on the edge of the bed. I straddled him while he devoured my breasts, my thighs, shaking in effort to stay above him.
‘Look at me,’ he said. ‘Look at my eyes.’ He took my hips and guided me down, impaling me on that smooth, hard piece of him. I braced for pain that never came. He held me against him and rested his forehead on mine for a long, breathless moment and then lifted me up only to bring me against him again and again and again until I was pushing against him, desperate for more. He flipped us over so he could drive into me harder and more completely. We made love and it was amazing, intimate, loving, and I don’t have words for all the feelings that were rushing through me. I could see what he meant now; it was like climbing down a mountain in the night.
In the afterglow, he laid beside me resting his head on my breast while I idly played with his hair.
‘You know I still have to leave in the morning,’ he said.
‘I know.’
‘So this wasn’t a ploy to keep me here?’
‘Now would I do that?’ He laughed his body shaking laugh and kissed the skin closest to his mouth. ‘How long will you be gone?’
‘Hard to say. We have to track them all down and make appropriate arrests. Four or five months at the most I think. Hopefully less, but no more than five months.’ I sighed and brushed his hair again. Suddenly he jumped up to his knees facing me. ‘Marry me.’
‘What?’ I sat bolt upright shocked.
‘Marry me, Paige. Be my wife.’
‘You really want me?’
‘For the rest of my life.’ He took my hand and kissed it. ‘Lady Paige would you do me the honor of taking my hand in marriage?’ I didn’t know what to say. I threw my arms around him and hugged him as hard as I could. He pushed my head back so he could see my face. ‘Was that a yes?’