Alliana began to struggle, a little squeak of fear escaping her. “Stop. Please stop. I don’t want this.”
Mikhal held her back from him but didn’t release her arms. His mind was racing his body roaring with the heat of unrequited passion, he was confused and angry and fighting hard not to become enraged. “Alliana what?”
He wanted to say ‘I know you felt it too.’ Wanted to fling her passion in her face. He wanted to pull her back into his arms and make her feel it again. He wanted to shake her and ask why she had to torment him, but he restrained himself and simply looked at her with wounded eyes.
It was then that he saw where she was looking and he understood at once, he was not reflected in the polished glass. She was looking at her own reflection, but of course wasn’t seeing his, and it had brought back the fact of who and what he was in the most unpleasant of ways.
He let her go then after a soft kiss to her forehead. “Tis all right, love. I made a promise I intend to keep. I shall also keep my word about allowing you to go to the village, though it won’t happen today. We shall see how Natalya fares on a few travels of her own, and then you may go as well.”
Alliana was staring down at the place where she used to be able to see her toes, and absently stroked her hand over her stomach. Her heart was aching and a lump was tight in her throat as tears threatened to spill. None of what had just happened had had anything to do with using womanly wiles, yet she felt horrid at rejecting him. She knew the ‘man’ who was her husband, was in pain.
He had given in to her pleas, responded to her flinging herself into his arms in the most natural of ways, and then accepted her decision without a fight. He had in fact given her what she wanted as simple as that, hadn’t punished her by taking away her trips, hadn’t done anything to her for changing her mind, and it made her feel guilty. Alliana knew he was hurting over her rejection of him, knew the man in him had to be frustrated over the buildup of a passion never satisfied, but still he had given her what she wanted. Part of her wished she could comply, that she could return to his arms, but her heart wouldn’t allow it, and she had to be true to herself.
“Thank you.” She reached out a hand to him and took one of his in hers, squeezing gently. “Thank you, Mikhal. I’m sorry.”
“I can’t change who and what I am, Alliana.” Mikhal shrugged his shoulders as he said the words, dropping her hand and holding both of his out in a gesture of surrender, then turned and headed for the door in complete dejection, feeling the weight of the world on his shoulders, but in the end, her whispered words upon his parting filled him with hope.
“Yes you can, Mikhal. You’ve already begun, just give us time.”
Chapter Eleven
It had been two weeks since Natalya had begun her daily trips to the village to check on Rowen and make peace with the serfs by bearing much needed gifts. At first the people had shunned her offers, scorning anything that had come from their demon Lord, but after three days of her leaving the items for them, no demands attached, they had begun to accept this part of her visit as well.
The children weren’t allowed out at first, that part of the plan had taken much more time to accomplish, but after much pleading and assurances that she simply wanted to see them to make sure all were well, their parents had allowed them out to receive sweets from the somewhat troubling Lady who had taken it upon herself to be their savior.
The nightly terror visits of blood and mayhem by those seeking to slaughter them had ceased for the most part, and this helped in Natalya’s mission to gain their trust. She didn’t know that Mikhal had issued an order that meals were only to be had from the group of humans who already resided at the castle, and that no terrorization of the villagers was allowed anymore, but had she been aware of his decree, Natalya would have approved and gone out of her way to tell him so. Not that she condoned the slaughter of people, but she did understand that his kind needed blood to survive.
Mikhal’s reason for doing so was purely selfish as far as he was concerned. He was doing it to gain the trust of his wife. If Alliana were to hear tales from Natalya of the serf’s distrust and continued terrorization, she would berate him and call him a monster instead of looking at him with the softer gaze that had been set upon him as of late. It was a fine line he now walked to be sure, and Mikhal knew it, one that was drawn carefully between his loyalty to his people and to his wife.
He was careful to keep his vampire subjects happy. He knew his reign as their Lord, and Alliana’s subsequent safety depended on it. He didn’t ban their fun, didn’t forbid them from feasting, raping, or killing what humans were available, simply told them that for now at least, they were to keep their activities confined to the areas of the castle that were far away from his wife and to leave the serfs alone, at least until their supply began to dwindle. When that unpleasant fact came to be, he would have to figure something out. Perhaps they would hunt further away from the castle; perhaps they would feast without draining their victims and therefore keep their larder full. Whatever came to pass, Mikhal was determined that the ugliness of it all would not touch his wife and child.
This proclamation concerning the serfs had made a few eyebrows rise, but the slow and painful death of one minion who had scowled openly had convinced the others that the Master had not become soft, nor was he one to trifle with despite the rumors that he treated his human mate with respect and tenderness. It was becoming known that the Mistress was indeed becoming a true Lady of the castle and not a mere plaything, and because of it, certain ways of life were changing. As it stood though, no one dared to openly challenge Mikhal the Merciless.
For the most part, no one wished to bother. They were a lazy stupid lot who still had full bellies and an abundance of servants to toy with. If the Master wanted to pamper his mated wife then who were they to ask why? After all, they had endure the rantings of his insane sister for many a year without question. Those with power often did strange things.
Now, said Master and Mistress, along with a bevy of servants, Lady Natalya, and Lucian, were in the shadow of the castle wall in the courtyard near the stables, preparing for Alliana’s first trip to the village. After repeatedly questioning Natalya day in and day out about her activities and experiences, and grilling Lucian about how Natalya was accepted during their nightly visits, Mikhal had finally relented and agreed to allow Alliana to accompany her on her mission of mercy. He now stood, hands fisted, forehead creased in agitation, nerves on end, as the servants filled a wagon with needed food goods and piled high the area in the cart where Alliana would be sitting with furs and pillows.
Alliana had watched the scene many times over the past weeks and only to have to wave goodbye to Natalya in the end, but not today. Today she would be free. Today she would venture to the village with her friend, and she couldn’t be more excited. As Mikhal patted the furs, making certain there was a soft mound upon which to set her, she came up behind him and took his arm. He turned as he felt her hesitant touch, and the scowl that had been on his face melted when he saw her glow of happiness.
She hadn’t come near him since the day they’d almost made love. Not really anyway, and in her he had sensed a nervousness that pained him. While he knew it was most likely caused by her embarrassment over refusing him after things had become so heated and not from any fear of him, it still made him sad, because he wanted her to be only happy and content in his presence.
There had been many small touches, sweet smiles as she took his arm for their strolls, an abundance of pleasant dinner conversation, and they’d even played chess a time or two, but the intimacy of that day hadn’t been repeated though he wished desperately to take her in his arms. For now she was more comfortable with the small gestures they shared that spoke of tenderness and caring as they got to know one another better day by day.
Now that sweet face and those gorgeous green eyes were turned towards him once again, this time with an expression of pure bliss, and Mikhal let her joy override his fear
for a moment and simply let himself be content in her happiness.
“Thank you for all this. For letting me go, for allowing us to take these things to the serfs. Every day Natalya has stocked the wagon with goods from your larder and never have you complained. I know you don’t care for them. I know they are but... cattle, but still, you are allowing us to treat them as people and to make sure they are fed and well. It ... it tells me something about you, husband.”
“I wish I could claim to have done it because I am a man who cares for those less fortunate, sweet, but it would be a lie. You know I do it for you. My heart does not feel for them, but I do understand your need to ease their suffering, and I have come to understand your need to feel free. I tore you away from your way of life, Alliana; I realize that now. Letting you go to the village is the least I can do. I warn you though wife, if you are not back well before darkness touches the horizon, I shall put my hand to your soft rump and make you feel the error of your ways.”
Alliana’s eyes grew large as dinner platters and her cheeks blushed crimson at his suggestion. Never had he said such a thing. She knew many husbands punished their wives in all sorts of manner, but for him to say he would do that was... He wouldn’t!
“I shall be back as promised. I certainly don’t wish for you to have a reason to stop me from going again.”
“Do not plan on too many trips such as these, sweet. Your belly grows large and my son seems hurried to appear. Do not think I don’t see how often you rub your belly and press your palm against your stomach when he delivers a sharp kick. He will arrive soon. I feel it. Soon you may have to settle once again for gentler walks with me in the moonlight.”
“I never said I wished to halt our walks, Mikhal. They.. I find them pleasant.” Alliana again blushed at this admission and looked down for a moment, then once again faced him and looked into his eyes, and the pleasure she saw in his dark blue depths at her admission made her heart swell. “As for these trips, they will be up to Natalya, will they not?”
“No sweet, all things concerning you are up to me. I will of course take Natalya’s advice under consideration, pigeon, but the final decision will be mine, as was this trip. Now up you go before I change my mind and make you stay here with me where you belong.”
Alliana’s eyes grew huge and pleading, an exaggerated pout catching her lip. He laughed at her, smiling, delighted by her antics, and scooped her up, gently placing her in the cart upon the mound of furs and pillows piled high upon the seat. Then, after looking her over once more, he kissed her lightly on the lips, letting his linger for just a moment, as he tasted her sweetness.
“Natalya, I expect to have her back healthy and happy.”
“Yes, M’Lord. I promise to keep her safe. You have nothing to worry about. I give you my word. May I also say thank you for the milking cow, Sire? It twas so good of you to consent to my request; Bethany hasn’t had her fill to eat in so long that the child is ailing. The milk is much needed.”
Mikhal waved his hand at her, embarrassed by her declaration, wishing she hadn’t even mentioned the act of so called kindness. He cared not for the child, only that his wife would think higher of him because of the deed. “Tis nothing. Take what you need.”
“I thank you all the same.”
“Show me your thanks by bringing Alliana back safely.”
“I shall.” That said Natalya climbed into the cart next to Alliana and gave the order for the driver to proceed before Lord Arcos could change his mind. She could hardly believe he had finally agreed to let Alliana go, and now that they were on their way, she wasn’t turning back. Natalya believed she had seen all of the children of the village but none of them of course had been wearing the medallion, she needed Alliana to identify the child, or they would never get it back. The bond of trust was being established and now it was time to put the next stage of their plan into action because Alliana’s eighteenth birthday was just over a month away.
Both women turned to wave goodbye and saw Mikhal and Lucian raise their hands in return. Neither knew that Mikhal had just told his first in command that every man, woman, and child in the village was to be slaughtered if so much as one hair on Alliana’s head was harmed during her little jaunt to visit the serfs.
The ride was uneventful for Natalya, but for Alliana it was a wonder of sights. She looked all around her, her face out like a child, eyes bright, a smile lighting her face. The snow had melted in places, giving way to the tender shoots of grass that braved the cold to announce spring was on the way. The birds were singing, the sky was clear and blue, and the sun, oh how wonderful the sun felt on her upturned face. This was nothing like sitting in the small circular tower room gazing out the window at a world far below. This was pure heaven.
They arrived at the village much too soon for Alliana’s taste, but her disappointment turned to pleasure when the doors of the small houses opened immediately. This was the greeting she was hoping for. Unfortunately, they were then shut again as the residents of those very dwellings realized that Lady Natalya had another with her, one whom they had seen three times before. The woman who rode in the wagon was none other than the Mistress of the castle, and no one, not a man, woman, nor child, wanted any part of her. She had the ear of the Master. Her belly swelled with his seed proving she was in league with the serpent, and that could mean no good for them. Only evil could carry the devil’s spawn.
Natalya’s brow creased in confusion at the sudden shutting of the doors. She climbed down from the carriage and looked about her, turning, but seeing no one. All had retreated at the sight of Lady Arcos. As the servants helped Alliana alight, Natalya went forward, calling out to the people who had closed themselves off.
“What is it? Has something happened here? Were you attacked? We come in peace. Lady Arcos wishes to see how you are faring.”
No one spoke; no one poked their head out from the safety of their homes.
“Why are you hiding? I...”
Natalya felt Alliana’s hand on her arm and turned. “Tis me, Natalya. They hate me. I am married to the Lord who has terrorized them to no end. This was a mistake.”
“No it wasn’t. Give them time, Alliana. They have come to trust me. Besides, we need that medallion. Lord Arcos was right, I haven’t any idea how long it will be safe for you to travel with me.” Natalya’s eyes shifted to Alliana’s stomach, and Alliana rubbed a hand over her belly self-consciously.
“Oh honey, tis nothing to be upset about. I am simply stating a fact. We must do what we came for. They will see it is fine. Give them time.”
“Last time no one would speak to me. It was awful. I am human but treated as one of them.”
Natalya took her hand and squeezed it tightly, “Tis all right Alliana. I’m here with you. Let us simply go about the first order of business and then worry about getting the people to come and accept the gifts we have brought. You can see the children then.”
Alliana gave Natalya a weak smile of confidence and followed her as she instructed one of the servants to untie the milking cow and gathered her medicinal satchel. She went straight to one of the small thatched shacks and knocked sharply upon the door, Alliana, the servant, and the cow behind her. When there was no reply she knocked again, an intent scowl upon her face.
“Rowen, tis Natalya. This door is to be opened immediately. I am here to see you and I will not be deterred. I have also brought the milking cow for your sister’s family. I know you would not wish to deny Bethany of the nourishment it can provide simply because Lady Arcos is with me.”
Instead of Rowen’s soft welcoming voice, it was her husband Samuel’s that came from the other side of the door. “You won’t be coming in here today. Not with the likes of her.”
“Tis not wise to go against the wishes of Lady Arcos, Samuel, nor against mine.”
“I care not for your wishes, and she is the whelping bitch of Satan himself. She shall not set foot in my home.”
“How dare you disparage the Lady of th
e castle! You are acting a fool, and the man you refer to as Satan owns the very home you hide in. You are to allow us entrance or I shall tell Lucian of your lack of cooperation. He shall set you right tonight, then the Lady and I shall simply return in the morn.”
Alliana’s eyes were brimming with tears over the spat going on before her. She was truly hated by all and it broke her heart. Why couldn’t these people understand that she hadn’t wed Mikhal the Merciless by choice? She made a tiny sniffling sound, causing Natalya to turn her way and see her distress. Natalya’s eyes raged and she took Alliana’s hands, before turning back to the closed door.
“Samuel, you know as well as I do that if I wish to come in, then you are to allow me entrance. Now I demand that you open this door. Do it, or Rowen will be taken to the castle.”
Natalya knew it was an awful threat, one that would upset the woman whom she’d just spoken of, and that the reason they didn’t want to open the door was most likely because of Alliana, but she also had no way of knowing if perhaps Samuel had beaten her or made her work about the house since Natalya’s visit the day before and it was vital that she see her. As if on cue muffled sobs could be heard coming from inside the house because of her threat, accompanied by curses from Samuel.
“Stop yer caterwauling woman. I’d be better off if they did haul you away.”
Rowen’s cries increased in volume along with Natalya’s anger as the face off continued, until Natalya heard a sharp cry from Samuel and the door swung open to reveal the little girl Bethany. Samuel came forward, intent on slamming the wood plank shut in Natalya’s face, but he was too far from the door, and Natalya had already placed her body in the doorway. Any move on his part would have involved touching her, and Samuel knew such an action would be suicide. Instead he cuffed the small girl sharply in the ear, causing her to howl, and shoved her towards the back of the tiny dwelling, hoping to keep her out of sight.
Beneath The Shadows of Evil... Torn Page 15