Mikhal sat up straight in his chair, hands coming forward to rest on his knees; eyes keen as he looked at Lucian. “Go on.”
“I have reason to suspect that Hannah, Mistress Natalya’s new servant, may be in league with Marishka, and therefore with Andor as well.”
At this revelation, Mikhal bolted to his feet, eyes flashing, a roar of rage coming from deep within his animalistic core. How was this possible? How dare Marishka? Had she no respect for him anymore? Could she really have planted a traitor right here in his home under his nose? Most of the time her insanity rendered her stupid, but at others, he knew the voices told her of plans. What had she concocted to hurt him this time, and what did it mean for Alliana and their child?
He began to pace around the room, long strides as he ran his hand over his face, fighting for control. He had to hear Lucian out. It wouldn’t do to simply find the girl and tear her limb from limb until he knew the facts. He had to be careful; he had to act… human. Alliana and Natalya would know of his actions and Natalya was in a fragile state right now.
“Tell me why you suspect this.”
“When we returned from the village last night, Mistress Natalya dropped her glove in the courtyard. Upon finding it I decided to return it to her at once.”
At this statement Mikhal looked up and set a piercing stare onto Lucian, but then let his words go with a small snarl. Now was not the time. He would once again warn Lucian to keep his distance from Natalya later. There was also the matter of the looks that had been exchanged between the two after she’d been burned to discuss as well, their dalliances could wait. “Go on.”
“When I entered her chambers, she was struggling with the ties of her gown. Hannah had not answered her summons, and Natalya was attempting to do them herself.” Lucian paused for a moment, jumping ahead in his mind. He wouldn’t relate his and Natalya’s argument about him assisting her with her garment. Wouldn’t tell his Master how he had longed to untie her stays and reveal her silky skin inch by inch. Shaking his head to remove that tantalizing image from his mind, Lucian turned back to the matter at hand before Mikhal could become infuriated and guess where his thoughts had strayed.
“When I left her, I proceeded to the servant quarters. It was my intent to tell the girl in no uncertain terms that shirking her duties would not be tolerated, but when I arrived, she was not to be found. Twas very late, and she should have been abed, but it was as empty as the room. It wasn’t long before she came back though, out of breath from running, and wearing a cloak. It was clear she had been outside.”
“At night, in the dark, among our kind? She is either a very stupid girl or is up to something.”
“Yes, it would seem so. I questioned her and she claimed to have been in the field just past the gardens digging for roots for Mistress Natalya. She babbled some such nonsense about Valerian root but her hands did not bear evidence of such activities, and she carried nothing with her, also, her shoe was broken, as if she’d come a long way.
“I asked her about the discrepancies in her tale and she proceeded with the lie, saying she had tried to do her work, but realized the ground was too hard, so gave up. None of her story rang true, so I went forward and shook her, determined to get to the truth. It was then I caught scent of your sister.”
Mikhal’s head snapped up and his eyes blazed as he looked at Lucian. "You are certain it was my sister’s scent?"
"Yes, Sire. I could not believe it myself, but I have no doubt. I know it was she. When I asked the wench about it, she claimed she had been in Marishka's chambers searching for gowns for Natalya. Again, this explanation doesn't sound true to me. How could a mere servant possibly dare to enter the quarters of your sister? She is lying, I know she is Master."
"So why is she not here Lucian? Why wasn’t she brought to me last night at once? Where is this girl? Is she in the dungeon where she belongs? You must know I'd wish to question her myself." The anger in Mikhal's tone was unmistakable but Lucian held his gaze. He knew, that for whatever reason, Mikhal the Merciless seemed to care for the Mistress, and he sensed that dragging a screaming Hannah here would not serve to make his Sire's mate happy.
"I thought it would be wise to seek you out before I did anything rash. I am certain Hannah would have caused a scene. She was quite frightened, on the verge of breaking down and shrieking, and I didn't wish to harm the girl or forcibly drag her here without your approval. I feared it would upset Lady Arcos and Mistress Natalya."
Mikhal said nothing for a long moment, mulling over Lucian's words. Part of him, the demon inside, was still furious. He knew, they both knew, that as Master his word and wishes were of the utmost importance, and those of a mere woman should matter not, but he also knew Lucian was right. He would have to keep rein on his fury in the face of this girl for the sake of his relationship with Alliana. The demon would have to wait until the facts came to light, and then, if what Lucian said was true and the girl was indeed cavorting with Marishka, then he could unleash his full wrath upon her and tear her limb from limb, probably with his wife's blessing.
"Where is she now?"
"I left her in her room, My Lord."
Mikhal raised his eyebrows at this proclamation. "You did not think she would run back to my sister?"
“I sat sentry at the foot of the servant’s staircase the remainder of the night. She is in her room.”
“And what of now. You left your post during the explosion, which is understandable, but still, she has been unguarded for some time. Do you think she has fled?”
Lucian's face instantly fell as dread filled him at the thought, but he honestly didn’t think the girl would run back to Marishka during the day. It would be too easy to be caught, and after being accused of treason, if she were wise, she would be here tending her Mistress like a good little servant, not engaging in acts that proved her guilt.
"No Sire. She... It is my sincerest hope that she has not. When the explosion happened, and I heard Mistress Natalya’s cries, my only thoughts were of her safety. If Hannah is gone, I will take full blame. Forgive me, Sire."
"I understand your reasoning in not wishing to upset my wife and Natalya, but your forgiveness will hinge on whether or not we find the girl. It is far better for them to become upset at Hannah’s treatment than for them to fall prey to Marishka’s evil deeds. Tell me Lucian, do you think the girl had anything to do with the fire that hurt Mistress Natalya?”
“Tis possible Sire. Natalya honestly couldn’t understand how she’d been so careless as to mix ingredients that would cause an explosion. We both know Marishka is well versed in potions and herbs. The girl could have made a substitution. We shall never know though. The jars of herbs she used are in ruins.”
“Twill be yet another thing to ask the girl about. Show me to Hannah’s room."
Lucian nodded and turned towards the door, feeling the eyes of his Sire upon him as he did so. The flesh upon his back tingling in remembrance of the punishment he had received the last time he had let his Master down, and his gut clenched, knowing full well that if Hannah had escaped, he would be facing more of the same. The thought was a very disturbing one. He shook his head to rid himself of the painful memory. It mattered not right now. All that was important was questioning the girl and keeping the women safe.
They went quickly down the hallway in silence, each lost in their own thoughts, when Mikhal was hit by a sense of unease. Alliana had just received a shock, he was sure of it. Was she in danger? Had the girl been able to get to his wife? Was Marishka in the castle? He turned on his heel and called back over his shoulder to a very confused Lucian, as he made haste towards his distraught mate.
“Something is wrong with my wife. Go and see if Hannah is in her chambers. If she is, bring her to me at the women’s quarters.”
Lucian nodded his understanding and turned, eager to carry out Mikhal’s command. If the Master felt trouble, then it was most certainly tied to the girl. Why had he left her unguarded? He should have fou
nd a replacement, but there hadn’t been time. The explosion happened in a flash and Natalya had been crying out for help. There was no way he could have ignored her pleas. If he had, she could have perished. No, no matter what, he had done the right thing in saving her that morning.
He did now deeply regret not taking Hannah to the Master or to the dungeon last night immediately upon hearing her tale of lies. It certainly would have been better to upset the Ladies of the castle than to have harm come to them at Hannah’s hands. Who knew what the girl was capable of or what destruction she was setting in motion even now. It appeared the servant might well have orchestrated Natalya’s accident already. Now all he could do was hope the girl was where he had left her.
As he went one way and Mikhal the other, he heard his Master’s footsteps quicken and break into a run, his boots ringing out on the stone floor as he fled in the direction of his mate. Grimacing, Lucian set off full speed as well, determined to deliver Hannah to his Master. He wouldn’t be satisfied until the wench was held fast in his grip with the truth spilling from her lips.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Natalya and Alliana sat on the bed, watching a terrified but scheming Hannah as she began to tell her tale. Natalya could sense the fear inside the girl, so much terror inside her, that one couldn’t feel anything else, and it worked to cover the fact that she was lying now. And though Natalya had kept an eye on her servant over the past couple of weeks, nothing had stood out to make her feel as if the girl were dangerous, so there was truly nothing that made Natalya think she should doubt the story she was about to hear. The abuse heaped upon humans by the evil demons that resided here was well known throughout history, so the girl’s claims could very well be valid.
One thing Natalya did sense though, were huge problems ahead. If Hannah were innocent, then they had to protect her at all costs, but if she were indeed in league with the evil Marishka, then Mikhal the Merciless had every reason to kill her. The problem was, how to get to the truth humanely, and how to get Alliana to see things rationally.
As they listened with rapt attention, the girl regaled her terrifying confrontation with Lucian with much zeal and many tears, causing both women to immediately feel filled with sympathy for the poor hapless servant. Alliana believed every word, never doubting for a moment that the evil creatures of the castle would do Hannah unjust harm, and Natalya was simply confused by the entire situation. She had doubted the girl, she had, sensed a tension in her that couldn’t be fully explained, but now... What to do now?
Hannah looked so very innocent, her cheeks streaked with tears, her eyes red and swollen; her heart on her sleeve as she begged for protection. How could one possibly suspect this mere girl for plotting with Marishka? Marishka was mad. She was a terrifying idiot who craved blood and fear from her victims, not a woman who would be tender and caring to a human servant girl even if it were to use her to get her way. It was almost inconceivable to both Alliana and Natalya that Marishka would have chosen a human to do her evil deeds instead of charming one of the hundreds of minions who filled the castle and had the freedom to come and go as they pleased.
As Hannah finished her account of Lucian’s abuse, she broke down completely, falling forward onto the floor at Alliana’s feet, begging for help and protection. Her sobs wracked her entire body and neither woman could help but be filled with pity for Hannah or fury for the one who had put her into such a state.
Before Alliana could gather the girl into her arms and reassure her that everything would be fine however, they heard the booming of Alliana’s chamber door as it was flung open, followed by Mikhal the Merciless calling out his wife’s name in a panic stricken voice.
Hannah shrieked, clawing at Alliana’s skirts as she attempted to rise, not knowing where she would flee but knowing she had to escape. Alliana grabbed her and was thrown off balance, but they both were saved from a tumble by Natalya’s strong arms. She winced, her burned arms screaming with pain, her face a mask of agony, and this is how Mikhal found them when he entered, the three women, eyes round with shock and fear, clinging to each other as he burst into the room, Natalya in obvious distress.
Mikhal paused at the sight before him, assessing it, not knowing what to make of it. First he took in the form of his wife, searching for signs that she was hurt, and then his eyes traveled over the others in turn. Natalya took a breath as the pain began to fade and it became clear that she was as well as she could be too. No, the only one who seemed in true distress was the girl he assumed was the servant Hannah. It appeared the one he sought had sought out his wife before he could question her, and by the looks of things, her tale had set Alliana’s ire up good and proper.
“Alliana, are you all right?” He knew she was; could feel she was, all that he sensed from her was shock and anger, but he had to be sure. His eyes traveled over their child where he lay in his wife’s belly and he longed to go to them both and take them into his arms. He needed to feel her, to be certain that she was unharmed, and most of all he desperately wanted her to be far away from the innocent looking young girl who had come under such suspect.
“I am fine, Mikhal. Tis Hannah I am concerned about. Are you aware of the actions of your first in command last night? He molested this poor girl. I... “
“Enough Alliana. I am quite aware of what transpired between Lucian and Hannah, and now I need to speak with Hannah myself. There are things you do not know.”
“I know enough.”
“Things are not always as they seem, wife. You are to let me handle this. I shall get to the truth.” Mikhal hated the wall of mistrust he felt fall between he and Alliana at his words. All the things he had worked for, all the tenderness that had been gained, all the love that was starting to bloom was being crushed because of the lying chit in his wife’s embrace.
Alliana did not move, didn’t let Hannah go. “She is to come to me Alliana and I shall find the truth.”
“By beating her? By terrifying her into telling you something that isn’t true simply so you will stop hurting her? I won’t allow it.”
“YOU!!!” His lips curled up in a sneer and the demon inside him clawed fiercely at his chest, the terror he had felt, the anger, making it almost impossible for him to keep his beast in check regardless of how far they had come in their relationship as of late. In the end, Alliana was still a woman, still his wife and his mate and as such, she was someone who should listen and do as she was bid.
Mikhal tried to breathe, tried to calm the ragging animal inside him but it was a losing battle. His eyes flashed amber as his nostril flared, fury emanating from every pore.
“If there was ever a time for you to hold that tongue of yours, now would be it. I am the Lord of this castle and you are my wife. You are not to order me about woman. Mate or no, heavy with my son though you are, I won’t have it. Now move away from the girl. She is coming with me. Natalya needs to rest and you shall go to your chamber and spend the day with Thalia. We shall discuss this later.”
“I am not a child, Mikhal! The girl has done nothing. Look at her. She is terrified. How could you think she would plot with your insane sister? She is but a human servant. A girl. The thought is preposterous.”
“Alliana.” The single word rumbled from deep in his chest along with a low growl. He wouldn’t bow down to her in this. He couldn’t. He loved her, hated to see and feel her fear and loathing, but her safety was at stake. Besides, if he could get the girl alone he could use his empathic ability to find out just what she was hiding. All he could sense now was an overwhelming fear, but he reasoned, she had good reason for that fear whether she was working with Marishka or not.
Alliana felt the tug of his dominant male as his growl filled the chamber, but she fought what it told her. Fought it tooth and nail. She wouldn’t be cowed. “Stop it. I won’t listen to you. Do what you wish to me but leave the girl alone.”
“Damn it wife, you are not being reasonable and I won’t harm you in any way. You know that. She reeks with t
he scent of my sister. I must know where she has been; find out what she has been doing. Your life and the life of our son depend on it. Don’t you understand you little fool?”
Mikhal’s question remained unanswered as Lucian charged into the chamber. He had heard his Master’s voice and that of the Mistress’s loud voice as well, and feared the worst after finding Hannah’s room empty. Seeing that all was as well as it could be in regards to Alliana’s safety, he turned towards Mikhal, waiting for a command, conscience heavy with the knowledge that the scene before him was caused by his negligence.
Mikhal turned, a sneer upon his face, his eyes fully taken over by his demon and glowing with unholy fire. “Ah Lucian, you arrive at last. Seems I have found the girl after all. At least she hasn’t escaped the castle and run to Marishka.”
“Of course she didn’t try to run away, Mikhal. She came here because she was frightened and prayed that Natalya and I could help her. If she were truly guilty she would have fled back to your sister. You are being an unreasonable fool.”
“Enough.” Mikhal’s every nerve was on edge. Never in his life had he been spoken to in such a demeaning way, and his beast longed to tame her, to make her cower upon the floor in front of those she saw fit to berate him in front of. All he needed to do was hold her and clamp his teeth over the mark of claim, and she would melt in his arms. She’d become the docile creature she should be, and that tongue of hers would be silent. The problem was, Mikhal knew Alliana would hate him for it. She would struggle, and then be appalled by how her body reacted to his dominance in front of the others.
The inner struggle between his man and his demon had never been so strong. All of him wanted to protect her from this girl whom he suspected of treason. His beast wanted to dismiss Alliana’s doubts and make her silently accept his word as law, but his man, his soft hearted man still wanted her love and that could not be obtained through force, even if he did it through an almost gentle bite on her neck.
Beneath The Shadows of Evil... Torn Page 24