I finally agreed and ran down the corridor with Malachi right behind me.
We came to my chamber, and Malachi nudged me in. He stood in the doorway and said, out of breath, “I am sorry, and I don't expect you to understand what's happening. Your father will explain to you later. Now I must go. Stay here.”
“Be careful, Malachi.” Whatever you're doing. But he was already closing my chamber door, locking me inside.
His words, muffled, filtered through the door. “Guard her door and don't leave until you have further orders from Duke William.”
Then I heard the clinking of armor and men shuffling outside my door.
I sank down onto the floor. What was happening? There were a bunch of guards outside my door, two strange men were talking about getting revenge on me or my father, and Malachi and Father were going to take them as hostages, possibly risking their lives to do so. “God, please protect them,” I whispered.
After a moment, I stood and walked to my window. The sun was still out. Below, several more guards stood with swords drawn.
I slammed my fist down on the window frame. Why did I have to be locked up in my chamber? I could have been doing something to help, if I only knew what was going on.
I paced the room, unable to sit still. I pulled the arrow out from my belt and fingered it. Time seemed to go by terribly slowly. Every minute felt like an hour. So I fell down on my bed and stared up at the ceiling…waiting for time to go by.
CHAPTER 6
“Scarlett … Scarlett, are you in there?”
I opened my eyes, slowly rolled over…and fell off my bed, onto the floor. I winced and rubbed my arm. Moaning, I scrambled to my knees and untangled my skirt from around my legs, trying to remember why I was sleeping in the middle of the day.
“Liebling?” Father's voice came again from the other side of my door. Then a knock. I stood up and went to open it.
“There you are,” he said. “Were you sleeping?”
I pushed the hair back from my face, hoping I didn’t look as unsophisticated as I felt. “I guess so.” My arm tingled and felt bruised at the same time after falling asleep and then slamming against the floor. “Is everything all right?”
“Everything is fine. You don't need to worry.”
“But those men in the woods, they were talking about me … and you.”
“Scarlett.” Father had the same awkward look that Malachi had at the stream earlier. “I do not know why those men were talking about you, but you are my daughter, and therefore a target for my enemies. That is why you can’t go anywhere by yourself. There are dangerous people in the world. Not everyone is your friend.”
Of course I knew that. I wasn’t a child. But I was certain my father knew exactly who those men were, and what they were talking about, based on what he had said to Malachi in the library.
“We have captured those men. They're in the dungeon now. They won't harm you.”
“So, everything is back to normal?”
Father stood in my doorway, looking tense and slightly uncomfortable, his broad shoulders stiff. “Yes. Everything is safe.”
“If everything is safe, can I go see Merida and —”
“Scarlett,” Father interrupted me. “I want you to stay inside, at least for the rest of today.”
“But you said everything is safe. Is there something you're hiding from me?” I looked him in the eye.
He was silent for what seemed like a long time, and I knew then he was indeed hiding something from me.
“No. I want to make certain those men are the only ones we need to worry about. That is all. After today, you should just forget you ever heard anything those men said.”
I studied his face, but he wouldn’t even look me in the eye. Perhaps I’d sneak down to the dungeon tonight and personally have a word with those men. Get some answers out of them. But Father knew me and my uncontrollable curiosity too well. He probably had several guards stationed outside the dungeon entrance. I wouldn’t be able to get in.
“I will see you this evening.” Father turned and walked away.
I sat down to try to read, but Jack came in. “Scarlett, how are you?”
“How should I be?”
“Pardon?”
“What do you know about the two men from the woods?” I shut my book and looked up at him.
He frowned. “They refused to answer any of Father's questions, so they were sent to the dungeon.”
“Has Cordel returned from hunting?” I asked.
“Yes. When he returned, he also tried to get the men to talk, but they refused to speak to either him or Father.” Jack shook his head. “I have never seen anyone defy Cordel anything he demands.”
Knowing my beast of a brother, he’d resorted to physically-brutal interrogation methods to get the truth out of those men. That they didn’t give in to the rigorous tactics was unbelievable.
“Where is Cordel now?” I asked.
“I believe in his chamber. He and I are going to go out to the archery field again.”
My heart dropped. I was locked inside the castle while Cordel and Jack went to do one of my favorite things — without me.
Jack must have seen the disappointment on my face, because he said, “Don't worry. Tomorrow we’ll have our dance lesson.” There was a cheerful glint in his dark blue eyes.
Oh Jack, you always know how to cheer me up.
“I’ll see you at dinner.” Then he left.
I brushed my hair, letting it hang down my back in thick curls. My mother’s dress was dirty from sitting by the stream and riding Caleb through the woods, so I put on a nicer sea green dress before I left for the evening meal.
I ran into Cordel and Jack at the staircase. “How was shooting today?” I tried not to sound envious.
“I failed miserably,” said Jack, “but I am improving slowly.”
I doubted that. Cordel didn't say anything.
When we reached the Hall, Jack went around the table to sit to Father's left. Father always sat at the head of the table, and Cordel always sat to his right. I sat beside Cordel, who was quiet for most of the meal. Most of the talking was done by Jack and Father, discussing how good the venison tasted and how Father had finished sending out all the invitations to the ball.
Then Father tilted his head upward toward me. “You were informed about the upcoming ball, were you not, mein Liebling?” He had called me that since I was a little girl.
“I was.” I smiled at my brother. “Jack and I plan to brush up on our dancing skills tomorrow.”
Cordel snorted. “One thing Jack is actually good at.”
My blood began to boil at his rude comment. That was the first thing he says all evening? An insult? I bit my tongue to keep from saying something that would certainly get me in trouble.
“Would you like to join us, Cordel?” Jack looked calm and unoffended, but I could see the sadness in his eyes.
“Why would I want to do that?” Cordel retorted. He glared at Jack for a moment before continuing on with his meal.
Jack didn't say anything — what he did when he was trying to keep the peace. We ate in silence, like the night before.
After dessert, Father asked Jack if he wanted to play some music. I encouraged them to, for I missed hearing my father and brothers play. Jack agreed, and we walked upstairs to the solar. I was surprised when Cordel followed us.
In the large solar, I made myself comfortable in the sitting area by the large fire. Cordel seemed to make a point to sit in the chair as far away from mine as possible. When Father set up his small drum and Jack got out his lute, they asked Cordel if he wanted to join them.
He shook his head. “Not this time.”
Jack sang a song about dancing with a beautiful young maiden. It was a song that reminded me of my childhood. My father and both brothers used to sing it, and it had always been a family favorite.
Jack's deep, smooth voice filled the solar, all the way up to its high ceiling. Through the large
window I could see the first few stars of the evening glowing in the sky. The deep booming of the drum went perfectly with Jack’s voice as he sang.
Gracefully, dancing underneath the trees
I see you there, and our eyes meet
Darling dance, oh dance with me
Take my hand, oh take my hand! Let me twirl you around this land
I won’t let go of your hand, my dear
We will dance until the stars appear
Time stands still, as we dance
Step by step, and glance by glance
As we dance, one last time
I hold your hand, oh so tight
As I whisper, “I love you” … I love you, my dear!
Take my hand, oh take my hand! Let me twirl you around this land
As the moon and stars appear
I will dance with you, my dear!
I glanced at Cordel. His face held no expression whatsoever, but appeared to be carved from stone.
Hearing Jack’s song made me both sad and thoughtful — thoughtful of the good times our family used to have together and sad for what I’d lost. My family was once so close. We would all sit in this very room, and my father and mother would hold hands. I would sit on Cordel’s lap, and he and Jack would argue over who would sing which song and who sang it better.
When Jack’s song came to an end with a high note, I clapped my hands. Later, as he and I walked toward our bedchambers, he bragged about his song. “Personally, I believe I can sing that song better than Cordel, since my voice is sexier.”
I shook my head. “It’s been so long, I almost can’t remember what he sounds like when he sings.”
He ignored my comment and asked, “What was Cordel talking about, saying that dancing is the only thing I’m good at? Just because I’m not as skilled in combat as he is doesn’t mean I don’t have any other talents.”
“Don’t mind him. He is all brawn and doesn’t know the importance of stability.”
I said goodnight to Jack and entered my chamber, but I had a hard time falling asleep. As I lay in bed, I thought about the two strangers in the woods, and how strange Sir Malachi and Father acted when I asked them about it. I stared out the window straight across from my bed. I could see the moon when it was full, like tonight. I closed my eyes and tried to sleep, but couldn't. I was unable to take my mind off what happened earlier and Father and Malachi’s behavior.
One thing I was sure of — they knew a lot more than they were telling me.
CHAPTER 7
Jack came to my chamber early the next morning for the dance lesson he promised. The two of us stood in the middle of my chamber, and he held out his hand to me. “May I have this dance?”
After an exaggerated curtsy, I stepped into his arms.
“Let’s start with the Maltese Branle.”
I was familiar with the dance, but Jack seemed to know it well. It was obvious he’d had lots of practice in the past. He danced with a slight, sly grin and one raised eyebrow.
Then we danced a different dance, where the men knelt down and the ladies danced around them, then the women stood still while the men danced around them. Whenever I messed up, Jack said, “No, here…like this.” Then he would demonstrate for me, making it look so easy.
Merida knocked on my chamber door, and I opened it to let her in. Jack and I were laughing and out of breath.
“What is going on?”
“Oh, just a little bit of dancing. Come and join us?” Jack held out his hand to her this time.
“My lord, I’m afraid I don’t know how to dance.” Poor Merida looked bashful as ever.
“Don’t worry. I can teach you,” said Jack gently.
“Are you sure, my lord?” She tucked her hair behind her ear.
“Of course. Be my partner.” He gave her a charming smile.
Merida took his hand reluctantly. Most ladies couldn’t resist that smile of his.
My brother led my best friend through the Maltese, just like he had with me. I smiled in approval as I stood watching.
Merida had her hair partially tied back in a strip of leather, and she wore a pretty, light pink and pastel blue dress. Jack looked nice too, wearing a simple white long sleeve shirt with black leather hose and tall black boots.
When their dance came to an end, Jack took turns dancing with Merida and me. We danced the Black Almain, the Carolingian Pavane, and a bunch more dances I couldn’t remember the names of. He then taught me a very fast dance, one I was unfamiliar with. I had a hard time keeping up with his quick movements. Merida giggled as Jack began dancing faster and faster, twirling me around and around. I called, “Slow down!” but my sentence was cut off as I began laughing too.
Jack spun me out, then back in, and I ran into his chest. He stepped back, but he bumped into the bench in front of my vanity, which fell over, causing Jack to trip and lose his balance. He wrapped his arms around my waist as we fell backwards. I screamed as we went down, and I landed on Jack’s chest.
Merida laughed hysterically.
“Ow,” Jack murmured, then he and I both laughed as well.
I rolled off him, and he sat up. Giggling, I lay there on my wooden chamber floor, tangled up in the skirt of my dress.
“Smooth, Lord Jack,” I mocked him. “No wonder all the ladies fancy dancing with you.”
Jack looked embarrassed as he shook his head. “You're doing well, Scarlett, only you may not want to do that at the ball.” He stood, took my hands, and pulled me up.
“I think you’re both ready to dance with the king,” Jack said to Merida and me. Then he turned to me and his eyes lit up. “Just wait until the ball, Scarlett. Because you are the duke's daughter, all the men are going to want to dance with you.”
I wasn't sure if I liked the sound of that, but I smiled anyway.
“And I’ll be there to make sure everyone behaves appropriately.” He got a smug look on his face that made my stomach quake.
“Thank you for teaching me, Lord Jack,” Merida said as Jack prepared to leave my chamber.
My brother smiled and nodded. “Good day, Miss Pierce.” He squeezed her hand. “It’s always a pleasure.” Then he went out.
“That was lovely.” She smiled, raised her eyebrows, then followed Jack out the door.
I called for Britta to help me change for morning prayers. Jack said he would escort me to church. I dressed in a simple dark green silk dress with gold stitching and feminine, fitted sleeves. Jack arrived at my chamber again, dressed in a navy blue, long sleeve, button-down doublet, his hair combed and neat.
After praying, a messenger approached me in the courtyard and gave me a letter from Lord Lukas of Gorenhelm. “I will see you at breakfast,” said Jack. And he ran ahead, into the castle.
I stayed out in the courtyard, sat on a bench against the front of the castle, and read the letter in the morning sunshine.
Lady Scarlett,
I was very glad to receive your letter. It has been too long since we last saw each other, and my brothers and I are waiting for an opportunity to come to Darrenberg. We are looking forward to it very much.
Please tell your brothers I send my greetings. I miss you all greatly, and I pray you are doing well.
Lord Lukas
I smiled down at the piece of parchment in my hands. I missed Lord Lukas. He was but five days older than I and so kind and playful. And a bit flirtatious. He had striking blonde hair and green eyes. It was a mystery why he didn’t yet have a girl.
I folded his letter and tucked it into my belt. I would respond after breakfast.
Cordel rode into the courtyard, returning from a ride through the village. He dismounted, handed his horse off to one of his knights, and headed toward the Great Hall.
“Guten Morgen,” I greeted him. I walked with him up the large staircase to the main entrance of the Hall.
“Good morning, Scarlett,” he replied with no emotion.
Jack sat at the highest table, at the front of the Hall,
and Cordel and I joined him.
“How was the ride?” I asked as we sat down at the wooden table. Father had not yet arrived, but his men were beginning to fill up the other tables in the Hall.
“Good,” Cordel replied. “Everything is how it used to be.” Only a tiny hint of a smile shone, but I could tell he was pleased to be out and riding around Darrenberg again.
I tried to continue conversing with him, but my efforts were pointless.
“What did you miss the most while you were away, Cordel?”
After a long moment, he shrugged his shoulders slightly. “I’m afraid I cannot answer that question.”
“There must be something,” I encouraged him. “Jack always misses the food while he’s away.” I giggled and looked over at Jack.
Irritation played around Cordel’s face. He made no effort to reply, and it may have been my imagination, but he rolled his eyes. I cleared my throat, then we all waited in silence for Father to join us.
Jack and Father were the only ones who conversed during breakfast. I eventually got so sick of Cordel’s judgmental presence, I got up from the table and carried my breakfast over to Sir Jeremiah and Sir Malachi. I sat between the two men and talked with them while they ate. I didn’t care if it wasn’t considered proper.
KOLTON
My younger siblings, Gustav, Merrick, Adelle, and Zella, played in the shallow water of the stream that flowed near my father’s castle. My family had invited me to a picnic in the meadow this afternoon, and when I arrived my sisters, Odelette and Maddalena, were sitting in the shade with my parents. I joined them on the blanket.
“Hello, Kolton,” my mother said softly.
I smiled at her, then nodded toward my father, silently praying he wouldn’t begin speaking about my future again. I couldn’t handle another conversation about that.
My mother and sisters began talking about our cousin, Britta Hawmann. I hadn’t seen her in months. Britta and I had grown up together until she left Rhineland to become a seamstress and maid for the wealthy duke of Darrenberg and his family. She had invited me to come visit her several times, but I had never gotten around to it.
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