The Briton and the Dane: Concordia

by Mary Ann Bernal

  “I do not know. I had promised my husband I would no longer wear the necklace, yet I wore it secretly because I could not bear to leave it behind, and when my husband asked me to throw it into the sea, I did not comply with his wishes.”

  “If you truly loved your husband, you would have tossed the necklace overboard...and you would not have fought me if I possessed you by force. Why?”

  “My head aches,” Concordia murmured. “I would return to my quarters and rest.”

  “You cannot hide from yourself,” Chad said sympathetically, “and your heart has yet to learn the difference between desire and love. It is too soon for you to love me because I am still a stranger, but that will soon be rectified, and even though my brother is not a stranger, you truly do not know him. And what of your husband? Did you love him as you professed or was the marriage arranged?”

  “He was almost twice my age, but we had been friends since I was a child. I sought his wise counsel when there was a need; I tended to his wounds when he was injured on the battlefield, not leaving his side while he mended. He comforted me when Thayer returned to his lands, and he convinced the king to sanction my journey to Rome. He took me as his wife knowing my heart was troubled, and he was willing to wait to claim his right.”

  Chad was truly surprised by such a truthful revelation. He had never shared such intimacy or such trust before this night. He was at a loss for words, uncomfortable with her innocence. He would have returned Concordia to her people if the decision rested with him instead of his brother.

  “Since you have been so forthcoming, so shall I. My family owns these grapes, amongst other fruits that grow on our lands. We could have been at the villa by nightfall had we ridden the horses harder, but I did not want the journey to end. I care for you beyond wanton desire, and I do not know why. Know that I will abide by your wishes, yet I would hope we could be friends, and know that I will protect you, because you will need to be protected in my brother’s household.”

  Chapter Thirteen

  Feathery clouds drifted across the starlit sky, obscuring the full moon’s radiant light while sinister shadows danced across the landscape. Concordia stood at the open window, glancing at the men sleeping near the campfire while Chad added twigs to the dying embers. She pulled away quickly from the window when Chad looked in her direction, praying he had not seen her, but knowing in her heart he did. She walked towards the hearth, warming her hands before the dancing flames and chiding herself for her insensitivity. Chad was right; she knew nothing of the world in which she lived. She had been protected her entire life, by her father and brother, and Brantson, but it was Brantson that had been ill-used, and his blood was on her hands.

  Concordia returned to the window, breathing a sigh of relief when she noticed Chad appeared to be sleeping upon the dew-kissed grass. She absentmindedly twisted a lock of hair, gazing at the heavens and listening for her mother’s voice in the wind, but the wind was silent this night. She needed someone to confide in, someone to make sense of her emotional turmoil, someone she could trust. She missed Brantson so deeply she could not bear the pain, or the guilt, admonishing herself again and again because she had not deserved his unconditional love. If she had behaved differently, she might have conceived Brantson’s son, and the child would have been her solace while she awaited rescue.

  A cold shiver ran up Concordia’s spine when she noticed the North Star shining brightly in the night sky. She looked hopefully upon the luminous sphere, a beacon of hope leading the lost home. She bit her trembling lips, pondering her fate through awakened eyes, acknowledging the danger, admitting her fear.

  Concordia’s attraction to Chad was disconcerting because her infatuation was real, and she was ashamed to feel such emotions while grieving for Brantson. Chad had spoken the truth, admitting his desire was not love, but, in time, did not desire become love? But could love blossom in a fortnight, or over the course of a year? And what of the days spent with Thayer? Two students discussing the day’s lesson revealed little of their true nature, and whenever they were both invited to share the night meal at the king’s table, they were never seated together. In fact, they were alone just once, the night before Thayer departed for his lands, a single hour to be forthcoming, a single hour where no words passed between them, a single hour where her dreams died.

  Brantson had been sympathetic when she spoke of her unrequited love, a foolish longing that caused such pain. Concordia smiled sadly when she recalled Brantson’s tenderness, his soothing words a comfort. Never once did he judge her, never once did he betray her trust, never once did he stop loving her.

  Concordia ultimately gave in to pent-up tears, crying unashamedly, and begging forgiveness for her grave sin.

  “Brantson, if you are looking upon me this night, if you can hear my words,” Concordia whispered. “I have wronged you and must now bear my punishment because I cannot set things right.”

  “I am sure you are forgiven,” Chad said softly as he came upon her suddenly and wrapped his arms around her.

  “How dare you enter without knocking!” Concordia said angrily while pushing his arms aside. “You have no right!”

  “The right of conquest is mine, and I have decided to claim my right!”

  “Do not do this!” Concordia begged as Chad swept her into his arms and carried her towards the bed.

  Chad paid no heed to Concordia’s pleas, forcefully possessing her with an unexpected tenderness because she was a maid. He whispered soothing words, satisfying his desire to the mellow sound of crackling embers in the moonlit room. He kissed her tear-stained face, lying beside her satiated, but troubled, feeling remorse for defiling such an innocent creature.

  “Why?” Concordia wept.

  Chad remained silent, pulling Concordia towards him, holding her trembling body tightly, unsettled because of his guilt. He embraced her lovingly, whispering endearing words, his soft voice reassuring, his tone sorrowful.

  “You have no knowledge of this land or our customs,” Chad began. “Common laws are enforced, but many cities have their own laws...your fate would rest with the overlord. Your faith condemns you to death in some parts, and many aged leaders would pay handsomely to own you, because you are young and beautiful. If you think you will see your homeland again, you are mistaken. I cannot promise that my brother will accept you into his household. The woman he is to wed loses patience waiting, but as long as father remains in Valencia, Thayer remains unattached. You might amuse him for a time, but you pose a threat to Nadia, which is why you need me to protect you.”

  “And who is to protect me from you?” Concordia asked sarcastically.

  “I regret taking you against your will, but I would be pleased if my seed bears fruit.”

  Concordia became frightened at the thought of conceiving a Saracen child, and, because she was alone, she held him frantically, seeking a friendship she so desperately needed to sustain her while she awaited deliverance.

  “If my brother learns of my affection for you, he will take you for himself to spite me. My men are trustworthy, sworn to secrecy so you need not fear them, but you must fear Nadia who has spies everywhere. Trust no one in the villa lest your head sits upon a pole.”

  “You give me no choice but to trust you,” Concordia whispered. “I also must confess I found your muscular body appealing when you gave me your shirt. Yet I am distraught, plagued with guilt because I grieve for my husband, but you stir feelings I never felt before whenever I look at you. I am embarrassed to admit I would have yielded to your advances and given myself to you willingly, which is why I did not fight you, and I do not understand why. I am not wise or knowledgeable...pray forgive me.”

  Chad was genuinely surprised by Concordia’s revelation. He did not deserve her trust, yet she trusted him freely. Why else would she share such intimacies? He doubted such candor with his brother, but her husband was another matter, and he found himself being jealous of a dead man. Chad did not want to admit that he, too, was expe
riencing new emotions, which was dangerous, not only for his heart but for his very survival. If he did not know better, he would have attributed his besotted state to witchery. She was a foreigner afterall, and there were potions, but then Nadia was adept with potions, amongst other things.

  “Have I offended you?” Concordia asked hesitantly when Chad remained silent.

  “If anyone has given offense, it is I. You were desired from the moment I first saw you, and I am truly sorry for taking you forcefully. Yet somehow you trust me, despite how you were treated, and I would have you know that your trust is not misplaced.”

  Concordia smiled shyly as she glanced upon her perceived savior, comfortable within his strong embrace, longing to satisfy her inhibited desire as she rested her head upon his naked chest. She found herself caressing his muscular body and did not shy away from his touch, seeking his lips when he pressed himself upon her, accepting him willingly when he possessed her throughout the night.

  “I truly love you, and am thankful for this night,” Concordia whispered as the beautiful orange and red hues of first light brightened the darkened sky. “Whatever happens, know that only you hold my heart.”

  Chad grinned, resting upon his elbows, gazing at Concordia’s flawless body as pleasurable memories flooded his thoughts. He would delay their arrival, not to satisfy his desire but to teach her his people’s customs and religion, and to make her aware of the danger she faced once she was accepted into his brother’s household, where deception and treachery flourished.

  Concordia returned Chad’s gaze boldly, smiling unashamedly when she remembered, and wishing the night would never end. She would have rekindled their love had she not heard soft, repeated knocking on the hard wood. She covered herself while Chad opened the door slightly, ignoring the knowing grin that covered Jafri’s face.

  “It is first light,” Jafri whispered.

  “Plans have changed,” Chad replied, stepping naked into the brightening day while Dean collected his wagers.

  Concordia retrieved her clothing, making herself presentable just as Chad returned. He held her face in his hands, kissing her lips greedily while pushing her towards the bed.

  “Are we not leaving?” Concordia asked breathlessly.

  “Not this day,” Chad replied as the lovers fell upon the bed.

  Concordia’s passion was unrelenting, leaving Chad exhausted by the time the midday sun warmed the countryside.

  “I yield,” Chad laughed when Concordia touched him lovingly, “and you must rest.”

  Concordia was embarrassed by her wanton desire, begging the Lord’s forgiveness silently as she dressed herself, keeping her eyes lowered while Chad put on his clothing. She walked to the window, wondering where the men were when Chad placed his hands upon her shoulders and whispered in her ear.

  “Do not admonish yourself...your feelings are natural...there is no shame in loving me.”

  Concordia’s eyes were moist when she placed her hand over his. She was somewhat unsettled because he understood her silent turmoil, answering questions she had yet to ask.

  “We will stay the week. My men will fetch supplies and keep their distance, and their tongues, so you need not worry.”

  Concordia nodded, remaining at the window, alone with her thoughts as Chad joined his men. She longed to speak to her mother, but the air was still. She had been foolish, and weak, since she could not control her words or her passion. She must learn to master her emotions and trust her instincts. Not everyone spoke the truth and she would need her wits about her to discern deception, otherwise her life would be short-lived.

  As the days passed, Concordia found herself relying on Chad’s wise counsel. She was a willing student, eager to learn the traditions of a race so foreign to her own. However, she was uncomfortable with the intrigue that surrounded Thayer and his family. She did not want to believe Chad’s unkind words when he spoke of his brother’s true temperament and Nadia’s wickedness, but then there were assassins and mercenaries that sold their services to the highest bidder, and did not brother fight brother for a crown? She must learn to look behind the facade, waiting until trust was earned before sharing confidences.

  “You are deep in thought,” Chad smiled as he sat beside her beneath a grape trestle.

  “I do not understand why we cannot leave these parts, especially when Thayer has no knowledge of our whereabouts.”

  “It is...complicated.”

  “We have the day,” Concordia replied expectantly.

  “Sons obey their fathers in this land as in yours. Thayer is the first born son, his inheritance secure, but I would become dependent upon my brother’s generosity once he claims his birthright because father will not divide his lands. I refuse to beg what is due a second son, which is why I chose a lucrative trade to fill my coffers.”

  “Piracy is not a trade,” Concordia interjected. “If you and your men are caught, your lives are forfeit.”

  “We will not be caught, but I welcome your concern. If we plan carefully, I should be able to claim you for myself once my brother discovers faded memories cannot be rekindled. Do you not think that word has already reached him that a woman wearing mother’s necklace was seen in these parts? Thayer would search for you, sending his men to discover the truth. Whoever found you would be honor-bound to deliver you to my brother undefiled lest he suffered a traitor’s fate. Do you not see that my brother will be forever in my debt when I present him to you unharmed after having delivered you from the brigands? And I will be well rewarded for my efforts. Your religion prevents a marital alliance unless you renounce your God, which I find doubtful, and Nadia would never permit such a union. Thayer might hold you hostage, or take you as a concubine, but concubines have rights and cannot be ravished, so you need not be fearful.”

  Concordia was truly bewildered as she tried to make sense of Chad’s reasoning, shying away from his touch when he grasped her hand.

  “I was overly harsh, and the fault is mine...and I fear I have frightened you,” Chad said apologetically.

  “I trusted you...and submitted to you willingly because of my love, yet to treat me as chattel!”

  “This is not your country, which is why you must trust me,” Chad reminded her while taking her into his arms and kissing her neck “My feelings for you are true, you must believe me, but I need time to set things right.”

  “I believe you,” Concordia whispered, succumbing to his passion hungrily beneath the ripened grapes, a light breeze cooling the stagnant hot air, its soft song mingling with her thoughts.

  “Treachery and betrayal surround you,” whispered the wind. “Trust no one.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  The villa stood majestically atop the hill overlooking the sea, a lavish display of wealth, power and influence that personified the prestigious family living within its walls. The lush landscape was dotted with fruit groves and the sweet smell of jasmine was carried by the wind. Carefully pruned trees lined the road leading to the courtyard with its decorative spouting lion head fountains and ponds filled with golden fish and water lilies.

  Concordia waited while Chad spoke with his men, glancing upon the crystalline beach, mesmerized by the powerful breakers crashing against the jagged rocks, a thunderous roar shattering the silence. She was surprised when Chad’s trusted warriors took their leave, heading towards the town nestled in the fertile valley, and wondered why Chad did not follow the coastal road but chose, instead, the narrow path that led to the beach. Concordia enjoyed riding across the muddy sand while breathing in the salty air and feeling the cool spray upon her face. For one brief moment she was at peace, shrouded in sunbeams beneath a cloudless sky, but her happiness was short-lived once they came upon a hidden road carved within the mountainous terrain.

  “I would surprise my brother,” Chad said, grabbing the reins to Concordia’s horse and leading the way along the narrow, darkened path.

  Concordia was anxious, her heart beating rapidly when a vision of Thayer
invaded her thoughts. She had to control her emotions lest she behaved like a besotted dolt. She was a young woman and should act as befitted her station. Yet she did not trust herself, fearing her emotional state because Thayer was the first man to have captured her heart.

  “Collect your wits,” Concordia admonished herself silently. “You must win this game if you are to survive.”

  Chad dismounted once they reached the secluded gate, opening the doors quietly and walking the horses towards the farthermost buildings. He put his finger over his lips, signally silence as he helped Concordia off her mount and taking her hand as he ran down a stairwell that led to his private quarters.

  “You will await me here while I find my brother. I would have your meeting private.”

  Concordia embraced Chad impulsively, kissing him firmly upon the lips, but was bewildered when he pushed her away.

  “Did you not listen to my words?” Chad asked angrily. “If we are discovered, then all is lost.”

  “I meant no offense,” Concordia whispered as Chad slammed the door behind him.

  Concordia sat upon a cushioned bench, looking around the lavishly-furnished room while contemplating her fate. She wanted to appear confident and defiant because fear meant weakness, and she was not weak but courageous. However, she knew nothing of intrigue and treachery, yet she would learn quickly, but could she trust Chad to provide wise counsel?

  The fine hair on Concordia arms prickled when she heard soft footsteps approaching. She stood up, straightened her clothing, taking a deep breath as she waited for the door to open. Concordia shivered when Thayer stepped into the room, but she refrained from running into his arms, bowing instead to acknowledge his presence.

  “You are more beautiful than I remember,” Thayer whispered while kissing the tip of her fingers.

  Concordia withdrew her hand quickly, uncomfortable in the presence of both brothers. She kept her eyes lowered, afraid to look at Chad lest Thayer discovered the truth.