Rosabelle swallowed hard. She had been kidnapped and they were holding her for ransom! They were the same men that chased their wagon the last time.
She tried to give a steady laugh, "I am just an indentured servant. Why would my master pay you gold at all?"
The leader of the three approached her and held a knife to her throat. She could feel its sharp edge as he pressed on her throat. She knew it was marking her skin already as she felt the sting of its sharp blade.
"You pray your master will pay up or it will be the end of you...or we can find other ways in getting the most out of you. We'll get paid one way or the other."
That brought snickers from the other two. One was grinning ear to ear, imagining what kind of pleasure he will partake from her person. Rosabelle held her breath steady, refusing to let them see her fear but she was afraid. Her worst nightmare was coming true.
"How will you bring your ransom note to my master? You don't even know where I live."
"Ah, it's the third Saturday and I guess your cook comes out then to purchase your staples. We have a note waiting for her at the market fair. If not, then we will have to wait until next month's excursion. But who knows if Curly and Moe can wait that long, eh?" The leader gave a boisterous laughter and the other two joined in the joke.
Rosabelle cringed inwards. She prayed that Lucas and the servants do not give in to these robbers' demands. They would surely get hurt in the process.
Night had fallen and Rosabelle was cramped in her position too long. She needed to use the potty but she refrained from pleading her cause. She will just die in humiliation. She watched as the three made a camp fire and was cooking a rabbit they had caught earlier. They were taking turns at the jug of ale and they were getting louder and louder. One of them, Curly or Moe, was giving her dirty looks and she could imagine what he was thinking. It was only a matter of time before they do something bad to her, she thought. The leader whose name she later heard was Larry was the smartest of the lot was controlling his alcohol intake. His mind still sharp and his senses still keen. He would always make sure her ties were well secured as he checked on her almost every two hours.
Rosabelle had stopped trying to get out of her binds hours ago when she realized he would not stop checking on her. Besides, her hands were raw from the rope, from her trying to get free. It was digging into her flesh with each movement. She knew without looking that her skin was red and raw.
Her throat was dry from thirst and she knew she must have hurt her head from the fall because she felt something dry and crusty on her forehead like dried blood. Her head was throbbing with pain but she will not admit it to these villains. She felt herself getting weaker and weaker, almost blacking out at times. She tried to stay awake as her senses went in and out of consciousness. She will not give up without a fight. They will have to take her with tooth and nails. It will be bloody, she vowed.
And when she thought she would have drifted off to a deeper level of consciousness, something woke her. It was a loud yell. She saw the robbers being attacked all around. One was wearing a white mask and he was fighting swords with Larry, the leader. She could not believe her eyes. She blinked hard just to visualize what she was seeing.
"Lucas, " she whispered as she saw him dodge a blow from Larry's own sword. Larry was awkward in his attack, partly from the ale and mostly because Lucas was the better swordsman. He took down his opponent in the next three swings. The last thrust a death blow.
She saw Rusty and Davis take on the other two, slicing their throats. Curly and Moe were drunk and it was quick and almost painless. Rosabelle closed her eyes at the horror but her fate would have been much worse if the robbers succeeded in their evil plans.
She felt hands around her as she was cut loose from the tight ropes. She slumped forward.
"Rosabelle!" She heard Lucas try to shake her gently to keep her awake.
"Thirsty, "she croaked out. Her lips so dry.
She felt him press a bag of cool water to her lips and she drank greedily before she purged them out. Her body not ready to take the water just yet.
"I know you're thirsty, love, but small sips." Lucas instructed her and she followed his instructions. This time, she was able to sip the water and keep it down. He held the water bag for her because her arms felt numb from staying long in her tied position. When she shook her head that she did not want anymore water, Lucas laid the water bag down. She felt him move her closer so he can support her better.
She heard Lucas give instructions to both Rusty and Davis in disposing the bodies and breaking their camp. She was glad Lucas was holding her close because she did not have the strength to sit up after he untied her.
"How did you find me, Lucas?" She asked when finally found her voice.
"When your horse came back without you, Rusty and Davis set out immediately to the castle's perimeter and they followed the robbers' trail. Miranda did go to the market fair but came back almost immediately when she received the ransom note."
Rosabelle smiled weakly, "You rescued me. Thank you, Lucas."
"Luck was on our side and good thing these robbers stayed within the forest grounds of the castle or else I would have lost you forever. Did they hurt you, Rosabelle?"
She shook her head, "Only my wrists and my head when I fell. Take me home, Lucas. Please."
Lucas carried her to his horse. Davis helped carry her up into Lucas's arms as they rode towards the castle. Rosabelle snuggled closer to Lucas, not caring at all how it would look to the groomsmen. She dozed off and later felt herself being carried up to her rooms. She heard Miranda cry out in relief as she followed Lucas into Rosabelle's chambers.
Lucas stepped out for awhile as Miranda fussed over her, cleaning her forehead, her face, hands and helping her into her nightgown. Rosabelle was only half aware about the activities around her as she was so exhausted from her ordeal.
She did call out for Lucas who immediately came in the room, "Stay with me, Lucas. Just for tonight. I just want someone close by. I’m afraid of being alone tonight."
Miranda discreetly exited the room and closed the door. Lucas hesitated for awhile and finally relented, holding her close as she finally drifted off to sleep. She buried her face into his chest and breathed in his scent. This was her comfort zone and she felt safe in his arms tonight. As long as Lucas was nearby, she will not be afraid again.
Lucas watched Rosabelle drift off to sleep as he held her in his arms. He almost lost her tonight. This dear lady who crept into his heart unknowingly. How he missed her so when she went home to tend to her father. And when her horse came back without her, he knew something was wrong. The golden compass worked this time in their favor, showing where Rosabelle was being held. The robbers did not even stand a chance and they did not deserve one either. Who knows what else they could have done to his Rosabelle. He had prayed that the robbers were near enough so he could rescue her. He could only go so far before he got pulled back to the castle. And there they were, just within the vicinity of the castle grounds. Since the robber could not see the castle walls, they thought they were hidden deep within the forest.
Killing them was a mercy for all the past and future victims of the three, he mused. They would have been relentless in their search of the castle and its rich coffers. They would not have given up until they succeeded.
He traced Rosabelle's features and she whispered in her sleep in response. He saw the burn scars on her face and neck. She had attained more scars from the robbers tonight but they did not diminish her beauty. He saw not the ugliness but the fortitude it brought Rosabelle. And yes, she was--is a strong lady. He hoped and prayed that strength will help her eventually when the curse will take over the castle and its people.
Rosabelle felt the highway robbers attack her in all directions. Her clothes were being ripped apart and she was struggling to hide her body from them. She tried to pull away but she was being held down by a brute force.
"No! Stop!" She heard herself say.
"Stop!"
She was being shaken gently and Lucas spoke through her dream fog, "Rosabelle, you are having a nightmare. You are safe. No one is going to hurt you."
Rosabelle opened her eyes and she saw Lucas on top of the bedcovers and he was holding her shoulders.
"Oh, thank God!" She hugged him fiercely, not wanting to let go. The tears finally came and she let it all out. The realization hit her immediately that she could have been dealt a worse hand. She would not see her father or sister anymore. She would not feel Lucas holding her anymore.
Lucas let her cry her heart out, all her pent up energy flowing with her tears. And when she subsided, she felt better. Lucas handed her his handkerchief and she blew her nose.
"I must look a sorry sight. Red puffy eyes and a bloated nose."
"You still look beautiful to me, Rosabelle."
She glanced down at his shirt.
"Oh no, Lucas, your shirt got wet. I'm sorry."
"Don't worry, my love, sleep. I will be with you." Lucas soothed, holding her close again. And as Rosabelle drifted again to sleep, she vaguely remembered his term of endearment,..."my love". It was not the first time he used it and she slept soundly after that, snuggling in comfort as Lucas held her as she slept.
12
When she woke up the next day, Lucas was already gone but she could see he had slept in the bed or on top of it, she corrected. His weight had pressed on the covers and she traced her hand over the indented side. A small smile played on her lips. He was kind enough to give in to her request. He stayed with her as she slept. She had felt scared of being alone and she did not want to take Miranda away from Chip.
Speaking of Miranda, she apparently had let Rosabelle sleep in for the day. It was later in the morning almost noon already, she guessed.
Rosabelle got up and went into the washroom to refresh herself. She looked into the mirror and winced at the nasty bruise on her forehead. The cut was not deep enough to need stitching but it still looked ugly. She sighed. She certainly was not in the running at the beauty pageant. What’s more scars on top of the old ones, she thought. The more the merrier.
She went down to the kitchens where Miranda was cooking lunch. She saw Rosabelle coming in and said, "Rosabelle, you should be resting. I was about to bring you something to eat."
Rosabelle gave the cook a warm hug, "I missed you, Miranda. I feel fine. I needed to get out of the room anyway. It was getting stuffy in the room already. Where is Chip?"
"He's just taking a nap. We waited up for you last night and he finally fell asleep when we knew you were safe and sound inside the castle."
"Oh, Miranda. I did not mean to make you worry. I'm sorry."
Miranda took both of her hands, "You are part of our family now, Rosabelle. We were so worried when we saw your horse come back without you. Lucas headed the search party almost immediately. He wouldn't want to stay back in the castle and let Rusty and Davis take over the search."
"I'm glad everything turned out the way it should be, " Rosabelle said.
"And your father, I presume, is on the mend?"
Rosabelle smiled, "Yes, thank you for asking, Miranda. He will be better this time around."
Miranda returned her smile, "I am so happy you've returned. It has not been the same without you. Lucas comes to the kitchens once in awhile to get his food when you were gone. He shares a bond with Chip especially when they go fishing together."
"Lucas? Fishing?" She asked, trying to picture him fishing.
Miranda laughed, "You might go and see it yourself. He's off by the lake. Give him my regards when you see him."
Rosabelle walked outside towards the path leading to the lake. She had seen the lake out from her window numerous times but had never ventured out there until today. She saw Lucas sitting on the wooden plank that was jutting out into the water. He was wearing a white shirt rolled up to his sleeves and his pants rolled up to his knees. He had a fishing rod in his hands and he was in deep thoughts. He looked up as she neared. She raised a hand in greeting and he motioned her to come sit beside him. She followed suit but kept her feet out of the water.
"I see you found my secret spot. This is where I used to come to think and of course, fish."
Rosabelle teased him, "First, chess then fishing? My, you surprise me with all your talents, Lucas. I am impressed."
"I aim to please." He teased back. "You want to give this a try?"
"I can hold it that's sure enough but you have to teach me to reel it in, Lucas."
"I promise," Lucas replied, handing over the pole.
She took the fishing pole and held it. "Lucas, I don't know how to thank you. You saved my life yesterday. If you and the others did not come---"
"Fortunately, it did not come to that. It was not the same without you when you left."
She could not help but ask, teasing, "You missed me?"
"Well, --" he began but stopped when Rosabelle felt a tugging at the line, she looked at him in wonder.
She got excited and stood up abruptly, "Ooh, ooh, Lucas! I think I got something!"
She lost her footing as she leaned towards Lucas for support. Lucas was caught unaware with her posture and did not anticipate her weight on him and lost his seating on the porch and he fell face forward the lake.
"Oh!" She exclaimed in dismay as she saw Lucas awkwardly come out of the water, his hair and clothes wet but the mask stayed put. "I'm so sorry, Lucas. Here, let me help you up."
She tried to keep a straight face but Lucas looked like a wet puppy. She managed not to laugh out loud but could not keep the smile off her face.
Rosabelle held out her hand and Lucas took it, grasping it firmly with his. She realized then he had a naughty lopsided grin on his face.
"Lucas," she warned. "Don't you---"
He tugged her hand towards him, making her lose her balance. She gave a loud yelp as she fell towards him in the water but he kept her upright so that only the bottom of her dress got wet. The water was not that deep and reached up to her waist. The water felt cool and nice in the warm weather but she was not going to admit that.
"Lucas! You did that on purpose!" She splashed him with water.
His only reply was a heartfelt laughter which made her laugh in return at their situation . She noticed Pedro in the far distance shaking his head at the two of them. They were acting like school children. The fishing line was forgotten and the fish they were about to catch had swam away, thankful it was spared for this day. Rosabelle felt something warm her heart as she heard Lucas' laughter. How she missed this casual camaraderie when she was away from the castle.
"I see Miranda waving us to come inside. I believe I will receive a scolding. You were supposed to be resting, you know."
"Hmm, I would like to see Miranda give you the stare down. It always works on Chip."
Lucas helped Rosabelle up to the bank and they made their way towards the back of the castle where Miranda had dry towels for Rosabelle and Lucas. She was clucking like a hen and fussing over Rosabelle, ordering her to change into something dry immediately. Miranda in turn scowled at the master of the castle and ordered him to do the same too. His reply was an apologetic smile and a sneeze which earned another glaring scowl from Miranda. Her finger pointing upstairs.
Rosabelle and Lucas parted at the staircase.
"See you later," Rosabelle called out as she walked up to her own wing, a smile playing on her lips.
"See you later," Lucas replied, waiting for her to reach the top of her stairs before he proceeded to walk up to his, a smile also plastered on his face.
13
For the next couple of days, Rosabelle took her daily routine slowly until she fully regained her strength. One morning she came out of her room with a rose brooch on her chest. Chip noticed it and asked what it was for.
"My mother gave this to me when I turned twelve. It was to commemorate a coming of age day. So every year, I wear it to remind myself of my mother on this special day."
Chip opened his mouth in awe, "It's your birthday, Miss Rosabelle!"
Rosabelle shushed her little companion, "It's our secret, Chip. I don't want anybody to know."
Breakfast was uneventful and Rosabelle helped out in the kitchens before she proceeded to help Pedro in the gardens. Her steps were light and carefree as she worked her errands for the day. In the afternoon, Miranda waved her off and said she she did not require Rosabelle to help her out in the kitchens and she could have the day off. She was practically almost kicked out of the kitchens after that. Miranda was acting a little strange, she thought.
Rosabelle took her sketchpad and went to the gardens and started doodling on some drawings she started earlier. It was unusually quiet as she looked around. She did not notice Pedro or Chip in the gardens. Or Lucas for the matter. Where had everyone gone, she wondered.
When she was about to go back into the kitchens for supper, Chip came out and handed her a note. He had a mischievous grin on his face. It was an invitation card and it read, "Lucas requests your presence in celebrating someone's special birthday at the grand ballroom. 7 o'clock."
Chip was now grinning from ear to ear, "I'm to escort you straight to your rooms and then straight to the ballroom. Or else we face the wrath of Mama and of course, the master."
Rosabelle suspiciously asked, "You told them, didn't you?"
Chip only shrugged, "I only hinted you were turning a year older today and they guessed the rest, Miss Rosabelle."
Rosabelle followed Chip up to her rooms, bypassing the kitchens. Chip escorted her up to her rooms and said, "I will be back to escort you downstairs, Miss Rosabelle. I am under strict orders. No peeking!" He repeated what his mother told him what to say to her and then he turned and left.
Rosabelle opened her door and on her bed was the most beautiful gown she had ever seen. It was the color of the sun and it had small sparkling gemstones. She ran her hand along the dress and it was silky to the touch. She closed the door and proceeded to wash up for the night's festivities.
The White Mask & The Red Rose Page 6
