Isabelle's Mate (Shifters of the Bulgarian Bloodline Book 6)

by Daria Wright

  Mother had been sick for a long time, when the night came no one was surprised but that didn’t take the pain away.

  Mary reached for her journal- the one friend she had these days, and stuffed on top of the clothing. The door opened.

  Mary turned to see her stepfather standing in the doorway. Without a word he tossed an old potato sack onto the floor and left, the door open behind him.

  Hot tears ran down her cheek as she crossed to the old sack, her clothing in her hand and dumped everything in there.

  She listened carefully as she heard the front door open and close. This is my chance. She thought.

  She dashed out the bedroom door and raced to the room that had once been her mothers. Mary’s heart raced as she reached the dressing table. She pulled the drawer open and reached into it.

  I don’t have time. She thought. He’d be back any second and if he caught her stealing he’d likely kill her. I’ve got to get it.

  She grabbed a handful of items and raced out of the room just in time to hear the sound of a carriage door slam.

  Mary’s heart raced.

  Thump. Thump. Thump.

  God, please protect me. Mary shoved her hand into her bag, letting go of whatever she managed to grab before she’d rushed out of the room. The door opened.

  “I’m sure she’s ready.” Her stepfather was saying. He sounded nervous. Mary stood, a smile spreading over her face. To see the man who had sold her nervous was almost enough for what he had done to her.

  Mary turned her attention to the other man. He wore a fine silk suit. His caramel skin brought out the blue in his eyes as he looked her over carefully.

  “And she is… pure?”

  “Yes,” her stepfather said quickly.

  The man nodded. “Her picture did not do her justice.”

  “It was… a few years old,” the man admitted, his cheeks flushed.

  Mary opened her mouth to say something, but what would she say? She closed her mouth, taking everything in. Whoever this man was, he was powerful. It was not like her stepfather to be submissive to another man. When she was little Mary had seen him stare down a bear. The man standing beside him must be powerful if her stepfather refused to even make eye contact.

  Mary bent down, picking up her bag and hoisting it over her shoulders, showing strength that not many women possessed. She turned to the man who was coming to pick her up.

  “Shall we go?” she asked.

  “If you’ve already said your goodbyes and are ready.”

  “I have no goodbyes to say.”

  Without a word to the man she had once called her father Mary strut to the door. The truth is, she was broken hearted, but she would not admit that. She would not admit that she had been betrayed by the one person she thought she could count on. Mamma… I thought we were going to make things work. I thought it would be hard but I didn’t think he’d just give me away. She didn’t even know where she was going- or why.

  “Your payment,” the man said pulling out a bag of gold. Mary’s jaw dropped as she saw the size of it. “You will get the other half after the marriage.”

  So that is it.

  Everything clicked. All the breath left her body and she felt as if she had been kicked in the gut- hard. Not unlike the time a goat had rammed his horns into the girl’s stomach when she was young.

  He has sold me. In to lord only knows what. He has don’t it without batting an eyelash.

  Several nights before he had said they’d be coming into money. He had said he wouldn’t have to worry anymore- that he would be free.

  Now Mary understood, he meant free from her.

  Mary straightened her back, not allowing this man to see her ruined but as she turned away from his sight she felt the tears begin to run down her cheek again. Without a word she made her way outside. A carriage waited for her, with a man driving it. He jumped down from the top of the carriage and opened the door for her, holding his hand out for her bag.

  “I’ll keep it, thank you.” She didn’t dare part with the treasures inside it.

  The man nodded helping her up into the carriage. Seconds later, the man in the silk suit joined her.

  He stared at her for a couple of seconds, then looked down, reaching into his pocket. He pulled out a small hanky and handed it to her.

  “Thank you,” She said taking it from him and wiping her eyes. “I’m Mary.”

  “Of course I know your name.” He gave her a soft smile as she handed the hanky back to him.

  The trip took much longer than she realized it would. Four days total, without stopping. The entire time she kept her bag close to her. She did not speak to the man who knew her name, but whose name she did not know. She did not dare ask questions, she was not sure she’d want the answer to them anyways.

  Did mother know this was going to happen? She wondered. Would she have been alright with it? Even if it did save her stepfather from the poor house, Mary was not sure she’d ever forgive him.

  We could have made it work. It might not have been easy, but they’d have been able to make it work and she knew it. The grief whelmed up inside her again, but she didn’t dare cry. Not in front of this man- not that he seemed to mind. He was reading, and hadn’t said a word to her since they left the town that Mary called home.

  Mary reached into her bag and pulled out her small journal, along with a stick of led.

  I am in a carriage heading somewhere I don’t even know.

  She stared at the words she had just written and took a deep breath. What was she supposed to say?

  “We’re almost there,” the man said, looking up from his book as the carriage began to slow down.

  Mary nodded, not sure what she was even supposed to say. So, she didn’t say anything.

  She read about being sold into marriage, she’d even read that it was becoming quite popular. But for it to happen to her… she never thought that would happen! Most women these days made the choice to do it, either for themselves or their family but it was their choice. Mary did not have that choice. She hadn’t even realized it was happening until it was far too late.

  The man led Mary out of the carriage, down the street and towards another carriage. Mary’s brow furrowed. She’d thought he said they were almost there.

  “Will it be a long ride?” Mary asked.

  “No, in this it will be much quicker. This is the official carriage of your husband-to-be.”

  Together she and the man made their way over to a shiny black carriage. As they sat down in it Mary looked around her, staring out the window at the hustle and bustle.

  “You’re arriving on a very interesting night,” he said. “the master of the home is hosting an event for the knights of the area. To reward their hard work.”

  Mary raised an eyebrow. She had to admit, that had her interest.

  “What is the master of the home like?”

  “He is… he will be to you as well,” the man paused. “He is a passionate man, and his work is his life.”

  Then why bother marrying someone? Mary didn’t dare ask. She took a deep breath and nodded. Would that mean that she wouldn’t have to see much of him? Even as his wife? Or would she have to learn to understand his work. What was it he even did?

  “And he… does what for a living?” Mary didn’t want to go into this without knowing anything. It seemed like he knew more than enough about her.

  “He runs the east,” Mary’s heart skipped a beat. “Some of it, at least.”

  Mary’s brow furrowed. What did that even mean?

  I’ll find out soon. She thought as she looked out the window. They were making their way out of town, which said something about his wealth.

  It didn’t take long for them to turn down a long and winding driveway. It was so long, that if Mary hadn’t seen a house at the end of it she would have just thought it was a road.

  Mary’s stomach knotted and she felt like she might be sick as the carriage came to a stop in front of the house. No, it
wasn’t even a house. It was a castle.

  This is where I’ll be living?

  The large stones looked like they had been put into place years ago, although they were still well kept. There was even a tower to the left of them, with two men looking out into the distance.

  The man gave her a soft smile.

  “I know it is hard, but have faith you will be welcome here.”

  His words didn’t make her feel much better, though it was touching he tried. He stepped out into the fresh air and held his hand out for Mary. She took it and allowed her to lead him down the garden way as other men stepped out of carriages.

  “Like I said, it is a special night.”

  Mary stared at them. They must all be knights. Her gazed stopped on one man. His face had a long scar running along his left cheek. His blazing green eyes locked on her. Mary’s heart did a backflip. His long brown hair hung over his shoulder.

  She felt herself being dragged along. I’ve got to be good. She reminded herself- something that might be hard for her. She quickened her pace to keep up with the man leading her into her new home.

  Mary looked around, trying to take everything in. The castle was larger than anything she’d even seen. On the inside it was almost pure white. The floors were well kept and the walls looked spotless. There were several long tables out, each one with a gold vase filled with flowers.

  “Come,” the man encouraged her along, guiding her over to the grand staircase.

  They walked in silence until they reached a door. The man knocked once and entered.

  He had blonde hair that was cut short. His brown eyes looked up from paper work. He stood, showing a solid frame as he crossed over to Mary, his eyes locked on her.

  “Michel, I was beginning to wonder if you’d be late.”

  “Sorry, sir. We took longer than expected to get through the journey.”

  The man held his hand out to Mary. “Henry.”

  “Mary,” she extended her hand to him, which he took and placed a soft kiss against.

  “We will get to know each other soon, but right now I have some work that needs to be taken care of. I’m sure you understand. We shall discuss the details for the wedding soon.”

  “Of course.” She understood that it didn’t matter if she cared or not, he was going to do it. “I look forward to seeing more of you.”

  She lowered herself into a small bow and when she stood walked out of the room. “Your room is just down the hall,” Michel said. “The third door on the left. Would you like me to lead you to it?”

  “Thank you, but I have faith I will find it.”

  Mary didn’t want to be with anyone right now. She padded towards the direction he’d pointed in, eager to get away from people and have a little time to herself.

  When she found her room she opened the door- and to her disappointment realized she wouldn’t be alone.

  A maid looked up and gave her a soft smile. “Ma’am,” she bowed low. “The master of the home requested that I help get you settled in.”

  The maid reached out and held up a dress. Clearly Mary’s idea of getting settled and her future husbands would not be the same.

  “Of course,” Mary took a deep breath and stepped into the room. She left her bag of clothing beside the bed and crossed over to where the maid was, undoing her dress.

  “I trust you must be tired from your trip?”

  “I will sleep well tonight.” It wasn’t really an answer but Mary didn’t have one for the maid. She wanted to send the girl away, but knew she would probably be given trouble if Mary was not dressed suitably.

  They didn’t speak as the girl helped her into her new clothing. It all felt so strange. She was used to a simple dress and underclothes. The new under garments that she was given were pure silk. She could not believe that people actually wore these! They felt much better against her than the rough cotton, and she was sure they would be much better in the summer.

  Although Mary had a simple Stay it was not bound tight like a corset would be. This was more to help accent her curves.

  She stared down at the assortment of accessories and layers she had to wear. “What is that one for?”

  Instead of answering the girl just started at her. “Have you read much, ma’am?”

  “My mama insisted I learn to read.” But she hadn’t read much.

  “You will pick up on things fast. Try not to worry much.”

  Mary doubted that very much, but did not voice it. The girl padded over to the bed and picked up a simple dress. Mary felt herself take a deep breath, thankful that the dress would be simple. When she had seen everything placed out on the floor she had thought she would have to put it all on. She slipped into the simple white dress and allowed the maid to do it up for her.

  “Well,” she took a deep breath looking herself over. “This…” She was searching for the right words. It’s not too bad.

  “Come on, we’ve got to get the other layers on.”

  “O-other layers?” she stammered. Mary turned to see the girl reaching for a second skirt, this time in deep green.

  Next came the top, it matched the skirt- each one having the same color and the same embroidery. Then came the fur shawl that was placed carefully over her shoulders. Large diamonds were cut into it, with silver lining them. Mary stared at herself in shock.

  Chapter Two

  She took a deep breath. What am I in for? She wondered.

  Mary stared at herself in the mirror. She’d never worn something this lavish before. The fur would be enough to feed her family for a year. A family that is gone. She reminded herself. Her heart sank into the pit of her stomach.

  “Well, ma’am you are all done up.”

  “Wow,” she whispered, running her fingers over the fabric of the fur. Is this really mine?

  There was a soft knock against the door before it opened. He door opened and Henry stood there.

  “Sir,” the girl squeaked. “I…”

  “Thank you for your time, you may leave us now.”

  Mary’s heart skipped a beat as the girl rushed for the door, not daring to look the man in the eye. He closed the door behind her and crossed over to Mary.

  Mary took a deep breath, her pulse racing as he came closer and closer. His eyes roamed over her body.

  “The dress fits you well. I am glad.”

  “It is a very beautiful dress, thank you.” Mary knew it was the right thing to do, but saying those words made her feel dirty.

  “You’re welcome.” He reached out and touched her cheek. Mary’s heart skipped a beat. Please God, she prayed. Keep me safe.

  She knew that soon they would be married, and this man would be able to do whatever he wanted to her, but here- tonight- she didn’t think she’d be able to manage.

  As if being able to read her mind Henry let go of her. He turned away from her and crossed over to the bed where he bent down and picked up the small potato sack she had her clothes in.

  “Is this yours?”

  “Y-yes.”

  He nodded. “There is no use for it anymore. I will have the maids throw it out.”

  “No!” Mary stepped towards the bag, reaching out for it. Fear tingled down her spine as she stepped, Henry stared at her.

  “No?”

  “I… there are items from my mother in there.” Mary’s cheeks burned as she bowed her head. She hadn’t even been here more than an hour and had already yelled at her husband-to-be. What kind of a wife would she make?

  “Ah,” Henry crossed over to her, roughly placing the bag back in her hands. “I know you said it had been very hard on you in your letters.”

  Mary’s mouth fell open.

  “I… he wrote to you as me?”

  Mary’s stomach turned. She thought for a second that she might be sick.

  Henry stared at her, his eyes narrowing. “What did you just say?”

  “Nothing,” Mary said quickly. If he found out the truth he may try to send her back to her stepfath
er, and if he did that then her stepfather would never forgive her. She’d get a beating- if she were lucky.

  Henry’s eyes narrowed. “You dare lie to me?”

  Mary was sure she was likely to get a beating here and down.

  “My stepfather wrote those letters to you. I didn’t even know I was to be married until then day someone came to pick me up.” She spoke as fast as she could as she closed her eyes, waiting for the hand to come down against her cheek.

  She waited, darkness surrounding her. Ever so slowly she opened her eyes to see the man just staring at her. Anger burned in his eyes.

  “I-” Mary started. She knew she had to explain herself. She knew she had to give this man a reason not to send her back. Mary felt tears sting the corner of her eyes. “Please, don’t send me back. He’ll beat me black and blue.”

  Without a word the man turned around and walked out of the room.

  Mary felt her legs give out under her. She dropped to the floor and sat there, until someone came to collect her hours later for dinner. It was dark by then. Numbly she made her way towards the hall, following the woman who led her along.

  The girl was so scared the hunting dogs could probably scent her. Thorn looked up from his pint as she sat back down beside the master of the home. The master of them all.

  I wonder what he deal is. He’d never seen a girl like that in this area.

  No, she was too pale. Although the men and women around here were pale, they had a hint of darkness to him. This girl had ivory skin. She’s not from around here.

  The rumor was that the duke had bought a wife. No one knew why, it’s not like he couldn’t find one.

  “She looks like she’s ready to faint,” Mark muttered in Thorn’s ear.

  “Most likely is,” Thorn retorted. He’d seen her this morning, although he had thought she was a runaway maid. “I remember what it was like my first day here. You, I believe, pissed yourself.”

  Mark laughed heartily. “Right you are my friend.”

  She sipped at her wine, avoiding all the eyes that were locked on her. Thorn looked away. It was a feeling he was used to having, he would not add to her discomfort.