Lady Thief

by Wend Petzler

  Derrick stood there looking at the heavy, leather bags in his hands with disbelief. Eiry was Sir Thomas’ eldest daughter? What would Lucian do if he found out they harbored the very thieves sought by the law? Deciding to keep what he knew a secret for now, he turned at the sound of thundering hooves, announcing Lucian's timely arrival. Derrick watched his friend ride up, wearing a look of pure fury and worry on his scarred features. Lucian cared for the girl more than he cared to admit, even to his own tortured self.

  "Has Eiry come home?” Lucian dismounted.

  "Yea, she is back. A messenger arrived while you were gone."

  "What is it for?” He frowned in confusion, not really expecting anymore gold from the Duke of Pembroke.

  "It's an added incentive to keep on here at Sanctuary. It also appears a contract with you and Lady Savoy will be drawn up, giving you the deed to the castle and all its lands."

  "Why?” Lucian led his tired horse into the stable. Relieving the stallion of the heavy saddle and gear, he patted Samson's muscular neck fondly. Sweaty and tired, Lucian hefted one of the bags Derrick handed to him. The timing was suspicious. A messenger arriving with so much gold on the very same day Prince John was robbed of all his possessions? What was Eiry up to? Was she involved?

  "Perhaps Lady Savoy knows something foul is about to happen and wants you to protect her sister the best way you can, by legally owning the castle?"

  Lucian worried. “Our men have shared with me about the things they heard conversing with the villagers. Trouble brews and many are terrified. Where is she?” he asked Derrick who helped him strip off his armor while Aaron took care of Samson.

  "Most likely in her chambers."

  Lucian tossed back the heavy bag to Derrick and stormed across the courtyard. He jerked open the door leading into the castle and disappear inside.

  * * * *

  Heading into the kitchen, Eiry checked in with Anne, finding out they were going to stay at the castle rather than go home. Allen had not sent word of the evacuation, and Anne worried of her husband's whereabouts.

  "I saved you some supper.” Anne bent to retrieve the warming plate by the hearth when Eiry shook her head.

  "Thank-you but I'm not hungry. I think I shall go upstairs and sleep.” She nearly broke down when she viewed her little sister's sweet slumbering features, nearly in the same pose she'd left her that very morning. Exhausted, Eiry tucked the blanket closer around Lilia.

  How was she going to protect Lilia if Louie turned her in? The fear must have shown, alarming Anne.

  "Eiry, what's wrong?"

  "Nothing is wrong, I am just tired. See you in the morning."

  Eiry left the warm kitchen and trudged upstairs to her chambers. Changing into a white shift, she sat on the woven rug in front of the fireplace, gazing at the shiny medallion in her hands. Grief consumed her. At last, she gave into her misery and sobbed, feeling utterly alone.

  Loud footsteps resounded in the hallway outside her chamber. The door slammed open with a crash. In an impressive state of raw fury, Lucian glowered down at her and stormed inside.

  * * * *

  Rocking back on his heels, Lucian stared speechless at the sight of tears coursing down Eiry's cheeks. Never had he seen the brave, young woman in such a distraught state. For a brief moment, he stood indecisive what to do. When those beautiful eyes looked up at him so miserable and lost, he realized she needed him. Shedding the sweaty linen shirt he wore, Lucian did something he was never trained to do—comfort a crying woman. Moving his bulk behind her, he sat on the floor, drawing her trembling body into the shelter of his body and arms. He was startled when Eiry threw her arms around his neck, weeping even harder.

  Stroking her long hair awkwardly, Lucian tried to ease her torment. “Come, Eiry, it canna be so bad. Tell me what's wrong, and I'll try to fix it for you.” Lucian soothed,react to the softness of her lightly clad breasts pressed against his bare chest or the heady scent of lavender in her long, silky chestnut-brown hair.

  Eiry leaned back, wiping away her tears. She left his arms and sat back on her rear, crossing her legs. Lucian watched as she bit her lower, fuller lip. As if coming to a great decision, she handed the medallion in her hand over to him. Frowning at the medallion in his hand, he turned it over and read the inscription carved into the gold:

  To Sir Thomas Savoy, my greatest, most faithful knight and friend. For your bravery in battle and friendship at court, I shall always be in your debt.

  Your ever faithful friend,

  Henry Plantagenet

  His astonished gaze flew to hers. The repercussions of what it meant took him by surprise. Soft, full lips quivered as fresh tears threatened to fall.

  "My father, Sir Thomas, always wore it with great pride. It was missing when my parents were found."

  Speechless, he stared at the pendant. With reverence, he handed it back to her, watching her slip it over her neck, the heavy weight resting against her warm body. “Why did you lie to me?"

  "I thought it best if you were kept in the dark about my real identity. If it was known about my existence, it'd prove deadly for all of us."

  "How do you know Lord Robert is not aware of who you are?” He leaned back against the small cot, knowing there was much more she kept hidden about herself.

  "I would be married to him, if he knew who I was. So far he believes the same story as you were told. When my father was given Sanctuary by Richard, he came down here with my mother and sister while I was sent to Wales to meet my future husband. It was there when I heard the news of their murder.” She scooted over to sit beside him, looking almost relieved to be telling the truth at last.

  "What happened to your future husband?” Lucian could not resist asking, jealous of the unseen Welshman whom Eiry was to marry.

  "When I informed my grandfather I was returning to Sanctuary, he tried to stop me, demanding I marry and forget about any thoughts of revenge. I escaped his castle and came home as Lilia's nanny. I've been searching ever since for any evidence linking my parent's deaths to Lord Robert. Today, I found it, and more.” Eiry's tone turned icy, a cold, bitter look came over her lovely face.

  "Where did you find the medallion?” he asked, frowning at the things she was telling him.

  "Prince John was wearing it around his neck like a trophy won in battle, except he obtained it through cowardice and not by honor.” She turned to fully face Lucian. “There is something you should be made aware of. I overheard a conversation between Lord Robert and his captain, William De Brasco. The Prince wants you to pledge your sword to him and is fully prepared to offer you anything you desire. If you refuse, it will mean your head on a pike, displayed as a traitor."

  Lucian grabbed her by the shoulders, bringing her hard up against his chest. “Where did you hear this?"

  "I heard while I was spying on them at Peveril Castle,” she whispered.

  "You were in Peveril castle? You are involved with the Lady Thief, aren't you?” Lucian released her shoulders, watching her sag back onto the carpeted floor.

  Swallowing nervously, she shrugged her shoulders. “I needed information, so I snuck into the castle."

  Lucian stared at her for a long moment before he ran a restless hand through his hair, exasperated by her boldness. He blew out a frustrated sigh. “I guess I'll be getting a visit from Prince John sometime tomorrow."

  "I'm so very sorry about getting you involved, but I had no one I could trust, except for my godfather, the Duke of Pembroke. He suggested I hire you. Since I had no real income, we offered you Castle Sanctuary."

  "Who provided the gold?” he asked suddenly, pinning her with the steady glare of a man who really didn't want the truth, yet needed to know all.

  "Lady Thief."

  He knew he shouldn't be surprised. The evidence was pointing to the elusive woman thief all along. “What are we to do with you? Keep you hidden or admit you are Lady Savoy?"

  Eiry shrugged her shoulders again, looking absolutely miserabl
e. “I just want to go back to my old life, when it was happy and carefree. No more enemies, no more death, just laughter and warmth. I want to be me again.” Her eyes pleaded with him to help her, something he realized she could never give voice to.

  Unsure about their situation, Lucian tugged at her sleeve until she shifted closer to his side, resting her head on the bulge of his forearm. “Well, it may be in our best interest if you remain as Lilia's nanny for a while longer. At least until we have a confession of guilt from the sheriff and our dear Prince John."

  "But I've got the proof in my hands of their involvement in my parent's deaths! What more do you need?” Eiry sputtered out in confusion.

  "I know, and you know, it still remains the fact they have the power to decide our fates as long as we are on English soil. Until one of them admits to slaying your parents, we wait."

  "And when they do admit to killing them?” she asked breathlessly, waiting for his response.

  A dark shadow of pure determination crossed over the breathtaking features of the Butcher. “I shall deliver justice to those who took your parents’ lives, I swear it!” Lucian vowed, gazing deep into Eiry's wide, startled eyes. Unable to stop himself, he lowered his head, pressing his firm lips to her softer ones, moving gently over hers, patiently waiting for her to overcome her surprise at his boldness.

  Stunned when Lucian's warm mouth covered hers, applying just enough pressure to invite her to return the heady kiss. Unable to repress the sigh of pleasure, she leaned into his heat, reeling with the sweet delight of his kiss. Her fingers curved along his hard cheek, covering the white scar before burying in the black satin of his long hair. Gasping, she felt her body being lifted across his lap, engulfed in a tight embrace as his mouth slated more fully over hers, hungrily devouring her. Hot desire shot right through her when she felt the tip of his tongue trace her bottom lip, tempting her to allow him passage, inviting her to explore a world unknown to her until she met him.

  It was as if heaven had opened its gates and a flood of pleasure washed over her when she trusted him, her lips parting to allow him access. They were drowning in taste and touch. Lucian's huge hand, possessing the strength to crush her easily, curved around her slender neck. Sweeping the rough pads of his thumbs tenderly across the smooth skin of her cheeks, he angled her mouth better, deepening the searing kiss. When she was convinced she was dying from the drowning pleasure, he reluctantly released her.

  He gazed down at her flushed features with amazement as Eiry breathed heavily with excitement. Her eyes darkened to pewter with yearning. Would she come to his chambers if he asked? Lucian knew if he persisted, he could have Eiry in his bed. Torn between his desire and what was right, he held her in a loose embrace. His admiration grew for the beautiful young woman who possessed a spirit much like his own. The hard fact was he could offer her nothing. When he was eighteen, he turned his back on his title as heir to his father's lands. He possessed Castle Sanctuary only until someone relieved him of the lands when he refused to swear fealty to Prince John. All he really had to his name was his sword and horse, along with the allegiance of his company. At best, he could make an oath to protect her with his very life.

  "Eiry, we must part before we do something we both might regret,” his voice sounded rusty to his own ears, his manhood swelling to the point where pain and pleasure entwined.

  Confused, Eiry gazed into his fathomless eyes, drowning in the blazing heat, loving the way his arms tightened possessively around her. In his warm embrace, she felt no fear, only the ache of wanting him. Lucian was the bright flame to her candle, and she wished nothing more than to be consumed by the fire he breathed into her.

  "Lucian, I want to stay with you tonight,” Eiry asked, her voice sounded hoarse to her own ears. Gazing deep into his dark eyes, clear to his soul, she found herself in those hot, burning orbs.

  Stunned Eiry wished to be with him, Lucian found not the will to deny her request. Rising easily to his feet with Eiry securely in his arms, he strode to his own room. Inside the chamber, he paused to lock the door behind them. He knew he could not make love with Eiry as they both desperately desired. Honor would not allow him to take what was not his. Instead, he flipped the blankets back and laid her on the soft bed. Wide, gray eyes watched him with anticipation as he stretched out beside her. Drawing her into the warm shelter of his strong arms, he smiled at the way she snuggled against him. He shivered, loving the way her long, slender fingers entwined in his as they sought sleep.

  * * * *

  At dawn, Eiry woke, watching Lucian sleep peacefully. Awed by the sheer beauty of his relaxed features, Eiry gazed down at him, fascinated by the strange, warm feeling of being with him. Her body ached from wanting to explore the unknown world of making love with Lucian. The hidden desires of her heart wanted to experience the earth-shattering pleasure of his body joined with hers. Much to her despair, he did not make any advances during the night. Lucian was a man of his word, she reasoned. He would not dishonor her by taking her outside the vows of marriage. Her happiness was dulled by the rising sun, knowing with the new day retribution would come from an angry man who was humiliated yesterday. The same man who was raised as a brother to her and Lilia. Jealousy was a terrible, destructive weapon, and she feared she was to bear the brunt of it, possibly with her own death

  Deciding to let Lucian sleep longer, Eiry knew the day would bring its own trials for him as well. Prince John wanted Lucian's sword. The devious bastard would use any means necessary to accomplish his craving for power and dominance. Slipping out of the bed without disturbing his sleep, she crept to her own chambers and donned a plain blue gown. Placing her cold feet into a pair of leather slippers, she went to work on combing out her long hair. It took several minutes to work the multitude of knots out from her unruly mane until finally she felt she looked presentable enough to go downstairs.

  When she opened the swinging door to the kitchen, Eiry found Anne and Allen sharing a cup of ale. They wore the look of despair on their tired faces. “Allen, have you just arrived?"

  "Yea, just moments ago.” He looked at her askance. “What's wrong?"

  "Allen, were you able to get everyone to a new hideout?” Eiry asked as she checked on Lilia. The child lay sleeping innocently in the dawn's rosy light, a small fist curled under a downy cheek, snoring softly. Pouring a draught of ale for herself, Eiry sat on the bench opposite of Anne and Allen at the long table.

  "With the help of Little John and his men, we were able to move everyone out of the caves. Were you successful in robbing Prince John?"

  "Yea, we were able to fleece the bastard of everything, except the clothes on his back. Have you seen Louie?” Eiry felt like crying, already knowing the answer.

  "No. Do you think he will turn us in?"

  "Yes,” was her soft reply. “Allen, you need to go into hiding. No longer is it safe for you here at Sanctuary."

  Alarmed, Allen looked at his frightened wife, then to his sleeping children. “What about my family? I canna run and leave them."

  "Lucian will keep them safe. If you are caught, Lord Robert will hang you.” Eiry reminded him of the cruel penalty for thievery.

  Defeated, Allen gently placed his hand over Eiry's tightly clenched ones. “You are at risk, too. Louie knows the bounty has risen for you since the raid on Peveril Castle. Eiry, you are worth a thousand gold pieces."

  Her shoulders slumped in defeat, she faced their concern. “I cannot leave. My place is here, and here I must make my stand."

  Squaring his brawny shoulders, Allen took a deep breath, letting it out with a terrified shudder. “I will make my stand with you. I won't run either."

  Stunned by her friend's declaration, she nodded, accepting his loyalty. “Then it's decided. We wait and see. Anne, are you all right with our decision?” Eiry asked the silent woman who stared down at her cup for a moment before answering.

  "Aye, we started this together and we shall end it the same way.” Anne lifted her cup up a
s did Eiry and Allen. “To our friends and family, may we survive the plague of enemies and traitors."

  Silently agreeing, Eiry drained her cup. “I best be getting a bath ready for Lilia. I've neglected her badly, and she is in sore need of one."

  Grabbing several buckets, she went to the well and filled them. Returning to the kitchen, she poured the cold water into a large black cauldron and set it to heat over the fire. Taking several more trips to the well, she succeeded in filling it. She went to wake her sister, smiling at the way Lilia enthusiastically greeted her, relief in her big, silvery-blue eyes when she saw Eiry was unhurt. Lilia was more than happy to take a bath, loving to bathe in the wide, copper tub set off in a small chamber from the kitchen. By the time Eiry got the water and Lilia in the tub, Anne's daughters wanted in, too, loving the warm water and bubbles of peach-scented, handmade soap.

  After half an hour, she lifted the girls out and dried them off. Urging the girls to don clean dresses, she mopped up the watery mess. When she finished cleaning, Eiry sat down and combed each child's hair while Anne and her assistants rushed to place breakfast out onto the long tables for the hungry people waiting impatiently to break their fast.

  Eiry led the girls out into the hall and sat them down to eat. Ladling scoops of hot porridge into wooden bowls before them, she smiled as their eager little fingers tore into steaming loaves of freshly baked bread. The front door swung open, admitting Louie. The look on his face made Eiry's insides freeze in anguish. Ignoring her, he went to sit with the workers, avoiding the hurt in her eyes.

  At the top of the stairs, Lucian watched the people gathering, studying Louie in particular. Trouble was brewing. He was prepared. Lilia waved enthusiastically when she saw him. His gaze wandered over to her sister, loving the way Eiry blushed, shyly meeting his hot gaze. The softening in his cold heart was the beginning of the thaw, one which could bring his soul back from the grave or send him there in a wooden box. Lucian knew it was well worth the risk, having found his humanity again with Eiry and Lilia.