Donovan's Woman

by Amanda Ashley

  She screamed Gryff’s name when one of Nardik’s spells sent him to the dungeon.

  “Really, sister, that is most unladylike.”

  “You!” She whirled on her brother like a bear defending her cubs. “Why are you doing this? I don’t want the throne! I’ve told you that again and again. Why won’t you believe me?”

  “I wish I could.”

  “It’s true! Just let me go away with Gryff and you’ll never see me again.”

  “I’m afraid that’s impossible. I’ve promised him to the witch. Serepta.”

  “No.” Marri shook her head. “No.”

  Artur summoned one of his guards with a wave of his hand. “Take her to her rooms. Make sure she doesn’t leave. It will be your head if you fail me.”

  “Yes, majesty.”

  “Please, Artur…”

  “Be gone!”

  Marri squared her shoulders. Lifted her chin. And marched up the winding staircase to her room. Only when she was safely behind closed doors did she let the tears fall.

  * * *

  “She’s telling the truth, you know,” Nardik remarked. “She doesn’t want the throne.”

  “That may be true today, but what about tomorrow? Next month? Next year?”

  “I am not a prophet. I cannot see her future. But I can see yours.”

  Artur’s head jerked up. “What does that mean?”

  “It means if you harm a hair on that child’s head, you will not live long enough to regret it.”

  Artur shook his head, eyes wide with disbelief. “You dare threaten me?”

  “I would not call it that.”

  “What would you call it?”

  “A promise. I have no children of my own, nor do I want any. But I watched Marri grow up. I will not see her robbed of her future. You would be wise to let her go away with her young man. If you keep her here, if any harm befalls her, I will hold you responsible.”

  Speechless, Artur could only stare at him. And then, in a blinding blue flash, the wizard was gone. But his words lingered in the air, like smoke.

  If any harm befalls her, I will hold you responsible.

  Chilled to the marrow of his bones, Artur paced the floor, Nardik’s threat hanging over his head like the sword of doom. Damn the man! Who’d have guessed that, under that stern exterior, the wizard harbored a soft spot for Marri? What if she really was telling the truth? What if he let her leave Brynn Castle with the promise never to return?

  Could he count on his sister to keep her word?

  Did he have any other choice?

  He slapped a hand to his brow. Of course! He would have her renounce the throne in front of the knights and the villagers, as well as the leading brethren of the church, and proclaim that he, Artur, was the sole heir to the throne. . A vow like that, spoken before highborn and peasant alike, could not be recanted. Why hadn’t he thought of it before?

  Feeling like a fool, he shook his head. He’d been so focused on dispatching Marri, he had overlooked the most obvious solution

  Pleased to have solved the problem, he ran up the stairs to tell her the good news.

  When Artur reached Marri’s room, the knight guarding the door came to attention. Artur brushed past him, his excitement smothered by a sudden sense of impending doom when he lifted the latch.

  The chamber was empty.

  Chapter 29

  Gryff regained consciousness slowly. He didn’t have to open his eyes to know where he was. The cold stone floor, the dampness, the combined stink of old blood and sweat and urine were all too familiar.

  He groaned softly as he sat up. Damn Serepta. Had she spirited him out of Brynn Castle with no one the wiser? Or had Artur given her the okay? Either way, he was back in hell. He rubbed a hand across his jaw. Had she taken Marri, too?

  He called the witch’s name, felt his gut tighten when he called it again and there was no answer.

  Where was she?

  Rising, he paced the floor, his agitation growing as his imagination painted one horrible possibility after another — Marri was dead. She had been given to Serepta’s henchmen. She had been tossed in a pit and left to die. She was in Serepta’s torture chamber, her hands bound to the iron rod over her head, being beaten, whipped, slowly bleeding to death.

  “Serepta!” He roared the witch’s name.

  “You called?” She appeared outside his cell in a puff of smoke.

  “Where is she?”

  The witch smiled. There was no warmth in it. “On her way to the slave auction in Bosquetown. She should fetch a pretty price, don’t you think?”

  Gryff’s hands fisted around the bars. “Bring her back.”

  “Why would I do that?”

  “Please.” He hissed the word through clenched teeth.

  “Are you willing to beg for her life?”

  He dropped to his knees, bowed his head. “Please spare her.”

  “And if I agree? What will you give me in return?”

  “Whatever you want.”

  “Your loyalty. Your promise not to escape again, and to make love to me often of your own free will. Your presence at my side every day and night as long as you draw breath.”

  “And you’ll let her go wherever she wishes?”

  “Will you do as I ask?”

  “Yes.”

  “Swear it on her life.”

  He answered without hesitation. “I swear.”

  “Very well.”

  Still kneeling, he looked up at her. “I’ll want proof that you’ve kept your part of the bargain.”

  “When she returns from Bosquetown, I will bring her here so you can see she is unhurt, and then my mother can take her home, or anywhere she desires to go. Does that suit?”

  Gripping the bars in both hands, Gryff pulled himself to his feet. “One more thing. I don’t want Marri tortured or imprisoned while we wait for your mother.”

  “I promise she will be treated like the princess she is.”

  “And after Seleena takes her home, I want her to come back and tell me to my face that Marri is safe.”

  “Anything else?” Serepta asked, her voice laced with impatience.

  “I guess not.”

  “Just remember, my pet, if you break your word, she will suffer for it. I promise you that her death will be slow, and you will watch every agonizing moment.”

  “I believe you.”

  Serepta nodded. “Then we have an accord.” With a wave of her hand, the witch was gone.

  Resting his forehead against the bars, Gryff closed his eyes. He had little choice but to take Serepta at her word. He had far more faith in Seleena.

  Whispering Marri’s name, he sank down on the cold stone floor.

  He would never be free again, but it didn’t matter, as long as Marri was safe.

  * * *

  Marri sat in a corner of a large room, her fingers nervously worrying a lock of her hair, her heart pounding with fear. Around her, dozens of other young girls and women chattered nervously. Hundreds of men from all over the galaxy circled the floor, their eyes avidly darting from one woman to another.

  She was going to be sold as a slave.

  As terrifying as that thought was, she was more worried about Gryff. He was Serepta’s prisoner again. No matter how horrible her life as a slave might be, being the witch’s prisoner would be even worse.

  Her nerves grew taut as, one by one, the other girls were auctioned off to the highest bidder.

  It took hours, as each girl was paraded back and forth.

  She huddled deeper into the corner, trembling uncontrollably, as the number of women dwindled. If she revealed the secret of her true identity to her new master with the promise of a reward to return her to Brynn Tor, would he believe her? Or laugh in her face?

  She looked up, feeling as though she might faint, as one of the men in charge of the auction pulled her to her feet and dragged her to the front of the room. He had just started to describe her attributes when another man stepped
up beside her.

  “The Lady Serepta is withdrawing this one.” He didn’t wait for a response, merely grabbed Marri’s arm and hustled her outside and into the back of a familiar transport.

  Marri slumped against the side of the vehicle, not knowing whether to be frightened or relieved.

  * * *

  Gryff caught her scent before she entered the dungeon. Rising, he raked his fingers through his hair, straightened his clothing, and moved toward the front of the cell.

  “Marri.” He whispered her name as she hurried toward him.

  “Gryff!” She slipped her arms through the gaps in the bars and hugged him as best she could. “I was so afraid!”

  His gaze searched hers. “Are you all right?”

  “Yes, I’m fine. But you…” Tears glistened in her eyes. “We have to get you out of here.”

  Shaking his head, he took her hands in his. “I promised I’d stay, that I’d do whatever she wanted, as long as she released you. You’re free to go home or wherever you want.”

  “Not without you.”

  “Marri, she’s won.”

  “I refuse to believe that!”

  “Seleena’s going to take you home, if that’s your choice. I trust her.”

  Marri stared at him, unable to believe what she was hearing. He had voluntarily given up his freedom — his life — for her. How could she accept that?

  “Be happy, sweetheart.”

  “How can I, knowing you’re here? I love you.”

  “I know.” He caressed her cheek, his gaze moving over her face, committing it to memory — the softness of her skin, the deep blue-green of her eyes, the tilt of her nose, the lush fullness of her lower lip. He would never forget her, never regret bargaining with Serepta for Marri’s life. “I love you, princess. Go live the life you were meant to have.”

  “Gryff…”

  “Go on, get out of here.”

  She hesitated, as if she would argue; then, head held high, she walked away, her bearing regal, every inch a princess.

  Heart heavy, throat thick with tears he refused to shed, he watched her until she was out of sight.

  Marri had no sooner left the dungeon than Serepta appeared. A wave of her hand unlocked his cell. Beckoning for him to follow her, she made her way up the stairs and down the long, narrow corridor to her chambers.

  Feeling like a condemned man on his way to the gallows, Gryff trailed in her wake. He had only one thought in mind — to destroy her, even if it cost him his own life.

  She ordered him to bathe, clothed him in a pair of tight-fitting black leather pants and nothing more.

  He stood before her, feeling dirtier than he ever had in his life, as she reclined on her bed.

  “It’s time to make good on your promise.”

  He didn’t have to ask which one she meant. Stretching out on the bed, he closed his eyes and drew her into his arms.

  * * *

  Marri sat in the front parlor, her hands tightly folded in her lap. One of Serepta’s servants had told her she was to wait there for Seleena. After warning her not to leave the room, the servant departed, closing the door behind her.

  Marri’s foot tapped impatiently on the plush carpet. How could she leave Gryff in this dreadful place? There had to be a way to free him. Did he honestly think she could just forget the vows they had exchanged and go off and enjoy the rest of her life knowing he had sacrificed his to save her?

  She wasn’t a fool. There was no way she could hope to defeat Serepta on her own. But…

  Marri looked up when the door opened and Seleena entered the room.

  “Are you ready to go?” the witch asked. “My daughter informed me that I was to take you anywhere you wished.”

  “Home,” Marri said. “I want to go home.”

  Marri’s spirits lifted as she followed Seleena out of the castle. Serepta’s mother had helped them once before. Maybe she would again.

  Chapter 30

  Marri’s enthusiasm for home waned as they crossed the moat to Brynn Castle. Why had she come here?

  Gathering her courage, she swept into the Great Hall. She was tired of being afraid. She had every right to be here. The throne was rightfully hers, if she wanted it. But right now, she had more important things on her mind. Seleena was a powerful witch, but why fight Serepta with one witch when she had two? Nardik had never refused her anything. Surely he would help her now.

  “Marri.”

  She glanced over her shoulder at the sound of Artur’s voice. “I don’t have time to argue with you now,” she said. “Gryff needs my help.”

  “This won’t take long. If you will publicly renounce your right to the throne, you may live here in peace for as long as you wish.”

  “Whatever you want. But later. I need Nardik. Where is he?”

  “I am here, child.”

  Marri looked to her right and saw him standing beside Seleena. Not exactly standing. They were in each other’s arms.

  Marri darted a glance at Artur, one brow raised.

  He shook his head, his expression as surprised as hers certainly was. “I say, what’s going on here?”

  Nardik lifted his head. “Seleena and I are old friends.” He smiled down at her. “Very old friends.” After a moment, he focused on Marri. “What did you want?”

  “Gryff is being held in Serepta’s castle. I was hoping you and Seleena could help me free him.”

  Sadness tugged at Nardik’s features. “I fear she will never change.”

  “I fear you are right,” Seleena agreed.

  “Perhaps it is time to revoke her magic.”

  Seleena nodded.

  “Can you do that?” Marri asked. “Take away her magic?”

  Wrapping one arm around Seleena’s shoulders, Nardik turned to face Marri. “We gave it to her. We can take it away.”

  “Will she still be a vampire?”

  “Yes. Until now, her magical powers have allowed her to walk in daylight, to eat and drink mortal food. But once her magic is gone, she will be forced to live as a vampire, with all that it entails.”

  Marri shuddered at the thought. “How soon can we leave?”

  “Whenever you wish.”

  “Then what are we waiting for? Let’s go!”

  * * *

  Staring up at the ceiling, Gryff listened to the slow, even breathing of the woman beside him. One day as her prisoner and it already felt like a lifetime.

  Rolling onto his side, he propped himself on one elbow. She was a beautiful woman, as beautiful as she was evil. He lifted his right hand, imagined it curled around her throat. Could he choke the life out of her before she woke? Or, better yet, shift into the wolf and rip out her black heart.

  It would be murder. Cold-blooded murder.

  How could he go to Marri with another woman’s blood — even Serepta’s blood — on his hands?

  He stared at her throat, imagined his fingers tightening around it, slowly squeezing the life from his body…

  The next thing he knew, he was back in his cell in the dungeon.

  * * *

  Gryff bolted upright, all his senses alert. He hadn’t seen Serepta or anyone else since the witch spirited him back to his cell last night. Had she somehow divined his murderous thoughts? Damn and blast. Had he put Marri’s life in danger again?

  He thrust the question aside as, eyes narrowed, he probed the darkness. Seeing nothing, he shifted into the wolf. There! Three dark shapes ghosting down the pitch-black corridor toward him. Marri! Her scent filled his nostrils. What the hell was she doing back here?

  Snuffling, he caught Seleena’s scent.

  The tall man beside her was a stranger.

  A low growl rose in the wolf’s throat as the trio reached his cell. The man waved his hand, and the torch set high in the wall flickered to life.

  “Hurry,” Seleena whispered. “We don’t have much time.”

  The man threw her a smile. “Patience, woman. We have all the time we need.” He murm
ured something in a language the wolf didn’t recognize. A moment later, the cell door swung open.

  With a wordless cry, Marri rushed into the cell and threw her arms around the wolf’s neck.

  He shook her off, then resumed his own shape. “Are you out of your mind? What are you doing here?”

  “We came to rescue you, you ungrateful beast.”

  “Yeah, well you’re too late. She’s here.”

  The man pushed Marri into the cell and put Seleena behind him, then turned to face Serepta.

  She paused an arm’s length away. “Mother, how nice to see you.”

  Seleena inclined her head but said nothing.

  “If you’ve come for Gryff, you’re wasting your time,” Serepta said. “He gave me his word he would stay here. So, be gone, all of you. Unless you wish to join him.” She stared at the man, her brows drawn in a frown. “Have we met?”

  He nodded. “On the day you were born.”

  Her frown deepened.

  “I am Nardik.”

  Her eyes widened. Evidently she had heard of him, Gryff thought.

  Serepta’s gaze moved from Nardik’s face to her mother’s and back again.

  The wizard nodded. “Yes. I’m your father. And you, my dear daughter, are going to release this man from his promise.”

  Serepta made a dismissive gesture with her hand. “What right do you have to come here and dictate what I will do? Father!” She spat the word. “I have no father!”

  “Do not defy me,” he warned.

  “I’m not afraid of you!”

  Gryff felt Serepta gathering her power as she spoke. It raised the hairs at his nape, made the hairs on his arms stand at attention. He grabbed Marri and backed deeper into the cell as the room grew thick with magic.

  Oblivious to whatever spell his daughter was conjuring, Nardik grabbed Serepta by the arm and jerked her toward him.

  Serepta tore free of her father’s grasp. Bodies rigid, they stared at each other, a silent duel raging between them. Sparks exploded through the air. It was, Gryff thought, a literal battle between good and evil.

  Serepta was rumored to be the most powerful witch in the land. Watching the battle, Gryff feared the rumors might be true. He could feel her evil magic crawling over his skin.

  Eyes blazing, Nardik hissed, “Now!” He lunged forward, his cloak folding around Serepta like the wings of a large black bird until it covered her from head to heel. Seleena rushed forward at the same time, her arms wrapping around Nardik and their daughter.