Vard’s eyes flickered towards her and back to Finus. “I begin to wonder at the wisdom of my actions, Princess,” he said, his voice tight. “I believed you to be prisoner here.” The two men circled each other.
The disgust in his eyes cut Alecia to the core. How must it appear to Vard? That she welcomed the attentions of her slimy fiancé? Anger surged in her, giving her strength. “I am a prisoner, but it is my lot to bear, not yours. Please go before you are captured.”
Vard grinned, but there was no mirth, only mockery. “I’d need to fight my way out in any case, Princess. Somehow I don’t think your betrothed will allow me to leave.”
Finus snarled and launched himself at Vard. Their swords clashed, sending sparks into the dimness. Alecia retreated to the corner of the room, her eyes unable to leave the two men as they fought for her. The dress encumbered Vard, its skirts threatening to trap the sword. Twice, Alecia believed he could not recover and both times, Vard’s sword jerked free of its entanglement and blocked savage blows from Finus. Her betrothed was a skilled swordsman, a fact that Alecia had not known, and Vard seemed the underdog with the handicap of his disguise.
Alecia’s fear grew, both for Vard and herself. He had come to rescue her and it could very well be his undoing. She dared not examine how his death would cripple her heart, because her feelings for Vard were based on a lie. He was not human. Besides that, Vard had seen her with Lord Finus and thought that she welcomed the lord’s attentions. He would not want her now, even if she still craved his love. Oh! She hardly knew what to think!
As she watched, Alecia became aware that Vard was luring his opponent away from her. Her hopes rose as he appeared to lull her betrothed into a false sense of confidence. Vard repeatedly fell back, seeming exhausted, and then would rally only to be pushed back again. Finus’ face was triumphant, as though victory was assured. As Vard fell to one knee, the lord charged him, his sword centred on his opponent’s heart.
Alecia’s own heart hammered and her stomach had tied itself into knots. She did not want to see, but could not take her eyes from Vard as Finus’ attack loomed over him. At the last second, Vard spun on the ball of his grounded foot and slid out of the path of Finus’ sword, his own weapon striking home as the lord’s attack carried him past.
Now it was her betrothed’s turn to collapse to one knee. The sword fell from his hand and Alecia watched blood drip onto the stones from a wound in the lord’s side. Vard pushed himself upright and stood over the injured man, his breath coming in gulps. Perhaps he had been as hard-pressed as it appeared.
Finus’ ashen face sneered up at Vard. “Finish me off,” he said.
A muscle along Vard’s jaw tensed. “Your fate is sealed, Finus. Already the Goddess calls to you. I don’t have to act.”
Alecia stepped forwards until she stood beside the two men. “He needs help.”
Vard looked at her then, contempt in his gaze. “Have things changed so much, Princess, that you now care for this man? You once told me he was the root of all your suffering and that of the kingdom. Does he now deserve your love? Have his hands awakened your desire?”
Alecia dropped her eyes before his derision, the hot flush of shame flooding her. Finus had slumped to the floor, hand gripping his side and eyes half closed. His breathing rasped in the quiet of the chamber.
“You do not understand,” she said, tears spilling down her cheeks. What matter her dignity when Vard hated her? He thought her easy prey for any man -- him, Ramón, Lord Finus. A sob rose in her throat and she swallowed it down.
“I understand what I saw.” Vard grasped her shoulders so that she had to look at him. “Your betrothed is dying. Make your choice. We must leave now or be caught.” His eyes trapped hers, the gold flecks threatening to engulf the green.
Alecia fought for breath.
“Will you come with me or stay?” he said.
Alecia shook his hands from her shoulders and braved the contempt in Vard’s gaze. “A choice, you say. Stay or go. I know what I face if I stay. What if I go? Will you care for me as my father will? Or a husband?” She realized what she might be asking, and could not help the gasp that escaped from her throat.
Vard’s eyes hardened further. “I hear footsteps.” He stepped past Finus and strode to the door. As Alecia watched, Vard poked his head into the hallway and disappeared into the darkness.
Alecia took a moment to allow her options to sink in. She contemplated staying in Brightcastle. Vard clearly did not love her, even though his body was the one she craved. But if she stayed, there would be more occasions like this. She could not trust her father.
She sighed, slid the amethyst ring from her finger and laid it on the lord’s chest. As she stepped into the hall, strong arms enveloped her and a hand clamped over her mouth.
“Quiet,” Vard whispered in her ear. He released her but kept hold of her hand and drew her along the hallway. Boots thudded on stone and Vard pulled Alecia through a door just in time to avoid two men.
“The lieutenant and his lackey,” Vard whispered as he peered through the crack in the door.
Alecia did not understand how he could see anything in the dark, but when he looked at her his pupils glowed. She shivered. Vard’s vision might be as good as any creature of the night. He would not hurt her; he just would not.
A scream cut through the relative quiet of the room behind them and Alecia leaped forward, slamming into Vard. He muffled an oath and pulled Alecia back into the hallway as a cry of “Thief, thief!” screeched from the throat of the woman whose bedroom they had invaded. Alecia’s courage faltered. They would be found and Vard crucified for murder.
His hand squeezed hers. “Don’t lose hope.”
They continued along the passage to an intersecting hall that led to the entrance of the castle. Vard stuck his head around the corner. His eyes found hers. “It’s guarded.”
“Foul murder! Intruder!” Cries came from the direction of the cellar.
“If you’ve any ideas, Princess,” Vard muttered, “now would be the time to tell me.”
Alecia met his eyes and swallowed. “We are in the east wing. There are hidden passageways. One of the access points is in Ramón’s room. It will take us outside.”
“Lead the way,” Vard said.
Alecia turned back along the hall and took the passage that led to the kitchens. Halfway along, she pulled Vard into a narrow alcove that immediately became a staircase. It was used by the servants for access to the guest chambers. Vard pushed past, Alecia stumbling up the stairs behind him. At the top, they paused. Vard peered into the broad hallway that serviced the guest rooms.
Alecia stuck her head below his and pointed to a room across the hall. “That is Ramón’s,” she said. Dim light showed under the door. “Please hold your tongue with Ramón. Allow me to speak and he may help us.”
He shrugged and pulled her across the hall and through the door, closing it quietly behind them.
Ramón had just risen from his bed. Alecia’s eyes widened at the sight of him. He yelped and drew a blanket around his nakedness. “You!” he said, as he recognized Vard. He reached for his sword, which stood propped against the wall near the bed, and in seconds, it lay at Vard’s throat. The captain hadn’t made a move. He stood defenceless, his sword still sheathed. Ramón eyed Vard’s disguise and a smirk appeared on his face. “Not much of a man now, are you? Move away, Princess.”
Alecia stepped in front of Vard and placed a hand on Ramón’s sword arm. “Let us go. In the name of our friendship, please let us go.”
“Let this clown escape and lose my head, you mean? Some of us have to live here.” Ramón’s sword hand moved forwards an inch. Alecia heard a sharp intake of breath behind her.
“No one need know, Ramón. There is access to a secret passage in this room.” Alecia pointed at the tapestry of the dragon. “The entrance is behind that wall hanging. Let us through and lead the search away from the exit. That is all I ask.”
Ramón
stared at her, his knuckles white on the sword hilt, his other hand grasping the blanket that wrapped his lower body. “All you ask! It is too much.”
“Please, Ramón.”
The squire’s eyes moved to Vard, anger bordering on hate clouding his gaze.
She was asking a lot. Would it prove too much? “He is my only chance of a life. You know what awaits me if I stay.”
Ramón’s eyes flicked back to hers, all the love and pity he felt for her evident. Alecia’s heart ached at the wretched situation.
“What has he done?” Ramón asked. “Other than let the prisoner escape.” His eyes didn’t quite meet hers. “What foul deed has he committed this night?”
Alecia frowned. Would it help or hinder to answer that question? “Finus and Captain Anton fought. My betrothed took liberties he should not have…” She found she could not go on.
Ramón grasped her hand and the blanket covering his nudity fell away. He didn’t seem to notice. “I am sorry, Alecia. Do not talk if it pains you. I take it the lord is dead?”
Alecia shook her head. “I do not know. He was gravely wounded. I never wished for his death.”
Ramón hugged her to his chest in a brief squeeze while Alecia tried to erase the image of his naked body from her mind. What must Vard be thinking?
The squire released her, still standing without cover. “Alecia, with Finus dead, do you not think our union stands a chance?”
Vard growled and Alecia tightened her grip on Ramón’s sword arm. She glanced over her shoulder. Vard’s eyes held a feral sheen. A trickle of blood slid down his throat from the squire’s sword.
Alecia looked back at Ramón. “My father would never allow it. You know that. Any hope on your part is baseless. I have already told you, there is a girl out there who will love you utterly and completely. Just let us go.”
She felt Ramón’s grip on the sword tighten and she tensed, ready to stop him from running Vard through. Then the sword dropped.
“Cover yourself, man,” Vard said, sounding more angered by the squire’s lack of clothes than by his near miss.
Even in the dim light, Alecia watched a slow blush stain Ramón’s cheeks. He handed Alecia the sword and pulled on a pair of breeches that lay on the floor. She couldn’t help admiring the smooth lines of his thighs and buttocks. Ramón retrieved his sword from Alecia before handing her a candle from his bedside. “Take this and go,” he said, “before I change my mind.”
Alecia took the candle and grabbed Vard’s sleeve to pull him with her, but the stubborn man did not move.
“I won’t forget your help, Squire,” he said and held out his hand.
Ramón ignored the hand. “Go and beware, Captain. The next time I see you, Alecia may not be there to stay my hand.”
Alecia tugged at Vard who just stared at Ramón. If only he could keep his temper…
There was a noise outside in the hall and Alecia hauled on Vard’s arm again. “They are coming.”
Vard turned and followed her to the tapestry of the dragon. He held it aside while Alecia raised the candle, searching the wall for the hidden latch that would open the passage. Doors along the hallway crashed open. They must be searching this floor! There! She pulled the concealed lever and a section of wall moved with a loud squeal. Alecia tried to step through but Vard was there before her. He disappeared into the dim passage and Alecia followed him.
“Thank you, Ramón,” she said and pulled the lever that would close the door. She caught one last glimpse of his forlorn face as the tapestry fell back into place.
Alecia hesitated, struck by the enormity of what she was doing. She was abandoning everything she knew. Yes, she was running from a cruel father and a miserable life but what future could Vard offer? Perhaps he cared for her, though clearly his respect had diminished after the events of this night. Her heart shrank at the thought of how he must regard her now. If only she had fought Lord Finus harder: been able to stop his wandering hands. And what of the beast that lurked within Vard? How could she think of stepping into the night with him?
Vard faced her. “It’s too late for doubts now, Princess.”
“I know. It does not make this easier.” She straightened her shoulders and met his eye. “Lead on.”
The passage was dark despite the candle, and the trip to the stairs that led to the trapdoor outside the castle grounds was perhaps three times longer than that she was used to. This part of the passageway had not been used in a long time and the tacky strands of cobwebs grabbed at her as she passed, even with Vard leading, brushing them away.
Finally, they arrived at the stairs that led up to the trapdoor. Vard surprised Alecia when he undid his sword belt and pulled the servant’s dress from his body so that he stood in his boots and all-too-revealing hose. She knew she should not stare, but her arm raised the candle of its own volition, painting Vard’s glorious body in burnished russets and golden hues. If she had admired Ramón, Vard’s form pushed all thought from her head.
“The dress encumbers me and we can’t risk anything slowing us down,” he said, taking in her rapt attention. “My clothes are hidden in the park. You’ll excuse my undress?”
Alecia’s eyebrows shot upwards. “Excuse?” No other words came to mind. Jumbled thoughts played leapfrog over one another in her brain. She struggled to sort them, her eyes drinking in every line and plane of his form; she was mesmerized by this half-naked man and yet nervous of being alone with him.
He frowned at her and slung his sword and belt over his shoulder. She admired his thighs and buttocks as he climbed the stairs and the way his broad shoulders and muscled arms heaved the trapdoor upwards. Dust sifted from the ceiling as the door banged on the stone above and he disappeared.
His head reappeared seconds later. “All clear,” he said. “Climb the stairs and snuff the candle before you exit.”
Alecia did as she was told and Vard helped her out before lowering the trapdoor into place. He grasped her hand and moved off towards the trees that signalled the beginning of the forest. The darkness now hid his form from her but Alecia did not need vision when she had imagination. She berated herself for her distraction when the danger was so great.
Vard led her straight to a pile of clothes and Alecia marvelled at his ability to find his things in the dark. Then she remembered that he must have been able to track them by smell and felt the familiar tightening of her stomach. It was cowardly to fear this side of him, but she could not alter her reaction to the beast within.
There came thuds and a rustling as Vard removed his boots and donned the clothes he had left there. Howling eddied from the direction of the castle and Alecia looked over her shoulder. Lights bobbed towards them.
“They’ve loosed the dogs,” Vard said, his voice muffled as he drew his shirt over his head. “I feared the squire would betray us.”
Alecia frowned in the darkness. “He would not!”
“He hasn’t given up on you, Princess. He deludes himself that he can have a future with you. Of course he’d betray you if he thought he could get rid of me and raise his standing in your father’s eyes. It’s a good plan.”
“Except I have told him we have no future,” Alecia hissed through her teeth. “My father would never allow it.”
“We’ve no time to stand debating.” Vard grasped her hand and pulled her after him into the trees.
Wounds and days of confinement had sapped Alecia’s strength and she was no match for Vard, or those who followed. The dogs and horses were gaining ground and the only thing that kept her moving forward was Vard’s grip on her fingers. Finally, chest burning, she pulled her hand from Vard’s. A fit of coughing shook her. “I can’t go on,” she gasped. “Leave me here and I will face them.”
His hand grasped her shoulder. “I will see you to safety, whatever happens. Now come!”
“I cannot, truly I cannot. Do not sacrifice yourself for me. Go!”
Alecia thought she heard Vard grind his teeth. “There’s a way
out, if you dare,” he said.
“What?” She was not sure she wished to hear, by the tone of his voice.
“You know what I am. As the wolf, I can carry you, and the dogs will be less eager to follow. Horses also hate wolves. You’ll have nothing to fear.”
Alecia stared, her thoughts frozen. “Wolf? I thought… you are the bear. How can you also be a wolf?” In the midst of her shock, anger flared. Will I ever truly know him?
Vard’s hands caught hers. “Princess, they’re almost upon us. I have three animal forms, but we don’t have time to talk now.”
“You should have told me about the wolf, about all of it!” So much made sense now; his horse’s fear, his uncanny grace of movement.
“Would it have made you feel any better?” His words were ground out, his fingers tight around hers. “Your decision, Princess.”
“Will I be safe?” Could she ride a creature that might tear her to shreds in a heartbeat?
“I believe so.” Vard squeezed her fingers.
In that moment, she loved him for giving her time, for not rushing her. But what choice did she have?
The barking of the dogs gained intensity as a gust of wind buffeted them. She saw the lights of torches through the trees. Alecia closed her eyes, reaching inside for strength. “Go ahead,” she said. “Do what you must.”
Heat bloomed beside her and she reached out her hands toward the warmth. Her fingertips encountered soft fur. A deep growl rumbled at her touch and she snatched her hands back. A cold, wet nose brushed against her face and a tongue licked her cheek. Her intake of breath caused another growl but a large shaggy body shoved against her. Could she trust him?
Princess Avenger - Brightcastle Saga Book 1 Page 18
