Blood Keep

by Wend Petzler

  Her traitorous body ignited with burning desire as her thoughts turned to earlier when his body pressed hungrily to hers. Remembering the feel and taste of Drago's kiss, her hands actually tingled from wanting to touch his smooth skin again. Exhilarated by his strength when he crushed her to his hard body and the shock when she felt the tip of his sheet-encased shaft pressed against her womanhood. The roar in her ears from the expectancy of waiting for him to bury his flesh inside her assaulted her senses. Isabella clutched the stone wall, reeling from the powerful need for Drago. Could she trust him with her body as well as her heart? Would Drago hate her when he knew the truth?

  Unnoticed, Gabriel watched the confusion flit over Isabella's usually closed features, her attention focused on her husband fighting. His heart went out to his dear friend. Isabella risked all she had worked and dreamed for, for a man who was oblivious to what it cost her to stand back, allowing him to rule Blood Keep.

  "Bella, it will all work out.” Gabriel approached, smiling at her surprise at not hearing him.

  She knew better than to deny her feelings to Gabriel. The man was an extension of her as was Michael. They had shared friendship, battles, and hardships in the last five years than most did in a lifetime. Her sadden eyes rose to meet his, shimmering with unshed tears. “Why did Edward interfere in my life?"

  He found he was at a loss, too. “You will ask the King when you see him next."

  Nicolas leaned against the fence. His eyes unerringly lifted to the high wall. Rage seethed inside him, spotting Gabriel with Isabella. He would not tolerate his wife seeking out another man. He pushed away from the fence, heading to the ramparts when Brandon hailed him. Wanting nothing more than to ignore the man and seek Isabella out, Brandon's anxious expression drew him short.

  "My lord, I must confer with you about the patrols. Security for the outer lands needs to be addressed."

  "Let us go inside and discuss this matter.” Nicolas caught the towel Leo tossed him, drying off before pulling on his tunic. He indicated for Brandon to precede him to the castle. Glancing up at Isabella, relieved to see she had moved on, only Gabriel remained. The look on the man's face gave him doubt, leaving him confused. Why did the golden-haired knight gaze at him with sympathy?

  The older man led the way to the study, pushing the heavy doors open. Inside, he went to the shelf lined with leather books and removed a thick parchment, unrolling it. “What I show you belongs to Isabella. She has made you a very rich man by taking you as her husband. A word to the wise—accept her for who she is and not what you think she should be,” he warned, placing heavy, silver candle holders on the edges of the over-sized map, securing it down.

  Nicolas stared at Brandon with a measuring look. The Captain of Blood Keep was a loyal man and wise, respecting the chain of command, it could be the first truth he got out of these people. “I've made many mistakes concerning Isabella. I want to help her, but I find I've been lied to and in most cases not informed of crucial information pertaining to Blood Keep. We could start anew, if you tell me who whipped my wife?"

  Frowning, Brandon was divided by loyalty. He was a man of honor and secrets were difficult for him. Trusting Drago, he decided to confide in the new baron. “We've been battling Lord Alden and his treacherous games for five years now. He is wealthy in his own right, yet he feels cheated by not obtaining Blood Keep. Rumors have it of Alden making a pact with William McLeod, endangering the Scottish border. Edward gave Blood Keep to Isabella, entrusting it to her and the Demon Lord to keep the borders safe. We face a dire situation with the Demon Lord absent and a new baron in command.” Brandon poured wine into two glasses, handing one to Nicolas.

  Taking a sip of the fruity wine, Nicolas examined the map, his eyes widening when he realized how much land marked was legally his by marriage. “We need to establish a show of unity, deterring the rumors of Blood Keep's vulnerability."

  "Aye, stop the rumors with facts.” Brandon hesitated, not quite sure how to explain to a knight of honor when most noblemen sneered at knights of baseborn backgrounds. Best be honest. “My lord, in two months we host the Tournament of the Demons. It must go as scheduled."

  "I heartily agree. All are invited, no matter their station in life,” he reassured the older man. “Are the preparations in order?” Nicolas inquired as he walked around the study.

  "Yea, but security will be an issue after what happened recently.” Brandon studied the tall knight wandering around the chamber.

  "I want Gabriel and his men to patrol the border while Michael is to have his Demons guard Serenity and the Keep. My men will patrol the villages surrounding Blood Keep. Mayhap, we will flush out the spies between us.” Nicolas instructed when the door swung open, admitting Isabella.

  She halted in surprise when she saw Drago and Brandon. “I was not aware you were conducting business in my study, I shall return later."

  "Stay. I need to have a word with you. Have we addressed most of your concerns?” Nicolas asked Brandon who looked extremely uncomfortable, avoiding Isabella's questioning gaze.

  "Yea, my lord.” Brandon bowed to Isabella, hastening from the room.

  Isabella's eyes widened when she recognized the map of her lands displayed. Before she asked what they were up to, Nicolas sat down in her chair, studying her with a critical look.

  "Have you seen to the needs of the castle?” Nicolas asked, leaning back in the leather chair to observe his wife better.

  A delicate eyebrow rose, Isabella shifted to a more defensive stance, sensing Drago would command and she was to be subservient to his whim. “Aggie has the Keep well in order."

  "Do you not oversee the cleaning or the larders? Who plans the meals?” Nicolas asked, surprised his wife handled none of the feminine duties of Blood Keep.

  She shrugged her shoulders. “Aggie has her duties, and I have my own."

  "What exactly are your duties?” he inquired pleasantly, not fooling her for a minute.

  Smiling brilliantly, sharp, white teeth flashing, Isabella replied, “My lord, do you find fault in me?"

  "Nay, rather I am trying to figure out who does what around here.” Nicolas unfolded his tall frame from the chair, moving to stand in front of her, crossing his powerful arms. A look of jealous torment briefly crossed his handsome features. “I saw you with Gabriel again. I feel you have too much time on your hands."

  Stunned for a minute, she began to laugh so hard tears fell when she couldn't stop. He dropped his arms to his side, fists clenched angrily. Nicolas grew uncomfortable, wondering what she thought was so funny.

  "My lord, I shall find chores to keep from trouble. As to the conversation between Gabriel and myself, he but inquired of my health. Remember Drago, he is commander of my Black Knights.” Chuckling, she turned to leave when his hand whipped out to grab her arm, halting her.

  "I warned you to end your affair! I will not tolerate my wife consorting with another man,” Nicolas growled, roughly yanking her to him, causing her to fall hard against his chest. Green eyes snapped in pure rage, her teeth bared, Nicolas was momentarily alarmed.

  "I told you before, what is between Gabriel and me is none of your concern. You were not invited to Blood Keep, nor do I welcome you. I was forced to marry you by the King's issue. Remember what I say to you on this day. I will not be ordered around like a scullery maid! I have been Baroness of Blood Keep for five years, and I will not allow a mere knight who has had the good fortune to marry me tell me what I can and can't do!” Isabella screamed in his face. Ripping her arm from his grasp, she stormed from the study.

  Cursing all females, his wife in particular, Nicolas found he was lost on how to handle his own wife. What in the hell was he to do with her? In the following weeks, Nicolas avoided Isabella as she did him. It was not long when Nicolas started noticing when minstrels or storytellers entertained Isabella would make an excuse and left the hall. Not long after either Michael or Gabriel disappeared, always one of them remained to watch him discreetly, yet he
knew.

  He had the uncomfortable feeling he had made a fatal mistake with Isabella. The Black Army remained segregated from his, giving him the barest civility due to a commander. Nicolas knew naught how to mend the rift, except he had the impression Isabella was bidding her time. Could his wife truly be a murderer? Had she killed her first husband to gain control over Blood Keep?

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  Chapter Seven

  Late one evening, down in the lower level, Michael watched Isabella ride Lucifer in the arena, putting the mighty warhorse through the paces. She wore the custom-made armor of black-enameled chain mail over a thick, leather jerkin also dyed black. The saddle and bridle were of black leather, the shiny metal pieces coated with black enamel, enabling horse and rider to blend in the dark of night.

  The stallion rebelliously kicked up his heels, tired of the arena. Isabella lightly tapped her spurs to the horse's sides, reminding Lucifer to concentrate. She, too, felt the suffocating confines of the arena as she did her marriage to Drago. She longed to race across the meadows, the wilderness of her lands, to feel the wind on her face, through her hair and the exhilaration of Lucifer racing under her. Isabella wished more than anything to escape the terrible ache within her heart, not understanding why she felt so lost where Nicolas Drago was concerned.

  Michael signaled for her to come to him. “Lucifer feels your discontentment,” he commented as Isabella agilely dismounted, her back completely healed.

  "I know.” Isabella patted the bulging neck affectionately as the stallion tossed his regal head agreeing with them. “Miles, I want you to make sure Lucifer receives a treat for his patience.” She smiled at the red-haired hooligan who bobbed his head, taking the reins from her. The young man led Lucifer to the stables. The warhorse playfully pushed him along with his massive head.

  A week before Drago arrived she had caught Miles trying to steal Lucifer. It was quite a sight. A gangly boy trying to get off a warhorse hell bent on keeping him there. Soon, she would need to find a knight for the rascal to squire with.

  Michael frowned, removing her chain mail from her and placed it on a hook. Miles would later fetch it and clean it. “You're pretty much healed, what will you do now?"

  Strapping her sword to her back, “I will bid my time. Our men are somewhat adjusting to Drago in command, he is fair and wise, an excellent leader.” Isabella's mouth pulled to the side in an amused half-smile when Michael snorted. They both knew the Black Army gave Drago the barest courtesy due a baron, especially when word got round about his suspicion of Isabella's unfaithfulness. Furious at such a deplorable thing suggested of their Baroness, the knights’ discontent grew by leaps and bounds.

  "That wasn't what I asked, and you know it!” Michael retorted, glaring at her.

  Sighing with resignation, Isabella knew what Michael wanted to know. Drago and she had barely spoken since the fight in the study. Isabella had left the hall after supper, disappearing down to the lower chamber to practice and slipped back into their chamber before he did. She wanted more from her marriage, but not at the high cost of losing her self-respect. “I am clueless on how to deal with Drago."

  He understood her confusion. “Is it true? Does Drago really think you are having an affair with Gabriel?” His ebony eyes held hers, waiting for an answer.

  Swallowing hard, she ground out the words, angry at Drago's distrust of her. “Yea, he believes I am involved with Gabe.” Unfaithfulness was not in her code of ethics and to be accused of such a vile act bordered on heresy!

  "It is unwise to keep coming down here, dangerous for you and Gabriel.” Michael warned her, concerned by Drago's irrational anger.

  "I need fresh air. Escort me to the ramparts,” Isabella ordered wearily. The whip marks on her back had healed to red scars, reminders of leaving an enemy alive. They exited by another secret door, leading to the outer wall of the castle.

  A patrolling guard hailed them. “My lady, it does my heart good to see ye in uniform again.” Carl grinned, bowing to her and Michael.

  "Thank you, Carl. It feels wonderful to be out and about.” Isabella smiled warmly. She was about to inquire of his family when a frantic Gabriel exited the secret door.

  "What happened?” she asked, alarmed by Gabriel's pale features.

  "Drago is asking where Michael is. Worse, he is questioning what we are up to! I have a bad feeling.” Gabriel frowned, worrying where Drago was currently at.

  Swearing under his breath, Michael scowled fiercely. “I'll stall Drago so Isabella can get back to her chamber,” and rushed off in the other direction.

  Carl watched the whole scene with amusement until a shadow loomed threatening behind Isabella. Before he shouted a warning, her sword flashed, the deadly blade held steady at Drago's exposed throat.

  "What are you doing outside the Keep at this time of the night? You should be up in our chamber as is your duty,” Nicolas demanded, barely registering the fact she had nearly decapitated him.

  Isabella stumbled backward, surprised at her husband's unexpected presence. Gabriel instinctively grabbed her, preventing her from falling.

  "Take your hands off my wife,” Nicolas roared, furious at finding the lovers together.

  She angrily shrugged off Gabriel's hands, replacing her sword back in the scabbard. Isabella calmed her frayed nerves, facing her irate husband. “Drago, why are you yelling at us?"

  "I finally caught you with your lover. Do not bother denying it! I will not listen to your lies anymore.” Nicolas yelled at her, his heart constricted with the betrayal he felt by his own wife.

  The guard started laughing. Nicolas fixed a savage glare on him. “Go about your duties before I have you reassigned to emptying chamber pots."

  "Yea, my lord.” Carl winked at Isabella before strolling a little farther down from the trio, still within hearing distance.

  Gabriel was torn between laughing and fearing for his life. “Drago, I swear it's not what you think!"

  Nicolas reached for his sword, jealousy burning hot. “I will have you hung for adultery."

  Red. Pushed too far by her husband's idiotic idea of her disloyalty, Isabella strode right up to Drago and drew back her right arm slamming her bare fist right in his face. Drago flew backward from the force, landing on his back, looking absolutely stunned up at her.

  Breathless, her teeth bared, she snarled at him, “I am not sleeping with Gabriel—or you for that matter. You have dishonored me one time to many by your petty jealousies. I will not allow anymore dissension in my house! Do I make myself perfectly clear?” Isabella snapped at the dazed knight. Turning on her heel, she stormed back to the castle, muttering under her breath, “God should have drowned all men in the Great Flood."

  Gabriel was as stunned as Drago. Reaching out a cautious hand to the fallen man, he inquired, “Anything broken?” He tried hard to keep a straight face, made difficult when he heard Carl laughing uncontrollably behind them.

  "No! Who the hell taught Isabella how to punch?” Nicolas growled as he accepted Gabriel's outstretched hand.

  "You have to blame Otto and the Demon Lord. On the bright side, Bella aimed for the chin and refrained from breaking yer nose. She must like you.” Gabriel grinned, helping Drago to his feet.

  "Whose nose did she break?” Nicolas gingerly wiggled his bruised jaw.

  "Don't tell Michael I told you this, but when he first arrived at Blood Keep he had an attitude about a woman being in charge. Isabella demonstrated why she was in charge.” Gabriel chuckled, unaffected by his near demise.

  Despite his being laid out by a woman, Nicolas smiled and placed his hand on Gabriel's shoulder in friendship. “I have acted in a foolish manner, please accept my apology."

  "Drago, I believe it's time we had a talk. Come, share a cup of wine with me and I shall tell you a tale of our illustrious Lady Isabella.” Gabriel grasped Nicolas shoulder in return.

  "Aye, I think it's time I hear the truth about my wife,” Nicolas agreed. �
�Is it really true the Demon and Otto actually taught her to fight?"

  Gabriel slapped him on the back. “Count yourself lucky, she could have done a lot worse to you."

  Not sure how to respond, Nicolas wisely kept his mouth shut, understanding for the first time how much he had underestimated his new wife.

  Carl watched the knights return to the castle and chuckled. “Love makes a fool of even the great Red Dragon.” Oddly reassured the King's champion was a man like the rest of them, he continued his patrol.

  The hour late, Nicolas took a seat by the fireplace while Gabriel grabbed a flask of wine and two cups. Passing a filled cup to Nicolas, Gabriel sat in the chair beside his and stared pensively into the crackling fire. Memories, especially bad ones, were a hard business for a man to share.

  "Where shall I begin?” Gabriel relaxed in the chair. “The first time I met Isabella was on her wedding day. Sitting meekly on a gray palfrey, she rode into the courtyard accompanied by Otto. I went to assist her from her mount when my eyes met hers. In that brief moment I was held by emerald fire and I remember thinking ‘Hell has come for Mordred'."

  "The ceremony was short. Mordred wished to bed his new bride. This sister was stronger, both physically and mentally. Confident Bella could handle his perversions better than his first wife, heartened when she seemed docile like Serenity. Or so he thought. He dragged Isabella upstairs, ordering me to follow for I had been made his squire a month earlier.” Gabriel's voice trembled at the memories flooding his mind. “He told me to watch and learn, wanting to make sure I knew what to do when it was my time to marry. He was always telling me he didn't want my father to think my training was being neglected. Grabbing handfuls of her wedding dress, Mordred ripped it off, throwing Isabella on the bed. He tried to ... but couldn't perform, and she taunted him. Mordred raged, unable to make his body do as he willed. Then he started to hit her.” Gabriel's breathing was harsh, his blue eyes haunted by the scenes playing out in his mind.