by Wend Petzler
"Where the hell have you been?” Nicolas demanded, furious as Isabella kept endangering herself.
She met his glare with a steady look for a moment before standing on her toes, kissing him, surprising him. “I had business to attend. Do I have time to freshen up before supper?” Isabella asked as they entered the great hall.
He visibly relaxed as she wrapped her arm around his waist, a tolerant smile quirked the corner of his mouth. “You have just enough time to change clothes, if you hurry.” He slapped her bottom, laughing as Isabella stuck her tongue out at him, dashing up the stairs to change.
His brow creased as he sat in his chair, pouring a cup of wine as he waited for her. His attention was soon drawn to the knights who rode with her today, noting the dramatic change in their attitude as they dispersed through the hall, heads bent to speak quietly with the Black Knights and Demons. Covert glances were cast towards Nicolas and his men, alerting him something was about to happen. He did not like the feel of the situation.
His attention turned to Isabella who had changed into a simple gown of soft brown, her long, honey brown hair cascaded freely past gently flared hips. Nicolas felt his body harden with desire as he stared at her loveliness. She sat down beside him and demurely bent her head as Father Abraham spoke a prayer over the food before them. The kind man cast a worried frown in her direction. Her expression remained peaceful as if Isabella had come to a crossroad, accepting her apparent decision.
The meal continued in silence as servants refilled raised cups. One girl in particular attracted Darwin's attention. As she poured wine in his cup he leered at her shapely curves. When the girl tried to leave he reached out and pulled her on his lap. Her small fists pounded without effect at his enormous chest, not daunting the knight as he plied kisses on the struggling girl's face and neck.
Isabella grew enraged as Darwin continued to molest the serving girl, furious when Drago did nothing. He ate and drank, apparently unconcerned by the girl's situation. A young Black Knight by the name of Mark surged to his feet, rage contorting his boyish features as he slammed his hands on the table.
"Get your hands off that girl!” Mark roared as he angrily strode over to the surprised Darwin.
The giant released the girl, rising to his impressive height. “Little man, you have no cause to get in my face over a wench. If you wanted her, you only had to ask.” Darwin tried to laugh off the situation.
Mark was not in the least amused, standing his ground. “I have had enough of the ill-manners you and your company have shown since Drago married our Lady! We do not dishonor our women, be they noble or servants."
"Am I to understand, you are taking me and my company to task?” Darwin asked with incredibility.
The Black Knights and the Demons surged to their feet, finished holding their peace. Sir Mark straightened to his full height, proudly facing Darwin. “Aye, my family and I are sick and tired of your lack of respect toward our women, especially Lady Isabella.” Many voices added their discontent.
Darwin's face mottled red as did Nicolas’ who made to interfere, but was halted by Isabella's hand on his arm. He silently questioned her motives as Isabella rose from her chair, she was going to handle the situation.
"Mark, what do you seek?” Isabella asked, her voice strong, her piercing eyes intent on Darwin.
The young knight drew himself up with fierce pride. “I seek an apology for the girl and you, Lady Isabella. Drago and his men were responsible for you, and they allowed you to be kidnapped by William McLeod!"
Furious, Nicolas leapt to his feet, protesting the charge, shocked at Isabella's reply.
"A challenge is issued by Sir Mark. Sir Darwin, how will you respond?” Isabella's tone was imperious, emerald eyes snapping green fire.
Darwin was as speechless as Nicolas. A challenge issued over a serving girl? Drago nodded his permission to accept the challenge. “Sir Mark, I will meet you in the arena, if you have the courage to fight me hand to hand in combat.” Darwin sneered at the smaller man.
Before Mark could respond, Isabella spoke in a clear, ringing voice, “Your challenge is accepted! You will be in the arena after breakfast."
Michael and Gabriel drew their swords as did the Black Army, and in one, mighty voice shouted, “Heard and accepted!"
The hall fairly shook from the powerful force as Nicolas stared at the men in black in alarm. What the hell was going on? He turned to speak to Isabella, finding her chair empty.
She was gone.
Isabella fled, her heart beating painfully in her chest as she escaped to the stables. Lucifer turned his great head when she entered. She flung his stall door open and grabbed handfuls of the long mane, swinging up on the horse's broad back. Isabella urged the stallion out the barn.
Otto, who watched the scene unfold in the hall, yelled at the gate master. “Raise the gate!” He ordered as the midnight-colored stallion barreled down the courtyard.
The gate rose high as they burst into the night. Unsure where they raced, she only wanted to flee her responsibilities to Blood Keep and her husband.
Nicolas ran outside in time to see Isabella riding hell bent into the dark. He made to run to the stables when Otto grabbed his arm, halting him. “What are you doing?” He snarled at the Viking.
"Let Isabella be, she needs to clear her thoughts or she will not be able to face the morrow.” Otto spoke with a hitch in his deep, baritone voice.
"What does tomorrow have to do with Isabella?” Nicolas growled, feeling his world spinning out of control.
Shaking his head at the blindness of the tall knight before him, Otto answered Nicolas’ question the best he could. “Yer problems with her men and yours will be solved in the morning. Isabella risks everything to help you-,you stubborn whelp! Give the girl her due, she's damn well earned it,” Otto spat, his patience at an end, same as Brandon's, as the older knight strode from the shadows.
"You seek answers and in the morning, all will be clear for you to understand.” Brandon's lined face was hard in the flickering lights of the torches.
Confused by their words, a major part of Nicolas wished to ride after Isabella and demand an answer from her. Instead, he walked up the ramparts to await her return.
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Chapter Seventeen
The stallion stretched his powerful body out as his hooves flew over the hard road. Isabella leaned back, her arms flung wide as her firm thighs gripped the heaving sides of the faithful warhorse. Her long hair streamed behind her as Isabella lifted her face to the dark sky, the stars glittered above as bright, sparkling gems. Freedom! Her heart soared as she and the horse became one with the wind.
Her frantic mind calmed as she slowed her horse to a saner pace. Lucifer's sides heaved from the exhilaration of the race, shaking his head, still full of spunk. She patted his thickly muscled neck affectionately as the horse slowed to a sedate walk. With great reluctance, Isabella turned him back to Blood Keep. She had her duty to her people, her heart would have to be second.
Nicolas was immensely relieved when Isabella and her horse shimmered out of the dark. His brow drew together as he realized Isabella rode without aid bridle or saddle. The volatile black stallion walked peacefully as if she was in complete control. A thought forcibly struck Nicolas, Isabella was in control of the warhorse as she had been of Blood Keep all these years! The Demon Lord must have taken his orders directly from Isabella when it came to the Black Army. It explained why the knights were loyal to her even after the Demon left her services. The gate master closed the gate, waving at Isabella as if what she'd done was a common occurrence.
Isabella avoided her husband's curious stare as he walked alongside her to the stables. He was a vital part of her as she lived and breathed. Isabella knew she would die if she lost Nicolas now. Their lives were in God's hands and HE had never let her down.
He waited as Isabella dismounted. Lucifer docilely followed her into his stall. She rubbed the tired horse down
as Nicolas went to grab hay for the stallion. Once the horse was comfortable and busily munching away, she hugged the huge horse's neck before shutting the stall door behind her. They said not a word as they left the stable.
In the middle of the courtyard, Isabella flung herself into his waiting arms. Nicolas held her close to his heart as his hand soothed the tangled hair from Isabella's face as his mouth tenderly covered hers, molding, melting. He groaned in sweet agony as her arms held him close and her mouth opened for him to further explore.
Misery-filled emerald eyes revealed unshed tears, tearing at his heart as he stared down at her as Isabella whispered to him. “Nicolas, make love to me!” She begged, her body ached with a need he could only sate.
His wonderful mouth moving erotically, possessively over hers, binding Isabella forever to him, Nicolas responded with unsuppressed hunger. Lifting her in his arms, he strode inside the castle and to their chamber, making sweet love to Isabella. Nicolas tormented and teased her until she begged him to end her agony. As Isabella clung to him, he drove his hard staff inside her sending wave after wave of ecstasy sweeping her along as he thrust inside her, roaring her name as he emptied his hot seed in her tight womb.
Holding her captive, he pressed a light kiss on her passion swollen lips. “You are mine! I swear on my honor and my love for you no matter what the outcome of my joust with Alden, we shall be together forever.” Nicolas’ eyes were fierce with the overpowering feelings he felt for Isabella.
Bright tears of despair fell as she laid her hands along his shadowy jaw, tenderly kissing his beautiful mouth. “I love you!” Isabella whispered hoarsely.
"I love you, too. You are the only woman for me!” Nicolas replied, kissing each precious tear away and when no more fell, he wrapped her supple body tight to his as she rested her head on the heavy muscles on his chest. Isabella sighed with contentment and happiness as Nicolas pressed a kiss on her forehead, falling asleep, entwined together.
* * * *
The next morning, Nicolas rolled over, seeking Isabella's ripe curves, only to find empty space beside him. In a panic, he sat up, wildly searching the chamber for her, finding Ahmed standing in the doorway. His friend wore a look of such sadness etched on his dark face that it left Nicolas with a feeling foreboding.
"Where is Isabella?” Nicolas demanded as he leapt from the bed, grabbing his clothes.
"I know not, Master. The mistress was not downstairs. The men are gathered and ready for a fight.” Ahmed replied as he helped Drago don light armor.
"Let us not keep our men waiting. I am ready for this constant bickering to be settled, once and for all.” Nicolas growled as he strode from the chamber, heading downstairs, hoping to find his wife.
The atmosphere in the hall was hostile at the least, but he failed to find his wife, Gabriel, nor Michael. Where were they? Nicolas wondered as he sat down to eat breakfast. His knights looked pleased as they gloated, confident Darwin would be the victor. The men in black were grim as they endured the boastful ribbing. The hardened warriors’ faces were set, their eyes flat as they ate. A shout from the courtyard caught their attention as a roar could be heard outside. Nicolas and his men scrambled to their feet, running outside to see what was going on. He could not believe his eyes, the Demon Lord had returned!
Nicolas clenched the hilt of his sword tight as the dark knight rode a magnificent stallion of black sable, the same as the one he'd seen last month, past the raised portcullis accompanied by his Archangels, a fully armored Michael and Gabriel. Blinking, he realized the black knight had the Demon's sword strapped to his waist, his heavy black cloak with silver cording swept back over steel-encased shoulders. The Demon wore black chain mail glinted dully in the early morning sunlight. The terrifying helm, slightly different from the one Isabella wore when she greeted him at the gate, the wings clipped, shorter against the head. The Demon urged the snorting stallion closer to Nicolas, inclining his head in greeting.
Unsure what brought the Demon Lord home, Nicolas was only relieved to see the dark commander back. “My Lord Demon, I welcome you to Blood Keep. I know not where my wife is, but I am sure she will be glad you are back as well."
Michael urged his warhorse forward, determination etched upon his swarthy features. “Baron Drago, the Demon Lord is here to enforce the challenge issued last night. He will personally fight Sir Darwin in a sword fight to end this constant rift between our men. Will your man accept?"
"Darwin, what say you? Do wish to continue with this challenge?"
The giant swallowed back the fear. His hand was forced. If he did not fight he would be branded a coward amongst the Black Army. If he did accept, he ran the risk of being severely injured by a knight whose reputation was as dark as the hideous helm he wore. Squaring his immense shoulders, he glared at the men in black. “Aye, I'll fight the Demon just to show these devils I follow a real knight and not some mere female Edward let run Blood Keep until the right man could be found."
The Black Knights and the Demons surged forward, ready to fight when the Demon held his gloved hand up, halting them. Kneeing the stallion he rode about, the Demon led the way down to the arena where the contest would be held. Dismounting, the dark knight waited for Michael and Gabriel to come to him. The three bent their heads together, whispering to each other. The Demon's cloak was removed and the scabbard was again strapped to his back. He drew his sword, taking the round shield Michael offered.
Nicolas and his men gathered on one side of the arena as the Black Knights and Demons took to the other. Darwin entered the arena hesitantly when the Demon did, wearing a look of wariness on his rough features. Both knights faced Drago and bowed, waiting his signal.
"I want a clean fight!” Nicolas growled, angry still of having a contest to end the bickering. “Fight with honor and absolutely there will be no blood shed!” He warned Darwin as the man closed his helm, shifting his long shield closer to his big body.
Darwin swung hard at the Demon who easily kept out of his reach. Darwin frowned in confusion when the smaller knight stilled, allowing him to approach, not seeing the knee coming up, nailing him in the groin. He howled in pain, clutching his privates. Darwin saw red. Swinging wildly, not caring what Drago ordered. To his mind, the Demon Lord broke the agreement, blood was going to be shed!
The Demon easily met each savage thrust of his sword and parried, blocking, miraculously pressing Darwin backward, forcing him to retreat. Weaving a web of steel around him, wearing Darwin down who tried to meet his sword. Suddenly the Demon's shield slammed into his face, his vision blur and his ears rung as he inadvertently dropped his own shield.
Men from both sides shouted encouragements as the two danced, steel meeting steel. Michael and Gabriel watched, their powerful arms crossed, grins spreading on their handsome faces as the Demon Lord meet Darwin's attacks with a brutal savagery of his own. Unexpectedly, Darwin took his sword hilt with both hands and swung, knocking the Demon's helm clear off. Gasps exploded all around.
Isabella stumbled back from the brutal force, her ears ringing. Shaking her head, she adjusted her shield and stood ready while Darwin stared in shock.
Nicolas felt sick to his stomach. What the hell was she thinking? He stared at his wife in disbelief, her eyes flat with determination as she warily watched Darwin. Nicolas made to enter the arena, seeking to stop the fight when huge hands grabbed his shoulders, halting him.
Otto and Brandon!
Smiling coldly, Brandon bowed to Drago. “My lord, the Baroness accepted the challenge issued last night, heard and witnessed by the Black Army. It is her right to battle Darwin."
Glaring at the man, he whispered hoarsely. “Are you crazy? Isabella cannot hope to fight Darwin and live!” He snapped. The idea of Isabella continuing to fight the biggest, meanest knight of his company was ludicrous.
Otto stepped forward, wrath forming on his lined features. “Bella has done more than just rule Blood Keep! She has shed blood on many occasions, hers as well as
our enemies."
Drago's men glanced at Lady Isabella then at their commander, confused. They mocked her for several months, and now Isabella was eager to continue fighting their biggest, most vicious warrior? The knights worried. Had they made a grave mistake about the mistress of Blood Keep? Darwin was troubled the most for he wished not to fight a woman any longer.
Snarling in a low voice, Nicolas struggled to speak so great was his wrath. “You wish me to allow my wife to be slaughtered by one of my own men?” he demanded as his furious eyes clashed with Isabella who calmly met his rage. Nicolas felt as if he looked upon a stranger. She had drastically changed—the way she moved, the commanding presence about her. Doubt crept inside Nicolas. Could she really be...?
Brandon whispered harshly for Drago's ears alone. “Isabella is the only hope you have in uniting the knights. She fights to prove to your men she has earned the right to bear arms and to show her own men she is still their Demon!"
Dark eyebrows shot up at the mention of the Demon. Nicolas stared at Otto and Brandon who nodded in unison at his unspoken question. Nicolas violently gripped the rail as he fought the urge to slam his fist at the closest man. Raising his enraged gaze to his wife who patiently waited for his signal to continue, he knew he had no other choice.
Darwin stepped forward, apparently confused. “My lord, what is happening? Why is Lady Isabella dressed as the Demon Lord?"
Handsome face set in harsh lines, Nicolas glared at his knight. “A challenge was issued last night, and Lady Isabella answered.” Nicolas growled furiously, realizing he and his men were maneuvered.
Darwin laughed heartily at Isabella whose arms were crossed, sword casually held in her grasp. A delicate eyebrow arched as she smiled serenely, apparently unconcerned by the bleeding cut on her brow from when her helm was knocked off. “But, Drago, she is so tiny! How in good conscious can I fight her?"
