by Hannah West
When he didn’t answer after a moment she wrinkled her brow with worry and asked, “Are you quiet alright?”
She watched as he comprehended what she said. Evelyn watched as his face grew impassive.
“Have a seat. We have much to talk of,” he said rather harshly, more than he had meant too. Once seated at the table across from him, she seemed to grow nervous as he gave her a long look.
“How could someone like you become a ward to the king? What of the contract that kept you at the abbey with the nuns?”
Cesare asked her the questions that had been burning in his mind since the abbess had left. Her unique pale eyes widened and pain fleshed in them.
“My father was a distant relative to the old king, a fifth cousin or so, and he had been a duke before his lands were taken from him upon his death. I was young when my mother died and he no longer had use for me, a mere girl. Not bad I had not been born the son he craved. So I was taken to the abbey where he left me, even after his death. I know naught of the contract or what it contains.”
Her quiet response shocked him. She was the daughter of a duke, a noble of distant royal blood? Born to a class that was above the one he had been born to. She had been born of a rank that he had only dreamed of as a child. But she had been raised with less than he had.
“Who is your father?” he asked.
She looked away from him with those sober eyes. “Your king could give you a better answer then I. He is someone who was better off dead.”
Frustrated he ran a hand through his hair. Blowing out a pained breath he said, “You will live here at the castle until the king can be reached and answers given. You shall be my guest.” He glanced at her bandaged arm. “As for your injuries, I am sorry that I hurt you.” Clearing his throat and standing he bid her a good day and made his escape.
Chapter Eleven
A few days later she was given a chamber room of her own, not too far from the one she had been in. However Evelyn could tell the last had been a man’s room as this one had been set up for a lady. Women’s finery was place about in a few trunks and the bed linens dyed a soft rose color.
The castle was fairly new so why would there be so much left behind by a woman? Mayhap he had, had a mistress who left or a female family member who had visited?
A note had been sent shortly after telling her to use the room and whatever was within she wished for herself. She had sent a page boy back with a note of thanks to the lord for his kindness. Going through things to find a simple gown however was becoming a fast problem. Everything was either encrusted with gemstones or pearls. Others were sown with silver or gold thread. Every piece screamed wealth and power, something she had grown up without and had learned she didn’t need or want it, for she was happy without it. She was content with the simple life she had known with the nuns.
In the end she chose a pale blue wool gown that tied in the front that had been sown with silver thread. It was the least expensive gown out of the lot of them and she told herself she was going to give it back as soon as she could find her old white gown and have it cleaned.
Evelyn undressed placing her borrowed gown from the maid over a chest and put on the woollen gown. Do to it tying in the front it was earlier for her to put it on over her wounded arm. She ran a hand lovingly down the smooth wool and almost wished she could keep it. With nothing to do with her long dark hair so she simply let it fall down her back to her waist.
Staring around the massive room she wondered what could she do to keep her busy until the new Norman king came for her.
…
Cesare sighed as he laid back on his own bed for the first time in a fortnight. He didn’t know what had possessed him to give up his chambers for the girl and then put her in the chamber meant for his future wife. He had also given her free reign over the gifts meant for his future wife as well; however he could always obtain more. He had also done so with no thought to said wife.
After wounding and forever scarring the poor wench, it was a small price to pay. Perhaps it was pity that he felt for her or guilt over what had happened. She no longer had a place to call home and he knew the pain of that fate personally. Hopefully William would fine her a fine home with a fair husband.
His expression darkened at his last thought. If she would marry or could do to the large scar that would be left on her arm.
Cesare rubbed a palm over his face and tried for the blissful blackness of sleep.
Chapter Twelve
With one more sennights of rest Evelyn was feeling better and though her arm was still painful she was determined to start some work. Thankfully not many knew who she was if even anyone did, so no one would send her away.
Evelyn mostly did small tasks such as cleaning the tables of the great hall used for the daily meals, fetching supplies for others who were cleaning and she even looked after some of the children. It was not much she could do but it made her feel better and she was happy to help.
When the nooning meal was over she left the children in charge of the oldest girl and went to her chamber. Due to her wound she tired quickly and her arm throbbed painfully which made Evelyn grit her teeth as she carefully laid down for a short rest.
…
William had received a missive from his cousin Cesare, the new Duke of Norfolk, and had written back promptly. He had thought the late duke’s daughter had died not long after his wife, if the story he had heard had been true. It was a surprise to say the least to learn she had been hidden away in a convent at the nearby abbey.
It sounded however that his cousin didn’t know who the girl really was.
William cracked a grin. It was an interesting turn.
Though she was no longer of the Norfolk House, she was still of noble blood, possibly even royal and therefore was valuable to him and to the crown.
So he wrote that he would arrive in a few months hence for the meeting that would chose Cesare a bride. He put in the letter he would then find her a suitable husband.
…
It was not the response he had wanted, but had expected. She would be staying until the king came. Until he chose a wife and was married.
He hadn’t talked to her again since she had answered his questions that night. The healer had given him a report on the girl’s arm and all was as well as could be hoped.
Cesare had caught glimpses of her around the castle as he went about his lording duties. He had only seen her wearing that plain grey servant gown. He yearned to toss that ragged piece of cloth into the fire. She should have been wearing some of the gowns he had given to her. She was a pretty thing and deserved to wear a fine gown, even more so since she was of noble blood.
He shook his head to clear it of such thoughts about her and what he would or would not like to see her wearing. She was not his to do anything to or anything with. But he would see her wear something else, more befitting her station or looks. Indeed he would see to it.
…
It had been a fine day until the Lord of Norfolk caught her helping in the kitchens for the midday meal. He had merely decided to stop through to get a quick bite to eat when he had seen her stirring a pot of stew.
Evelyn watched as his rather handsome countenance darkened almost to the point of rage.
“What do you do, my lady,” he asked through gritted teeth.
She tried for a smile before she said, “I was helping with the meal, my lord. Earning my keep, whatever is wrong?”
Her innocent answer as if nothing had been wrong blew out most of his ire. She could visibly see it drain from him.
“Why are you helping with the meal?” he asked looking her in the eye.
His question confused her. Why would she not help if her help was needed?
“Why ever would I not help? If everyone is to eat then everyone must do their part. Those who do not help will not be fed.”
It took him a moment to realize that this was how she had been thought growing up within the abbey. They didn’t have servan
ts, so each divided and shared the work required for everyday life.
Gently he took the long wooden spoon from her hand and handed it off to a wide eyed kitchen lad. Capturing her wrist is a gentle but firm hold he pulled her along after him down a long hall that lead to the great hall where he seated her at the high table next to him.
Her light grey-violet eyes watched him closely, openly waiting, seeking an answer as to why he had brought her here.
Cesare felt the warmth of her gaze and felt himself tense, his stomach muscles tightening. For a moment he was speechless, words at a loss.
Gruffly he said, “You do not need to work as you are my guest here at the castle. The people who work here are paid for their tasks.”
“A guest,” Evelyn questioned him, unsure of why that did not set with her.
He nodded in affirmation.
She smiled faintly. “I have never been a guest before to anyone. I am not quite sure what is expected of me as one. What am I to do?”
He felt a smile tug at the corners of his mouth. “You are to enjoy yourself while you are here. Do as you wish and accept what I give you. Including the clothing and other gifts that were in your chamber. They are yours as long as you wish it.”
“I am most grateful, bit I cannot take them. They are too costly.”
“Had you been raised as you were born to, such would already have been yours.”
“I still cannot take them, or accept them. I have no way to repay you for such kindness.” She worried a lip, thinking on the cost alone.
“You will need such things when the king comes. If he sees you thus he will believe I have gravely mistreated you.”
Her expression turned stricken but before she could speak he gave voice to a desire that had formed within him.
Reaching out to touch her hand for a moment he smiled. “You could repay me with a kindness of your own. With your friendship. I lack companion.”
She looked both amused and confused. “Why my friendship? Surely, my lord, you have friends.”
At her simple smile his brain paused and what came out of his mouth next made him wish he could hide.
“Because it is helpful to have a lady among ones friends while learning how to please a lady and a future wife.”
Much to his disbelief she brightened at the idea.
“That is something I can do! It would also be nice to have a friend. My guessing is that the king will bade me marry as well. I can learn from you as you can from me.” She looked at him with a soft smile, albeit a sad one. “We are allies of a kind.”
He nodded and rose from his place, then looked at her bandaged arm. “How do you fare,” he asked before he thought better of it and left.
“Well enough,” she said as she rose as well.
“Will you join me for the noon meal,” he asked. The pit of his stomach grew tingly waiting for her answer.
“I will,” she said walking passed him.
“And will you wear one for the new gowns?” he asked suddenly. “The dress you wear is not even fit for the rag pile.”
Her only answer was a mysterious smile as she walked away from him.
Chapter Thirteen
The noon meal went splendidly and the rest of the day he felt a fool. When someone saw his smile they stopped and stared agog at him until he scowled at them and they scrambled at his growl. But for some reason he could not seem to help himself from smiling whenever he caught a glimpse of her.
When he had seen her in one of the most simple wool gowns from among his offerings, he felt his chest bow a bit with pride.
Now eve was upon the castle and he went about making sure the night fires were lit and guards stood steady at their posts. Satisfied, Cesare finally made his way down the stairs to the great hall. Just before his foot touched the bottom stepping stone a body came swinging up the stairs from the entrance and collided with him like a stone wall.
On unsteady feet he quickly grabbed his assailant to keep them from falling backward. He brought them tight to his chest as he steadied them and heard a muffled scream of pain against his chest.
Cesare held still as he realized it was the soft body of a woman in his arms. When the woman in his arms tried to push away he gently set her away from him. When he gently set her away from him, he saw who it was and cursed silently. His temporary guest held her injured arm close to her chest, her soul eyes brimming with misty tears of pain. But when she saw it was him she offered a watery smile.
Feeling the cad he raked a hand through his long dishevelled hair and cursed aloud this time. When her eyes widened with shock he realized he had said out loud. He looked her in the eyes and said, “Christ, I did not mean to say that to you. I hardly have any manners and the ones I do I have not practiced around women.”
Still cradling her arm, but the tears now gone, she nodded. “It is understandable for a warrior such as yourself. I was simply startled is all. I will not be such in the future, my lord.”
He nodded and stepped away so she could go around him and up the stairs. He turned thinking of asking her for a drink and but thought better of it and watched her ascend the stairs.
…
Taking a deep breath she turned on the stairs gathered her courage. “My lord,” she questioned his back before thinking better of it. She bit her lip and looked away after he turned to stare up at her.
“Yes, my lady?” he asked in his deep rumbling voice.
“Could we perhaps sit awhile and talk to each other sometime?” She blushed, “At your leisure, of course.” She rubbed the upper part of her injured arm nervously.
…
He studied her with a sharp eye for a long moment, a strange warm settled in his gut. He inclined his head and said, “I would be so honoured. Good night, my lady,” he said with a small smile and a bow to her.
Her light eyes followed him and she smiled once more at him. “And too you, my lord.” She went upstairs to bed with a warm smile on her face.
…
Cesare sat down heavily with a sigh and rubbed a hand over his face.
Footsteps approached him from the back of his chair and he barked out, “Bring me ale.”
His visitor fled to complete his order leaving him alone to stare into the dying fire.
He was not sure why he was twisted in knots. He had not been himself since the girl had come to his keep. He wasn’t sure which way was up anymore. However he was glad to have a friend after having so few growing up. He could consider William a friend of a sort but he was also Cesare’s cousin and king. He was also Cesare’s better in every way.
His mind drifted back to her. She said she understood a warrior like him and his actions. She had no idea he was sick of war, sick of the fighting and everything that followed. However if he was called upon he would answer. Even if the idea of a home of his own was unsettling he wanted it. He craved it deep down in his bones.
If he needed a wife to keep it then he wanted her too. But his mind kept going back to a sweet heart shaped face with striking violet eyes ringed in dark grey with thick mahogany locks sweeping down her back. It was then he realized he did not know her name.
Chapter Fourteen
It was the third day hence he saw her again, three days that seemed to last months. There was nothing other than mishap over mishap among his men and now there were rumours about the castle being haunted by the last lord’s daughter, started by the villagers. One claimed he had seen her upon his visit to the castle just wondering about the grounds. If that was not enough his horse had thrown a shoe.
Frustrated by recent events he took his sword to the training grounds in the lists to let it out. Upon his fourth or so hour in the lists he was drenched in sweat, breath labored and muscled well used. Cesare dropped the point of his sword in the dirt and took a breather when he felt the gaze of someone boring into the back of his neck. He turned to meet a set of lovely light eyes across the field.
…
When he turned and met her eyes across the
field from where she had been standing by the stone wall that marked the lists, she drew in a sharp breath.
How in the world had he known she was there and had been watching them? She had chanced upon him while out on a walk about the castle grounds. Everything had been far larger then she remembered with a small grin.
She had been watchful of him as he swung his sword, docked an imaginary blade and spun around before he gave a powerful thrust. His face had been set in a stone cold expression, his large arms straining with each move he made and she had caught her breath. She was awed by his skills but the look on his face gave her pause. He may be a lord, but first he was a warrior.
Before she thought better of it she raised a hand in greeting, saying, “Good tidings to you, my lord.”
She watched as he shook his head, re-sheathing his sword while walking over to her.
He frowned down at her from his towering height. “How so, my lady?” he asked.
She simply smiled. “Because now I have seen you.”
Her honest and genuine answer unbalanced him. “Is that so,” he asked gruffly.
She nodded. “Indeed. Now as your friend, I request to join you for a talk.”
Her lovely face crumpled a bit. “It has been lonely without someone to talk with or too.”
…
Remembering she had no home to go back too and no one she could share such things with gave him a pang in his chest.
“Of course, you need only ask.” He gave her a smile and offered her his arm without a thought.
Her eyebrows rose the tiniest bit and he remembered he was covered in sweat and dirt. Just as he was about to lower his arm, he said, “I must beg your pardon.”
