TIA'S MATE (Shifters of the Bulgarian Bloodline Book 1)

by Dalia Wright

  Did mother know this was going to happen? She wondered. Would she have been alright with it? Even if it did save her stepfather from the poor house, Mary was not sure she’d ever forgive him.

  We could have made it work. It might not have been easy, but they’d have been able to make it work and she knew it. The grief whelmed up inside her again, but she didn’t dare cry. Not in front of this man- not that he seemed to mind. He was reading, and hadn’t said a word to her since they left the town that Mary called home.

  Mary reached into her bag and pulled out her small journal, along with a stick of led.

  I am in a carriage heading somewhere I don’t even know.

  She stared at the words she had just written and took a deep breath. What was she supposed to say?

  “We’re almost there,” the man said, looking up from his book as the carriage began to slow down.

  Mary nodded, not sure what she was even supposed to say. So, she didn’t say anything.

  She read about being sold into marriage, she’d even read that it was becoming quite popular. But for it to happen to her… she never thought that would happen! Most women these days made the choice to do it, either for themselves or their family but it was their choice. Mary did not have that choice. She hadn’t even realized it was happening until it was far too late.

  The man led Mary out of the carriage, down the street and towards another carriage. Mary’s brow furrowed. She’d thought he said they were almost there.

  “Will it be a long ride?” Mary asked.

  “No, in this it will be much quicker. This is the official carriage of your husband-to-be.”

  Together she and the man made their way over to a shiny black carriage. As they sat down in it Mary looked around her, staring out the window at the hustle and bustle.

  “You’re arriving on a very interesting night,” he said. “the master of the home is hosting an event for the knights of the area. To reward their hard work.”

  Mary raised an eyebrow. She had to admit, that had her interest.

  “What is the master of the home like?”

  “He is… he will be to you as well,” the man paused. “He is a passionate man, and his work is his life.”

  Then why bother marrying someone? Mary didn’t dare ask. She took a deep breath and nodded. Would that mean that she wouldn’t have to see much of him? Even as his wife? Or would she have to learn to understand his work. What was it he even did?

  “And he… does what for a living?” Mary didn’t want to go into this without knowing anything. It seemed like he knew more than enough about her.

  “He runs the east,” Mary’s heart skipped a beat. “Some of it, at least.”

  Mary’s brow furrowed. What did that even mean?

  I’ll find out soon. She thought as she looked out the window. They were making their way out of town, which said something about his wealth.

  It didn’t take long for them to turn down a long and winding driveway. It was so long, that if Mary hadn’t seen a house at the end of it she would have just thought it was a road.

  Mary’s stomach knotted and she felt like she might be sick as the carriage came to a stop in front of the house. No, it wasn’t even a house. It was a castle.

  This is where I’ll be living?

  The large stones looked like they had been put into place years ago, although they were still well kept. There was even a tower to the left of them, with two men looking out into the distance.

  The man gave her a soft smile.

  “I know it is hard, but have faith you will be welcome here.”

  His words didn’t make her feel much better, though it was touching he tried. He stepped out into the fresh air and held his hand out for Mary. She took it and allowed her to lead him down the garden way as other men stepped out of carriages.

  “Like I said, it is a special night.”

  Mary stared at them. They must all be knights. Her gazed stopped on one man. His face had a long scar running along his left cheek. His blazing green eyes locked on her. Mary’s heart did a backflip. His long brown hair hung over his shoulder.

  She felt herself being dragged along. I’ve got to be good. She reminded herself- something that might be hard for her. She quickened her pace to keep up with the man leading her into her new home.

  Mary looked around, trying to take everything in. The castle was larger than anything she’d even seen. On the inside it was almost pure white. The floors were well kept and the walls looked spotless. There were several long tables out, each one with a gold vase filled with flowers.

  “Come,” the man encouraged her along, guiding her over to the grand staircase.

  They walked in silence until they reached a door. The man knocked once and entered.

  He had blonde hair that was cut short. His brown eyes looked up from paper work. He stood, showing a solid frame as he crossed over to Mary, his eyes locked on her.

  “Michel, I was beginning to wonder if you’d be late.”

  “Sorry, sir. We took longer than expected to get through the journey.”

  The man held his hand out to Mary. “Henry.”

  “Mary,” she extended her hand to him, which he took and placed a soft kiss against.

  “We will get to know each other soon, but right now I have some work that needs to be taken care of. I’m sure you understand. We shall discuss the details for the wedding soon.”

  “Of course.” She understood that it didn’t matter if she cared or not, he was going to do it. “I look forward to seeing more of you.”

  She lowered herself into a small bow and when she stood walked out of the room. “Your room is just down the hall,” Michel said. “The third door on the left. Would you like me to lead you to it?”

  “Thank you, but I have faith I will find it.”

  Mary didn’t want to be with anyone right now. She padded towards the direction he’d pointed in, eager to get away from people and have a little time to herself.

  When she found her room she opened the door- and to her disappointment realized she wouldn’t be alone.

  A maid looked up and gave her a soft smile. “Ma’am,” she bowed low. “The master of the home requested that I help get you settled in.”

  The maid reached out and held up a dress. Clearly Mary’s idea of getting settled and her future husbands would not be the same.

  “Of course,” Mary took a deep breath and stepped into the room. She left her bag of clothing beside the bed and crossed over to where the maid was, undoing her dress.

  “I trust you must be tired from your trip?”

  “I will sleep well tonight.” It wasn’t really an answer but Mary didn’t have one for the maid. She wanted to send the girl away, but knew she would probably be given trouble if Mary was not dressed suitably.

  They didn’t speak as the girl helped her into her new clothing. It all felt so strange. She was used to a simple dress and underclothes. The new under garments that she was given were pure silk. She could not believe that people actually wore these! They felt much better against her than the rough cotton, and she was sure they would be much better in the summer.

  Although Mary had a simple Stay it was not bound tight like a corset would be. This was more to help accent her curves.

  She stared down at the assortment of accessories and layers she had to wear. “What is that one for?”

  Instead of answering the girl just started at her. “Have you read much, ma’am?”

  “My mama insisted I learn to read.” But she hadn’t read much.

  “You will pick up on things fast. Try not to worry much.”

  Mary doubted that very much, but did not voice it. The girl padded over to the bed and picked up a simple dress. Mary felt herself take a deep breath, thankful that the dress would be simple. When she had seen everything placed out on the floor she had thought she would have to put it all on. She slipped into the simple white dress and allowed the maid to do it up for her.

  �
�Well,” she took a deep breath looking herself over. “This…” She was searching for the right words. It’s not too bad.

  “Come on, we’ve got to get the other layers on.”

  “O-other layers?” she stammered. Mary turned to see the girl reaching for a second skirt, this time in deep green.

  Next came the top, it matched the skirt- each one having the same color and the same embroidery. Then came the fur shawl that was placed carefully over her shoulders. Large diamonds were cut into it, with silver lining them. Mary stared at herself in shock.

  Chapter Two

  She took a deep breath. What am I in for? She wondered.

  Mary stared at herself in the mirror. She’d never worn something this lavish before. The fur would be enough to feed her family for a year. A family that is gone. She reminded herself. Her heart sank into the pit of her stomach.

  “Well, ma’am you are all done up.”

  “Wow,” she whispered, running her fingers over the fabric of the fur. Is this really mine?

  There was a soft knock against the door before it opened. He door opened and Henry stood there.

  “Sir,” the girl squeaked. “I…”

  “Thank you for your time, you may leave us now.”

  Mary’s heart skipped a beat as the girl rushed for the door, not daring to look the man in the eye. He closed the door behind her and crossed over to Mary.

  Mary took a deep breath, her pulse racing as he came closer and closer. His eyes roamed over her body.

  “The dress fits you well. I am glad.”

  “It is a very beautiful dress, thank you.” Mary knew it was the right thing to do, but saying those words made her feel dirty.

  “You’re welcome.” He reached out and touched her cheek. Mary’s heart skipped a beat. Please God, she prayed. Keep me safe.

  She knew that soon they would be married, and this man would be able to do whatever he wanted to her, but here- tonight- she didn’t think she’d be able to manage.

  As if being able to read her mind Henry let go of her. He turned away from her and crossed over to the bed where he bent down and picked up the small potato sack she had her clothes in.

  “Is this yours?”

  “Y-yes.”

  He nodded. “There is no use for it anymore. I will have the maids throw it out.”

  “No!” Mary stepped towards the bag, reaching out for it. Fear tingled down her spine as she stepped, Henry stared at her.

  “No?”

  “I… there are items from my mother in there.” Mary’s cheeks burned as she bowed her head. She hadn’t even been here more than an hour and had already yelled at her husband-to-be. What kind of a wife would she make?

  “Ah,” Henry crossed over to her, roughly placing the bag back in her hands. “I know you said it had been very hard on you in your letters.”

  Mary’s mouth fell open.

  “I… he wrote to you as me?”

  Mary’s stomach turned. She thought for a second that she might be sick.

  Henry stared at her, his eyes narrowing. “What did you just say?”

  “Nothing,” Mary said quickly. If he found out the truth he may try to send her back to her stepfather, and if he did that then her stepfather would never forgive her. She’d get a beating- if she were lucky.

  Henry’s eyes narrowed. “You dare lie to me?”

  Mary was sure she was likely to get a beating here and down.

  “My stepfather wrote those letters to you. I didn’t even know I was to be married until then day someone came to pick me up.” She spoke as fast as she could as she closed her eyes, waiting for the hand to come down against her cheek.

  She waited, darkness surrounding her. Ever so slowly she opened her eyes to see the man just staring at her. Anger burned in his eyes.

  “I-” Mary started. She knew she had to explain herself. She knew she had to give this man a reason not to send her back. Mary felt tears sting the corner of her eyes. “Please, don’t send me back. He’ll beat me black and blue.”

  Without a word the man turned around and walked out of the room.

  Mary felt her legs give out under her. She dropped to the floor and sat there, until someone came to collect her hours later for dinner. It was dark by then. Numbly she made her way towards the hall, following the woman who led her along.

  The girl was so scared the hunting dogs could probably scent her. Thorn looked up from his pint as she sat back down beside the master of the home. The master of them all.

  I wonder what he deal is. He’d never seen a girl like that in this area.

  No, she was too pale. Although the men and women around here were pale, they had a hint of darkness to him. This girl had ivory skin. She’s not from around here.

  The rumor was that the duke had bought a wife. No one knew why, it’s not like he couldn’t find one.

  “She looks like she’s ready to faint,” Mark muttered in Thorn’s ear.

  “Most likely is,” Thorn retorted. He’d seen her this morning, although he had thought she was a runaway maid. “I remember what it was like my first day here. You, I believe, pissed yourself.”

  Mark laughed heartily. “Right you are my friend.”

  She sipped at her wine, avoiding all the eyes that were locked on her. Thorn looked away. It was a feeling he was used to having, he would not add to her discomfort.

  “They will warm up to you,” her future husband reassured her. He reached out and took her hand in his rough hand.

  It took everything she had not to pull away. She still hadn’t managed to hold a full conversation with her. Anyways, what was she supposed to say? It didn’t matter, she was just there to provide the duties of a wife.

  It took all her effort to keep a strong front throughout dinner, but now that it was done she wasn’t sure she could keep it up much longer.

  She stood.

  “I’d like to get some air,” she said looking around the table. People were beginning to get up and move around. They were beginning to form groups, and talk. The women laughed, the men laughed. Young couples flirted, batting their eyelashes.

  Mary made her way out of the large dining room, out into the garden and sat down, lowering her face into her hands.

  “First time?”

  Mary jumped, spinning to see who had spoken to her.

  She’d seen him before, though he looked much more put together. He had a scar along his cheek that tilted up when he gave her a smile, closing the distance between them.

  “Am I that bad of an actor?”

  “Yes,” He admitted, taking what little confidence that Mary had in herself. “But you’ll get better.”

  “Gee, thanks,” She muttered, forgetting that she must act like a lady.

  The man laughed as he lowered himself down onto one knee.

  “Sir. Thorn Muclla,” he held his hand out to her.

  Mary took it, her heart skipping a beat as she realized that she was talking to a knight. Knights had never been around her town before. They were too poor for that. There was no one worth protecting, that’s what he step father used to say. Don’t think of him. Mary scolded herself.

  Thorn lifted his head, placing a soft kiss against the top of her hand before he sat down beside her, a respectable distance away from her.

  “Are you enjoying your evening?” Mary asked, realizing that it was her job to make polite conversation. “My… husband-to-be,” It felt so strange to say it. “Believes it is important to honor all the knights serving the area.”

  Thorn snorted. “You husband-to-be does what he is supposed to do, and says what he is supposed to say.” Thorn said, though she could not quite read his voice.

  Mary’s heart skipped a beat. She had not expected that kind of reaction from him. Her mouth fell open as she tried to think of something to say, and quickly.

  Thorn looked away from her. “You’ll have to excuse me, I may have had too much ale. Your husband-to-be is a good man.”

  “Is that
what you truly think?” Mary asked. She liked this man. He spoke his mind, and although it made her a little uncomfortable, it made her feel safe that he would not lie to her. She’d been lied to too much within the past weeks and she wouldn’t accept it happening to her anymore.

  “I think he will make no worse a husband than anyone else,” he said. “If that is what you’re asking.”

  “And he treats his knights kindly?”

  “No worse than any other duke treats them.” Mary tilted her head. She did not know much about this world yet but she knew hostility when she heard it. She stayed silent until Thorn looked at her.

  Her eyes locked on his bright green eyes. Despite the fact that his face was scared and his skin was rough she knew that at one point he had been beautiful.

  “You’ll have to forgive me, I do not know much about this world yet.”

  “It gets easier,” he said.

  “You speak like it is from personal experience.”

  “That’s because it is.”

  Mary paused, trying to decide if she should prod. It was not her place to ask for his life story, but right now all she wanted was to know she wasn’t alone.

  As if reading her mind Thorn gave a soft smile. “The knights bought me when I was still little. Just as a chore boy, but when they saw I had a bit of a gift for getting up after beatings,” he smirked. “well, they decided to keep me around.”

  Mary’s heart skipped a beat. “You… you were bought?”

  “Yes,” he shrugged, as if it didn’t matter- but the look on his face gave it away.

  “How do you think the duke got his new wife?” Mary raised an eyebrow.

  In the dark it was hard to make out his facial expression, even with the lights that were placed carefully all over the garden.

  Thorn stared at Mary with wide eyes. “You mean, you’re… a…”

  “Yes,” she looked away from him. “Well, kind of. I didn’t realize I’d been sold until someone came to pick me up, my fa-stepfather sold me without my knowledge. By then, I didn’t have much of a choice.”