“King Arthur lay royally at Camelot at Christmastide with many fine lords, the best of men, all the rich brethren of the Round Table, with right rich revel and careless mirth. Suddenly there burst in at the hall door an awesome being, in height one of the tallest men in the world. All green was this man and his clothing, and the horse that he rode was of the same color too.”
The story told of how Sir Gawain rose to the challenge of exchanging blows with the green knight. The unknown knight would accept the first blow, and then, one year later, Sir Gawain would have to present himself to accept his blow. With one swift swing of his axe, Sir Gawain cut off the head of the green knight, who stood motionless before Sir Gawain. But the challenge was not finished, as Gawain quickly realized when the headless body picked up its head and placed it back on his neck.
The crowd gasped in surprise, and Anna shivered. A headless body was enough to give anyone nightmares. She glanced at the dais, and smiled when she saw Prince John’s pale face.
A sigh of relief was heard through the room when Sir Gawain’s life was spared one year later, and Anna could not help grinning. There had been no dragons, but it was still a marvelous tale.
“Did you enjoy the story?” she asked Kathleen, who was sitting across from her. Kathleen shivered.
“I’m not sure I’ll be able to sleep tonight,” she whispered, glancing around the hall as though she expected a green knight to appear from the shadows.
“You’re not the only one,” Anna said with a laugh, looking pointedly at the main table. Rupert had returned to his seat near his brother, and during the course of the story, young Prince John had maneuvered his way to his uncle’s side. When Rupert whispered something in his nephew’s ear, she saw him turn a wide-eyed gaze on his uncle, who returned the look with upraised eyebrows. A woman came forward – one of the nursery staff – and held her hand out to John, but it was the queen who, turning around to see her son, led the young prince away. Rupert watched for a moment, then he too rose and followed the exiting pair. A hubbub was growing as people rose to their feet and chatted excitedly. The monk had been a wonderful reader, and approval of the evening seemed to be the consensus of the crowd.
“I think I’ll return to our chambers,” Anna said to Kathleen. Blanche had disappeared a few minutes earlier, and Elizabeth had joined a small crowd towards the back of the hall. “Are you coming?”
“Yes! I don’t want to walk back alone!”
Anna laughed. “I think you are quite safe from green knights lurking in the palace corners,” she said.
The corridors through the palace were dimly lit with just a few lamps along the long passages, and they walked quickly up the stairs to the wing where the queen’s apartments were located. Anna’s hand was already reaching for the latch when she heard a voice calling her name. She turned around to see Blanche hurrying towards her. “The queen wants to see you right away,” she said.
Anna pulled back in surprise. “Why? Where is she?”
“She was taking the little prince to the nursery when he fell and hurt himself. She asked me to fetch you.”
“But why me? Surely it is a nurse you are wanting?”
“I don’t know why she asked for you,” Blanche said. “Should I go back and ask her?” She crossed her arms as she stared at Anna.
“Very well. I’m coming,” she said.
“Follow me,” Blanche said, but when Kathleen started to follow, Blanche stopped. “Just Anna,” she said.
“Don’t be silly,” Anna said. “Of course Kathleen can come.”
“The queen was very clear. Bring Anna and no-one else.”
Anna paused. Some kind of game was afoot. But if the queen had sent for Anna and she didn’t come … She nodded her head, and followed Blanche back down the passage.
“Why are we going this way?” Anna said as Blanche led her up a narrow staircase. “This isn’t the way to the nursery.”
“We aren’t going to the nursery,” Blanche said, glancing over her shoulder. “He was in Rupert’s chambers when the accident happened.”
“What?” Anna stopped. “Where is the queen?”
“She’s with her son, of course. What’s wrong with you?” She turned, her eyes meeting Anna’s in the dull light. “You don’t want to keep the queen waiting.”
Anna stared back at Blanche. It was entirely possible that the queen had taken John to see his uncle, though not likely. But to disobey the queen would invite censure. She thought a moment, then nodded, picking up her skirts to follow Blanche again. They wound their way through several more passages, down some stairs and up others, until Blanche finally stopped in front of a large wooden door. Anna had never been in this part of the palace before, and she wondered how Blanche knew the way. Blanche paused a moment to push the door open, and then gestured for Anna to enter.
The room Anna stepped into clearly belonged to a man. Dark, heavy fabrics hung over the windows, and the walls were paneled with dark wood, upon which were tapestries and paintings depicting various hunting and battle scenes. A low fire blazed in the hearth, the only source of light in the room.
Anna turned around and saw a figure standing in the shadows, arms crossed over his chest. Rupert stepped forward into the dim light.
“Where is he?” she said. She saw his eyebrows rise slightly. “John,” she clarified. “Is he lying down?”
“Ah, John. No, you will not find him here.” Rupert glanced at Blanche, gesturing with his head toward the door. “Go,” he said. Anna looked at Blanche.
“You tricked me,” she said, but Blanche was already slipping out the door. It closed with a soft click. Anna turned back to look at Rupert.
“I knew it was the only way to get you here,” he said.
She took a step backwards. “Why?”
He shrugged. “I find you interesting. You are frank and honest. I am curious to know what you would be like in bed.”
“In bed?”
“It will be mutually beneficial, of course. You can learn how to pleasure a man, and I will ensure you keep your position with Matilda.”
She shook her head. “No.” She swallowed. “I will not sleep with you.”
“Come, now Anna. You are an intelligent woman. Surely you aren’t prudish?”
She stared at him. “Do you really think I would risk my reputation so easily? For a man I do not love?”
“Love has nothing to do with it. And your reputation as my mistress will secure your future.” He took a step towards her. “I see that this comes as a surprise, and I am not a brute who will force a woman against her will. But know this, Anna. I always have my way. I expect you to present yourself, happy and willing, tomorrow evening at this time.”
“And if I don’t?”
He took another step closer. “Then you will discover what happens when you cross a prince. It was me who brought you to Matilda’s attention. As you have been raised up, so I can bring you down.”
He was almost on her now, and reaching out his hand, he ran his fingers over her lips. “I can promise you this, however. You will enjoy it when you surrender to me.”
She turned her head away. “Never,” she hissed.
“Very well,” he said, and she could hear cynical amusement in his voice. “You can be soft and yielding, or you can fight me like a cornered cat. But you will be here tomorrow night. Now go.” She looked at him in dismay as he took a step back. A cornered cat, indeed! She walked to the door, and without a backward glance, left the room.
Chapter 25
It was only as Anna walked down the corridor that the trembling started. She could feel it in her legs, and she reached out her hand to steady herself against the wall. Her hands were shaking too, and she felt a tightness in her chest that hadn’t been there before. She pressed her hands flat against the cool stone surface, and taking deep breaths, tried to slow her racing heart. She heard voices coming down the corridor and she moved to a corner, pulling herself into the shadows. A group walked by, their
laughter ringing against the stone, and she cringed. She needed to get outside, where the cold air would fill her lungs and she could find silence for her turbulent thoughts.
She waited until it was quiet once more, then hugging the wall, hurried along the passage. There was a small spiral staircase in the corner, away from the main corridors, and she headed towards it. Blanche had brought her this way, only minutes before.
At the bottom of the staircase was a narrow arched doorway. Anna grabbed the latch and pushed the door open with a creak. It resisted at first, then swung open into the cold night air. She stepped outside and shivered. Behind her the door swung shut, closing out the meager light and warmth, and she rubbed her arms and stepped away. The door had opened out into a small, frozen patch of muddy ice, bordered by large bushes that looked as though they were seldom tended. A well-worn path led from the door, but the bushes had overgrown it. Ducking her head, she pushed her away past the bare branches, grimacing when she heard the tearing of fabric. Sharp twigs scratched her skin, and shards of ice on the ground cut into her slippers. When she finally broke free of the tangle with a grunt, she gave a small smile of triumph.
She glanced around, trying to decide where she was. The sky was dark, the stars and moon hidden behind a curtain of cloud. She listened for a moment – from the right she could hear the distant sound of music and laughter, but up ahead she could hear a faint ripple of water. Tentatively she felt her way forward, and after a few minutes she caught the merest glimpse of light reflecting on the river. She continued to walk, and finally could make out the gray slash of water cutting through the landscape. A thin layer of ice clung to its edges, but in the middle the river was moving sluggishly.
She walked toward the bank, stopping at the water’s edge. A weeping willow dipped its branches in the water – the same one where Rupert had first taken notice of her. She shivered, and moved away. If only she had never wandered to the river on the night of the ball! She drew in a deep breath, and felt the cold stinging her lungs. A drop of rain landed on her arm, and she looked down at it. If she stayed in the rain long enough, would she eventually melt away? More drops landed, on her cheek, in her hair, on her hand. Reluctantly, she moved back to the shelter of the willow.
There was a movement of air, and she glanced around, startled. Someone was coming towards her. Her heart started to race. Was it Rupert? It was too dark to tell. But then she heard her name, and she felt herself relax.
“Max,” she breathed. “It’s you.”
“Yes,” he said. She could see his features now in the dim light. “You’re trembling.” He touched her arm. “And freezing. Here.” With a quick motion, he stripped off his tunic and pulled it over her head. It was warm. “What are you doing out here?”
“Just thinking.” She looked back at the river. Max stood next to her, looking at her for a long moment, then slowly, gently, placed his hands on her shoulders and turned her to face him.
“What happened?”
She shook her head. “Nothing. It’s … nothing.” She looked up at him, and he caught her gaze. She could see the flames at the back of his eyes, just a flickering deep within stormy gray. She held her breath.
“Tell me,” he said. And so she did. She told him how she had first met Rupert, and how he had mentioned her to the queen. She told him about the falcon, and the canaries. How Blanche had tricked her. And Rupert’s demand. And then she fell silent.
“Did he hurt you?” he asked.
“No.”
“What will you do?”
“I won’t go.” She was surprised to see him relax slightly. She hadn’t realized how tense he was.
“You could leave here and return to Drake Manor. Or Storbrook,” he said.
Anna stared at the river for a long moment. “No,” she finally said. “I won’t give in to his demands, but I won’t run away, either.”
For the first time Max smiled. “That’s my girl,” he said. He took her by the hand. “There’s a log further downstream – let’s sit.” She nodded. The log was a little beyond the willow, and Max sat down beside Anna. He was not touching her, but his heat pulsed though the air, surrounding her like a cocoon. He glanced at her with a frown.
“Rupert won’t stop until he has what he wants,” Max said.
Anna nodded. “I know. But if I tell the queen –”
“She won’t stop him,” Max said. Anna looked at him in surprise. “But I don’t think she will easily get rid of you, either. Rupert may underestimate the affection she has for you.” He shrugged. “Or overestimate the influence he exerts over her. Either way, I think your position as lady-in-waiting is safe for now. Your reputation, however, may not be.”
“What do you mean?”
“Do you think Rupert will take your refusal lightly? He will do whatever he can to get his way, including destroying your name, if he thinks it will break you.”
“Surely not!”
“He is very determined. Don’t forget, I have known him since he was a child.”
Anna smiled. “I had forgotten how old you are!”
“Old? No, I’m a youngster compared to your brother-in-law.”
“Well, he’s ancient.” Max laughed, and Anna shivered. They fell silent for a moment. “He gave you a pair of canaries?” Max said.
Anna glanced at him. “It seems quite unlike him, doesn’t it? But I cannot think who else might have sent them.”
“You admired the canaries at the market. Who else saw you?”
“The queen, of course, but that doesn’t make sense. And Kathleen, but why would she hide it?”
“Who else?”
“Well, you.” She looked up at him, surprised to see him watching her intently. “You,” she whispered. “You sent them to me.”
“I could see you liked them.” He turned away, and was silent for a moment. “Aaron asked me to look out for you while you were here,” he finally said.
“So the canaries are from Aaron?” He didn’t reply. “Why did you send them?”
“Aaron and Keira want you to be happy.”
“Oh.” Anna turned away to look at the river. “Thank you.” He nodded. She felt Max’s eyes on her, but she kept her gaze on the rippling water.
“Are you ready to return to the palace?” he said. Anna took a deep breath.
“Yes.” He rose to his feet and held out his hand. She looked at it for a moment, then placed hers within it. His hand was so much larger, with long fingers that curled around hers. They were warm, and when he rubbed his thumb over the back of her hand, she felt the heat spread up her arm. She rose to her feet, but kept her eyes to the ground. It may have been years since they had spent time together, but he knew her. And if she looked at him now, he would see right into her soul.
They walked along the river, hand in hand. His chest was naked since he had given her his tunic, and she saw now that his feet were bare as well.
“If anyone sees me now, my reputation will be thoroughly ruined,” she said. “At least I can argue that the prince commanded me to be with him, but I have no such argument for being with you.”
Max smiled. “I can command you, if you like.”
“I’m afraid your command does not carry the same amount of weight.”
“No?” Max glanced down at her. “You would defy a dragon?” Anna was silent.
The sounds of the palace grew louder as they approached the courtyard.
“Aaron told me to be careful around the men at court,” she said. “He said nothing about trusting other women, however.”
“There was no reason for you to suspect Blanche,” he said. “And being too mistrustful only brings unhappiness.” She glanced at him, but he was looking away. She stopped and tugged off his tunic.
“Here, you must take this,” she said, handing him the garment, shivering as the cold air touched her neck.
“You need it more than I do,” he said, pushing it back at her.
“I cannot walk into the palace wearing your
tunic,” she said. He smiled reluctantly.
“No, I suppose not.”
“Besides, it wouldn’t be proper if you saw Mistress Jane without a tunic,” she added.
“Mistress Jane? Why in the world would I see Mistress Jane?” He tilted his head and gave her a scrutinizing look as she raised her eyebrows. He leaned closer. “You know, you really shouldn’t listen to rumors,” he said.
She smiled. “I know.”
Blanche was sitting in the parlor when Anna entered the room.
“Did you enjoy your evening?” she asked.
Anna stopped. “Enjoy my evening?” she said. “If you are referring to Rupert, I left just a few minutes after you.” She moved a few steps towards Blanche. “How could you do that to me?”
“Do what, Anna? Set you up for an evening with a prince?”
“You knew perfectly well I was not interested in an evening with the prince,” Anna said. “You lied to me! You betrayed my trust!”
“Please Anna, don’t be so dramatic. I was just giving you the chance to further your acquaintance with Rupert.”
“He wants me to be his mistress!”
“You should be flattered!” Blanche rose to her feet. “Welcome to the real world, Anna,” she said. “A world where men have the power and control.” Anna was silent as Blanche continued. “I first learnt about men when I was twelve,” she said, “when I was raped by my uncle. When I told my father what had happened, he congratulated me on becoming a woman!” Blanche’s eyes narrowed. “I also told my mother, and you know what she said? That I was fortunate it happened when I was already twelve. She had been ten when her cousin raped her.” Anna pulled in a deep breath as Blanche continued. “My father married me off at the age of fifteen to a man eighteen years my senior. He contracted a fever ten months later and was carried off, thank God. He would come to my room every night, pull down his stockings, drag me to the end of the bed and force himself on me. He didn’t even lie down, but did it standing. The first night I thought I would please him by touching him, but he beat me for that. The second night I told him I was feeling unwell, and he beat me for that. I quickly learned that the best thing was to keep quiet and let him do what he wanted. That way it was over in minutes, and I was left in peace.”
dragon archives 04 - dance with a dragon Page 15
