Her Barbarian Master

by Maggie Carpenter

  "You are astonishing," Killian muttered. "Thank you. Of course, you're absolutely right."

  "Now that's settled," Serenity piped up, "tell us how we can marry with everyone's blessing."

  "Listen carefully, and if you do what I tell you, and say it as I tell you, all will be well, and you, Serenity, have to stay out of it completely."

  "I don't like the sound of that," she said with a frown. "How can I?"

  "Killian, you are in a unique position of power," Simeon said soberly, once again ignoring his sister. "You'll soon understand why, and what you must do."

  Breaking up pieces of bread to represent Trebor, Soraya, Dolan and Bastian, and spreading some jam on another piece to symbolize Killian, Simeon moved them around the table as he explained how Killian could use the information he had learned, to get what he wanted.

  "Do you understand this?" Simeon asked softly, not wanting to insult Killian, but needing to make sure Killian grasped the power of his position. "It's okay to ask me questions. It's important you recognize the motivations of the people involved. That's where your leverage lies."

  "You explained it very well," Killian assured him. "I must add, Soraya has deeply disappointed me. I would never thought her capable of such duplicity. It is almost as if she has no feelings."

  "From what you've told me, she doesn't care as we care, so when you deal with her, you must be as she is, cold and uncaring. More importantly, you must show her you are now completely in control. This she will understand. You cannot appeal to a person's heart if they have none, but you needn't worry, she has the most to lose. Not just her stature in the tribe, but her very life."

  "I see that," Killian said, nodding thoughtfully.

  "I suspect she manipulated Godwin, and pushed him into taking the castle. She chose Trebor because he is Godwin's son and will take over when Godwin steps aside. She rules Trebor, so will one day rule the Phelans though him. My guess is she was hoping the Phelans would win the castle and conquer your tribe, thus making her truly powerful. These things I'm guessing, but you could tell her you know this was her plan and see if she denies it. I doubt she will. If I'm right, she is proud of her scheming."

  "I can't believe what I'm hearing," Killian mumbled shaking his head. "I've known Soraya since we were children."

  "As she grew up, she learned how she could use her cold cleverness to her benefit. Think of her as a predator. She sees her prey, and patiently stalks until the time is right, then pounces. In this case, her prey was your castle, and ultimately power."

  "I don't even know what to say," Serenity muttered, staring at her little brother. "I knew you were smart, but this? How do you see these things? And the way you're speaking, I've never heard you talk this way."

  "I have to keep these things to myself or the other villagers will treat me differently, they'll treat you differently, and mother and Galway and our father. I won't allow that."

  "He's always been this way," Faith remarked, gazing at him adoringly. "Even as a small child he would tell me how to settle arguments with your father. His suggestions never failed me."

  "I am in your debt, Simeon," Killian said gratefully. "I will make sure my two best gardeners come into the village and teach you their skills. You must plant certain vegetables next to others, and there is a tonic for the ground that nourishes the plants, but that's all I know."

  "Thank you. Make sure what I've told you was your idea. None of this came from me."

  "Of course," Killian said, rising to his feet.

  "I wish I could go back with you," Serenity grumbled. "I could wait in your room."

  "No, absolutely not," Simeon said firmly. "You need to be well out if it. Killian doesn't need the distraction, and Soraya doesn't need to see you."

  "Why would she care about me? I'm nobody compared to her. I'm nothing."

  "No, Serenity, it's the other way around. She is nothing next to you," Killian said solemnly. "You are everything she wants to be. Right, Simeon?"

  "Absolutely right."

  "Don't worry, I'll soon return," Killian promised, "and I'll bring all the news back with me. Faith, thank you for the delicious tea. I'm greatly looking forward to being a member of this family."

  "Such a pleasure," she beamed, "and we're thrilled to have you as our new son."

  Walking with Killian to the door and out into the front yard, not caring if anyone saw them, Serenity leaned against his chest and sank into his hug.

  "Your brother is truly astounding," he murmured. "He's like a sorcerer of the mind. Thank you for insisting we come here and talk to him."

  "He's always been able to see things other people can't," Serenity said, finally breaking away and staring up at him, "but what just happened, he astounded me too. Good luck with everything. I still wish I was coming with you. I'll miss you every second we're apart."

  "I'll be missing you too, and remember, if I'm not able to return before morning, no running to the castle in the middle of the night."

  "You don't have to worry, I won't," she promised, and with a wicked grin, she added, "even if the thought is already crossing my mind."

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  Marching down the passageway to Soraya's room, two of his men with him, Killian could feel his adrenalin pumping. He was not wielding his sword, but he was going to war just as surely as if he was readying himself to fight a deadly enemy. Soraya was the key. Once he had her in his power, everything else would fall into place, and not just for his marriage to Serenity, but for the future of his tribe. Reaching her door he ordered his men to stand guard, then without knocking he pushed it open and strode into the room. The scene that greeted him almost stopped him in his tracks.

  Trebor was naked, kneeling on the floor with his hands tied behind his back. Soraya was topless, her small breasts tipped with tiny puckered nipples, and she was holding a long thin stick. The cloth she had wrapped around her waist had a slit up the front showing a glimpse of her dark pussy bush. Killian could easily guess the game he'd interrupted.

  "How dare you enter without knocking!" she spat. "Get out at once!"

  "It's over Soraya!"

  "I told you to get out!"

  "I'm not going anywhere, and you're going to kneel on the floor next to your slave and listen to me."

  "ME? KNEEL? Have you completely lost your mind? And Trebor is my lover."

  Lunging forward, Killian reached for her elbow, but she darted sideways and brought the stick down with a fierce strike against his arm. It stung, but Killian had felt far worse, and swiftly spun around, ripping the rod from her grasp.

  "Have you completely lost your mind?" he demanded.

  "The moment I have the chance I will strike you dead with my sword!" she shrilled. "You and your silly village girl."

  With three quick strides he had her around the waist, and bustling her to the bed he bent her over, held her down with a hand at the small of her back, and landed the stick on her bottom three times in quick succession.

  "OWWWW, YOU BRUTE, I HATE YOU!"

  "You want three more? Keep yowling!"

  "FUCK."

  "You are a woman. Women must not speak this way unless asked to in the heat of passion. Three more."

  He took aim below the previous cuts, dispatching the switch closer to the tender area at the base of her bottom.

  "AAARGH, STOP!"

  "I know it was you who convinced Godwin to pick up his sword and lead his men here to take the castle."

  "But how? How could you possibly have learned that?" she asked breathlessly, twisting her head to stare at him with shocked eyes.

  "I have spies across this land. I know many things."

  "It's impossible. You couldn't have known."

  "Then why did we have weapons secreted away throughout the fortress ready for your attack?" he asked, thanking the angels for the inspired retort. "Tell her, Trebor, tell her that our swords were always at hand, and many were slain by men hidden in the shadows."

  "It's true," he
yelled from across the room. "He must have known."

  "You are beaten, Soraya," Killian declared. "Accept it."

  Pulling her up, he hustled across the room, and pushed her on to the floor next to Trebor.

  "You may have won the fight, but you can't treat us this way!" Trebor shouted. "She is the daughter of Dolan, and I'm the son of Godwin. You may know what we did, but you'd better stop this."

  Killian scowled down at him, then eliciting a sharp squeal, he yanked the thin fabric knotted around Soraya's waist, balled up one end, and stuffed it in Trebor's mouth.

  "That should keep you quiet, and as for you, Soraya, get off the floor and on to your knees."

  "And if I don't," she quipped, naked at his feet, yet still defiant as she stared up at him, "what are you going to do? Whip me again?"

  "No, but I will tell everyone how you betrayed us, and you know what we do to traitors. It is the unforgivable crime. Your father will be powerless to save you and Trebor from a gruesome death."

  "You—you—you wouldn't."

  "Do not doubt me."

  She paused, studying him, then slowly rising to her knees, her expression changed. She appeared woebegone and filled with sorrow.

  "Please, Killian, please don't," she softly pleaded. "I'm so dreadfully sorry."

  "You continue to underestimate me, Soraya. Stop that pitiful act or I shall call in my men."

  "Fine," she snapped, her demeanor changing in an instant. "What is it you want?"

  "You will marry Trebor, but you will not live with the Phelans, you will remain with the Alamans. If you so much as look at someone with an evil eye, I will see you naked in shackles, scrubbing floors, and spanked by a different man every day for a month. If you cross me, my tribe, or the Alamans, I will expose you and Trebor for the conniving traitors that you are. Do I make myself clear?"

  "This is so unfair."

  "On the contrary I'm being merciful, but only if you do as I say. Any ambition stops now. I have close friends in the Alaman tribe, and they will report your every move. Do not think, not for one moment, that being on the other side of the mountain offers you any protection."

  He paused, giving his words time to sink in, and he finally saw the defeat in her eyes.

  "The only reason I'm not revealing your crime is for your father, but if you defy me, I promise you, Soraya, I will make good on my threat. You will leave in the early morning, and will remain in this room under guard until you do!"

  "I know when I am beaten. I will not cause you any trouble, not now, and not in the future."

  "I will only believe your actions, never your words. One last thing. I suspect Trebor genuinely cares for you. Step down from your lofty goals. Learn to find comfort in the arms of a loving man. You might be surprised. I'll leave this stick here, but for you, Trebor," he said, dropping the rod in front of him. "It might come in handy."

  Trebor stared up at him, and for a moment Killian thought he saw a flash of realization. Hoping he was right, with one last steely glance at Soraya, he strode from the room.

  "They're not to leave for any reason," he said to his men. "Do not be fooled by Soraya. No matter what she says, she stays."

  "You can count on us, Killian."

  Walking briskly down the hallway he headed to his father's quarters in the front of the castle, and marching with a long, purposeful stride, he soon found himself knocking on the door of the expansive chambers.

  "Killian my boy," Bastian exclaimed, greeting him with a broad smile. "Are you ready for your big day?"

  "Father, I must speak to you. Is mother here?"

  "She's in the other room."

  "Could you please call her in?"

  "Of course. Is something wrong?"

  "Yes, father, something is very wrong."

  A heavy frown crossed Bastian's brow as he lumbered from the room, returning a few moments later with his wife.

  "Hello, my dear," she said warmly, walking across to give Killian a quick hug. "Your father said there is a problem."

  "There is, mother. Is anyone else here?"

  "No, just the three of us."

  "I have some very bad news."

  "You sit down, Marian," Bastian said protectively, taking his wife's arm and guiding her to a chair. "All right, Killian, what's this about?"

  "I know who told Trebor where our weapons are stored, and how to find my room."

  "But Killian, if you say this is bad news it must be someone we know," Marian said, looking at him with deep concern.

  "Yes, I'm afraid it is. Prepare yourselves. It was Soraya. I just confronted her and Trebor in her room. She confessed, and—"

  "Trebor!" Bastian exclaimed, cutting him off. "What's Trebor doing here? He left!"

  "I heard voices coming from Soraya's room. I thought I recognized his, so I walked in without knocking and found them together."

  "What did he say?"

  "I wouldn't let him speak, father. I made Soraya divulge her scheming with no help from him, but there's more I must tell you. She was the one who convinced Godwin to come here to seize the castle."

  "Soraya! I can't believe it," Bastian said, shaking his head, pretending to be shocked. "So she was the one who gave Trebor the information about our castle? You were right, Killian, this is bad news. Where are these two traitors now?"

  "Don't worry, I posted guards outside her door."

  Killian knew the worry on Bastian's face wasn't because Soraya had betrayed them, but his fear was that Killian would find out the truth; that his father was going to let his son marry a traitor.

  "Obviously I cannot marry her," Killian said bluntly.

  "Of course not," Bastian said vehemently, "but why would she do such a thing?"

  "Soraya wanted the Phelans to take over this castle and our tribe, and Trebor wishes to be with her. He wanted to steal the Choker of Belonging so Soraya and I couldn't marry."

  "Sickening" Bastian grunted.

  Killian held no grudge. Bastian had made the painful decision because he thought it would bring a secure future for his people, and Killian knew it must have been deeply distressing.

  "You should both know that I am involved with Serenity," Killian continued, "but I was willing to sacrifice my life with her for the good of the tribe. While Soraya's betrayal disgusts me, I cannot tell you how happy I am that I can now spend my life with the woman I love, but there is another side to this father, a very good side."

  "A good side? I cannot imagine it."

  "If I may, I have a suggestion."

  "By all means, let me hear it."

  "Let Soraya marry Trebor. It will cement the Phelans with the Alamans, and so, with us, but insist they live across the mountain under Dolan's rule. I've already told them they must leave in the morning. I hope you approve. I cannot bear to see them here."

  "I absolutely approve. They must leave at once, and I agree. Send them under guard to live with the Alamans."

  "I don't wish to break Dolan's heart," Killian continued, "but it's important he knows what Soraya has done. He will keep her on a tight leash for her own safety, but most importantly, he will be indebted to you for not taking her life."

  "Ah, yes, Killian, good thinking, he will, greatly indebted. Our bond will be solid."

  "We also need to have Godwin come back here so he becomes a part of this terrible secret. We will be sparing Trebor, so he too will be indebted."

  "Indeed he will, for a second time, but I cannot discuss that particular matter with you," Bastian said solemnly. "I promised him I would not."

  "You cannot break your word, and I don't need to know."

  "When you are the leader, there will be times you too, will need to make private promises."

  "I have no doubt, but there is one other thing I must discuss. Marrying Serenity will seal our bond with the village, and I strongly suggest we show them the secrets of our gardening."

  "What? But why?"

  "Did you know the villagers crave our meat? All these years we
thought they only wanted our fruits and vegetables. Showing them how to produce as we do, will win their trust, and we will have our wild game to give them in exchange for their knives and tools. They will be more productive because they will struggle less. I believe it will usher in a new era of peace between us, and if I may father, I noticed you were much kinder to Layla's family than I've seen in the past. May I ask why?"

  "I thought some generosity might smooth the transition when you take over. I don't want any trouble."

  "I will be very happy to have Serenity here," Miriam said, speaking for the first time. "She is a lovely young woman, and truthfully, I've never been keen on Soraya. She always struck me as having a troubled heart."

  "Your instincts were right, mother," Killian said grimly. "Perhaps she and Trebor will find solace in each other."

  "I have never been prouder of you than I am at this moment," she said, rising to her feet and moving across to him. "You are sparing a young woman who had misguided ambition, and showing us a way forward. You will be a fine leader, won't he Bastian? Are you not proud of your son?"

  "Immensely. I'll talk to Dolan right away, and send someone to bring Godwin back here."

  "I must head to the village. Serenity is waiting for news."

  "Before you go…"

  "Yes, father?"

  "Tonight at our evening meal I will announce the change of your marriage partner. After Soraya and Trebor leave, we must let the air settle for a few days."

  "I agree," Killian nodded, "and Serenity needs that time to catch her breath after everything she's been through."

  "When the Alamans arrive for the annual celebration, I will announce that you are taking over for me. Any challengers are welcome to step forward, but I doubt there will be any."

  "Father! So soon?"

  "I know you will be an outstanding leader, and you'll have a brave woman at your side, but hopefully not too foolish."