She went inside, ignoring the looks from the stable hands. The smell of hay and horses assaulted her nose, and she wrinkled it in distaste. She was not allowed to ride, so she never came down here.
"Where is Lord Keran?"
"Who knows,” an older man announced. “He left moments ago with his intended."
The fear she'd felt earlier intensified. No one knew it, but she was his to be his bride. If they thought he left with his future wife, it would have to be ... “What?"
"Lord Keran and Lady Leora left just moments before, on horseback."
"Going where?"
The man shrugged and Syndra hurried from the building. Once outside, she surveyed her surroundings. People milled about, but there was no sign of anyone on horseback. Which could only mean they had left the keep.
Her heart joined her stomach, both organs feeling as if they'd dropped to the ground. He'd gone riding with Leora. Why would he do that? There was no reason for it. He'd flat out told her he would not spend time with her until “after they married,” and Leora did not know that would never happen.
Why would he do so now? Unless ... the idea was too horrible to contemplate. Perhaps he had been using her all along. Maybe he really did want his wife to be a virgin on their wedding night, but he needed female companionship before then and had chosen her. Could it be she was the one being played, and not Elizabeth and Leora?
Her palms started to sweat and her tongue felt as if it had swelled to the size of an apple. Surely not. In the time they had spent together he had been loving, and caring. He had shared information about his childhood and asked her about her own. He had taken her to dinner in the main hall with him, letting everyone see them together. He had not kept her hidden away to use her only as a bed warmer, had he?
Syndra hurried inside the castle, ignoring a call from Tillie to stop and talk to her. She almost tripped on the uneven steps as she hurried to Keran's room, throwing open the door, and slamming it shut behind her. Her heart felt as if it would beat out of her chest.
She went to the bed, the one they'd made love on just hours ago, and put her hands on the coverlet. She closed her eyes and felt him inside her, his cock pulsing as he thrusted back and forth; his mouth was on her lips, her shoulders, her breasts. He loved her, did not he? A man could not do those things unless he loved someone, right? Or was that just her naivety talking? He wanted her, not her sister. Surely, his ride with Leora did not mean anything, did it?
"What is wrong with you?” Tillie crossed to her, stroking her back. The look of worry on her friend's face made Syndra sniffle.
"He is out riding with Leora."
"So?"
"What do you mean so? Why is he out with her?"
"He is keeping up appearances, as you do when you report to Elizabeth.” Tillie stroked her back. “Why do you worry? Did you quarrel with him?"
"No, with Leora.” Syndra quickly related the details of her run-in with her sister. “She was smirking at me, and now I know why. He had probably told her they would ride together. He probably knew it when he left me in his bed this morning."
The door opened and Alma, wrapped in a cloak, hurried inside. Brody pulled the door closed behind her and she discarded her wrap and joined her friends.
"You are risking much,” Tillie said to her.
"Brody said Syndra was upset. What has happened?” Tillie gave her a brief version of events, and Alma hugged Syndra close. “It is a fine line we are walking. You know that."
"Yes, but why does he have to spend time with her?"
"Keran told her mother he wanted to know Leora before they wed,” Tillie replied. “If he did not spend time with her, it would look suspicious."
"How much time has he been spending with her?” Realization swam through her. Keran spent hours away from her. Was he with Leora during all that time? She covered her face with her hands and sobbed. “Maybe she just offers more to him than I do. After all, Elizabeth does not recognize me as part of Mardoon. Maybe Keran has come about to her way of thinking."
"But the king knows you are Lord Richard's firstborn,” Tillie said. “He sent Keran here for you, specifically."
"Yes, but what if he has decided I am not good enough. What if he is bored with me?"
"Use your mouth on him,” Alma said, breaking into laughter. “He will not be bored with that."
Syndra pushed away from them and crossed to the window, looking down on the activity in the courtyard. It seemed so different here than it did from her third-story room. Everything seemed alive, real. Upstairs, people looked like little dolls as they moved about their business.
"Are you on your courses?” Tillie came up next to her. “You seem to be very agitated. Perhaps it is your woman's time."
"No."
"Maybe he has gotten a child on you,” Alma said.
"I would know, would I not? There has been no sickness, nothing to show I might be with child.” Movement at the gate caught her attention. Keran rode in with Leora trailing behind him. They stopped near the building and he dismounted, handing his reins to a boy and then crossing to help Leora down. When he did so, he kissed her hand and she laughed, the dainty sound drifting up to the window.
Syndra's heart broke in two. Tears filled her eyes then ran down her cheeks as they continued to laugh together, as if one of them had just told a joke. Maybe they were talking about her. Was Leora's visit this morning had been more than goading? Had Keran told her he would marry her, that the priest was even now on his way?
"Did he lie to me about the priest, too? Why is he not here?"
"Perhaps he could not leave then,” Alma said. “Do not do this, Syndra. You know he cares about you and will do the right thing."
Did she know it? Downstairs, Keran had not dropped Leora's hand but held it close, kissing it yet again. She pushed past Tillie and ran from the room, ignoring the calls from her friends to come back. She headed straight to her former prison. Better to be a slave to something she knew than to be used by a man who kept her in the dark, and had probably been lying to her since he arrived.
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Chapter Twelve
Keran slapped the dirt from his breeches, then headed toward his salon. If he had to spend another minute with the insipid Leora, he would lose his breakfast. He hated that he had to act as if he were courting her, but there was nothing else for it. If he did not, her mother would know and things would probably advance more quickly than he wanted them to.
"Milord.” He turned toward the voice.
"Timmons.” Keran ushered the younger man up the stairs and into his salon. “Well?"
"I rode ahead to bring you this. Timmons handed Keran a piece of parchment. “Reinforcements are two days away. Six-dozen men, sent by the king himself."
Keran read the missive quickly. “Two days, then it will be done. You made it quicker than I thought you would."
"Markham and I rode like the wind, and the king insisted the soldiers leave the next day. He wants this taken care of immediately."
"Good.” Keran reread the note, pausing at the part where the king thanked him again for his loyalties and offered to find him a bigger keep nearer to London, if he desired.
The thought made Keran laugh. He had no desire for another keep. What he wanted was here. The peace and quiet of the country, and Syndra. Sweet, beautiful Syndra who welcomed him into her heart and body with such wonderful abandon and trust. His cock throbbed with need at the thought of her.
It was early in the afternoon, but not that early. He needed to find her, bring her back to the bedroom and bury himself deep inside her. The swelling in his breeches increased and he held the paper near his groin, hoping to hide it.
"Good work. Go and bathe, fill your belly and rest. I am sure you can find a willing wench. Do not say anything to anyone else. I will do that."
"Milord.” Timmons made a mock bow and Keran laughed. All the men serving under him now had been his friends for years. Getting used to Keran being “
milord,” was tough for them, he knew.
He crossed to his chamber and opened the door. “Syndra?” Not finding her there he headed downstairs. The people seemed cautious today, smiling and nodding but not talking. Was something wrong?
In the great hall he surveyed the room, not finding her. It was not time for her to report to Elizabeth yet, so she should not be up there. She stayed away from the beast as much as possible. Maybe she was outside. He had never known her to ride a horse, but perhaps that was where she was, out for an early-afternoon ride.
He poked his head into the kitchens. Not finding Tillie, he moved to the outer rooms and stood, pondering his next move. Worry snaked up his spine. It was not like Syndra to not be there when he came back from one of his outings. She was always waiting, smiling, her arms opened. That one idea always made him want to return home as quickly as possible.
An idea occurred to him, and a smile lit his face. She was with Alma, visiting with her friend despite the fact he had told her to stay away from the Brody's room, in case someone got the wrong idea. He took the steps quickly, turning toward the wing where the men were houses. He knocked and entered, closing the door behind him quickly in case someone happened by and saw Alma.
He frowned when he saw Tillie and Alma sitting on the bed, their heads bent together as if imparting secrets that would bring down an empire. “Where is Syndra?"
The look Tillie gave him made his blood freeze, and his eyes widened. “What has happened? Where is she?"
* * * *
Syndra lay on her bed, tears leaking from her eyes. She had hoped to never have to sleep here again. The only bed she wanted had Keran in it, but she would be damned if she would let him use her.
How could she have been so wrong? He had seemed so sincere in his lovemaking, in the way he looked at her and talked to her. And yet she had seen him give that same look to Leora just minutes ago.
The doors to her room burst open, and she could feel his presence behind her. “Syndra, get up. Come back downstairs."
"Go away."
"Now.” She knew without even looking at him that his shoulders were thrown back, his hands on his hips. She'd seen him in that stance before when he had talked to her about her reports to Elizabeth. Her visiting the woman made him mad, but she still had to do it. “I will not ask again."
"Good. Then leave. Take Leora to your bed. You seem happy enough to take her riding today."
"You know why I have to do that. Just a few more days, I promise. The king's men are almost here, and we will be able to put all this behind us and live our lives as we want."
"What I want is for you to leave. Now."
There was a shuffle of feet, and then he was behind her, the heat from his body radiating down into her own. Her quim reacted with its usual desire for him. Wetness formed and her bud hardened. Her nipples peaked against the soft material of her shift.
"Just remember, I asked you nicely.” She gasped as his arms went around her waist. He picked her up as if she were a feather, throwing her over his shoulder and heading for the stairs.
"Put me down!"
She tried to push away from him, but he held her firm. He started down the stairs, taking them slowly and her breath caught. These stairs were precarious at best, the steps uneven. If he lost his footing, they would both suffer.
"Keran, please."
"Save your begging, because you will need it. I cannot believe you distrust me so.” He put a hand on the wall to steady their progress.
"Put me down please, before we fall."
He navigated the first curve, his steps slowing even more. They made it around, and then he stopped, keeping his hand against the wall.
"Are you going to behave? I want to talk to you, and I do not want you behaving like a child."
"Have you gone mad? Put me down."
"You are at my mercy here, Syndra. One false move and we both tumble. Now, will you listen?"
"The fall will injure you, too."
"Will. You. Listen."
"Why, so you can lie to me?” She cried out through her tears. “You are a bastard."
"I've never lied to you, Syndra. I just did not tell you I was spending time with Leora because I knew it would upset you, and I did not want that to happen."
"It is the same as lying."
"No, it is not.” His hand was on her backside now, caressing her through her clothing. “You know I have to put on these airs, as if I am getting to know her."
"Did you have to kiss her hand?” He turned, making her reach out for the walls. The space was narrow, and the drop to the bottom seemed far away.
"I am setting you down now.” His voice was like a caress. “Do not run, or push, just stay where you are at."
She turned toward him when her feet were on the stones. With her on the steps above him they were the same height. It felt strange to look him in the eye when they were not lying in bed together.
"Do you doubt me so much?"
"All my life, no one has given a wit about me except for Tillie and Alma. And then you were here, and you made me feel so special. And when I saw you kiss her hand, twice, I...” Her tears fell faster. “...I felt as if I were nothing."
"I am so sorry. You are everything to me. If the priest were here, I would marry you this instant, out in the open and be damned what Elizabeth or Leora thought."
"You are just saying that because you are afraid I will push you down the stairs.” She laughed softly.
"I am saying it because I care for you, because I am starting to love you. I can feel it deep inside me when I see you, a wonderful feeling that spreads through my belly, up to my heart and down to my cock.” He took her hand from the wall and pressed it against his groin. “See how much I want you, even now when you call me a bastard?"
He moved his lips toward hers, but she turned her head. When he put his fingers on her chin and turned it back, though, she did not fight him. His kiss was gentle, his lips smooth against her own.
"Take a few steps back, then turn around and get down on your knees. You can brace your hands against the wall."
"You do not mean to take me here."
"I do."
"But the stairs, what if we fall? And what if someone hears?"
"The stairs above you are wider, and will help me keep my balance. If I do not get inside you now, I will die from need.” He moved her back gently, then guided her into a turn. “And I do not care if anyone hears. Let them all hear you scream and beg for me. Let them know you are mine."
Excitement coursed through Syndra's veins. She kneeled down slowly, putting her hands on a stair above her to try to keep her balance. Light from the open door to her room trickled out, giving the area a soft glow. She could hear Keran undoing his breeches, freeing himself.
When he lifted her skirts above her waist, she gasped. He slapped her behind. “Wider.” She spread her legs as far as she could, her knees hitting either wall.
"Do you want me, Syndra?"
"Yes."
"Then beg for me. Tell me what you want."
"I want your cock, Keran."
"Where?"
"In my quim."
"Louder."
His voice was deep and commanding, and she imagined that was how he sounded when he gave orders to the men who served him. It made her quiver in pleasure.
"Give me your cock."
"Louder.” He slapped her behind, the sound echoing in the tight stairwell. “Let them hear you. Let everyone know I am taking you now."
"Give me your cock, take me, make me yours.” She knew anyone standing on the other side of the downstairs door would hear her, hear them. It made her feel wanton, knowing someone might be listening.
"Scream.” His legs were around her now, his cock rubbing against her wet folds, probing for entrance. “Beg for my cock."
"Keran! Please."
"Say, fuck me."
Her body stiffened, her head shaking of its own accord. “No, no I could never.” Her breath c
ame in short shallow gasps. His length still slid up and down her folds, and she pushed back. “Please. I need you inside me."
"Say it just for me, whisper it. Be naughty for your husband."
A thrill coursed through her. How could she have been so stupid to think he'd lied to her? He cared for her as much as she cared for him.
"Say it, my love, say it."
"Fuck me.” The tip of his cock slid inside her opening and she arched back into him. When he pulled away, she groaned in need.
"Again."
"Fuck me.” He fed her more this time, stretching her quim into that wonderful way that made her feel as though she belonged to him. She thrust back, crying out in need as he pulled out yet again, then licked her ear, his hot breath making her shiver.
"Again, and then scream for me."
She moved her lips to him as he bent down, putting his ear right next to her mouth. “Fuck me, my love."
He slammed inside her and Syndra dropped her head and screamed out his name. The sound of his flesh hitting hers filled the small space as he banged his cock in and out of her quim, sending her flying into an orgasm that topped anything she had ever felt. She clawed at the stairs, grasped at the walls, and begged for more.
Keran grasped her hips tightly and she would swear he was deeper inside her than she had ever felt. His sweat dripped into her hair, his moans of exertion creating chills in her body. When he filled her quim, she could feel his seed erupt from him, finding a new home in her body.
"Keran. I love you."
"And I you, Syndra. My beautiful taste of Syn. Please do not ever forget it."
"I never will again. I promise.” He dropped a kiss on her neck, then helped her to stand before turning her around and claiming her lips in what Syndra could only think of as a claiming. No, I will never forget. No matter what happens.
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Chapter Thirteen
Patrick stood just outside the door, leaning against the wall, his arms crossed over his chest. The look of amusement on his face made heat rise in Syndra's chest.
"Enjoy yourselves?"
"Yes,” Keran replied. “We had a wonderful time. What are you doing here?"
A Dusting of Syn Page 9
