He couldn’t stop the dread in his voice, “And.”
“The priest said he had news of Lady Lillian’s father. He had her father’s signet ring and a letter. He would not meet her here because of his fear of…”
“Of…”
“You.” She couldn’t look Eriik in the eye.
“By the gods, I will kill him.” His fists were clenched and his face was bright red. “To the tunnel.”
Eriik and all of his men ran to the tunnel and through it with torches looking for anything out of the ordinary. Eriik knew this tunnel well. He and Bjorn had played there as children. It seems there were signs of a struggle and it constricted Eriik’s throat with alarm, but at the exit to the tunnel, they found a piece of linen staked to a tree with writing on it. Eriik couldn’t bear to look, so Bjorn started to read it to himself.
I have finally found a way out and I’m taking it gladly. I am going home to my loving mother and father, leaving this god forsaken place to be free at last, to be with the husband my mother chose for me. I want nothing more to do with you, Eriik, and your heathen friends. You should not follow me.
Lilian.
It was no easy task, as it was written in a scrawl, but what was written there would surely tear his friend to shreds, perhaps not physically, but worse. Bjorn started reading it aloud but Eriik stopped him after Lillian said she had found a way out and was taking it gladly. He couldn’t stand anymore. He didn’t see the point, she was gone and he was alone.
Bjorn handed the letter to Eriik but he couldn’t look at it. All the color had completely drained from his face. He was a broken man. He had given his heart to Lillian and she had torn it to shreds. He didn’t think he would ever get over this. No, damn her to hell! Obviously she had been pretending the whole time. He was so sure she cared for him. What an idiot. She played him well. Just enough time and freedom to find a way out. Well, he could have any woman he wanted and that’s what he intended to do, dammit, what he would do. But why did he want only this woman? By the gods he would never taste those words cross his lips!
As Eriik was turning around sadly for home, Lillian was riding swiftly away…from home.
Chapter 21
As Lillian’s nightmare continued and the journey dragged on, she had given up on seeing Eriik ride up on his magnificent war horse to save her so she could tell him how she really felt. She loved him. She wanted to spend the rest of her life with him and bear his children. It was as simple as that. Obviously he had not recognized the inconsistencies of the letter meant for him, to realize she had been taken against her will. She had written in a messy scrawl as a clue, but perhaps that was one of the reasons he hadn’t picked up on it, he probably couldn’t even read most of it. Oh, what an idiot she was. Eriik had never even seen her lessons. He would not have known whether she could write his language well or not. If only she had had a little more time to think. There was no use going over what she should have done, they were far away from Eriik now and getting closer to the foul Lord Montfort each day. Her only hope was her father. Perhaps he had changed his mind and would save her from her fate.
****
One evening, as Lillian lay on her bedroll staring at the stars, she felt more than saw someone standing over her. She felt a hand suddenly clasp over her mouth, and a soft whisper in her ear, “If I take my hand away and you scream, I’ll slit your throat right here and now, do you understand?”
Lillian nodded. It was the man called Rowan.
She said in a low, quiet voice, “What do you want?
“Well, I’m feeling rather lonely tonight and decided I would pay you a long overdue visit. I thought it was high time you knew what it was like to be with a real man, not some pagan, and that time is now wench.”
He started to caress her cheek but she turned in disgust, “I demand you get away from me immediately.”
“Oh you demand, do you, miss holier than thou?”
“Don’t you think your reward will be compromised if you continue this rape or worse, slit my throat?”
“Now, now my little harlot, I certainly wouldn’t call this rape, it’s just the two of us getting to know each other a little better and I don’t think I’ll have to get violent, it’s not like you’ve never seen one of these before, is it my sweet?” He pulled his pants down so Lillian could see his swollen flesh.
She thought she may retch, “By God, I would rather throw myself into the sea than feel your filthy hands touch my flesh.”
His face suddenly turned and she saw the rage in his eyes and hand ball into a fist, coming straight for her face. She readied herself for the blow but it never came. She heard a loud crack and as she allowed herself to open her eyes she saw that Ulric had knocked Rowan to the ground with a malicious punch to his head.
“Don’t be thanking me too soon your highness, I wouldn’t mind a minute or two between your tender thighs myself. Believe me, I would love to ram myself into you so hard your teeth would chatter, just to humble you if nothing more. I don’t understand why it would matter to Lord Montfort, you’re already soiled goods anyway, but for some reason, it does,” he finished with a scornful look in his eyes.
“I simply can’t allow my reward to be challenged because of weakness of the flesh, including my own.” He sounded disappointed. “We’ll be seeing the good lord soon so best prepare yourself. He’ll be quite glad to have you in his grasp once again,” he grinned a self-satisfied grin and walked away dragging the unconscious Rowan with him.
The thought of seeing the despicable Lord Montfort again made Lillian’s stomach turn. Perhaps she could run away, but they always kept to the back roads and Ulric had her well-guarded at all times, making that almost impossible. Trying to run off in the middle of nowhere could easily lead to an early demise, so she kept her hopes on her father to see what an evil man Lord Montfort was and save her when they arrived, which according to Ulric was very soon now. Trying to get any sleep with that horrid fate looming close was unattainable. She spent most of her time thinking of Eriik and wondering if he had forgotten about her and gone on to more fertile fields by now. That thought brought about a hopelessness that she simply couldn’t abide. She must have fallen asleep because when she opened her eyes, it was morning and she remembered seeing the most handsome face with the bluest eyes, golden hair, and thick corded muscles arriving to save her. Oh for it to have been more than a dream, for him to materialize now that the sun was up and her eyes were open. She would love to feel those broad, hard muscles close around her, protecting her from the ugliness of the world like a cocoon. Tears came unbidden to her eyes, but she held them back as Ulric came into view. She would not have him see her cry. She straightened her spine, looked at him defiantly, mounted, and they rode on toward her frightening future.
Chapter 22
This day had been a particularly difficult day. They seemed to stop for nothing, eating jerky while in the saddle. Lillian was almost falling asleep while plodding along when she heard the nervous chatter amongst the men and tried to focus on what the excitement was all about. When she saw the monstrous castle rising out of the colorful streaks of the last of the sun’s rays, a lump formed in her throat she could not swallow. She had never seen that citadel before, but she didn’t have to, she knew who resided there. She pulled her horse up short, but Ulric was right behind her to spur her mount to continue on. She was almost to the point she had been dreading now since her mother had sold her out for greed. How could her entire life have been turned upside down in just a few short months? More importantly, how could she have found love in the most impossible place imaginable and now lost it, being replaced by the most foul man she had ever met? As they pushed closer, she prayed to God to please somehow save her, but if for some reason this was his will, let her meet it with dignity. Ulric grabbed Lillian’s reins and brought her mount to a canter as they closed the gap to the fortress, and as they pulled the horses to a stop at the front gate, Lord Montfort himself came out to greet them, along with
his staff.
A smiling man stepped forward and said happily, “Ah Lady Lillian, we haven’t had the pleasure, my name is James Montfort. I’m Simon’s cousin. I’m so pleased to make your acquaintance.”
He was so pleasant, Lillian was almost happy to meet him, “Nice to meet you too, my lord.”
Then Simon Montfort stepped forward with a leering grin across his ugly face.
“Yes, welcome Lady Lillian. It’s been far too long since I’ve enjoyed your company. Don’t mind my half-witted cousin, I’m sure you’re exhausted so I’ll accept your thanks later at dinner. I’m sure you don’t quite have the words at this time to thank me for your rescue from the villainess pagans that assaulted your home and took you hostage. I, however, can think of many ways for you to repay me,” he said under his breath. He had a wicked smile glued to his face. James, on the other hand, had lost his smile completely.
Lillian didn’t say the words that immediately came to mind. She knew if she reacted as she wished, there would be hell to pay, so she asked demurely, “Yes, I’m quite weary from the journey. Might I freshen up, please?”
“Of course, my dear. I have a chamber ready for you.” He nodded and a maid motioned Lillian to follow her. Nothing would feel better at the moment than to be away from all these dreadful men and be alone. She told the maid she would be fine on her own and as soon as the chamber door closed, she sighed with relief. Now, if she could just fly out the window like a bird, everything would be fine. She took a minute to look around the room and was horrified to find everything she could ever want neatly arranged, from brushes and mirrors, to frocks that looked just her size. This was like a nightmare but she knew she would not be waking up any time soon. Once again, she was asking herself if she should throw herself from the window, but this time she really meant it. She could see so clearly now what had really gone on inside her head when she was with Eriik and how her stubbornness had kept them apart so long. If she only had that time back, how she would change it all.
She went to the door and just as she expected, it was locked. The locked door brought back so many memories, good ones now. She couldn’t help the onslaught of tears that overwhelmed her as she wept for all the time wasted and all the love lost.
Chapter 23
Lillian forced herself to change into the nightclothes provided by the lord, even though putting them on made her shiver. She simply had to rid herself of the clothes she had had on for so many endless weeks, washing only parts of them in streams they found along the way. She wouldn’t admit even to herself how wonderful the silk felt against her skin. If only it had been from someone, anyone else. She wouldn’t think of it anymore. At least she was warm and dry and had clean clothes. She spied the brush and was in heaven again as she got to brush the awful tangles out of her hair and lie down on a soft bed. If only the lock on the door was locked from her side. The weeks on the trail and now lying on the comfortable bed in the silken nightgown must have been the impetus to cause her to be slumbering peacefully in no time, no nightmares marring her sleep this night and no lord making an appearance.
She awoke the next morning refreshed and ready to meet the day. She had decided just before drifting off that Lord Montfort didn’t know it yet, but he had met his match. She was not willing to go to his marriage bed without a fight. She would be no lamb to the slaughter. She still had her father and if history was any lesson, he could be persuaded. Her mother was gone now and while she tried to be saddened by that fact, respect that she was her mother was all she could summon. However with her mother’s greed for political gain gone now, perhaps she could sway her father. A little common sense should prevail. Frederick was always a very practical man. Her mind made up, she would be the genteel lady she was brought up to be and look forward to seeing her father. These social weddings usually took months to plan so perhaps she had the time she needed. She picked out a particularly fetching frock and readied herself for when she would be allowed outside the bedroom door. This was another conversation they would need to have soon. The future Lady Montfort should not be locked up like a common prisoner. Where would she go after all? The only place would be her father’s home and that was entirely too far to go without an escort, which was exactly what she intended to request soon. Until then she would play her role to the best of her ability. The disgusting Lord Montfort didn’t know who he was up against.
Speaking of the lock, she heard the bolt tumble and the door opened abruptly as the lord regally entered the room with nothing on but a well adorned wrapper. ”I’ve been thinking, dear, there is no need for me to wait for the marriage bed, you have, after all, been quite the trollop. You are already soiled, my dove, you are certainly no virgin. I’ve been assured of this by my men on good authority. They listened to the talk of the townspeople and the whispers of the servants of the pagan Jarl to know exactly how you felt and what you were doing with the heathen devil.” He walked toward her and opened the wrapper as if he were unwrapping a special Christmas package. He stood there before her naked, with his bones showing through his white, pasty skin and his sex member flopping unresponsive between his legs. His lank stringy hair hung lifeless on his scrawny neck. Looking at this poor excuse of a man brought to memory Eriik’s beautiful golden hair falling gloriously about his strong, thick neckline, where his pulse beat fiercely and the saber of his maleness hard and thick, reaching for his belly. She blushed thinking of such things and smiled in spite of herself. She could almost see his strong, muscular frame standing tall and formidable in front of her. Looking now at Montfort was a disgusting sight to behold and chills went up Lillian’s spine, but she made certain to conceal it. She had seen two men in her entire lifetime naked and the comparison was woeful. She was standing there with her mouth hanging open and decided a saucy reply was in order. “You’re men don’t think I’m a blushing bride do they now? Well let me tell you something, lord,” she spat the word out like venom.
“It’s one thing to be raped by rampaging Vikings who laid siege to my home and took me hostage, and entirely another matter to be raped by the great Lord Montfort, held in such high regard by the lords and ladies of the land. What do you think will happen to your precious reputation when they find out, and they will find out, unless, of course, you plan to murder me. Is that your plan, my lord?
Montfort seemed to turn an even whiter shade of pale and sputtered, “Of course not, we will be wed. You will be Lady Montfort!”
“I see. Then there will be no sexual folly outside of wedlock, and that’s the last I will hear of it, or see of it.”
Lillian didn’t think she would ever be able to get that vision of him naked out of her head. She couldn’t even contemplate the vision becoming a nightly routine.
She whirled around as to signal the end of that particular conversation and silently asked Eriik’s forgiveness for even mentioning the word rape when speaking of him. He never once treated her with anything but kindness, even when tethering her to him. Everything she remembered now, even that, was remembered with fondness.
Lord Montfort sped out of the room. He was enraged, and on his way to his own chamber he grabbed a chamber maid, dragging her with him by her hair. The maid, Theona, knew better than to scream. He slammed the door and threw her down to the floor. He sat in his favorite chair and crooked his finger to have her crawl to him as if she were a dog. He opened his wrapper and it was very clear what he expected her to do. It wasn’t the first time. He pushed her head into his crotch until she thought she might suffocate. His sorry excuse of a cock was so limp and soft, Theona had a difficult time getting it into her mouth and as she was trying, he brought her head up, “Having a hard time dearie?” He slapped her so hard it actually hurt his hand. That made him feel a little better, especially picturing Lillian in her place. He tore the bodice of her dress and looked at her naked from the waist up. It did nothing to arouse him. He slapped her again and he felt some movement between his legs. Pushing her face down again between his legs, he grabbed
his ridding crop and flogged her again and again until he could see red welts standing out on her bare back. He took his fingernails and pricked the welts until they bled, leaving fine trails of blood streaking down her fair skin and that’s when he really started to feel stimulated. Her face was starting to turn black and blue and her back was streaked with blood and that’s when he was finally firm enough for her to be able to put her mouth around him, saying not a word, crying not a tear. It took forever, but she continued until it was finished. Montfort called for his man servant to take Theona to a room to be tended to until she was fit to work again. “See now my dear, you’ll be able to lie around in bed, avoiding work for a few days. Aren’t you the lucky wench.”
Chapter 24
The next morning, as Lillian heard the bolt slip off the door once again, she regally strutted through it as any Lady of the Realm might do. She looked as if any dissent would not be tolerated. She gingerly touched each stair as if she were floating on air, and it seemed the entire castle came to a stop to see the vision descend the great staircase. Even Lord Montfort came to a halt and stared.
She waited to be seated by the lord at the head of the table to be served as the lady she was, and all kinds of activity flared as well. The lady is ready to break her fast and the staff buzzed. Lillian wanted Lord Montfort to think that he wasn’t going to have as much trouble with her as he had once feared. She was sure he had a plan if things went awry, so she needed to convince him that perhaps she had been mistreated in the Norse land and was ready for English genteel living again, reserved only for the upper crust. She needed him to believe it absolutely, at least for the time being. Maybe he would think she had been taught a lesson by the horrible Norsemen. She needed the time.
Viking's Desire: Sexy-Romance Novel: A Viking Love Story Page 9
