“You are welcome to visit briefly.”
“How kind of you,” Reena said with a pleasant smile. “Where is Mary?”
Decimus had no chance to answer.
“Mary!” Reena yelled and hurried past Decimus.
He turned to see his wife walking out the door dressed in proper attire, not a smudge on her pale face. He had to restrain himself from rushing forward and scooping her up in his arms. She looked near to collapsing.
“Are you all right?” Reena asked with alarm.
Mary stepped forward on trembling legs. She was bone tired and hungry, and though she was thrilled to see Reena and the others, she wanted nothing more than her husband’s loving arms around her.
She managed a weak smiled and looked to Decimus before answering Reena. “I am—”
She was suddenly lifted up into her husband’s arms.
“Did I give you permission to get out of bed?” he said, his nostrils flaring and his eyes blazing with an angry heat.
“You have been ill?” Reena asked, close on Decimus’s heels.
“Mary has not felt well for days and needs rest.” Decimus was firm in his retort.
“I will look after her,” Reena offered, though it sounded more like a demand.
“That is not necessary. Wait in the hall while I see to my wife.”
There was no doubt that he meant to be obeyed, and Magnus reached out and grabbed his wife by the back of her tunic.
“Do as he says. You will talk with Mary soon enough.”
“She does not look well at all,” Reena said concerned.
“We will make certain she is well before we leave here,” Magnus assured her.
“That we will,” Reena said, folding her arms firmly across her chest. “For I will not leave here until I am certain of it.”
Decimus wanted to scream, shout, and cry out his joy that Mary had returned safely, though she appeared completely exhausted. And that worried him.
“I should have never let you do this,” he said, placing her gently on the bed.
Mary rested her hand on his cheek. “Jenna and her brother are free and I am but tired. Freedom heals them and sleep will heal me.”
He kissed her palm. “You took longer than I expected; I worried that something had happened to you.”
“I came upon your men,” she said quietly. “I thought only one at first and was ready with my bow and arrow. Then I spied another and knew I needed to hide and wait for them to pass. It delayed my return.”
Her near capture filled him with dread, and he silently swore he would never place her in such danger again. He would see her safe and free of harm. “Rest,” he urged and placed her hand on her stomach, his hand covering hers.
“I understand now.” Her eyes drifted closed.
“What do you understand?”
“Why the Dark One does what he does.”
“And why he must continue his work,” he said regretfully.
“Everything changes yet it stays the same.”
Decimus had to lean closer to hear her, her voicing drifting off to a mere whisper as she fell asleep. He did not understand the pertinence of her remark, but then she was tired and probably not making sense.
He waited by her side until he was certain she was asleep. When a soft knock sounded at the door, he hurried to see who dared disturb them.
Reena stood with her hands on her hips, Brigid behind her. He had to admire Reena, for a small wisp of a woman she had courage.
“Is Mary all right?”
“She is with child and has not been well.” He saw no reason to keep that information from them and it was time her pregnancy was known, time for their escape plan to begin.
Reena went to walk past him but he blocked her with his arm across the doorway. “She sleeps.”
Reena looked perturbed, but Brigid handled herself well.
“Would you like someone to sit with her in case she should wake and need assistance?”
Reena was more direct. “We heard that her personal servant was accused of stealing and had escaped before punishment. It must have upset her.”
“It was no concern of hers.” He had often wanted to cringe at his own arrogance, but it was necessary to keep up the façade. He was however grateful to Brigid for offering to sit with his wife. He would feel more at ease if someone he could trust remained with her.
He stood aside. “Do not disturb her.”
He forced himself not to smile when he saw Brigid grab hold of Reena’s arm. The tiny, thin woman looked ready to lunge at him. He was glad to know Mary had good friends. She would need them.
They walked to the bed and after seeing that Mary was asleep, Reena pulled a chair near the bed for Brigid to sit.
Decimus noticed then that Brigid was round with child and a sudden sadness rushed over him. He would have to send Mary away when she was heavy with his child. He would watch her walk out of his life never to see her or to know his offspring.
He wanted to scream and lash out at someone but he could do nothing, just as he had not been able to do anything about his family’s suffering. What good was love when it only brought more pain and sorrow?
He turned and hurried out the door. A scurry of footsteps caught up with him as he descended the staircase.
“Since Mary has not been well, I think it wise she return with us so that she may get proper care.”
Decimus stopped so abruptly that Reena smashed into his back. He turned, grabbed hold of her arm, and marched her down the remainder of the steps.
“Mary stays with me.” He felt his fury boiling. He had only a short time left with his wife and he was not willing to relinquish a moment of it.
“Take your hand off my wife.”
Reena froze along with Decimus. She had not heard her husband use that vicious tone often, but when he did there was not a soul who did not obey him.
Decimus released her slowly. “Your wife speaks when she should not.”
“A trait I admire in her,” Magnus said and held his hand out to his wife.
Reena took it and stood to his side.
“Your reason for being here?” Decimus asked bluntly.
“We came to visit Mary,” Magnus said, recalling how one day his wife burst into his solar and insisted they go see how Mary was fairing. She wanted to leave that day, that very minute. It was obvious she had been worried, then Magnus found out that Reena had received a note from Mary, requesting help. Help with what she had not specified. They left the next day.
“We can set up camp in the woods if we are not welcomed here,” Magnus said, receiving no immediate response from Decimus.
“You may stay,” Decimus said, his own thoughts on the note Mary had sent to Reena. “I will have rooms made ready for you.”
“Thank you for your hospitality,” Magnus replied, though he sounded just as grieved as Decimus. It appeared they both felt the same; Magnus did not want to be there and Decimus did not want him here.
One of Decimus’s men rushed into the hall and, after a respectful bow to Decimus, said, “The men are returning, my lord.”
He waved him away and summoned a servant working in the hall. “See that food is brought to our guests and rooms prepared.” He looked to Magnus. “I must see to my duties. Do not get in the way of my men or the workings of this fortress, or you will pay the penalty.”
Magnus waited until Decimus left the hall before he turned to his wife.
Her words prevented his own. “Mary is pregnant.” She lowered her voice. “And I do not think Decimus is the father.”
While Thomas and Magnus set up camp for their men outside the fortress, Reena decided to see what she could learn on her own.
An hour later with a food tray in hand, she joined Brigid. The two women sat at the table near the window and talked in whispers, not wanting to wake Mary.
“I find few who are happy here, and those who claim to be speak out of fear,” Reena said. “One woman wishes she could take Jenna�
��s place as Mary’s personal servant. Jenna had often spoken of how kind and considerate the lord’s new wife was and many had been jealous. Jenna had also defended Mary against gossip.”
“What gossip?” Brigid asked.
Reena looked to the bed where Mary lay sound asleep. She kept her voice low just the same. “There is talk that Mary was with child before coming to the fortress.”
Brigid shook her head. “But then that would mean that Decimus is not—” Brigid gasped then quickly covered her mouth with her hand and cast an anxious glance to the bed.
“Mary sleeps deeply, probably exhausted by her worries and all she has endured.”
“The father could only be . . .” Brigid looked around the room suspiciously. “The walls have eyes and ears, one can never be too careful.”
“True,” Reena agreed, casting her own suspicious glance. “We will need to be cautious.”
“Do you think the babe is why Mary summoned us?”
“What else could it be?” Reena kept her voice to a murmur. “We must help her get away from Decimus before it is too late.”
Chapter 34
Mary woke to a faint flicker of light from the fireplace. Though summer was near upon them, the stone fortress retained a chill and a low fire was kept in the fireplaces.
She was grateful for the spark of light, unafraid of the shadows that lurked in the corners and around the edge of the bed. The darkness meant she had slept the day away. She had no sense of time and felt as if she could sleep several more hours. Her stomach, however, was the culprit that woke her. She was reminded that she had not eaten in nearly a day.
Unfortunately she did not feel like moving. She was warm and snug beneath the soft, light wool blanket. She yawned more loudly than she intended and her stomach grumbled right afterward.
“Hungry and tired?” The familiar voice asked from the shadows.
Mary smiled as Decimus stepped into the light. Perhaps it was the old familiar voice that made her feel at ease with a face that was yet not recognizable as the man she loved.
“I thought myself alone.” She reached her arms out to him.
He sat on the bed and slipped into her arms, lifting her up to meet him and hugging her as if it had been months since last he held her.
“I would not leave you alone,” he chided.
She laughed softly at his rebuke.
He poked her in the side where he knew it tickled. “You no longer fear the all-powerful Decimus?”
She captured his finger in her hand, holding it prisoner. “I no longer fear Decimus.” She lowered her voice. “I know his secret.”
He leaned closer and whispered. “What is it?”
She touched her lips faintly to his. “He has a loving and caring heart.”
“That’s a dangerous secret to know.” He returned her kiss.
“I would go to my grave with it.”
He stopped, about to kiss her once again. “You will do no such thing. If ever you should find yourself in danger of protecting my identity, you will save yourself.”
“How can you ask that of me? And besides, I would be put to death for consorting with you no matter what information I surrendered.”
He stood and grabbed hold of his head as though he prevented it from exploding. “I cannot bear the thought of you suffering for loving me.”
“I would suffer more if I did not love you.”
His browed wrinkled and he looked confused. “Sometimes you make no sense.”
“That,” she said, attempting to sit up and he hurrying to assist her, “is when I make the most sense.”
Decimus braced pillows behind her back. “We shall discuss this and other matters while you eat, then you can rest again.”
“Is it late, everyone abed?”
“All retired at least two hours ago, the fortress rests.” He walked over to the fireplace and after a few moments he returned with a tray. “I have kept this goose pie hot for you.”
Mary licked her lips and rubbed her hands together.
He placed the silver tray on her lap and placed a cloth upon her chest.
“Tell me why you would suffer more if you did not love me.”
Mary took several spoonfuls before offering an explanation. “To have never known such a wonderful love existed would have caused more suffering in my life. I would have forever wondered about love and why I could never find it.”
“You would have found another love.”
She shook her head. “You are my destiny.” The seer was right. Decimus was her destiny and she planned on seeing to his demise, so that Michael could live.
“Destiny makes the choice for us then.”
“Destiny presents us with choices; it is up to us. Destiny presented us to each other; it is our decision what we do with our love.”
“We have no choice in this matter,” he insisted.
“But we do.”
“You know I cannot walk away from those who need my help,” he said, frustrated by his own reasoning.
“Everything changes yet remains the same.”
He shook his head. “You said that before falling asleep and I wondered what you meant.”
“You fight for the innocent who suffer, but the innocent continue to suffer. No matter how many people you free, there will always be more people who need freeing. Thus, things change, yet remain the same. Only until man opens his mind and heart together, will ample change take place. You should be aware of this since you spoke with my father and know of his teachings.”
“Some teachings are easier to learn and practice than others. But tell me, could you have allowed Jenna and William to suffer?”
“Not when I had it in my power to see them free.”
“Then how do I walk away knowing countless people will suffer because I was not there to save them?” he asked.
“There will always be countless people you cannot save, perhaps it is time to change your fighting tactics.” She hurried her hand to her mouth to cover the huge yawn that attacked her.
“You need more rest,” he said and reached for the tray, most of the goose pie gone.
She snuggled down under the blanket. “You will join me?”
He placed the tray on the table and returned to the bed to kiss her cheek. “I will join you shortly.”
One tired eye widened. “I had forgotten. We have visitors.”
“Someone in particular who is determined to see you well and gone from this fortress.”
“Reena.” Mary smiled. “I look forward to speaking with her. And Brigid, she is well?”
“She sat with you while you slept.”
“It is so good to have caring friends.” She yawned again.
“Sleep,” he urged her. “You will visit with them tomorrow.”
Her eyes were already drifting shut and her words a mere mumble. “I love you.”
He sat watching her sleep, thinking of his love for her and the tiny babe that nestled safely in her stomach. He would protect them both with his life never letting any harm come to either of them. That was the very reason he was sending her away, to keep his family safe. He had been unable to protect his family once; he would not see it happen again even if it meant he could not be with them.
But her words had made sense. How long could he continue leading this double life before someone discovered his secret? How many could he save and how much of a difference did it make?
Was there a way for them to be together?
Did he dare hope that they had a chance?
He shook his head and walked to the window, leaning against the wall and looking out on total darkness. He had lived in the shadows for over twenty years and was barely thirty and four years. How much longer could he exist in darkness?
Had not his path been defined for him after losing his family? Had he not made a pledge to avenge their deaths? Had he not kept it?
He had placed his family in danger once before because he listened to others’ opinions. He could no
t be persuaded again to make a foolish choice. He had to know his wife and child would be safe, and they could only be safe far away from him.
As much as it hurt him to let Mary go, he had no choice. He would make plans and see that Roarke took her to safety, and he would say his last goodbye to her and his unborn child.
Mary woke to a delicious scent and found Reena and Brigid sitting at the table in her bedchamber whispering and eating.
“Save some for me, I am starved,” she said and threw the blanket back to hurry out of bed.
The three women squealed with delight and hugged each other. Reena fussed over Mary, finding a black velvet robe, though the sleeves too long, for her to wear. Reena saw to freeing her hands, folding the velvet sleeves back several times, then the three gathered around the table to share the morning meal and talk.
“First, we must know you are well,” Reena said. “You looked so very pale yesterday and then Decimus told us of the child you carry.”
“I am fine.”
“Are you sure?” Brigid asked, placing a protective hand on her rounded stomach. “You do not want to take a chance with your or your child’s life.”
Mary rested crossed hands on the table and prayed the choice she was about to make was a wise one. She had no doubt that she could trust the two women; it was that she would be placing them in danger that made her reconsider.
“Your note was clear,” Reena reminded her. “You need help and that is why we are here.”
“The help comes with a steep price. It places you both in extreme danger. I have no right to ask you to take such a risk.”
“We are friends.” Reena said, covering Mary’s hands with her own.
“Brigid, you are with child and I understand if—”
Brigid added her hand to theirs. “You are with child as well, and as Reena said we are friends.”
Mary nodded and spoke before she could change her mind. “I helped two prisoners escape the fortress and was only returning from a day’s walk when you arrived.”
The two women stared at her in shocked silence for a brief moment.
“You took a risk being with child and being Decimus’s wife,” Reena scolded out of concern.
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