Natalya was livid at his rough treatment of the child and over his harsh words towards his wife, and she instantly let him know by grabbing his arm and pulling him away from Bethany. Samuel raised one big meaty fist instinctively, but froze when he was faced with the reality of a glowering Natalya, Lady Arcos, and half dozen servants who had crowded into the room.
“Strike her and I shall personally see to it that my husband finds a place for you in the dungeon. I don’t abide by his treatment of humans, and I abhor torture and cruelty, but you, Sir deserve every ounce of pain he could deliver. How dare you strike that child and speak so viciously to your wife. Come here, sweet and let me see you. Are you hurt?”
Samuel lowered his fist, his eyes bulging with fury, his face red, his chest heaving as he fought for control. He was raging inside but knew one word, one movement could bring about more agony than he could imagine. He watched with growing rage as his niece ran to the bitch who called herself a Lady, praying neither would remember seeing each other before.
As the child raced forward, Alliana carefully got to her knees so she could look the little girl over. She raised a hand to brush the hair away from her face as Bethany smiled at her shyly and wiped away the last remnants of tears streaking her cheeks and then stopped, tilting her head to one side. Could it really be? The light was dim inside the cottage and she had only seen the child from months past for just a few moments, but this little girl looked so much like the one who had been wearing the medallion.
Alliana smiled at the child, not wanting to scare her away, and tilted her chin up gently, looking her over, turning her head from side to side. Could it truly be that she had been so lucky as to find the child in the first few minutes of her visit? It hardly seemed possible.
“Did he hurt you honey? Are you all right? Let me see you.”
The child, Bethany, turned frightened eyes towards her glowering uncle, but then looked back at Alliana and reached out to toy with a cameo pendant that Alliana had fastened around her neck, and slowly nodded.
“Poor poppet, tis all right now. He won’t be hitting you again. Do you like my pretty necklace? I have lots of pretty things.”
Bethany nodded slowly, her eyes shifting to her uncle yet again. His own gaze had turned icy and the child shivered under it then backed away from Alliana and went to hide behind her mother who was sitting in a chair near the bed where Rowen was resting.
Natalya had yet to pick up on the fact that Alliana thought the child was the one she sought, but it was clear to her that Samuel was very upset about the entire turn of events. He knew he had been bested by the two women and also knew he had no say in what went on in his home any longer. Storming to the door he pushed aside a chair, knocking it on its side, and then turned to the women.
“Do what you feel you must then get out. I won’t have that bitch in my home. She is tainted with evil and she’ll bring naught but trouble for us.”
“We shall leave when I am through here, Samuel, but be warned. The Master of the castle and his first in command will have their fill of your behavior here. You barred our entry, insulted the Mistress, and struck that child. I should think it wise if you prepare yourself for retribution. Go see to the cow that was brought. And remember, it is to be used for milk for Bethany, not meat to fill your belly. Slaughter it and your life will become very short.”
Alliana was surprised at Natalya’s brave words and at her sense of fierceness towards the man. While it was true he was a brutish lout, that didn’t warrant his death. Perhaps her friend was better acquainted with the man’s charms than Alliana was. Regardless, Alliana simply couldn’t wait to tell Natalya of her belief that the little girl, Bethany, was the one they sought. The only questions were, did the child still have the medallion, and did these two women trust Natalya enough to give it to them? She still could hardly believe her luck in finding the little girl in the very home where Natalya went every day.
After Samuel left, things became much more relaxed in the cottage. Natalya set to work examining Rowen while her sister offered their visitors tea and bread. Their larder was well stocked thanks to Lord Arcos, so such things were now possible. As they sat at the small table in the smoky dim light, the woman shyly took Alliana’s hand and mumbled her thanks for what they had been given. She asked for Alliana’s pardon for being so very bold, but said that it was clear that the new Lady of the castle must be having a calming influence on the man called Mikhal the Merciless, for their lives had improved tenfold since Alliana’s arrival.
Her words surprised Alliana and made her truly think about Mikhal’s behavior. She remembered how silent the village had been on the night he had ridden her through after their visit to her encampment. She remember how terrified all of the serfs had been when they had been forced to come to the castle to witness their unholy union, and she remember the hatred and mistrust that flowed from the people who resided on her husband’s land. Now here was a woman saying she was thankful for Lord Arcos. The woman was telling her the terrorization in the night had stopped, and that they were being taken care of by the very man whom they had loathed, and Alliana had to listen to the tiny voice inside her that began to say ‘See, he is changing, and he’s doing it for you.’ It was a somewhat uncomfortable feeling to think perhaps she was wrong about her husband never being able to conquer the monster that lay inside him.
When Natalya was done, she helped a very quiet Alliana to her feet and led her from the cottage, asking her if she’d had a nice chat. Alliana assured her quickly that she had, and changed the subject to that of Samuel, asking if he acted so viciously towards her all the time and asking her if she ever felt the man were dangerous. Natalya noted the change in subject at once but didn’t delve into the reason. What had been said between Alliana and Rowen’s sister was not her business unless Alliana chose to share it with her.
They went towards the cart, and saw that the serfs had emptied the wagon in their absence and both women smiled. They didn’t begrudge the serfs the food even if they had been so staunch in their belief that Alliana meant them harm. When they were ready, one of the servants helped Alliana into the carriage while Natalya made herself comfortable, and as the driver was told to depart, Alliana reached for Natalya’s hand, a twinkle in her eyes, and whispered, “I have good news.”
Natalya’s brow creased, then her eyebrows went up; she was dying of curiosity, but held her tongue. Alliana had looked over at the servant who rode right next to the wagon in a way that clearly said she couldn’t discuss her news in front of anyone. Natalya tilted her head to the side in a motion of question, and Alliana nodded yes. The small gestures between age old friends saying what had to be said. Yes, Alliana had seen the child she sought, but details would have to wait. Both women grinned at each other, then Natalya slipped her arm through Alliana’s, and they traveled that way in silence, content to be together and to have such a wonderful secret to share.
Chapter Twelve
Alliana, Natalya and their entourage arrived back at the castle well before dusk and were met by a much relieved Mikhal. The driver pulled the wagon into the shadows near the castle wall so his Master could welcome the Lady of the castle home, and Mikhal went forward eagerly, anxious to hear of what had transpired.
He reached for her and swung her up and over the side of the cart, holding her to him, burying his face in her hair, kissing her temple, savoring the feel of her next to him, thrilled that she was once more safe in his arms. The day had been a long one for him, one spent pacing his chambers, snapping orders at any and all who had dared to come near, questioning Lucian over and over about those who resided in the village.
He’d made his first in command sit with him throughout the endless day, not caring that the man needed rest. There was no one else within the walls he called home to whom he could turn to and share his misgivings, so the burden had fallen on Lucian’s shoulders to keep the Master of the castle calm while his wife was enjoying her little adventure.
Allia
na accepted Mikhal’s embrace willingly enough, but didn’t go so far as to wrap her arms around him in return. She was weary and though she had greatly enjoyed her visit, she feared that there would be a battle of wills between them because of what had happened with Rowen’s husband. Alliana was certain that when Mikhal heard of Samuel’s actions and disrespect, he would forbid her to journey to the village again, and that was something she was determined to fight him on.
At last Mikhal put her down, and held her away from him, looking her over, brushing her hair from her face and in turn pushing back the hood of her cloak. He scowled when he spied the dilko that graced her head. Alliana’s eyes widened and she reached up to snatch the offending garment off her head but she knew the damage had been done. She’d been careless and had forgotten to remove it before returning home, and the look in her husband’s eyes told her how very disappointed the scrap of fabric made him.
“Mikhal...”
“Not now, Alliana. We shall discuss it later.”
Alliana had no intention of getting into an argument with him now. She had whispered her secret to Natalya on the ride home and the two of them were anxious to get a plan underway to retrieve the medallion.
“There is nothing to discuss.”
“I disagree. You know how I feel about your past, and it offends me deeply that you should choose to flaunt your disregard of my authority in front of the serfs. They will think you do not care for your noble position as my wife.”
Alliana’s eyes turned stormy and Mikhal knew a tirade was coming. One he didn’t wish to hear. He held up his hand, his own gaze turning icy and commanding, issuing an order to be silent. Alliana fumed at him, but held her tongue, knowing that if she berated him now, all hope would be lost of her ever going to the village again.
“Tell me, wife. How was your visit? Did you enjoy yourself?”
He had taken her arm as he spoke and was in the process of leading her towards the castle doors, moving her away from Natalya and the servants, and out of their earshot.
“Very much, My Lord. Thank you for allowing me to go.” She glanced up at him with a shy smile on her face, doing her best to be charming. The change in her was obvious to Mikhal as was the reason, even without empathic abilities. It was clear she’d had a pleasurable day and knew being sweet to him now would assure her a repeat visit.
“Alliana, whether or not you are allowed to repeat the day’s activities depends on your health and the report I receive from the lead servant. It has nothing to do with your sweet smiles and honeyed words. I enjoy the fact that you are not a woman who tries to use her wiles to get her way anytime she has a chance and it would not bode well for you if you decided to become that type of conniving woman now.”
“I... I wouldn’t. I never.”
“I know, sweet. What I’m saying is that I would suggest that you don’t even try. I know you too well, love, and being a coquette doesn’t suit you. Marishka was shameless in her use of womanly wiles to get her way and I refuse to see you act the same.”
Alliana pulled her arm from his and put her hands on her hips in a fury. “Do not ever compare me to your demented sister!”
“Easy, kitten. Pull in your claws, twas merely a suggestion. I simply wish for you to know that you are quite transparent when you try to use your beauty and charm to make me do as you wish. I do things because of my reasons, not because of what you wish, wife. Always remember who is Master here.”
“You are a beast. I do not know if you are simply in a foul mood because you worried about me, or twas the dilko upon my head that has made you so disagreeable, but I wish to be left alone now if you don’t mind. I shan’t smile and bat my eyes in my request either. I presume an icy stare will work just as well to get my wishes known.”
“Alliana, please. I didn’t wish for you to become so upset.”
“Then perhaps you should not have accused me of being akin to your sister.”
“Come, wife. I tire of your sharp tongue. I shall take you to your chambers. Perhaps a nap will improve your mood.” He took her arm once more though Alliana held her body stiffly away from him as they walked. “So tell me of your journey. Whom did you see? Were the serfs pleasant?”
“Alliana didn’t speak for a moment. What should she tell him? He’d said only minutes ago that he would hear a report from the lead servant. If she said everything was fine and omitted Samuel’s horrid behavior and his disparaging actions, Mikhal would think she was deliberately trying to hide it form him if the servant told of what had transpired. On the other hand, if the man chose to remain mum about the incident, then she would have stirred up trouble where none was to be had.
“Sweet?”
“It was a wonderful day, Mikhal. The breeze had a taste of spring to it and the sun was shining so brightly.”
“That tells me nothing of the people, Alliana. How did they treat you, wife?”
Alliana stared straight ahead but Mikhal was looking at her closely from the corner of his eye and he saw her pull her bottom lip in to chew upon it, giving away her nervousness. He could feel her becoming distressed as they walked, making it clear something unpleasant had happened.
Mikhal stopped and turned her towards him, lifting her chin when she ducked her head. “Tell me what happened, Alliana. Was someone ill mannered?” He then grasped her by the arms and gave her a small shake. “Tell me. Did someone hurt you?”
Alliana tried to pull away but Mikhal held her fast. She shook her head from side to side in denial but he would have none of it. “Tell me what happened to you.”
“It was nothing, just a little thing. The husband of the woman Natalya sees is a boorish lout. He didn’t try to hurt me, not really; his words were unkind. Twas Natalya he raised a hand to, but nothing happened. She held her own and he backed down.”
Mikhal’s eyes flashed with outrage, his demon snarling that any man would dare to speak against his mate or raise a hand against a woman claimed by him. Alliana saw the amber in his gaze and tried to pull away, she knew fury was boiling inside him, and knew that fury could turn deadly in an instant.
Mikhal felt her struggle, saw her fear, and pushed his demon down, not allowing it to feed on Alliana’s terror. He hushed her and pulled her close, calming himself by focusing on the feel of her in his arms and the knowledge that she was safe. Alliana felt the change in him, felt the tension leave him, and relaxed, not wanting to incite his anger. That was, until she heard his decree.
“You shan’t be going there ever again. Not with Natalya, not ever.”
Alliana pushed at his chest as tears filled her eyes. This was what she had been afraid of. “No. You can’t do that to me, twas nothing, Mikhal. He didn’t hurt us. I want to go back.”
“You could have been hurt. Our son could have been hurt.”
“But I wasn’t. I enjoyed myself, Mikhal. I talked to people of my own kind. I played with a little girl. I had tea! Mikhal, you can’t take that away from me.”
“I can and I am. You won’t go again.”
“You told me you wanted to see me happy.” Her voice was rising and Mikhal was sure half his minions and most of the servants could clearly hear it. Their battles didn’t belong in the public forum. Most men would simply slap their wives to silence them and lock them I their rooms. Well he wouldn’t hit her, but he damn well would lock her away if that were what it took. A man could only be pushed so far.
“Enough, wife. If you don’t know by now that I truly do then we have nothing left to say. Silence that tongue.” He scooped her up then as she fought him and beat upon his chest, and carried her shrieking through the corridors to her chambers where he stormed in and dropped her unceremoniously on the bed. A startled Thalia let out a gasp but Mikhal’s glower told her it would be wise to leave immediately and she did just that.
Alliana made to get off the bed but Mikhal pushed her back down, holding her hands over her head in an eerily reminiscent manner of the night he had assaulted her for going to the village
the first time.
“Let me go. No! Leave me be. I hate you. You are a brute.”
“So you have told me over and over, sweet.”
“You promised not to touch me.”
“I’m not Alliana. Were I to touch you in the manner I wish to, you would be quite aware of it. We both know that. All it would take would be a simple brush of my thumb along your neck to make my shrew of a wife turn to fire beneath my hands if I so wished.”
She shook her head in denial but they both knew he spoke the truth. “Be that as it may, that is not the point I am trying to make. What I am saying here and now is that you will not, under any circumstances, venture outside these castle walls again. That is my final say and as your husband it is my right to tell you what to do.”
“You can’t stop me.”
This time a low growl came from deep within Mikhal’s chest as memories of her fleeing him once before flooded his brain. “I will lock you in this ivory tower of yours with all your pious virtue if I so much as think you will try and sneak away from here. Is that understood?”
“A lock upon the door confines my heart no more than the prison walls of this castle.”
“So dramatic, pet. Perhaps not, but it will keep you safe.”
“You promised, Mikhal. You promised to make me happy. You told me you would do what it took to win my heart.”
“I meant every word, Alliana, but I also fully intend to see that no harm ever comes to you or our child because of your reckless ways.”
“You don’t care for me. All that matters is the child I carry.”
Beneath The Shadows of Evil... Torn Page 16
