She went to the door and opened it, listening carefully. The muted sounds of people talking floated up from the great hall below. She had to fight the urge to close the door and run back to the bed and crawl back beneath the covers. All of them had seen the spectacle she’d made of herself last night. They also had to know where Marc and Jarek spent the night. In the short time she’d been here, Christina had quickly learned that gossip flowed fast and free throughout the castle.
But she was no coward. Squaring her shoulders, she marched out the door and down the stairs. No one noticed her at first and then Mara saw her and motioned her forward.
“Good, you’re finally up. Come and have something to eat.”
Christina pasted a serene smile on her face and walked across the room. She felt every eye following her, but when she made a quick glance to the side, she saw that their looks were of concern and several people, both men and women, smiled at her. She felt her tension easing slightly by the time she reached Mara’s side.
Mara examined her from head to toe before reaching out and touching the slight lump on her forehead. “You’re looking much better this morning.”
“Thank you. I feel good.” She really didn’t know what else to say to the older woman. Last night wasn’t something she particularly wanted to talk about.
But the moment had passed and Mara was already fixing a plate of food. Christina sank down onto the bench, grateful to note that everyone else had returned to their work. When Mara pushed the plate in front of her, Christina was more than ready to eat. Between nerves and the challenge last night, she’d hardly eaten yesterday. But after last nights activities with Jarek and Marc, she was starving. Thanking the other woman, she pulled the plate closer and began to eat.
She ate the brown bread, slathered with fresh butter and honey, and licked her fingers clean. Slices of apples and another fruit she didn’t recognize tempted her as well and she washed it all down with a mug of fresh spring water. When she’d consumed all the food, she sat back, totally replete.
Mara’s eyes twinkled as she removed the empty plate. “It’s good to see you eating again and enjoying your food. You must have worked up an appetite.”
Christina could feel the heat on her cheeks, but she couldn’t take offense at the teasing in Mara’s voice. Before she could think of some witty comeback, she felt Jarek behind her. Like some sixth sense, she hadn’t heard him, but she knew he was there.
“How do you feel this morning?” His deep voice washed over her like an intimate caress and it took all her resolve not to sink back against him.
“I’m fine.” She knew her voice was sharp, but honestly, she was getting tired of people treating her like she was sick. “I only fainted last night.”
Jarek ignored her last remark. “If you are well, would you like to go for a ride? It is a beautiful day.”
Christina berated herself for her ill temper knowing it was brought on by all the mixed emotions bombarding her. She knew that today was the day of decision, but for now she wanted to forget about that and just enjoy herself.
Rising from her seat at the table, she held out her hand. “I’d enjoy a ride.”
Jarek’s fingers wrapped around her hand and he raised it to his mouth. His breath was moist and warm against her knuckles as he kissed them one by one before tucking her hand in the crook of his arm.
She could hear Mara’s muffled laughter behind her. She shook her head at herself, knowing that she’d fallen under Jarek’s seductive spell yet again. The man was lethal. Giving Mara a grin, she shrugged as if to say, what do you expect? The older woman’s laughter bubbled over as she shooed them away.
The sunshine was warm and bright, and she had to squint against it as she left the darker shadows of the castle. Marc was holding the reins of three saddled horses, waiting patiently.
She shot him a questioning look. He flashed her a grin and walked forward, leading the horses behind him. “We thought you’d like to ride on your own today.”
The smaller horse that was sandwiched between the two larger ones shook her head and huffed. Christina felt an instant connection to the animal, understanding how the female horse must feel to be surrounded by all that male power. When the animal turned her liquid brown eyes on Christina, she could not resist and held out her hand. The animal nickered softly and thrust her head forward, bumping Christina’s hand.
“I don’t know how to ride.” She didn’t want to admit it, but she knew she had to be honest. But she regretted that she wouldn’t get the chance to ride such a lovely creature.
“Sunshine is a gentle mount.” Jarek led her closer to the horses. “All you have to do is relax and let her carry you.”
Christina reached out and stroked Sunshine’s neck, loving the feel of the soft brown coat under her fingers. “She’s beautiful.” The opportunity was too good to pass up. “I can try if you’re sure it’s safe.”
She bit her lip, suddenly afraid that Jarek would misconstrue her own fear as a lack of faith in him. The thought of him turning angry and cold as he had yesterday made her stomach drop and her hands tremble. “I don’t think my office health plan would cover a horseback accident.” Her joke fell flat between them.
But instead of anger, his eyes and voice were soft. “I would not have suggested it if it was not safe.”
Christina felt her tension dissolve and once again she was filled with anticipation and growing delight. “How do I get on?”
Jarek grinned. “Like this.” Gripping her around her waist, he lifted her and placed her on top of the horse.
Marc held Sunshine steady as Christina settled her skirts as best she could. They were bunched up above her knees, but there was nothing she could do about that. “Well, that was easy.” She gave them a saucy smile and both men chuckled at her show of bravado.
Jarek gathered the reins and handed them to her. “Just hold them lightly until you get a feel for the motion of the horse. Sunshine will respond to your lightest command, so there is no need to pull hard on the reins. Keep your thighs wrapped firm around her sides and tighten them slightly when you want her to move forward.”
It was all she could do to follow his simple instructions. With her legs wrapped around the horse, her sex was wide open and spread against the leather saddle. Jarek’s hand was on her leg just above her knee. With hardly any effort at all, he could slip it under the fabric and up to her pussy, which was wet and throbbing in anticipation of just such a touch. But Jarek kept his hand where it was and she struggled to listen to what he was telling her.
He released her leg and swung up into his own saddle. His horse pranced excitedly, but Jarek brought him under control quickly. Christina’s hands tightened on the reins, but Sunshine remained calm and just snorted at the unmannerly stallion. Relaxing, she settled back in the saddle, feeling a kinship with her own horse.
Marc reached out and touched her cheek drawing her attention his way. His thumb traced her lower lip and her lips parted slightly. He shook his head and pulled his hand away. “Any more of that and we’ll never make it out of the courtyard.”
Jarek tapped Sunshine on the side and all three horses began to move. At first, it took all of her attention just to stay in the saddle, but in a short time, she felt herself becoming accustomed to the gait of the horse. Soon, she was absorbed in the land around her as both men pointed out various plants and animals to her.
The day was one that she would never forget. They picnicked by a gurgling stream and she had delighted in wading in the cool depths while both men lay in the grass and watched her. They looked like two indulgent pashas as they stretched out on the green carpet. Her breath caught in her throat at the thought of never seeing them again, but she shoved it to the back of her mind. Today was about enjoyment.
They walked for a while and she learned more about the history of the Garen family and the world in which they lived. They referred to their country as Javara and explained that each ruling family held land that had been their
s for generations. They had a vast, complex history of war, but alliances had led to the peace in which they all now lived.
It was all so different from her own world, yet underlying it all, the people were no different. There were good people and evil people, those who wanted to create and those who would destroy, but most just wanted to live a good life with their families and loved ones.
When they finally rode back into the courtyard of the castle, the sun was setting, Christina was tired, but a strange energy thrummed throughout her entire body. Sliding her leg over her saddle, she dismounted before Jarek or Marc could reach her side. They frowned at her, but she ignored them and patted Sunshine’s head and thanked the beautiful horse for such a wonderful day.
Supper was a quiet affair and a somber mood settled over the entire castle. Both Jarek and Marc grew more tense and withdrawn as the evening progressed. Everyone was waiting for the tapestry to appear.
Her nerves were stretched as tight as a bowstring. Finally, she’d had enough. Pushing back her chair, she rose up from the table, her meal barely touched. “I’m going up to bed.” She longed to ask them to join her, but didn’t feel as if she had the right.
Her legs grew heavier with every step, as she walked across the room towards the stairs. She closed her eyes and gave a quick prayer of thanks when she heard the scraping of wood against the stone floor as each man pushed back their chair. Jarek and Marc fell in beside her as she slowed her pace.
Christina felt as if she was making her way to the gallows instead of to bed. No one spoke as they entered the room. The door closed with a thud that rang with a finality to her. This was the end. No matter her choice, tomorrow marked a new beginning.
Tugging the brown ribbon from the end of her hair, she unwound her braid and finger-combed her hair. She held the ribbon tight in her fist. It was part of her visit here and she could not wear it tonight. Carefully, she placed it on the mantelpiece before walking to the side of the bed.
Stripping off her dress and chemise, she pulled on her own silky lavender nightgown that Mara had left for her. It was hard to put on that reminder of her old life, but she had to. This was part of her and represented all that she was leaving behind. The fabric felt cold and foreign against her skin, and she shivered.
Marc scowled and Jarek’s face looked as dark as a thundercloud, but neither protested. Christina hurried to the bed and burrowed beneath the covers. Both men stripped and slid in beside her, one on either side.
She waited for one of them to touch her, but both were lying stiff as boards beside her. She might as well be in bed alone, they seemed so distant from her.
Their actions confused her. Last night they couldn’t get enough of her. But today, even though they were attentive, they had kept their distance. They were sending out such mixed signals, she wasn’t sure if they wanted her to stay or would be glad to see her go.
Christina couldn’t relax as the night closed in around them. She knew it was late. Both Jarek and Marc had finally drifted off into a light sleep when she felt it. There was a distinct disturbance in the energy of the room.
Moving an inch at a time, she pushed the covers back and crept out from between the two men. They both stirred and she froze, hardly breathing until they settled again. Their breathing was deep and even when she climbed down off the end of the bed.
She saw it immediately. It was draped across the bench seat in front of the window with the moonlight shining down on it. The tapestry glowed with the same beauty that had attracted her to it in the first place, but now instead of inspiring passion, it inspired dread in the pit of her stomach.
It had drawn her here and now it was drawing her home.
As if there was a string attached to her, the tapestry pulled her towards it. She didn’t fight it, but moved towards it.
The time had come. Her destiny was at hand.
She couldn’t think with Marc and Jarek so close. She eyed the small bathing chamber, but a closed door was no guarantee of privacy. Both men had proven that fact when they’d interrupted her bath. The memory brought a sad smile to her face. No, she couldn’t stay here.
Rolling up the tapestry, she tucked it under her arm and crept from the room. She held her breath as the door made a light creak when she opened it. Closing it carefully behind her, she climbed the steps to the battlements.
Chapter Fourteen
The wind whipped her hair in her face as she pushed through the door and made her way out onto the battlements. She pushed it out of her eyes and padded across the cold stone to the edge of the wall. Unrolling the tapestry, she gazed down at it. In the moonlight, it seemed to glow, its picture eerily alive.
The longer she stared it, the more the image seemed to fade. Before her very eyes, the warriors began to blur and the castle seemed to disappear into the dark forest surrounding it.
Christina tore her gaze away and stared blindly out over the night. She could make out the shape of the land, but little else. It was so dark here, not like the city nights at home where there was always light. The quiet was almost unnerving to someone so used to traffic and noise. She didn’t really understand this world. It was so primitive.
A shiver raced down her spine and goose bumps appeared on her arms as she remembered the challenge between Jarek and Zaren. They would have killed one another, but yet, when the fight was over, both of them acted like it had never happened. When it was over, it was over. Honor and law had been satisfied. That’s not how things worked in her world.
There were no stores or modern conveniences here. She already missed chocolate and movies and music. There were no medical facilities and no place to buy tampons. As barren as her old life seemed, it was hers and she understood it. She would be giving up a lot if she stayed.
And she really didn’t fit in here. What would she do here if she stayed? Yes, she’d seen a lot that interested her, from the weaving that the women did to the soap- and perfume-making, but that was very far removed from her secretarial job. Her organizational skills would come in handy, but from what she’d observed, Mara ran the entire castle efficiently and well.
Then there was Jarek and Marc. Yes, her time with them had been amazing, but could she believe that their infatuation with her would last? They’d only known each other for three days. She shook her head in disbelief. It seemed impossible that such a short time had passed. It seemed as if she’d been here for much longer. Her life had changed drastically in that small amount of time.
Christina bit her lip and wrapped her arms around herself. She felt very cold and alone and wished she was still in bed, surrounded by Jarek and Marc’s warmth.
The light from the tapestry was growing brighter now and she knew that her time had run out. The picture seemed to be changing and transforming before her very eyes and a different scene started to appear.
Although she was alone, she could hear a woman whispering. It seemed to drift on the very wind. Tilting her head to one side, she listened hard and was shocked when she recognized it as the voice of the old lady from the shop. The one who had sold her the tapestry.
As her words sunk in, Christina suddenly knew that if she didn’t make a decision before the new image appeared, the tapestry would make it for her. As three blurry male images began to appear, she picked up the fabric and held it close to her body.
Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes and made her decision.
Jarek awoke with a yell and flung himself from the bed. He’d had a nightmare as he’d slept, dreaming that Christina was drifting further away from him until she was out of his sight. He searched for her in vain through the dark and cold but could not find her, even though he could hear her voice calling to him.
His chest heaved as he sucked air into his lungs, trying to calm his pounding heart. Marc’s cry of pain had him whirling around, battle-ready to meet whatever foe was there.
But there was no one there.
The enormity of that struck him like a fist to the heart and he staggered
back to the bed and flung back the covers. “No.” His voice was no more than a hoarse whisper. He would not accept this.
“She is gone.” Marc reached out and touched the empty space beside him.
“No.” Jarek stormed to the bathing chamber and flung open the door, certain he’d find her there. The empty room shook him to his soul.
How could she have left without them knowing it? Both he and Marc were warriors, trained to awaken at the slightest sound or movement. His hands fisted at his sides. “The tapestry.” He hadn’t realized he’d spoken aloud until Marc’s voice reached him.
“What about the tapestry?” Marc was standing behind him, looking as lost as Jarek was sure he was.
“Its magic must have kept us asleep so that we could not influence Christina’s choice.”
Marc rubbed his hand over his face, wiping away a lone tear that fell down his cheek. “We missed our chance to influence her. We should have begged and pleaded with her to stay instead of backing off and allowing her a choice.” Anger tinged his next reckless words. “I should never have listened to you.”
“Perhaps not, but would you have wanted her if she hadn’t really wanted to stay?” Jarek found cold comfort in his own reasoning.
“Yes.” Marc’s sorrow evaporated as anger filled his face. “Yes. Even if she had been your wife. Yes. Even if she hadn’t really wanted to stay at first. We could have made her love this place, and us but we didn’t give her the chance. Instead, we practically opened the door and told her to leave.”
Jarek did not flinch in the face of his brother’s rage because he was beginning to get a sinking feeling in his gut that his brother was right.
“She would have chosen you,” Marc spat out.
He moved so quickly and Jarek was so distracted, he didn’t see the fist until it hit him in the side of the face. He staggered backwards, but did not retaliate. His brother was simply expressing the pain and hopelessness that they were both feeling.
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