Maiden and the Monster

by Michelle M. Pillow

  Eden ignored the grumpy maidservant as she turned to Gwendolyn. The child watched the preparations quietly. “Shall we sit?”

  “Yea,” Gwendolyn consented with a tilt of her chin. The action would rival the most proper of queens.

  She carries herself just like her father.

  Eden watched the child walk. The girl didn’t even seem to notice the stares she received all morning. Eden silently shook her finger at several of the maids when the girl wasn’t looking.

  “Gwendolyn,” Eden said as they climbed the platform to the high table. “I should tell you what is happening today.”

  “Father already told me this morning. He said the king was coming to see whether or not you were able to stay married to him. He told me not to worry that the king would most likely give his blessing, eat all of our food, and then leave.”

  “He said that?” Eden gasped. Surely the duke was just trying to calm the child of any fears.

  “Yea,” Gwendolyn admitted, demurely sitting on the chair meant for her father. The child smiled sweetly up at Eden as she did so.

  “Did he say aught else?” Eden asked, taking a seat next to the composed girl.

  “Yea. He told me that the earl was the reason the marriage was in dispute. Father said I wasn’t to discuss it with you as you’d only get upset but methinks that you can handle knowing. Methinks you’re not so weak as he would believe you to be.”

  Why would Vladamir think to warn Gwendolyn not to speak of my father’s anger? I already know the situation well and I’m already most unsettled by it.

  Eden gave Gwendolyn a quizzical expression, urging the child on.

  “Knowing of what?” Eden prompted. Her heart caught in her throat as she saw the duke enter from the bailey. She’d never seen him as such. He was handsomely dressed as a nobleman, in a lavish black overtunic lined with silver threading. The neck of his tunic revealed an undertunic of fine black linen. His clothing looked new, though they were of the same color. On his feet were new leather shoes, a pair Eden had never seen.

  Standing at the sight of her father, Gwendolyn answered, “Methinks that Father thought you’d not understand, for he’s not my real father.”

  “What?” Eden stood. Turning, she then knelt by the child and pretended to fuss with the girl’s dress. She ran the back of her hand over the skirt, smoothing it of any wrinkles. Glancing at Vladamir in his slow approach, she silently urged the girl to hurry.

  Gwendolyn nodded to her father and gave him a small smile. Keeping her face piously intact, she tried to clarify, “Lord Kessen is my real father, but not my birth one. The earl is my birth father. That is why he has come to dispute the marriage. Methinks he wants to make sure I have a good mother. That is why he comes to inspect you. So don’t worry, I’ll tell the king I’m happy and you’ll stay. Please, ‘tis a secret so you must not tell my real father, the duke, that I told you.”

  Eden felt the color drain from her face. What could she say to that?

  Of course, that is why you look like me. You’re my sister. It would make sense. Father was in Northumbria several times around the year you’d have been conceived and visited many times the following year.

  Eden’s mind railed at the thoughts that swam in her head and turned to Vladamir as he approached.

  “Eden, don’t tell,” Gwendolyn insisted with a tug of her mother-by-marriage’s gown. She looked incredibly vulnerable as she peered up.

  Numb, Eden nodded in agreement. She tried to give the girl a reassuring smile as she patted the child’s hair. Vladamir came closer. With a motherly pinch to Gwendolyn’s cheek, Eden winked at the girl. Vladamir’s eyes were on her and she couldn’t focus her thoughts away from him.

  “‘Tis time,” he said. “The king arrives.”

  “Please, m’lord.” Eden needed to tell him about the baby, needed to talk to him alone. Suddenly, she felt like a fool for not telling him of her pregnancy when she had the chance. Guilt choked her as she looked at his handsome, emotionless face. One minute was all she needed to clear up all that was between them. “We must speak.”

  “Nay, there is no time for that,” Vladamir answered softly. He took her arm and led her down the platform. He motioned Gwendolyn to go ahead of them. “He rides this moment.”

  “But there are things we need to say,” Eden said under her breath out of fear. She clutched nervously at his arm.

  “Yea, I know,” he returned in his usual terseness, forcing her fingers to relax. She saw the unyielding light in his eyes. “You wish to know where I got the gown and the ring.”

  “Well, yea, among other things,” admitted Eden in confusion.

  You know that isn’t what I’m saying.

  “I am rich. The door you felt in the secret passage, all my gold is there along with yards of fabric, gold, jewels, clothing,” the duke said without remorse. “Your wedding tunic and the gown you now wear were of the few I had stored there.”

  “But,” Eden said pulling him to a stop. At first she thought he was joking until she saw the truth in his eyes. “Why?”

  “I have had no need for riches here. I prefer to live simply.” Vladamir frowned at her eager face. He narrowed his eyes and leaned toward her. “If I’d known m’lady had such a need of finery, I would’ve gladly locked her in with it.”

  “Nay,” Eden protested in mounting annoyance. “I care naught about finery. I have told you that. However, you could’ve told me, you could’ve trusted me.”

  “Because you always tell me the truth?” Vladamir yanked her arm as he stalked out of the main hall.

  Eden’s feet dragged behind him in silent protest. She didn’t want to see her father or King Alfred. She wanted to go back, wanted to start over, beginning with the moment she saw her husband in the darkened hallway and he’d kissed her for the first time. Eden trembled at the memory as she stumbled behind him. Tears of hopelessness welled within her. He quickened his pace, leading her harshly by her arm.

  “Vladamir, stop. Please. We need…” Eden’s words trailed off as she desperately tried to get his attention but it was too late. The main gate was already being raised. Its screeching echoed the bailey like a summons.

  Vladamir didn’t turn to her as he kept a steady eye on the gate. Gwendolyn was at her side and the child tentatively put her little hand in hers, leaning into Eden’s side. Eden squeezed Gwendolyn’s hand in automatic reassurance, keeping her eyes steadily on her husband, waiting for him to turn to her, to give her a brief smile. She was disappointed.

  The inharmonious clank of the gate stopped overhead and was replaced by the slow-moving hoofbeats of horses as the mounted knights crossed the earthen threshold. Eden turned to the gate in despair. Her heart choked any last words of protest she might have managed to pass through her throat.

  Eden recognized her father first. The earl rode his stallion proudly, though his face was marred with the tired lines of days without rest. He grimly refused to look at his daughter as he entered the bailey beside the king. King Alfred was donned in a tunic of royal blue, the rich material rivaling any in Wessex in expense and make. He looked regally majestic as he swung from his horse.

  Giving Gwendolyn a reassuring smile, Eden nodded to the girl. The child watched the men approach with open interest. Eden bowed her head but curiously kept a close eye on the king from beneath lowered lashes.

  The few guards who entered with Alfred also dismounted. They wore the armor of soldiers with the banner of the king set firmly above them on a pole. The king’s men stayed close to his side as he approached. From the stress on their carefully guarded faces, it was clear they expected there to be trouble from the foreigner.

  Holding up his hands, Alfred let the man to his side pull off his riding gloves and ordered them to stay back with a singular motion of the hand. Then somberly coming forward, he stopped in front of the duke. Vladamir knelt before the king, prompting Eden in her dazed state to curtsy belatedly.

  “Get up,” the king ordered quietly. He
took Vladamir’s hand briefly as he stood. Looking around the bailey, he said, “Methought this place would be in ruins from what I have been told of its upkeep.”

  Vladamir smiled politely, obviously not at all surprised the king had set spies on him. “I owe that to my wife. The cleanliness is her doing.”

  With that the king sighed. Turning his attention to Eden, he smiled kindly. “Lady Eden, I presume?”

  “Your Majesty.” Eden presented her hand as she once again curtsied. She lowered her eyes briefly. The king raised her fingers to his lips and gave her a light kiss.

  “What things you have been up to child,” the king stated with a half-hearted chuckle as he gave a short nod of his head.

  “Yea, Majesty.” Eden agreed. Her cheeks pinkened at the man’s attention.

  “Shall we go in?” Vladamir motioned toward the main hall. “I can have food set out.”

  “Nay, I have dined already once this morning. No need to do it again.” King Alfred glanced at Gwendolyn for a moment. As he cleared his throat, he paid the child little heed. Eden was glad he refused to dine. She didn’t think she could force food down her throat, for her stomach churned too badly as it was. The king motioned the earl forward. The man had been waiting impatiently by his horse and as he approached, his feet stamped loudly on the earthen ground. “Come, Clifton, let us settle this business.”

  Eden met her father’s eyes for the first time that morning—the same eyes that she and Gwendolyn both carried. She wanted to yell at him and beat his chest for what he’d done but refrained. Her father was the first to look away.

  Without further comment, Vladamir led King Alfred and the earl into the main hall. A small sense of pride overwhelmed him at the cleanliness of the castle and the fresh smell of the rushes. He narrowed his eyes and glanced blankly at his wife. She’d gone pale, her hand clutching nervously at his arm. Next to her was Gwendolyn, the girl’s hand wrapped around that of his wife. His daughter gave him a shy smile, which he returned with a quick wink. Gwendolyn blushed and grew giddy at the attention.

  Allowing Alfred to be the first to move up the platform to the head table, Vladamir watched as the king took his usual seat of honor. The earl sat next to Alfred. Then leading his wife up, the duke sat on the other side of the king. Gwendolyn looked nervously about as Eden sat next to her father. There were no more chairs. Eden grabbed the child and sat her on her lap. Gwendolyn smiled up at her and leaned naturally into her arms. Vladamir felt his heart lurch as Eden whispered into the child’s ear eliciting a giggle from the girl.

  Soon after, the knights entered and were allowed to stay to bear witness to the proceedings. They seated themselves quietly amongst the benches of the lower dining tables. The servants brought in pitchers of mead at Eden’s quick prompting. Then as the last of the goblets were filled and pitchers were set at the tables, the servants were excused from the main hall.

  Vladamir stood and led his wife and daughter back down the platform steps. Eden trembled next to him. They had been sitting in torturous silence for so long that she felt she might not be able to speak. As they alighted on the hall floor, Alfred, who had been whispering to the earl, motioned Clifton down the platform to also stand before him.

  Eden leaned down to Gwendolyn. “Just listen, unless the king asks you a question directly. Then answer as best you can.”

  Gwendolyn nodded, her eyes brimming with anxiety.

  “Your Majesty,” the earl said. Eden stood and hugged the child to her waist, putting her arm protectively on her thin shoulders. Gwendolyn buried her face in Eden’s skirt. Vladamir forced his eyes off of them. Clifton moved to the foot of the platform in front of the king. “I must insist we convene the Witan. I demand justice.”

  “Not yet,” the king answered with a lift of his hand. His voice was loud and clear as he spoke, but he could have whispered and they would have been able to hear him in the quiet hall. “My lord earl, you have served my late brother well. That won’t be forgotten. But ‘tis a delicate matter we have afore us and I won’t have a public trial made of it. I’d rather see this handled as quietly and quickly as possible. I’m sure for the interest of continued peace between the Danes and Wessex you would agree.”

  “Yea, Your Majesty.” Clifton clenched his teeth but kept his mouth shut as Alfred continued.

  “I have heard your side. I’d hear the rest from Lord Kessen.” The king silently looked to the angry men for many moments before inquiring. Vladamir proudly lifted his chin. “Lord Kessen, did you kidnap Lady Eden with the intent to marry her and deprive the earl of his alliance with Lord Luther?”

  “Nay, Your Majesty,” Vladamir answered coolly. His accented voice sent chills over his wife. Eden trembled at his side as she leaned into him and stiffly took his arm.

  “Then how is it you are here, Lady Eden?” the king asked, confused. His brow rose as he awaited an answer.

  “I was brought here.” Eden’s voice cracked under the stress and she cleared her throat.

  “Explain,” the king commanded.

  Eden glanced to her father and then to her husband. Vladamir turned to her giving her a firm nod. She shivered uncontrollably. He wanted to comfort her but couldn’t for he didn’t know what to say.

  “Lord Luther was my intended, ‘tis true. He tried to consummate the marriage afore ‘twas done.” Eden took a heartening breath and looked to the floor in embarrassment.

  “Lies!” Clifton shouted, raising his hand as if to slap his daughter, but stopped when he caught the eye of the king. “He makes her speak lies. She is afraid of him.”

  As her father lowered his hand, she said to him, “‘Tis not a lie. ‘Tis the truth. Luther bid me to meet you in a hunting party. He said you wished for me to join.”

  “Lies. I haven’t hunted since your mother was alive,” Clifton said.

  “That is what I told him but Luther was insistent.” At her words, a murmur rose over the hall. Turning an apologetic expression to the king, she proceeded, “Luther wished me to bed him and his friends on the forest floor. I refused. He beat me senseless, killed my maidservant Lynne, and left me afore Lakeshire Castle for dead. I later learned, from Luther, that he wished my husband the duke to be blamed for my death so he could still get my father’s land and title. If not for the kind attentions of Lord Kessen and his servants I’d have surely died. I owe Lord Kessen my life.”

  “Lynne ran away from service. There has been no body found,” Clifton offered the listeners weakly, swiping the side of his mouth with his fist.

  “She is dead,” Eden said confidently. “I saw it. No one would think to look for a body lying beneath the earth and if you were to look for her, would you not send Luther and his men?”

  Clifton glared at his daughter. “That doesn’t excuse your actions in defying me. Luther was your intended. ‘Tis his right by law as your husband to do what he wanted with you.”

  “He wasn’t my husband yet,” Eden answered defiantly in return.

  “According to the law he was as good as.” Clifton dared her to disagree with the hard stare of his eyes.

  “Nay, according to God’s law, Lord Kessen is my husband,” Eden argued. “And none can deny that.”

  “Not without my blessing. I won’t give it. You have been living in sin,” Clifton bellowed, his tone rising with each breath. “You’re a whor—”

  “You don’t have to give your blessing, ‘tis done,” Eden broke in before her father could say the word. “It cannot be undone.”

  “And why not?” raged Clifton. “If I so wish it?”

  “Because I’m with child,” Eden shouted at the top of her lungs for all to hear. Vladamir stiffened under her hand. The nearby soldiers gasped and muttered once more amongst themselves. Just as suddenly, the noise stopped. The hall sat in stunned silence, awaiting the next surprise.

  Vladamir felt his heart stop at her loud confession, remembering the day he found out about Lurlina’s condition. He’d barely touched his first wife in months w
hen she became with child. He was afraid that Eden would tell him the child wasn’t his and that she didn’t wish to be a mother. Just like Lurlina hadn’t wanted to carry Gwendolyn. Vladamir swallowed over the knot in his throat. His stomach tightened as he thought of his wife’s past deception. Now wasn’t the time to speak of it.

  “But he is a murderer. He murdered Luther to keep you from marrying him,” Clifton finally managed after a long pause. “Methinks he has cluttered your head with nonsense. You’re not with child. ‘Tis not possible. I won’t have it.”

  “Nay. It wasn’t murder,” Eden said. “And whether you will it or not I’m with child. The midwife discovered it just yestereve. The babe will come with the spring.”

  Vladamir kept his mouth shut and his eyes cautiously blank as his wife silently pleaded with him through her long lashes. His heart twitched in his chest as a tear lined her lower lid but didn’t fall. He’d been waiting for the mention of Luther’s death, but he knew that the king liked to begin at the beginning and ascertain as many of the facts as he could before making a judgment.

  Eden turned to the king. “‘Twas not murder. Luther started the quarrel.”

  The King held up his hands. He watched the heated battle between daughter and father in silence. Looking about the hall at the captured attention of the fighting men, the king frowned slightly. Finally he stood and stepped down from the platform. Holding out his arm to Eden, he said, “Come m’lady, walk with me.”

  Eden’s panicked eyes traveled to his and the duke begrudgingly let her go with the king.

  “Eden?” Gwendolyn whispered. The small sound tore at his already aching heart. “What’s happening?”

  Eden dropped her hand from Gwendolyn, giving the child a reassuring smile. Touching the girl’s face, she said, “Stay with your father. Everything is going to be just fine.”

  Vladamir nodded stiffly as his daughter glanced at him for confirmation. She moved closer to his side. Awkwardly, he patted her shoulder, resting his hand for a brief moment. The slight contact brought a small smile to his wife’s and daughter’s faces. Eden took a deep breath as she placed her hand on the king’s arm.