Freeing Joslyn (Freeing Series)

by GG Shalton

  Joslyn pretended not to listen, but her ears perked up at the mention of the Burra King. King Herrick was known as an enemy of Mallard.

  The duke grunted. “I would like to smack the arrogance off his cousin’s face. No doubt he will be there reveling in his recent accomplishments. How dare he charge the exorbitant peace price.”

  The man wrinkled his nose in disgust. “He is arrogant, Your Grace. But his king relies on him and treats him as a brother, giving him the royal dukedom and command of his army. Although, with the king’s four sons, he will never be heir. The Duke of Norton is well respected, and his counsel is regarded higher than any other. This may cause a problem as Napery is his queen’s home country.”

  “Queen Krislyn’s cousin, Prince Randolph, will marry one of the Mallard princess’s, my cousin Margaret. That will help align our country with Napery. Her relation will be less important.”

  The man ripped a piece of chicken off with his teeth, the drippings splashing on his beard. While chewing, he remarked, “But not the heir, Your Grace. She is marrying a third son. We must be diligent in our dealings with the Duke of Norton. He holds a lot of power and we don’t want to make him our enemy. The King of Burra is quickly becoming a world leader with the Duke of Norton as his right hand.”

  The duke shoved his trencher forcefully, causing Joslyn to jump. He lowered his voice speaking angrily through his teeth, “What about your king? Does he value the country of Burra as well? Need I remind you, Lord Rivers, your country’s coal supplies could be limited if I see fit. Your country of Tamera owes us a debt.”

  The man wiped his hand on a cloth near his plate. “Your Grace, it’s a delicate matter. You know that I am on your side, but my king needs an alliance with King Herrick. Their ships are bigger than any in the region. The trade routes they produce is essential for my country’s survival.” He leaned over whispering, “My loyalties are always to you. I continue to count on your discretion for our lucrative side deals. I will talk to my king about strengthening the alliance with Mallard. We can speak of it with Prince Leonard tomorrow, he will arrive in place of his father. Our king is under the weather and getting too old to journey far.”

  The duke took his dagger and dragged it across the table, clenching his hand around it holding it tighter. The men avoided making eye contact and acknowledging the odd behavior. Joslyn shifted uncomfortably in her chair, a little frightened of what he was going to do with the dagger.

  Lord Rivers took another drink of wine. “The Duke of Norton has made it his personal mission to make you pay for the atrocities at the prison camp. We just need to wait for his anger to blow over. Then we will convince King Herrick to relent and make a better treaty.”

  The duke carved scratches into the wood of the table, his face turning red with every mark he was making. Lifting his eyes back to his guests, he spoke between his teeth. “The Duke of Norton will learn his place. I will be king soon and will challenge him, taking back what he stole. They were not satisfied with only coal and copper but captured two of the mines along the border, not to mention a lion share of our cotton crops. Unlike my uncle, I am not afraid of war. He will receive no more coal or copper when I take the throne. My uncle is weak and thinks peace talks will evade war, but it only prolongs it and we need to make sure our alliances are strong. Once we defeat Burra, we will take over their precious trade routes, then we will have peace.”

  Joslyn had to strain and lean closer to the duke to hear their conversation. She pushed her food around her trencher, taking small bites and looking elsewhere to appear to not be listening.

  “Your Grace, I promise you that I will talk to my king.” He pushed his trencher forward and motioned for a servant to take it away as he stood and bid the duke good night.

  Joslyn’s mind was spinning regarding the duke’s talk of taking over the crown. It could be considered treason, but who would believe her? She felt him brush her hand with his. “Are you finished?”

  She nodded, carefully looking at her trencher, not making eye contact. He stood beside her and offered her his arm. She took it, observing the rest of the table standing as they left.

  He greeted people as he held her arm tightly, escorting her through the corridors to her chamber. She couldn’t help but feel afraid—afraid of his next move with her, how he played with her emotions never revealing his intent. They slowed as they approached her chamber door. Looking down at her shoes, she tensed when he reached for her chin and pulled it up to look at him.

  “You looked beautiful tonight and acted as a lady. That pleased me.” His eyes locked with hers. “We will go riding tomorrow after breakfast. Please wear the dress I choose. You maid will bring it to you in the morning.”

  She curtsied. “As you wish, Your Grace.”

  He smiled, leaning down to brush a soft kiss against her cheek. She could smell the wine he drank during dinner lingering on his breath. “Good night, my little rose.”

  She swallowed hard before answering, “Good night.”

  Chapter 6

  The next morning Sara came in to wake her up. “Josie? Abbie is steaming your dress in our room. I wanted a chance to talk to you alone.”

  Joslyn rubbed her eyes sleepily. “What time is it?”

  Sara laughed poking her. “It’s time for you to get up.”

  Joslyn stretched her arms, watching Sara sit on her bed. “I had dinner with a few of the servants last night. Apparently, the duke is hosting a few men from the country of Tamera. He needs to regain their king’s favor and is trying to tempt them to side with Mallard during the next war for more coal. They said the duke is staying at his residence here, and not in Locket, because our king is upset at him. During the last battle, the country of Burra gained a bunch of land and could have taken more according to my sources. They confirmed the other rumors that the Burra King’s cousin, the Duke of Norton is out to get him for punishing the prisoners of war. They refuse to uphold any previous alliances and only signed the temporary peace agreement in exchange for twice the amount of resources than what is customary.”

  “I overheard them speaking of the matter last night. He said our king is weak and he will take over soon.”

  Sara gasped, eyes widening. “Treacherous!”

  “But who would believe us?”

  “True. But it still doesn’t explain why he parades you in front of the nobles as his woman, almost like a wife. What happened last night? I wanted to come to you, but Abbie said the duke would be angry and we should not go unless you sent for us.”

  Joslyn rubbed her hands up and down her arms. “He didn’t touch me. Just gently kissed my cheek. It’s part of his manipulation, preying on my nerves.”

  “He probably feels it’s part of his seduction. Making you wait and wondering when he will pounce. I overheard another servant speaking of his tortures and how he is always bragging about himself. They said the noblemen that follow him everywhere are always complimenting him and falling all over themselves for his approval. Fluffing his over-inflated ego. But I heard our king is also angry at him for his constant overspending. Always wanting the best of everything, when part of his country loses their crops.”

  Joslyn took in a shaky breath, her resolve failing. “Sara, what I am going to do? He will expect payment soon and I am not sure that I can do this.”

  Sara took her hand. “You are going to be fine, Josie. Many women suffer worse fates. I don’t think he will hurt you if you don’t resist him.”

  Not responding, she lifted the blanket and got out of bed. Abbie knocked on the door and helped her into a riding dress. She brushed Joslyn’s hair and was careful putting on her hat, ensuring that her hair was not put up, but hung down her back. “His Grace has requested that your hair be left down. And that I paint your eyes.”

  Her brow furrowed. “I don’t understand. His Grace has instructed you on what I wear and how I fix my hair?”
<
br />   “Yes, Miss Rhodes. He was very strict on his instructions.”

  Joslyn twisted away from Abbie, taking the hat off. “This is ridiculous. I won’t wear this dress or this hat.”

  Abbie moaned and reached for Joslyn’s arm. “Please do what he says. He will punish me if you don’t.”

  Joslyn took a moment staring at the girl. Seeing Abbie’s nervousness and anxiety, her rebellious attitude faltered as she tried to soothe her. “It’s not your fault. I will tell him that I refused.”

  “He will punish me anyway and my mother. She prepared the paint for your eyes. Please don’t deny his requests or he will become angry. I have seen what he has done to other servants when his wishes were not adhered too. Please do what he asks.”

  Sara walked over to both women rubbing Abbie’s back. “Josie, I believe she speaks the truth. You must wear his dress and paint your eyes.”

  Joslyn closed her eyes feeling resigned and took in a deep calming breath. “Very well. Come and paint my eyes.”

  Abbie breathed unsteadily for a few seconds catching her breath. Joslyn wanted to run far away from this place, but knew she had nowhere to go. Her family was depending on her to appease the duke and keep them alive. Now she had servants relying on her to appease the man. But all she wanted to do was displease him.

  The duke was not at breakfast. She walked past the dais and chose a table near the kitchen to eat some porridge. One of his guards informed her that he would meet her at the stables after she ate. Joslyn noticed a few women at the other end of the table staring at her. She tried to smile, but they looked away. Taking a few more bites, she noticed a dark-haired woman with a painted face walking her way. She sat on the other side of the table and gave her a friendly smile.

  “Hello.” She assessed Joslyn, but appeared friendly. “I’m Pricilla.”

  “I’m Joslyn.”

  Pricilla looked at the other women at the other tables, who quickly turned away when she met their stares. “I know. The castle heard of your arrival yesterday.” Joslyn watched her take a few bites of bread and a gulp of some mead. “Don’t let those women bother you. They are jealous and think they are better.”

  Joslyn snuck another look at them conversing. “Who are they?”

  “Those are the officers’ wives. The ones on the dais are nobles’ wives. People sit in order of importance according to their own stations. You should have heard the tongues wagging when the duke sat you beside him at the table of honor. I nearly wet myself in laughter.”

  Joslyn was taken back by her honest talk. But she liked her. “I was as shocked as anyone. I really don’t know my place here.”

  The woman studied Joslyn for a moment. “How old are you, child?”

  “Nearly eighteen. Just a few days away.”

  Tilting her head, she whispered, “Joslyn, has no one explained to you why you are here?”

  Joslyn stared at the woman. She was older, at least thirty and very attractive in a seductive way. Joslyn thought she may be someone’s wife, but after speaking to her, she wasn’t for sure what her station was.

  Joslyn pushed the porridge away. “Does everyone know why I am here?”

  “I’m afraid so. But you will learn to not let it bother you. I am a widow but also a mistress to Lord Murray for years now. I’m not ashamed anymore. He is on the agriculture council and a loyal friend of the dukes. My husband had left me destitute. But my fate could be worse if I was sent to the brothels. What else could I do? I wasn’t cut out to be a servant.”

  “Do you not want to be married again?”

  She sighed. “I was married once and it was horrible. My husband abused me. After he died, our landlord invited me to dinner. I met Lord Murray. He is of noble blood and can’t marry me. So I became his mistress.”

  “How many mistresses has the duke had?”

  Pricilla shrugged. “None, in the five years I have lived here. We always jest that he loved himself too much to settle on a woman. He certainly never paraded any women—noble or not—in front of his court. I am not sure how his uncle, the king, will feel about it. But for now, you are the only one he favors.”

  It was too much to handle. Joslyn took another drink trying to calm her nerves. A guard interrupted, “Miss Rhodes, His Grace is ready for your ride.” She nodded not even really acknowledging him, lost in thought of her fate in this place.

  The duke was waiting for her, standing beside a beautiful chestnut colored horse. She forced herself to smile when she saw him admiring her. “You look enticing. I hope I can concentrate on the ride.”

  “Thank you for the compliment, Your Grace.” He took her hand, kissing it slowly while watching her reaction.

  Unable to look at him, she looked toward the horse. He let go of her hand to pet the horse. “This is Ruben, one of my favorites. I picked him for you.”

  She smiled, eyeing a few of the saddlebags on the duke’s horse including a blanket tied to the saddle. The idea of spending time with him did not set well with her, but she had to push those feelings aside.

  He lifted her up on the saddle and they took off over the property toward the woods. She had to admit he was a skilled rider but slowed down so she could keep up. It was thrilling to ride in the open and see the beautiful landscape. They came near a river and he stopped to allow the horses to drink. He helped her dismount and took her hand, walking near some trees to find some shade. When he found the right spot, he spread the blanket and they sat in compatible silence as he took a few apples from his saddlebag.

  He sliced a piece off and handed it to her. When she tried to retrieve it with her hand, he pulled it back. With a sly look, he whispered, “Open your mouth.”

  She was afraid but complied and opened her mouth. He slipped in the piece and watched her chew the apple. “You have a beautiful mouth.”

  Embarrassed by his words, she covered her mouth with her hands. He reached over and pushed her hands away. He chuckled. “Don’t hide from me. I like feeding you.”

  After a few seconds of awkward silence, he reached up and removed her hat. She sat motionless as she felt his fingers move through her hair. He took a few strands and held them up to his nose, breathing her scent in. She tensed as he ran his index finger across her jawline and leaned down to place a kiss on her neck. Closing her eyes, she tried not to move. She didn’t want to upset him but hoped he would be quick.

  “Your scent intoxicates me.” He leaned back to look into her eyes. “My wish is that you feel the same way about me as I do about you.”

  Not knowing how to respond, she asked, “How is that, Your Grace?”

  He rubbed her arm with his hand. “First, please call me Andre when we are alone.” He turned her arm over and started placing kisses from the inside of her wrist and up her arm until he reached her shoulder. “Then kiss me back and enjoy my touch.”

  He pulled away from her shoulder and moved to her mouth. Joslyn felt his wet kisses on top of her mouth and did not want to open to allow his tongue entry, but she finally gave in at his persistence. He took advantage and ran his tongue over hers, deepening his assault on her mouth. She did not resist but never reciprocated. His hands roamed up and down her back as he pulled her closer to him. Her resolve was broken and she allowed him access to her body. He touched places that no one had ever touched before, yet he did not remove any of her clothing.

  “Joslyn, I will not hurt you. I have kept my bargain and protected your family. I have even allowed your father to provide for them by going back to work. If I had not intervened, they would be dead, and you and your sisters would be destitute.”

  She looked down at her hands. “I know, and I am grateful.”

  He reached out, taking her chin in his hand and forcing her to look at him. “Then show me.”

  Tears pooled in her eyes. “I don’t know how.”

  He let go of her chin and look
ed away angrily. “I am not a patient man. You must find a way soon to show me your appreciation, or I may lose interest in your cause. You know what that means.”

  His words stung. Why was this so hard?

  He stood up and held out his hand. “Come, we will leave and get back for lunch. I must meet with some men from Tamera but will escort you to dinner tonight. I will pick out a dress and give it to your maid.”

  “As you wish.”

  Back in her room, she collapsed on her bed. She thought about the morning ride and his kisses and wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. Taking a blanket off the bed, she scrubbed her lips until his stench was off her. She couldn’t stand him.

  Feeling tired, she allowed her eyes to close and succumbed to sleep. Perhaps in her dreams she could be free.

  A gentle nudge woke her and when she opened her eyes, she saw Abbie standing above her holding a gown. A bathtub sat in the middle of the floor. “You filled the tub while I slept?”

  Abbie covered her mouth, suppressing a laugh. “You were sleeping so soundly; Sara and I did not want to wake you.”

  Joslyn sat up searching the room. “Where is Sara?”

  “She went to get some lotion from downstairs.”

  Joslyn undressed and got into the bath. The warm water felt good as Abbie helped her wash her hair. Sara came up a few moments later with some lotions and perfume.

  “I just heard the duke has more visitors from Tamera. He is calling for some extra entertainment. These guests are important to him.”

  Abbie dressed Joslyn in a silver gown and wiped her down with perfume. They braided her hair with tiny flowers and painted parts of her face. Her gown sparkled as she walked around her chamber and the lights shined in her eyes.

  Sara took her hands. “I have never seen you look so beautiful!”

  Joslyn frowned. “I don’t feel beautiful. I am more comfortable in my work clothes.”

  A knock on the door surprised all of them. Abbie opened it and immediately lowered to a curtsey. “Your Grace!”