Freeing Joslyn (Freeing Series)

by GG Shalton

  Joslyn curtsied. “Forgive me for disturbing your meeting. But I have a request.”

  “Come and give me a kiss first.”

  She walked around the table and bent over to kiss him on the cheek, and gave a screech of surprise when he wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her into his lap. He took her lips with his, tasting her a little before releasing her mouth. “Now tell me, what is it that you wish?”

  “Pricilla invited me to go the village with her and a few of the other girls tomorrow to do some shopping. Do you mind if I go?”

  He pressed his lips together disapprovingly. “Absolutely not. I don’t want you spending time with Pricilla. You may go to the village with the noble wives. I believe they go the first of every month.”

  “Your Grace, they would not allow me to go with them. They despise me, given my relationship with you,” she said, frowning.

  “You are my woman. That alone will earn you respect. I will speak to their husbands. No one will treat you harshly.”

  “I don’t wish to cause problems.”

  “Nonsense. You can show me your appreciation later.”

  She forced herself to kiss him on the cheek before leaving his lap. “Thank you, Your Grace. I will see you at dinner.”

  A month later, the duke received a missive from the king.

  Sara pounded on the door, and not patient enough for Joslyn to answer it, barged into the room and jumped on the bed beside her. “I know what the missive said.”

  “How did you find out?”

  “I have my ways.” She giggled. “Seriously, the king has requested his presence at his daughter’s wedding. I guess he is no longer in trouble with his uncle. But the duke is in a foul mood because the Duke of Norton will be there as an honored guest. Tensions are high with Burra and he has demanded our duke be tolerable. It was an order, according to my sources.”

  “The king is the only man to give him an order and live to tell about it. I will probably have to appease his bad mood tonight,” Joslyn sighed, rolling her eyes.

  “He has to leave in a few days, then you should be without him for at least a month. That should give you some happiness.”

  “True. Maybe we can plan a trip to the village too.”

  Joslyn was ordered to the duke’s room before dinner. He was pacing in his chamber when she arrived.

  “You wished to see me?” Unsure of his intentions, she stood in the doorway.

  “Come in, I have some exciting news.” He walked around the table holding out his arms for her. Cautiously, she took a few steps forward, but he met her halfway, pulling her against his chest as he breathed in her hair.

  “My uncle has invited me to Locket. My cousin is to marry a prince from the country of Napery. I want you to accompany me.”

  Her eyes widened, searching his for more information. “I don’t understand?”

  He stepped away, taking a seat near the fireplace. “Come sit beside me. I want you to come as my guest. I am the heir to the throne and I will be allowed special privileges. My uncle will not last forever and soon I will be king.”

  Joslyn tried to digest what he was saying. How could she get out of going to Locket?

  “All those who have opposed me will pay for their insolence once I take the crown. Banning me like a commoner from the palace until I could have had time to reconsider my war time decisions. Can you imagine the nerve of my uncle? The Duke of Norton is purposely trying to undermine me!”

  He took a drink of wine holding it in his mouth before swallowing. “The other countries are so afraid of him and his power. But I am not! I am telling you, the first to lose his position when I am king will be our military commander. His friendship with my uncle is too close and he betrayed me.”

  Joslyn’s heart beat harder in her chest. He was taking her into his confidence and she was afraid to know too much. “Your Grace, I would love to accompany you. It’s been my dream to see Locket one day, but I don’t think your uncle will appreciate our friendship. Nor the other royals. Perhaps, it’s best for me to wait here until you return.”

  “I will not be parted from you, Joslyn.” He leaned over kissing her hard on the mouth. “There is nothing I wouldn’t do to keep you, including defying my uncle.”

  Pulling slightly away, she moaned with fake pleasure, making him smile in satisfaction. “Would you like some wine?”

  “If you do.”

  She thought his words might give her leeway for his favor. Walking over to the table, she poured two goblets. “Your Grace, may I ask you something?”

  He accepted the wine, taking a sip. “What is it?”

  “Would it be possible to visit my family?”

  He narrowed his eyes, watching her for a few painful seconds. “Are you not happy here with me?”

  She knew it was a trick. He did not care about anyone else’s happiness but himself. Nodding her head, she needed to convince him of her loyalty. “I am happy with you, Your Grace. It’s just that I miss them and want to check on their welfare. The mayor is not a kind man.”

  Pausing for a moment, he put the wine glass down on the table. Reaching for her hand, he brought it to his mouth, laying a warm kiss on her wrist. “I will send a few of my men to check on them. They will make sure your father is working in the blacksmith’s shop and I will provide them some coins to help with any needs they may have. I left the mayor explicit orders and I don’t think he would falter in those responsibilities.”

  “Thank you. But what about a visit?”

  His nostrils flared. Suddenly, he kicked the table and stood up, knocking the wine glasses off the table. “Why are you never satisfied?” His loud voice vibrated throughout the room as Joslyn cowered in her seat.

  “I told you I would see to their welfare, but that is not enough for you. Always wanting more! I gave you jewels, flowers, and nice gowns. But you want more!”

  “I apologize, Your Grace. You have been more than generous,” she spoke delicately, trying to say anything to calm him down.

  “Leave me!” He lifted his hand to backhand her but pulled it away and turned his back on her.

  “But Your Grace…” she begged.

  “Leave now!” He did not turn to face her but looked out the window.

  Not wanting to bother him anymore, she took her leave.

  A few hours later, Abbie summoned her to his room. Reluctantly, she put on the dress that he ordered her to wear and met him in his chambers. He smiled as she entered, greeting her with a kiss. A far cry from earlier in the day. “You look beautiful.”

  Leery of his quick mood swings, she approached him cautiously. “Thank you.”

  He reached for her hand. “Come to bed.”

  Following him to the side of the bed, he crawled in first, patting the mattress for her to join him. Obeying his order, she laid beside him and placed her head on his chest. He ran his fingers through her hair gently. “We leave tomorrow. I asked the maid to prepare your trunks. Your maids will accompany us as well.”

  Not wanting to argue, she whispered. “I will be ready.”

  They stayed in compatible silence until she heard his breathing grow slower. She looked up and he had fallen asleep. She laid as still as she could so as not to wake him and eventually fell asleep as well. When she woke in the morning, a blanket covered her, and he was gone. She quickly got up and straightened her clothes, leaving his chambers before he returned.

  The house was in an uproar as everyone was preparing for their departure. Servants ran around the home preparing the small army that would accompany them. Andre was in his solar most of the morning with his men. Joslyn stayed in her chamber trying to avoid him and watched Sara packing her clothes.

  “Do you think you will go to the wedding?”

  “Probably not. I can’t imagine how he would introduce me. I think I am only there to be wi
th him at night and must avoid being seen during the day.”

  Sara shrugged indifferently. “I don’t think that is the only reason he is bringing you.” She closed the trunk and slid the lock. “I think he loves you.”

  “Bite your tongue, Sara. He wouldn’t understand the word.”

  Sitting on the trunk, she looked at Joslyn. “The castle staff is torn about your place with him. A few say he will defy the laws and his uncle to marry you one day. They have never seen him so obsessed over a woman. He has never taken to any particular one, you are the first he has held in this type of regard.”

  Joslyn was unwilling to think about the possibility of marrying him. That would be a life sentence of torment. “What do the others say?”

  Sara stood up, dragging the trunk to the door. “Nothing to worry about.”

  Joslyn begged, “Sara, tell me.”

  Sara sighed, smoothing the braid of her hair. “They are ignorant.”

  “I want to know.”

  Shaking her head, she gave in. “Fine. They say he will tire of you when the novelty runs out. Others say, he will then give you to Prince Leonard who seemed so fascinated with you.”

  Disgusted, Joslyn replied, “I will never allow that to happen. When my debt is paid to Andre, I will leave this place one way or the other.”

  Sara stared at her in silence. After a moment, she cleared her throat. “I will call one of the guards to carry the trunk below.”

  They left later in the afternoon and she rode in the carriage with Sara and Abbie. They had a long ride before reaching Locket.

  Chapter 11

  The ride became monotonous after several hours. The rough roads were a bit treacherous, but they made it to Locket the following evening. Joslyn and Sara couldn’t help but squeal at the extravagant buildings surrounding the palace. Everyone was dressed in the most peculiar fashions, and merchants lined the streets with beautiful wares.

  “Have you spoken to him about who he will say you are?” Sara asked.

  “No, last night when we stopped, he didn’t want to talk. I really have no idea. He is so persistent that I am his woman. But they will all know the nature of our relationship.” Joslyn’s face reddened with embarrassment at the prospect of what people would think of her. She was not brought up to be in this life of sin. A farming life was a distant memory.

  “That is for him to deal with. None of this is your fault.”

  She had to stop hating herself and come to terms with her role in the duke’s life. If she refused his advances, he could force her and punish her parents. Most noblemen’s fantasies were a passing novelty and she was sure he would lose interest soon one day. Her only hope was that he would allow her to return to her family and not sell her to another.

  The carriage slowed and a few minutes later one of the guards escorted them out. Curiously, she looked around unable to find the duke. The guard whispered, “He asked me to take you to your chamber, he had to see the king.”

  Joslyn was escorted to a beautifully decorated chamber near the back of the palace. Not quite as fancy as her chamber at the duke’s, but it still afforded many luxuries. Two men showed up with steaming buckets of water to fill the tub in the alcove in her room, so she could begin readying herself for dinner. Abbie chose a new dress the duke had ordered with gold and green silk. The dress fit like a glove and showed off her hourglass figure.

  The same guard from earlier came and escorted her to dinner. Unsure of where she was to sit in the great hall, she held on tightly to the guard, hoping he would take her in the right direction. The great hall was loud, the voices carrying throughout the grand room. The duke was sitting on the dais next to a man who she could only guess was the king. Many of the women resembled princesses with their sparkling tiaras on top of their heads as they sat at his table alongside very noble-looking men. Men in uniform in colors she did not recognize sat at another table on the dais. They all looked like important dignitaries.

  Her escort slowed and sat her at a table well below the guests of honor. She took her seat next to a few other couples that she did not recognize. One of the women smiled at her, putting her at ease. “You must be Joslyn?”

  “Yes, my lady, I am.”

  “Please call me Jess. I am married to one of the duke’s knights. My husband is Sir Donald and he will be joining us shortly. His Grace asked me to welcome you. He said you were his special guest.”

  “I must thank you for letting me sit here. I was feeling a little lost.”

  “Nonsense, I will enjoy the company. Let me introduce you to Faye.” She indicated the woman dressed in pink smiling. “Hello, I am Faye Dalworth. This is my husband, Sir Charles and beside him is Sir Trent.”

  Joslyn was nervous of all the important titled people sitting beside her, being polite and seemingly enjoying her company. Did they know her situation with the duke? She hoped not because they would not look at her the same if they knew.

  “It’s nice to meet you all,” she said with the most genuine smile she could muster.

  Sir Charles chuckled. “I can now see why the duke asked us to greet you but gave us all a stern warning not to touch you.” He laughed as he drank more wine. Faye shot him a warning look and Joslyn pretended not to acknowledge the awkward silence.

  Joslyn looked up to the dais and caught the duke watching her. She looked away and quietly listened to the conversations around her. Her eyes wandered to the other table, eyeing the massive men who sat around laughing and eating without a care in the world. She was wondering who they were when she saw a man approaching her out of the corner of her eye.

  “Miss Rhodes, what a delicious delight to see you here at the palace,” Prince Leonard said, standing beside her.

  Unsure of how to react, she looked around the table blushing at his improper greeting. Calling her a delicious delight was too personal. She was about to stand, but the prince reached for her hand. “Please remain sitting, my dear. I just wanted a chance to speak to you. Your presence could not go undetected, your beauty outshines all females here.” He bent down placing a kiss on her hand.

  Pulling her hand away after his kiss, she nervously whispered, “You are too kind, Prince Leonard.”

  “My offer still stands, Joslyn. Anytime you tire of the duke.”

  Joslyn’s face became hot with embarrassment as she looked down unable to meet his stare. He used her proper name and alluded to an offer.

  She felt someone touch her arm and turned to find Andre standing beside her. A few tables watched the exchange as he inserted himself between Joslyn and the prince.

  “Leo, I believe my uncle wanted a word with you this evening. If you will take your leave.”

  Their eyes met in challenge, the table hanging on his words. A long moment went by and the prince smiled slowly. “Of course, I will see what your king needs.”

  He turned to Joslyn, bowing. “It was a pleasure, Miss Rhodes.”

  The duke kept a hold of her arm. “Let me escort you to your room.” Joslyn stood and bid farewell to the table. As soon as they walked through the doors, he pulled her into an alcove and crushed his mouth on top of hers, kissing her forcefully. His fingers closed over her arms, pressing harder until she tore away from him.

  “You’re hurting me.” She took a step backward rubbing her upper arm.

  He narrowed his eyes at her, breathing heavily. “I can’t stand the thought of him speaking to you. I saw his eyes wander all over you and I wanted to kill him.”

  Trying to calm him, she stepped closer, rising on her tiptoes and kissed him softly on the mouth. He slid his arms around her waist, moaning his pleasure.

  “Andre!” His head jerked away, and he pushed Joslyn behind him, blocking her from the king’s prying eyes.

  “Please be more discreet with your guest,” he said, shaking his head as he eyed Joslyn.

  “Your Majest
y, we were about to retire.”

  The king’s eyes measured her a moment before fixing his attention back to his nephew. “I see your taste is to be commended, but there is a proper time and place. Acknowledging your dalliances in front of our queen and dignitaries is not acceptable. You may escort her back to your chamber or invite her to the common room after the proper ladies retire. Many working women from the local establishments will be in attendance later tonight to entertain our guests. After you drop her off to your room, I need you to meet me for drinks with the invited nobles. You will be able to join her later.”

  Andre’s face flushed, but he did not argue. “I will escort her to my chamber to wait for me. She will not be in the common room without my escort. If you will excuse us, I will be back momentarily.”

  Joslyn curtsied feeling her stomach contents in her throat. The King of Mallard treated her as a common whore, offering her place among the other working ladies as he had called them. She was now considered one of them. No matter how much he dressed her up, what jewelry he bought her, she was only a mistress in the eyes of everyone else.

  They did not speak until they reached his chamber and he opened the door, escorting her inside. “Wait up for me. I want to be with you tonight.”

  She nodded as he kissed her cheek and walked away.

  The next day she woke to the duke snoring softly beside her. She crawled out of bed and found her way back to her chamber. Luckily, she only saw servants as most the castle was still asleep. She reached her room unscathed and took a moment to rest before she dressed herself and washed her face. Planning to spend most of her day in her room, she was disappointed to see the duke as he came to escort her for a tour of the palace.

  “I will take you through the gardens. They are magnificent here.”

  “What if we see your family?”

  He shrugged. “They saw you last night. I am sure the women envy your beauty and the men wish they were me.” She took his arm as they strolled through the enormous corridors. The gardens were endless, and the mazes were fun. The duke snuck in kisses when he thought no one was looking. She kept her head down when they passed women who gave the couple disapproving stares. They carefully kept their mouths shut, not wanting to insult the next King of Mallard.