Chapter
Two
Lynn came in from their humble garden to find
Nickolas at the table, his head in his hands. She placed the garden basket on
the floor and came up beside him. "Nickolas?" she asked, concern in
her voice. He sighed as he felt her hands on his shoulders. "My lot has
been attacked by rabbits, half is gone," his voice cracking. Lynn's eyes
filled with tears knowing Lord Alexander would be furious and would let them
starve through the winter ahead. She slipped her arms around his neck from
behind, her chin resting on his shoulder as she felt him shake with silent
sobs. "We'll think of something, my love," she murmured. Nickolas
rubbed her arms, her love and faith in him giving him strength, yet it made him
feel unworthy of her. He couldn't provide for her like a man should for his
wife. Yet she loved him. It made him cry harder. They stayed that way until he
calmed down and they went to bed. Lynn held him and stroked his back as he
slept. She had a plan and she hoped to Goddess it worked.
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The next day, Lynn left for the castle after
Nickolas went out to the fields. She smiled nervously at the farm boy who
worked on the castle lands. He was an orphan of twelve or thirteen from Spain.
His name was Howard. He had exotic dark skin, darker than the Lord's, dark
curly hair that ended at his chin. Lynn saw him around the village, always
quiet, never in anyone's way, very shy. Howard smiled back then looked away
quickly, going back to his work.
Lynn was admitted to enter the castle by Brian,
Lord Alexander's servant. She had seen him too, on a handful of occasions.
Bright blue eyes, curly sandy hair that was sheared short, and a strong jaw
line that made him look strange. Lynn was not used to seeing sculpted features,
as if Apollo himself had created him. He asked her, in a unique accent, to wait
in the hall and he would see if the master could see her. Lynn nodded her
agreement nervously. While she waited, she looked around at her surroundings.
Torches lit the long hall, dots of firelight in the distance. A few carved
tables and beautiful chairs were here and there. Lynn examined one closely.
Dark wood with Chinese silk. She gingerly ran her fingers over the smooth
fabric. "Exquisite, isn't it?" a cultured raspy voice asked. Lynn
jumped and turned around to meet Lord Alexander's deep gaze.
Lynn's body stood frozen, rigid with acute
nervousness. Lord Alexander smirked and extended his hand gracefully, saying,
"Sorry for the surprise. It flatters me that you appreciate my
collection." Lynn took his hand gently, touching only his clean fingertips
for she was common and knelt briefly, showing her deference. "It is very
beautiful," she said, then remembering her reason for being here,
straightened her posture, "But I'm not here to admire your belongings."
Lord Alex, as Brian sometimes called him, raised his eyebrows at her forceful
tone. "As you know, my husband's lot was destroyed by rabbits. It was not
his fault, my Lord, so please do not hold him accountable. Have mercy on
us," Lynn pleaded, tears threatening to spill from her eyes. Lord
Alexander's back straightened to his full regal height. His eyes bored into
hers. Lynn gasped softly as a flash of red appeared, then faded just as
quickly.
"I have an offer to you and your
husband," Lord Alexander stated, his features stoic. Lynn waited, her
heart pounding. "Your husband works my personal land as well as whatever's
left of his lot. He will keep what he can salvage from his lot, nothing will be
owned to me, as long as he works my land. Agreed?" he said. Lynn nodded,
her eyes wide with amazement. "Thank you," she whispered softly,
bowing slightly. "I am not finished," Lord Alexander continued,
"You will also work in my castle, woman's work and my garden. I also
insist that you and your husband move into the servant's quarters. I like to
keep my people close about me."
Lynn's eyes widened at his proposal. She was
fearful of Nickolas's refusal, but it was this or suffering. "We're at
your service," she accepted with her head bowed. Lord Alexander gave her
leave and she turned to her home quickly. Brian crept out of the shadows as he
watched her leave the castle. He turned to his master. Jealously consumed his
being as he saw the lust in Alex's brown eyes. "She is married,"
Brian reminded his liege. "It is of no consequence," Alex replied. He
ran the back of his hand over Brian's cheek tenderly. "Even after all
these years, vows mean something to you," Alex said, with a smile, "I
admire that about you." Brian's eyes closed as Alex caressed his other
cheek. "Come, let us to bed. We'll feed each other tonight," Alex
tempted and Brian followed willingly.
