Burden of Power by Caren Hahn

Author:Caren Hahn [Hahn, Caren]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-05-05T22:00:00+00:00

Twelve

Rorden whittled near the servant’s gate, taking note of the people coming and going across the courtyard. After two weeks, he was familiar with the routines of Lord Bolen’s staff and had traded his uniform for the humble dress of a common tradesman; heavy breeches worn loose, a light shirt with sleeves rolled up to the elbows, and a loose waistcoat over the top.

A familiar handcart rounded the corner near the gate and Rorden called out, “Oi, Oskel! Fancy earning a little extra today?”

The man pulling the cart stopped and set its back wheels down. Scratching his head, he looked Rorden up and down.

“Again? You must really have it bad. Which one is it, then?”

“Why, Oskel? You jealous? Wish you had a bit more flair for the ladies?” In truth, Rorden hadn’t yet decided. He had to choose a maid who would be interested enough to want him coming around, but not so interested that things would get sticky and require a hasty exit.

Oskel just shook his head and continued pushing his cart toward the servant gate.

“Come on, Osk, just a joke.” Rorden fell into step beside him, keeping his voice low and pleading. “Don’t send me away empty-handed. I had to work all night just to get some time off this morning. It’ll be three days before I have another chance.”

Oskel paused and shot him a suspicious look. “I can’t decide if you’re an honest fellow who needs a fair chance at happiness, or a lying wretch who is about to break a sweet girl’s heart. Just don’t make me regret this.”

Rorden grinned as he entered the gate moments later carrying the crate of groceries Oskel had handed over in exchange for a few coins. He didn’t mind letting it show that he was pleased with himself. It fit his image of the smitten young man off to do some courting.

Now if he could only decide which of the kitchen maids he was supposed to be smitten with…

Miranda, with her long eyelashes and full lips, always seemed happy to see him. But curvy Bellak was the one who contrived reasons to keep him there a few minutes longer. He’d been careful to flirt with each of them equally, testing the waters as it were. Well, except for Yulda, the scullery maid. She was so quiet that he barely noticed she was there, and she didn’t respond to his teasing the way the other girls did.

“Cookie!” Rorden greeted cheerfully as he entered the back door to Lord Bolen’s kitchen. ”The sun has risen without me once again, I see, basking its warmth on your fair countenance.”

Cook snorted. “You again, eh? Come to torment me with your nonsense and distract my maids so’s they can barely keep a thought in their heads?” She frowned into a pot, her biting tone matching her expression as she thrust it at Yulda, who accepted it without a word. “Go on, I got no time for you today, and she’s not here so don’t waste time asking.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.