Word and Deed by Rachel Rossano

Author:Rachel Rossano
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Historical Romance, historical fiction medieval, Historical Fiction, medieval romance, Arranged Marriage, short story, romance historical, rossano, sweet romance, Betrothal, romance and murder, word and deed, Historical, clean romance, rachel rossano, historical fantasy romance, Medieval, romance action adventure
Publisher: Rachel Rossano
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

------

Chapter Five

“Get up.”

Propelled to wakefulness by a flare of pain in my side, I opened my eyes to an unfamiliar face leering down at me. I blinked up at him in the early dawn light.

“Move.”

His foot swung to kick me again, but I scrambled away, clutching bedding to my chest as I backed against the wall.

“Who are you?” I demanded with all the dignity I could summon wearing a blood-stained smock.

“Your keeper. Now dress, Lord Ravenridge awaits.”

“Where is Ealdine?”

“Not to be found.”

“I must speak with Sir Hirion.”

“Gone, disappeared this morn. He will be found and brought forward. He will pay for his treachery, be sure.”

I peered up at the man. “Treachery?”

“You shall find out soon enough. Now dress or I shall dress you.” The lecherous look in his glance made me long for a scalding bath.

“Nay. I am capable.” I glanced about before spotting my kirtle and dress from the previous day. Rising to fetch them, I encountered my guard’s interested gaze. “Turn your back.”

He scoffed and complied. I dressed cautiously with my back to him, not allowing a bit of skin to show should he turn about to watch. Taking as much time as possible, I braided my hair into a single rope down the center of my back. Finally pulling on my slippers, I was ready to face my fate.

When we emerged into the courtyard to cross to the keep, I gazed up. The sky, streaked with thin cloud trails, stretched cold and pale above. Taking a steady breath, I prepared to meet my brother.

“Move on.” My keeper prodded me with a stick like an animal.

The stable master and his boy looked up from watering the horses. For the boy’s sake, I chose to not make a scene. Life in service was going to be difficult enough without witnessing the beating my guard was eager to give.

When I entered the great hall, I was surprised to find it vacant. Rushes at least a week old and molding with dog leavings stank worse with each step. The tables lay uncleared from the evening meal. Flies and a mouse helped themselves without worry to the half-eaten meat.

“I have you to thank for this, dearest sister.” Verdon’s voice echoed in the empty room as he strode down the center toward me. “All of this is your doing. My men quarrel and gossip behind my back. The servants neglect their tasks. Are you proud of your curse now, witch? You brought shame to the noble house of Favian.”

Upon reaching me, he backhanded me across the mouth.

“Never speak a word again, woman, if you wish to keep your tongue to plead your case to the saints.”

Swallowing the bitter taste of blood, I glared at him. My hands fisted against my skirt; I resisted the impulse to return the blow.

“Ah, wisdom. A little late.”

Verdon strode to the dais. The soldier jabbed my ribs, and I followed my brother.

“Your fate is now in my control. The great and chivalrous Lord Silvanticus has quit the field. Left last eve, I believe.

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.