Beholden (The Fairest Maidens Book 1) by Jody Hedlund

Author:Jody Hedlund [Hedlund, Jody]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Tags: Young Adult, Fiction
Publisher: Northern Lights Press
Published: 2020-09-21T16:00:00+00:00

We reached the edge of Rockland by dawn. As the glow of the rising sun skimmed the land, I breathed in the sweet scent of the bellflowers, daisies, and buttercups that bloomed in a profusion of colors, welcoming me home.

Spreading out for a league, the fertile fields teemed with the new growth of barley and oats. The hay was tall and willowy and would soon be ready for haymaking by the peasants who worked the land. Herds of sheep grazed on the gently rolling hills that surrounded the fortress that had been my home for as long as I could remember.

Built on the highest knoll and against the backdrop of the Gemstone Mountains, Rockland Castle was majestic and worthy of royalty, which was one of the reasons the queen had given the estate to the duchess after my father’s death.

The many towers were crowned with conical spires made of red clay tiles. Atop the brown sandstone bricks that made up the thick walls of the fortress, the red resembled the rubies that had once been so plentiful in the mountains.

As much as I adored everything about Rockland and had many wonderful memories of my childhood there, my fondness had never been the same once the duchess arrived with her daughters. Even now, as I peered at the fortress, a heaviness settled upon my chest at the prospect of seeing them.

I set my shoulders and nudged my mount onward. As we drew nearer, the gate rose and a retinue of knights rode out and veered in our direction.

“The duchess has been anxiously awaiting your return,” the lead knight called to Sir Lucan. “She expected you yesterday, and with the delay, commanded us to ride out and discover what had become of you.”

Sir Lucan reined in his horse. “As you can see, we are here now.”

The commander of the retinue halted, his eyes widening as he took in how ragged and worn I had become during my months in the mine. He tore his gaze away and searched the rest of our party. “Where are Lady Haleigh’s servants?”

“They were too weary to travel at the pace required of us.” I spoke before Sir Lucan could relay the truth. I didn’t want the duchess to discover I’d given Benedict and Alice their freedom. I feared she would send soldiers to capture them and hold them as ransom to ensure I did everything according to her bidding.

“Very well.” The commander dug his spurs into his mount. “Then let us report to the duchess at once.”

We crossed the remaining distance to the castle, my muscles tightening with each step closer. As we rode through the portcullis and gatehouse into the outer bailey, guards and servants alike stopped in the midst of their morning chores to stare at me.

I hadn’t looked at myself in a mirror since the day I’d left for the mine, and now with the reaction of the people upon seeing me, I dreaded what I would encounter when I viewed my reflection.

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