The Captive Maiden by Melanie Dickerson

Author:Melanie Dickerson [Dickerson, Melanie]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Fiction, Romance
Publisher: Zonderkidz
Published: 2013-07-01T04:00:00+00:00

“We are still searching for Ruexner, but there’s no sign of him,” the soldier told Valten. “We’re questioning people as well. So far no one has seen him.”

“Keep all guards on the search, except for the ones guarding the castle.”

“Yes, my lord.”

As the guard walked away, Valten turned to find Gisela. She was not where he had left her. He looked around but she didn’t appear to be anywhere in the room. Perhaps she had left with Margaretha.

He growled under his breath. Would she leave without telling him? During the ball?

He didn’t want to act like a worried nursemaid. She was probably with his sister and they had gone to the garderobe.

“Dance with me.” Rainhilda was at his elbow, smiling up at him. “It is a ball, after all. Aren’t we supposed to dance?”

He was supposed to be dancing with Gisela. He wanted to be dancing with her. But where was she?

He shook his head at Rainhilda. Just then he noticed another guard striding in and walking quickly toward his father, who was at the other end of the room. “You will excuse me.” Valten started toward his father and the guard. “What?” He got their attention as he approached.

Father’s look was grim as the guard said, “The soldier guarding the castle gate was found knocked senseless from a blow to the head. We are rallying our men to surround the castle and look for intruders.”

Gisela. Was it a coincidence he suddenly couldn’t find her?

Just then, a few more guards entered the Great Hall. They stationed themselves at the doors, making the ladies gasp and a frightened murmur break out among the guests.

“Gisela is missing.” His hand went to his hip again out of habit, looking for his sword.

“Missing?” His father looked quite dangerous, as dangerous as Valten felt. He needed his sword. Just then a servant boy walked past with an empty platter. “You. Fetch my squire and tell him to bring me my sword. Then go to the stable and have my horse saddled and ready.”

“Yes, my lord!” The boy ran off.

“She was standing over there” — he nodded at the other side of the room — “talking to Margaretha a few minutes ago. Now they’re both gone.”

Father pointed at the guard. “Get three trusted men and have them scour the castle for Margaretha and Gisela.”

“Yes, your grace.” The guard barely took time to nod before hurrying off.

“Let’s check the west door.” Father headed toward the door Gisela had been standing near the last time Valten had seen her. Valten walked briskly by his father’s side, then broke into a run. The guard moved aside to let him pass.

Holding the door open, he looked around. His father came up beside him.

“These torches on the wall should be lighted.”

“There’s something on the floor over there.” His father pointed several feet down the corridor.

Valten walked over and picked it up. The guard came back with a lighted torch. “It’s a shoe.” A woman’s shoe of white leather. A surge of energy went through Valten.

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