The Barbarian Page 8

  His goblet was refilled, and they were soon joined by her sisters. If they were bothered by his presence, they didn’t show it. It was then as he watched them together that he saw their likeness and the comfort they each gave each other. He’d been an only child and a disappointment to his father. Such comradery wasn’t something he had growing up, he’d eventually found that with his brothers in arms.

  They ignored him for the most part and he was happy just to be in their company.

  At some point the call to dinner sounded. They had time to dress. Eldron rose, bowed and headed out the room. Her voice reaching him as he turned into the hallway.

  “You may wish to wash off the maid before dinner Eldron.”

  Eldron froze. She knew…..

  He had no words for her, just gave a sharp nod and left.

  He felt like he’d dishonoured her somehow. That he was no better than his father and that hurt. Which made no sense. He wasn’t beholden to her.

  As he entered his room, the place felt empty and cold without her presence even with the fire blazing it lacked something. Lacked her.

  The tub was brought in and filled, and he did as she bade him and washed the maid from him.

  He had no reason to feel badly about it. Like all men took a few tumbles with willing females but never allowed himself to spill in them. Not that that was any guarantee, but he always made sure they were willing and came to him, leaving enough money for them to change their lives a little and procure a potion to help prevent a little one.

  A child born of that would be unforgiveable, but should it happen, he’d take care of the child.

  Eldron scrubbed the day away. The female confused and unsettled him. Stepping out, he dried and changed his clothes before heading down to the hall. It would be the first hall meal he’d attended since he’d returned home.

  Something else that was a part of his life. What was expected of him. A role he knew how to play.

  ***

  They left her at last. She couldn’t blame her sisters for being caught by Eldron. She was part to blame not being well enough to lead the escape. They’d been surprised at her outburst to Eldron regarding the barmaid. Her sisters had been embarrassed for her and she’d told them to stop it. She wasn’t married or betrothed. Eldron had the right to take any woman he wanted they knew that but had needed the harsh reminder. This was not a fairy-tale or a romantic notion. This was her life.

  They accepted his behaviour like everyone else. She knew castle gossip well enough to know the news would have reached her sisters, there was no point ignoring it or being upset by it. She would have to live with his actions.

  Her strength had remained strong while he’d stayed in their company, but it had slowly drained from her, until her bed called to her and she gave her sisters leave to go.

  Giving instructions to the maid to bring up warmed water and her meal, she made ready for bed. She would not be able to go down to the hall this night. Her body too tired and strained. She drank the herb tea with thoughts of him with another. She did not want them. Did not want to be reminded. Did not want her head to ask if he were with another now.

  They were not married she reminded herself. He wouldn’t be making any promises to her. He’d made his position clear. She was not a female he wanted and that made her happy.

  So why it upset her so, she didn’t know.

  ***

  She felt cold and shivered waking more, pulling her body in close huddling down pulling the blankets and furs closer for more warmth.

  Damn it why couldn’t she stay warm?....

  “You’re cold?”

  She registered the voice and shivered again. He was here. Why couldn’t he leave her alone.

  Why wasn’t she surprised…..

  “Yes,” she told him resigned pulling the covers around her.

  He moved into the light of the candle from the shadows around her, lifted the covers taking the bed pans out of the bed going to the fire. She raised herself up and watched him empty out the contents and refill them, careful to wrap them in the blankets once more before placing them in the bed near her. It was clear he’d done this plenty of times. He tucked her in.

  “Could I have some mead?” she asked.

  Without answering, he filled a goblet and passed it to her. She nodded her thanks taking several swallows then handed it back.

  She snuggled down as he came around the bed. Her eyes sleepy once more.

  She shuddered some more, and the covers were lifted, the bed dipped as his body came in next to her pulling her close.

  She stilled and was frozen for a different reason. He. Was. In. Her. Bed…..

  Pulling her towards him he settled in behind her and her body was crushed to his. She was perplexed and unsure what was happening. Emotions rose within her. She wasn’t the barmaid. Tears came to her eyes.

  “Get out.” He ignored her getting settled with the blankets and furs around them. She held herself stiffly. “I will not accept help from a male who buries his cock anywhere he pleases,” she told him bitterly, thinking to annoy him and that he would leave, but he stayed, pulling her tighter to him.

  Eleanor didn’t know what to do. He was too strong to remove from her bed. Then his heat seeped into her and she sighed sinking into him. He was so warm, so comforting. She didn’t want to be angry. Her hand opened and she felt the strength of his chest under it. She sighed as his arm came around her and held her to him his hand brushed down the length of her hair, as she rubbed her face against him.

  “I will not be used. Why do men have to be bastards?...”

  “Sleep.”

  ***

  The maid woke her in the morning, and she found herself alone. She looked around quickly, knowing she’d not been dreaming. He’d been there in the night, just like all those other nights. She knew it to be true but unsure how she felt about it. He wasn’t the kind of male to do something without cause. He had certainly cared and warmed her, there was no doubt of that and so in contrast to the male who’d raged before at her.

  Without his body heat last night, she’d feared she would never be warm again.

  That was wrong wasn’t it?.... Craving a male body to keep her warm?...

  Not a husband, not a promised lover but someone who whored. He confused her. One minute he didn’t want her, the next, he sort her out and …. Saved her. Again.

  Masking her annoyance, she gratefully accepted her tea and breakfast asking after sisters.

  They were well and settled. And the next week passed quickly.

  A routine of sorts existed. She’d spend time with her sisters, take a little walk, talk to Kate about the Keep, read, take her meals in her room. Nap when fatigue hit her as it often did and she’d sleep, waking cold in the night, finding him sitting and waiting for her. They didn’t really talk. She had nothing to say and embarrassed that he continued to share her bed and unable to say no to him that he would listen. And in her heart, she knew that she needed him, not just because of the chills. They were unmarried and he shared her bed like a common whore.

  Her conversations with her sisters became equally worrying. They talked endlessly about Brute and Galron. Of their tails of war and bravery. It was clear to see their affection for the men.

  Eleanor wasn’t so sure. On being informed they’d been up early and had ridden out with two of the Lords. Eleanor worried.

  “Were their maids or men with them?”

  “No my Lady.” Damn it….

  “Is Lord Eldron here?”

  “Yes my Lady.”

  She handed the tray back to the maid and threw off the blankets and furs.

  “Help me dress then have him call on me.”

  The maid had been gone awhile. Eleanor paced.

  Had everyone lost their sense of propriety?... This situation could be disastrous….

  The knock and the door opening had her quickly turning towards it. Eldron strode in, a man in complete control.

  “Are you unwell?�
� he asked checking her over with his eyes.

  “No. I didn’t call about that. Why are my sisters out with your men with no escort or maids in attendance? This looks bad Eldron, you know this, they have reputations to think of. Good marriages are what they want, not gossip about their conduct or to be…..like me.”

  Eldron stilled watching the anxiety and worry cross the females face.

  What did she mean, like me?

  Her level of concern gave him pause. He had not considered this when he’d given his consent.

  “They will come to no harm with my men.”

  She waved her hand at him clearly frustrated. “I know that.” She snapped.

  “It’s what people will say. How they will talk. They are good girls who want nice marriages. They want to be cared for and looked after by great men who can give them a good life and families. Rumours will kill that dead and ruin my parents.”

  Tears rain down her face and she wiped them off angrily, annoyed that they flowed.

  Her tears killed him, didn’t like to see it but shrugged. “They wanted to ride Eleanor.”

  Her heart skipped a beat. He’d used her name. She cut it down.

  “Mayhap they did,” she nodded. “But they need an escort Eldron and preferably with maids who can attain to their honour being intact.” she whispered.

  “You are overreacting.”

  Eleanor got up in his face. “Am I? I might have been unworthy of your concern for my honour. Not worthy of concerns for my reputation or your affections but they are and any Lord worth his salt would know that. Make it right. Now.”

  He went to touch her face and she backed off. She was shaking with anger and worry.

  “I am not some barmaid you can buy, fuck or dismiss as you feel like it. I am your legal hostage and no more you have a duty to me and mine. Now Eldron I mean it.”

  His own anger rose. “I’m aware you’re no barmaid woman. If you were, I’d be fucking you right now bent over that bed giving you exactly what you need. My fucking cock. Don’t tell me what to do in my own Keep female.” His voice getting the better of him.

  Eleanor swallowed and doubled down. She knew how to play this game.

  She could open her legs and give him just that, hoping he’d do as she wished in gratitude or she could fight. She chose to fight.

  “You want a peaceful house Eldorn? You want this Keep running smoothly, with enough servants to do your bidding, enough food to feed everyone, enough wine, hot water, clean clothes? Yes? Then you will give me this or by God, chaos will reign here.”

  His brow furrowed as he contemplated her. This was his Keep.

  How did she think she could change things?....

  Then he remembered his mother. She ruled the household with an iron fist. What she said went. Eleanor held her resolve tightly to her not giving an inch. He could see it. She would make good on her threat, make his and his men’s lives hell and enjoy doing it.

  God he wanted to kiss her. Grab her and hold her to him laughing at her play at war but held back knowing she wouldn’t appreciate it. She was in earnest and likely right. Turning to leave grasping the door as he went he stopped.

  He didn’t doubt her conviction but couldn’t give in too easily, it wasn’t in him.

  “I will give you this because I choose to. Don’t try to challenge me again Eleanor. Or you will be punished.” And slammed the door shut. Eldron grinned.

  Eleanor slumped in her chair. Damn….

  ***

  “You are both leaving.” She told them she would brook no argument. Before they could answer her, she carried on.

  “Riding out with just two warriors, are you mad? Do you not care for your reputations? For what a Lord will say about such a thing? It could ruin all your prospects!”

  They sat down before her fire in a slump. Both unhappy. Eleanor gave them a moment. A maid brought in warmed wine. They all took a goblet each.

  “We were just having a little fun.” Asa told her.

  “Yes, and I understand the freedom being here gives you. But you will not be here much longer and must return to our home. Find good husbands and have families of your own.”

  “You’re staying,” Olivia told her belligerently.

  Eleanor sat back in her chair.

  Was Olivia upset that she wasn’t marrying Eldron?...

  “Did you want to marry him Olivia?”

  Olivia wouldn’t look at her and frowned looking at the fire. “I would have done my duty,” she told her.

  Eleanor nodded. She knew that to be true. “But did you want to?” she asked kindly again.

  Eleanor watched her struggle with duty and want, while she thought about it. Eventually she shook her head. “Given a choice, no. He scares me.”

  Eleanor didn’t know why she felt relieved, but she did.

  She leant forward towards her and Olivia looked over to her. “I would never stand in your way Liv if that is what you truly wanted.”

  She sighed. “I know that El.”

  Eleanor smiled and nodded too. “So you don’t want to marry Lord Eldron?”

  “Gods, No.”

  They all chuckled. “As I thought. Ok, it’s time to go. I’m here, I’m better, and our parents will be anxious for your return.”

  “Can it not wait a month? It will be warmer and nearer the Spring Fayre.” Asa asked.

  “No. Tomorrow. You have both been away long enough. Spend the day getting ready to leave. No going off on your own.”

  Eldron knocked and came in. Eleanor inclined her head to him calmly hiding her emotions from her sisters. She was still annoyed with him, but he had brought them back as she’d asked.

  “My Lord, if it pleases you my sisters are ready for the return journey home. They will be ready to leave on the morrow.”

  “So soon?”

  Was she so bothered about them remaining?....

  “Indeed. There is work to do at the castle that my mother will need help now that I am not there and the Spring Fayre to be planned and visitors to be welcomed.”

  “I see.” He didn’t. He was sure that at least two of his elite wouldn’t either. Both her sisters stood.

  “We will leave you to make the arrangements.” Olivia told them, curtsied to them both and left way too easily.

  Eleanor watched them go. Eldron took a seat near her.

  “They are up to something. They’ll need watching.” She told him.

  “It wouldn’t be necessary if there was no rush.”

  Eleanor glanced at him. “If they stay longer what do you think will happen?”

  He was not a stupid man and knew a trap when he saw it.

  She went on not waiting for him to answer.

  “Eldron, you are not a stupid man, please do not take me for a stupid woman.”

  He looked at her intensely. “I never did Eleanor. My men won’t be happy.”

  She didn’t look surprised. “Are they looking for wives?”

  Eldron burst out laughing. “Nooo.”

  She waited for him to gain control before hammering it home.

  “That’s my point. This is entertainment for them. For my sisters, this is the rest of their lives.”

  He nodded and rose wearily. “My life used to be so simple. I’ll see to it.” He walked to the door.

  “Eldron.” He turned to her. “I apologise about the barmaid comment. It is none of my business, you owe me nothing and I should have held my tongue. What you do is your affair.”

  He nodded. “I’m sorry too. I should never have taken the barmaid and I’m not so sure you are right about the rest.”

  He stood like a servant waiting for her to dismiss him. Going to her night after night had been something, he couldn’t stop himself from doing. It was he who craved her heat last night. She’d not needed him and still, he’d slipped between her sheets and held her.

  It was why he’d found himself standing in her room gazing down on her willing her to need him, nothing would have stopped him from
joining her in that bed and holding her. It was a revelation he was not proud of.

  She wasn’t sure what he meant by that. The ground between them seemed like sand. The slightest wrong move and it would crack open.

  “I will write to my parents and the Friar as discussed before. I will tell them I am more than happy with the hostageship. That it suits us both and I am glad that the alliance is in place.”

  He’d spent the past week with the Priest. He knew in his heart that wouldn’t satisfy her parents or him but he nodded anyway.

  “I’m not sure that will be enough for either of us but thank you Eleanor.”

  He was confusing her, but she nodded. “I have no wish to upset you, but I would prefer that the riders today do not go with my sisters.” He stiffened.

  She could see his frustrations and knew he didn’t like her giving him orders but this was important. If she burnt bridges so be it. She waited for his response. He turned his gaze hardened on her, but she wouldn’t break first. Eventually he gave her a sharp nod and walked out.

  Eleanor gave a relieved sigh. She had nothing against the men. They had acted honourably. They were Eldron’s elite and brave warriors. But taking her sisters out without full escort and chaperones had been without care and was reckless. Yes, she understood this was something they were not accustomed to but that did not stop the wrong of it.

  If they had such little care for her sister’s reputations, she could trust them on a journey of several days to ensure her sisters modesty remained intact and their names not sullied.