Chapter 3
"Momma! Taint says you're gonna be married!" "What?" Anese, still half asleep, barely comprehended a word the two boys said. They seemed perfectly at home here, but then they had already been talking to Taint. Married, what were they talking about? "Boys, what did you say?" The two smiled to themselves, apparently praising their work to get Anese fully awake. Yet they weren't joking, as they proved when they repeated, "The little girl says you're getting married today. You'd better." Anese heard no more of what they were saying. She looked up, horrified, to find Taint standing slightly behind Matthew. Married! The word rang through her head as if she had been next to a church bell when it was stroked. But to whom would she be wed? Jack? Could it be a local man? Or would it be one of Eric's warriors? It never occurred to her that her groom might be Eric himself, until Taint saw the confused look upon Anese's face. "Lord Eric had the Count Valasky over for dinner last night; he was the man on the right. And when you spoke with Eric while serving him, he thought that since Eric needs a wife, and you were obviously available, as you were flirting in his eyes, so he arranged the marriage. Come on, I'm supposed to get you down to the seamstress so she can make changes to the dress the Count picked out." Taint held out her hand and Anese reluctantly took it and followed the young girl, Matthew and Christian trailing behind them. Anese was so confused! Everything about her life was being decided for her, and she of course didn't like it, but could do nothing to stop it. She was being led by a six year old to a room she didn't know existed, and she was to face the terrors of standing still for a marriage she had no say in! Nothing made sense anymore.
The day was passing by in a blur for Eric. He had awoken to John's rapping upon his chamber door, gotten out of bed and followed John to a room where Anese stood on a stool in front of a folding changing wall, tried on his own attire for the ceremony behind a wall of his own, seen that Count Valasky hadn't completely destroyed his keep, and now stood at the alter with his future wife. How had he let the Count set him up like this? How could he have just sat back and watched as his life was changed forever?
Count Valasky stood in front of the stables, watching his orders being carried out. Horses were being moved about and rearranged according to his breeding preference. Count Valasky smiled at his handiwork, marveling in his 'glory.' Next on his list of things needing improvement there was the fact that Eric's eating habits needed re-teaching, then he must speak with the cook and the kitchen staff about their preparation skills and recommendations they had from previous employers, and finally he needed to see to the remodeling of both the Great Hall and the church for the coming wedding. "So much to do, so little time to do it in," the count mumbled. Perhaps later there would be some time to talk to the servants who took care of the cleaning of his bedroom. It was simply atrocious that the sheets on his bedspread had had a wrinkle in them when he'd pulled back the bearskin quilt.
Anese stood in a midnight blue gown at the end of the aisle. A silver belt rested above Anese's hips, highlighting their curvaceous flare. Her hair was down and loose instead of the usual knot at her nape, and small braids throughout it were graced with white flowers from Scotland's many feral gardens. She held nothing in her hands, but wished she did, as she wanted to finger something besides the nails of her thumbs. She looked upon Eric to see the cold shine in his eyes once again, and she wondered whether he had ever been warm to anyone. Anese shivered slightly, dreading her role in the ceremony, and even more, dreading Eric's and her future. She walked slowly down to where the priest, Eric, and John Maverick stood. Over the course of the last few days, Anese had come to know John's reputation. She had found that Eric had met John when Audrey had imprisoned him, though not here at Arlington Hall. Eric had been brought in after his wife had died, but Anese knew not of how she had past on. The two had immediately become friends, and John had helped Eric through the rough times he'd faced without his wife and children. He'd had two twin boys by the name of Christian and Matthew, but Anese thought that odd that her own two were named the same. She would have continued on the trail her thoughts had taken, but Eric's 'I do' shook her from them. The priest, Father Liam, turned to her and repeated what he had said to Eric. Anese said, "I do," but momentarily regretted it. She should have said no, should have said.Oh! Eric's lips were upon her pinched ones, and he demanded she open for him. He guided her own open, making her respond to his demands. His tongue probed her mouth, and Eric was heedless to the hoots that now seemed to come from the audience. When he finally released her, Eric reached around Anese's waist to steady her swaying figure, and marched her down the aisle way, continuing into the Great Hall. And so the feasting began.
Anese was seated on Eric's left side, Count Valasky, proudly flaunting his part in the marital arrangement, on Eric's right. Eric looked at Anese's face, carefully examining every firm contour. She had high cheekbones, beautiful sapphire eyes that were set perfectly in her face. Her eyebrows were thick, but shaped thin and arched. Her eyes were slanted every so slightly at the corners, and her lips were full and supple. Her wondered if her face was as silky as it looked. Eric next compared her with Jennie; there were many contrasting traits. For one, Jennie was petite yet tall, and vastly shy, but Anese was shorter, and had not the paper thin stomach that society's young men longed for, however she had not an ounce of fat in her body. Jennie had had skin the color of soft cream, but Anese had the tan skin of a foreigner; his former wife had had cloudy grey eyes and silvery blonde hair that was baby fine. Anese had thick ebony hair that seemed blue-black in the moonlight and eyes like sapphires. Eric sighed. It seemed he could never rid himself of Jennie's everlasting hold over him. "A toast, to the newly wed couple, and the new Lady of Carrleigh!" John said as cheers were shouted in the Great Hall. Men taunted Eric aloud, making crude jokes about the coming bedding. Eric only smiled, aware that the remarks were from the ale rather than the men. The night wore on, and still Anese only concentrated on the plate of food she'd hardly touched. Her head was bent, but her shoulders straight. Eric found his gaze shifting to her often. He wondered if she was even listening to anything going on around her, but she was, he concluded. She always seemed to be listening, watching, waiting. Though she had pretended to eat, Eric could see she had only pushed the food around her plate. She hadn't even taken a sip of the warm liquid that rested in her chalice. "I believe Lady Anese and I shall retire for the evening," Eric said after coming to the finality that Anese was extremely depressed about the marriage, maybe more so than even he was. She had actually been serious with the local carpenter, while he had had no one but the wenches who warmed his bed. Anese stiffened as Eric said they should leave. The Lady and I was what he'd said. Oh no! He meant to bed her. Her job was to bear him sons of course. What was he supposed to do, sire them elsewhere and leave Anese to raise them? She had been naïve to think that he would leave her alone and sleep where he pleased. Eric must have seen her worried disposition, for when he rose from the table and went to escort her to their chambers, he whispered, "Your children are staying with Taint and the other serving children with Cook. Don't worry about them." Yet she wasn't worried about her children, she was worried about herself. She felt selfish, but she couldn't help it. A deeply embedded need for survival warned her of the long night to come. She walked as calmly as she could, clinging to Eric's arm, as he led her out of the feasting hall that was filled with the hoots of drunken men. Eric held Anese by her tiny waist, leading her away from the chaos and disarray of the feast. They walked in silence, Anese struggling to compose herself, Eric warily watching her, until Eric led Anese through a heavy wooden door that seemed to be the only one in this corridor. He shut the door with his booted foot, and sat Anese down on the giant bed. She stared ahead, and waited for whatever may follow. "What's wrong?" Eric asked, a strange compassionate tone entering his voice. Anese's head snapped up, her glowing eyes wide, alight with fear. Eric drew her close. At first Anese stiffened and fought his grip, but then, unconsciously sensing security, softened and molded her body to his. He held her firmly, allowing her to rest her head upon his up righted chest, but still Anese drew a ragged breath before speaking. "Everything. Nothing has gone right. I am sorry to say I deeply regret our marriage." "It was not what I had intended either," Eric said, "but we should make the best of it. Marriages aren't all bad, you know." Anese looked up to his face at that. Their eyes met, unblinking. Eric leaned down and touched his lips to hers, coaxing her into a deep, tender kiss. Anese allowed him to continue his exploration of her mouth, only to be sucked into a hole where there was no way out, no escape. Yet something inside her warned her of danger, and something else pushed her to go forward. There was no going back through time to change her legal marriage, and it seemed that with the way this night was headed, there would be no annulment either, even if Count Valasky and Eric agreed to it. Eric pulled Anese over him, so she sat across his lap, her shorter legs draped over his muscular thighs; she made no objection. Eric moved his hand along the bicep of Anese's slender arm in an effort to comfort her. Anese suddenly pulled away, saying, "No! Stop! We can't do this; I can't do this." Her voice was soft and pleading. "Please." Eric practically threw her off of him and further upon the bed. He rose swiftly and stormed from the room, proceeding from the bedchamber to the now deserted Great Hall. He found a pitcher of ale in the kitchens, and guzzled the contents in one swig. He sat in the head chair and allowed the ale to lull him into a dreamless sleep.
Anese was sorely confused as she watched Eric thunder from their room, slamming the door behind him. She wondered where he would go, or to who he would go to. He had appeared to be smitten with Reva, but Anese didn't want to think of Eric sleeping with her. It was simply devastating to her that a dear friend such as Reva might accompany Eric to bed. A sudden surge of jealousy overwhelmed Anese. Eric was hers, yet obviously he wasn't exactly that. She had denied him what she had wanted herself, but had been cowardly toward. Perhaps he thought her deflowered and therefore would've stopped himself had she not said anything. Anese tried to force herself to believe this, but found little comfort in the proposition. She decided to try and sleep off the hunger that still haunted her. She felt an odd attraction for Eric, even though he was the man she most wanted to disappear from this Earth. Anese fell asleep atop the bedspread, fully clothed, and completely at a loss for feeling. Her only comfort was the prospect of a brighter day tomorrow. But the next day would not be comforting at all! Taint had been sick most of her life with a terrible cough that would wrack that small body of hers, but now she was coughing more frequently and could not even do the simplest chore. Christian and Matthew ran into the room Cook had said their mother had been moved to, shouting so all heaven could hear them. "Momma!" they yelled in unanimity. Matthew, always having been the one to initiate things, finished as Christian nodded fervently, "Taint's sick! Get up, Momma!" Anese drew herself up, rubbing her eyes to rid them of sleep. When she began to comprehend what her children were saying, she bolted from the bed and changed quickly, herding them out the door and urging them to wherever Taint may be. "We know," Christian said, "she's in the kitchens where Cook an' Reva can watch her." "Have you been hanging around the marketing country folk again? You better start talking like gentlemen again before I tan your hide. Now, go to Cook and tell her I'll be right there," Anese said as she darted away from the boys toward her herbal room. Christian and Matthew ran as fast as they could to the kitchens, and plunged into Cook as they rounded the corner. The hefty woman paid no head, and led them to Taint's side by the oven. Reva sat next to the little girl, holding cool rags over her twitching head. Anese arrived soon enough, planting herself between the oven and Taint. She whispered softly to Taint, reassuring her that everything would be fine as long as she stayed strong. "Are there any others who have this terrible cough?" When Reva was silent, Anese persisted, "Reva? Are there any others?" Reva nodded guiltily, her eyes were filled with tears that leaked from her eyelids and skidded over her cheeks. Anese embraced Reva for a moment before turning to see Cook holding out a piece of parchment, a quill, and a miniature well of ink. Reva wrote a name in bold letters: Gabe. Anese reached into her skirts and pulled out a small vial and unplugged it, saying, "Give her a sip of this every hour, and keep cold cloths on her." Anese rushed from the room in search of Gabe. Who was Gabe? "Anese! Gabe works alongside Bluthe overseeing how this place runs; he's an apprentice and was a former slave. You know how he is, buying and then taking in all the slaves that he does. You make him better, you hear?" Anese nodded solemnly at Cook's words, but somehow knew deep down that the little boy wasn't going to live. She just knew it, and she hoped the household would forgive her if she were right. Later that evening, tired and tear stricken, Anese climbed the stairway to her bedroom, meeting Cook along the way. She had warmed to Anese ever since Taint became sick this morning, and when Anese thought about it, she had even started to notice her after Anese and Eric had married. "You did your hardest baby." Cook opened her arms to Anese as a new wave of tears came on. "Gabe was real sick; it's okay. You did everything you could for that boy, everything possible." Cook pulled back from Anese and raised a finger to wipe away the tears. "Now then, I came to see you to thank you for your help with Taint today. You've won all of our hearts, but we should have come to you sooner. Gabe has been as sick as Taint was today for a while, but we doubted your gift because we were afraid. And we have good reason to be afraid, what with your spunky attitude." They laughed together, and Anese nestled herself deeper into Cook's warm arms. "She's not out of the woods yet, Cook. You know that, right?" Anese asked thoughtfully. "I know, but at least she can see the sun."
A week after their marriage, Eric had not yet been to Anese's bed, and had continually ignored her through the daily tasks of living and even dinner in the Great Hall. He never spared a glance at her, but one night at dinner, Reva was serving Eric ale. Anese looked upon the two, trying to tell herself to stay calm and not get jealous over her friend. But in the end temptation won her over. Feeling betrayed and, even more so, rejected, Anese asked coldly, "Could I see you for a moment?" Anese got up suddenly, sending her chair scooting loudly backward, and strode out of the room toward their quarters. Eric followed her, keeping pace step for step. When she pushed the door to her room open, she turned on him. Eric was shutting the door as she sprang to life. "What do you think you were doing?" "Thanking Reva for(" "For what?" "For serving me my ale! Do you suddenly have a problem with good manners?" Eric demanded. He wondered if it was jealousy that provoked this fight. Anese raised her chin and straightened her back determinedly. "Not if your good manners consist of sleeping wherever you choose, with whomever you choose!" She was close to tears, but she denied her own emotions and concentrated on the argument at hand, an argument she was resolved to win, even if it meant him sleeping beside her for the rest of her life. She would not be cheated behind her back, especially when one of her dear friends may be involved. "You sleep who knows where at night!" "At least I honor my vows, not that you could say the same! Maybe while I'm away from you, you invite dear, dear Jack to come to your bed!" "Yes, I loved Jack, but I can no longer. I had been drifting from him anyway and(" Eric gave a low snort, cutting Anese short. "I(I wish you'd at least sleep out of someone else's bed, even if(" "As you wish Milady." Eric swept an indignant Anese up and into his arms, kissing her deep and passionately. He slowly ran his tongue over her lips, urging them to part for him, and laid her upon the bed. For some reason she showed no resistance. He unbelted his tunic and pulled it over his head. Anese opened her eyes to see a tan chest, but light hadn't permitted her to see much else. The sun was barely setting on the horizon, leaving this side of the keep dark and quiet. Eric took her mouth in his own again, touching his tongue to her own. She timidly responded, and then their kiss turned ravaging. Their passion seemed to ignite both of their hidden desires they had held withdrawn from each other. Outside the door, Taint had been listening diligently, hoping for the silence Sir John Maverick had instructed her to listen for. When there was finally no noise to be heard, Taint hurried off to tell John. Anese lay beside Eric, weeping lightly. Eric pulled her to his chest and wrapped his arms around her, holding her close. He'd of course known that virgins felt a sharp pain once experienced a man, but Eric had not known that Anese was one of these virgins. He'd been such an idiot! Of course she had been a virgin. What else? But he had convinced himself she had been deflowered. He'd convinced himself she had been experienced in the ways of marriage life. Yet now how did she come about with two boys? He'd had the suspicion that they were his long lost sons, but had dismissed the notion when he thought of what Audrey had said while he was imprisoned. "Your wife and unborn child are dead, and now your boys have been killed! Hah!" Audrey had spat at it and ordered his hands to be crushed and his back and shoulders whipped twenty strikes for trying to get at Audrey. He shook the memory out of his head. Anese cuddled closer to him, wanting his warmth and comfort. For some incredibly reason, Eric felt a certain instinct to be here for his wife. He felt as if she needed him badly, but for what he had yet to figure out. He'd never understand how such a brave and headstrong woman could cry so pitifully. Her shoulders shook with each wrenching sob, and Eric realized that these were not the cries of the typical woman, the women who pouted and cried when they desired something. He hugged her even closer, and Anese willingly molded her body against his.
Eric looked upon Anese's face. "Please don't cry. I hate to see you cry like this." Anese snuggled her cheek against Eric's chest. "I just hate this. I loathe how we can fight such repulsive fights, then engage in something as beautiful as this." Eric was thankful for the darkness, thankful that she wasn't exposed to another repulsive sight, scars. In the morning, Anese awoke feeling a hot soreness between her legs. She felt stiff, achy, yet at the same time, wonderful. She had seen a side of Eric that was tender, a side of him that was caring. He had not known she was a virgin that much was obvious, but she questioned why. Why had he not known? she thought to herself. Anese quickly sponged herself off, dressed, and went off in search of Eric, who had not been beside her when she'd awoken. Anese found him in the Great Hall, discussing business with John. She decided to leave them to their own devices, and instead went to find Christian and Matthew. The two had been spending much of their spare time with Jack. When she checked there and found the boys, they rushed out to greet her, throwing their arms around her legs in a tight embrace. Anese thanked a solemn Jack for taking care of the boys, noting the fact the he seemed to barely hide anger. She hoped it wasn't for Eric or herself, and chiefly not for Matthew or Christian. Anese led the twins with her into the kitchen after seeing John and Eric still engaged in fervent conversation. She and the boys ate a hearty breakfast, and they decided that today they wanted to learn how to cook and so would stay with Reva. Anese laughed and left the kitchens in bright spirits, hoping that it was just her imagination that every one seemed to be staring at her. She wondered what was going on, but her mind went blank when she came to the herbal chamber to find all the things necessary for her poultices and things already here. Anese chuckled when she thought of Eric shaking his head when he went to work on her home, only to find that all her things were still there. The idea of it was absolutely hilarious. She turned to find Eric grinning from ear to ear as he leaned in the doorway. "Something amusing?" Anese walked over to him, and he straightened slightly, still keeping his back against the doorpost. She walked over to him, wrapped her arms about his waist, and said, "I was just thinking of you." Eric's smile deepened. "And that's amusing?" "Oh yes," Anese said as serious as she could muster her voice to be, grinning widely. She timidly stood on tiptoe to brush her lips against his, and she'd barely done so before Eric had already taken her small waist in his arms and deepened the kiss. Anese had never felt as truly happy as she felt now. "I love you," she whispered against his lips. Eric pulled away from her abruptly. He looked at her with confused eyes that became cold and frozen. "No you don't." Anese broke from him and ran.
The next few months flew by for both Anese and Eric. They dined together at supper and sometimes at breakfast, and retired for the night at the same time. The castle bustled with activity around them. Servants gossiped about how Anese might be able to warm Eric's heart as she did his bed. But during the day, Eric did everything he could just to get Anese's attention. Since that day when she'd said she loved him, Anese had been avoiding him until supper, when her laugh rang loud and her affection deep. He wondered, though, why she refused to speak with him in any way but with a clipped tone. Anese, on the other hand, was devastated. She longed for the missing piece of the puzzle. Eric was a wonderful husband and a terrific father. He'd taken the twins into his life without thought to it, but he would not admit any feelings he had to her. And she obviously couldn't read his mind, but then again, what good would that do? She wanted him to tell her how he felt; she didn't want to guess for the rest of their married life. Today she sat at the small desk in her chambers, looking at the calendar and seeing the closeness to Christian and Matthew's birthday. Then panic struck. It had been three months, almost four, since she had had her monthly cycle. Her life had been so busy, what with the construction of her cottage, her marriage even, and the coming birthday of the twins. Oh God! She'd been married a week and three months to the day, but she wouldn't tell Eric she was pregnant. Not yet. But when would she tell him? And how? Interrupting her thought train, a knock sounded on the door. Anese called for the person to come in, and Reva entered, giddy with delight. She mouthed the words, "Miss Anese, guess what? Eric is going away for a week to go scouting for Audrey, who's been seen snooping around the outer village and fields." Anese turned away, tears filling her eyes. It looked as though Eric didn't feel for her at all. Then Reva walked over to Anese and put her hand on her shoulder. Anese wouldn't have known why Reva was so happy if she dismissed the woman, but Reva was not 'silent', and mouthed the words, "You didn't let me finish. Eric is having a special dinner for two made. He plans to dine up here, alone with you!" Anese hugged a grinning Reva, saying, "Thank you, for everything you've ever done for me." Reva replying in silence, "Eye doebah; Taint taught me the language from where you come from. Am I learning well?" Anese's eyes glazed over with fresh tears that streaked silently down her face. For Reva, that was answer enough, and she embraced her childhood friend one last time before turning to exit the room. "Wait!" Anese said suddenly. Reva turned with a look of curiosity upon her beautiful face. "Between you and me, bahn cai aye-yaw-ah." Anese smiled when Reva gave her a look of confusion. "I am pregnant. Bahn cai ma-nahn bead dyay see leenc!" "You're going to have a babe?" "See leenc!" Anese answered in her native language, saying "a babe!" Reva smiled jubilantly, turned, and ran out the room, ready to summon Lord Eric and the delicious food he'd ordered. Anese smiled to herself, and determined that even though she had said for Reva to keep her pregnancy a secret, the castle would soon be informed of her condition. She might as well tell Eric. An hour later, when the sun was descending on the horizon, Eric knocked on the chamber door and entered, his arms laden with a tray full of the Cook's special meal. He smiled as he crossed the room and laid the tray on the table near where Anese worked. She'd watched him traverse the room, and now gazed at him with wifely affection. Eric looked at Anese, sat down beside her, and began to pour their drinks. Anese accepted the goblet he handed her, thoughtful his current sanity. When they were done eating, Anese had finally made her decision that she would tell Eric of her present circumstances. Yet before she could even begin to speak, Eric did. "Anese, come here." She walked over to where Eric sat. They'd eaten by the gigantic hearth, and Eric was seated in the chair that had been originally placed there. Anese settled onto her husband's lap, as bidden, and rested her chin on his heavily muscled chest. Its heat warmed her cheek and so she snuggled closer. Eric encased her body with his arms. "Tired?" he inquired casually. Anese shook her head against him. Eric looked down at her, and tilted her chin up. He leaned down and took her mouth in his own, kissing her with the burning passion he had never hinted of. Anese pulled away from him slowly, bringing her knees up seductively. Eric could bear it no longer, and lifted her, carrying her to the fur covered bed.
Dawn came swiftly that next day, and oddly enough, Anese awoke to it. Eric was rising slowly, hoping not to awaken her. He had turned his back briefly when he heard a strangled gasp. He instinctively stiffened. He'd forgotten about the scars Audrey had so loved giving him. Anese rose unconsciously, and walked over to where Eric stood. She touched his scars, one by one. He lowered his head in shame, but raised it when she began tracing over each one. Eric turned toward her then, knowing he had to tell her something, something he had felt but been afraid she wouldn't feel the same after his apparent insult that day in the herbal room. "I love you," he said gently, searching for her gaze. "I love you, too. And I(" Eric silenced her words with a deep kiss. Anese resolved herself not to worry him with her, and decided to tell Eric of her pregnancy at a later time. "Reva already told me," he said out of the blue. He looked into her sapphire eyes and knew that she had not wanted to worry him, but she smiled brightly, embracing him lovingly. "The traditional feasting will be tomorrow, at Carrleigh. I've cancelled the scouting that would have been today. You're coming to your home, Anese, Lady of Carrleigh." Anese couldn't believe her ears. She would finally get to know what Eric's life had been like before her. She had to talk to John, about the scars, about everything. But now, she would just enjoy the company of her loving husband.
Jack hurried out of the gates, shrouded in a dark brown cloak. He had closed his shop as soon as he had heard the news of the coming trip to Carrleigh. Anese still loved him, he was sure of that, and she only waited for him to rescue her. Well, now he would. Finally he could tell Audrey Macvigh something that would be of use to Anese. He could tell the greasy man something that he could use to his advantage, as Audrey had promised to give Anese over to him as soon as Eric and the two little brats were dead. It was too bad that Eric had raped Anese so many times that Anese would have to bear his child, but he would take care of that. No child of any man but himself would ever be born of Anese. He would not force her to do it. Jack was unseen among the merchants who were leaving for the day, and this he was glad for. He was soon able to sneak off along the outer wall, and into the forest where Audrey waited with his newly recruited troops.
Eric was in the stables, saddling his stallion and Anese's mare, when he saw the wary looking man glance quickly around and then practically run out the keep's gates. The man was dressed in a brown cloak that all but swallowed him. Eric was suspicious, and so he mounted his steed and silently pursued the dubious man, leaving Anese's mare to stand in befuddlement. He returned only a few hours later, having lost the man's trail at a creek where the man could have gone down stream or up. He arrived in time to join John Maverick with his work on Anese's cottage. They worked shirtless, pulling down the last wall stone by stone. "There.are.not enough men.who know how to build.stone structures," Eric said between huffing breaths, "We need to.to start training in.more than body and skill.start training in mind.also." John, equally exhaustedly out of breath, replied, "Well.how do you figure.that?" Eric paused and grinned at John. "Anese." They chuckled together, and went back to their work of hauling the huge stones into place. Anese sat on one of the uprising parapets, watching the two. She had come around on the wall, and now sat between two of the ramparts. Anese laid her head against one of the stone works, sighing contentedly, and swinging her feet on the tremendously high indentation in the wall over the hardened ground. Suddenly, a voice from the nearest station along the walls sounded. It was a man's voice, and Anese looked behind her uneasily. She was wary until she saw Jack step forth from the shadows. She went to him and hugged him, but pushed away disgustedly when he tried to kiss her, saying indignantly, "I'm married!" Jack looked confused, then angry. He backed away from her, his enraged demeanor made her ever wary of him. He was huge, towering over her as a giant would an ant. He bowed his head in frustration, and Anese felt guilty for having hurt him like this. Yet she could do nothing for him; she loved Eric. "It wasn't meant to be. I love Eric," she said passionately. At that, Jack's bent head cocked up, his eyes ablaze with rage. He started toward Anese and was on her before she could utter protest. He grabbed her and held her mouth closed while he unfastened the leather thongs that held his cloak together. He released his hold on her for only a moment, and Anese took the opportunity given. She bit down on his loosened hand, and threw the swearing Jack partially off of her. "Eric! Er(" Jack closed his red hand over her mouth once again, holding her so tightly that she gasped desperately for breath. From below, Eric looked up to where he'd seen Anese watching, but she was gone. There wasn't anything on the ground where she would've fallen. Oh no! Eric thought. Anese was over three months pregnant; if she was injured enough to harm the babe she could die as well. He couldn't bear to lose her. "Christian! Matthew!" Eric called urgently into the house. The two boys had been busy lately with their mother's present from themselves and Eric, and had been working in the cottage. They came running out as quickly as their little legs could carry them having heard the urgency in their father's voice. "Papa!" the two said to their new father of several months. The twins had come to except Eric as who he really was, and learned much from him. "What is it?" Eric dismissed the question, knowing now that the two boys loved him. It was the first time they'd called him Papa, but he was too distraught with fear and worry to bask in the joy of the moment. "Go to Old Man Bluthe tell him to meet me at the gate with armed scouts. Then stay with Reva while I go search(" Eric caught himself too late, and instantly both Christian and Matthew knew something was wrong, something that involved their mother. But they hurried to do as their father bid them. Eric ran to the keep and donned a thin white shirt that buttoned up the middle. He quickly rolled up the crisp sleeves and pulled on his stockings and heavy boots, then rushed down the stairways and through the halls to the keep's gate. Old Man Bluthe, the first man from Arlington Hall that he'd talked to, was waiting for him, a crowd of armed men mounting their horses. One of the stable boys, Jimmy, Reva's brother, smiled slowly as he gave Eric the reins. Eric thought Jimmy had the same amount of curious cheerfulness that Reva did. "We don't split up into less than pairs. Search for only one set of footprints, he's likely to think he can outsmart us by carrying her, but be wary of two sets. If you see anything holler for reinforcements and the rest of us will soon fall in," Eric said as he addressed the scouting party. He turned to John Maverick and Old Man Bluthe. "Bluthe, check around here as quick as you can of who is here and who should be and isn't. Report to Sir John when this is accomplished. John, post armed men around the entire wall, and send a small group of men to constantly survey the outer walls. Another group should stand guard just inside the gate. Should anyone come with Anese, do what you feel best." Eric nodded to the two men and set out with the others. He rode off, having been paired with two other men of his, Sir Casey and Sir Luke. They were deep into the forest when the two men Eric had trusted turned on him. He was cornered. "Don't even think about going for that sword, Eric," Luke said, raising his crossbow slightly. He cocked his head and Casey grabbed Eric. But Eric pushed himself backwards, tumbling the two over Casey's horse and onto the ground. Eric balled a fist, knocked Casey out cold, and seized the man's crossbow before Luke could do anything. He pointed the weapon at the horsed man, and said dangerously, his voice low and menacing, "Take me to my wife before I kill you!" Luke was scared sick, and dismounted quickly. He dropped the crossbow at Eric's request, and led the way to a small encampment. Before they entered, Eric silently drew his knife and came up behind Luke. He slit Luke's throat, stopping anything the man would've said, and laid the body in a thick bush. Eric went back the way he came and summoned his men with the call of an owl, hiding in a tree before the men could arrive. He didn't know whom he could trust anymore. When the men came to the place Eric had been, he decided they were loyal, or they weren't. He dropped suddenly, his body tense, but when no one made a move against him, he relaxed. "Sir Luke and Sir Casey were corrupted and have been punished for their conspiracies. I know where Anese is. Michael will stay with me as a messenger, and Jesse will deliver me. The remaining men will head back to camp and tell John, he'll know what I'm thinking." Eric, Jesse, and Michael headed toward the encampment, the master in the lead.
"Momma! Taint says you're gonna be married!" "What?" Anese, still half asleep, barely comprehended a word the two boys said. They seemed perfectly at home here, but then they had already been talking to Taint. Married, what were they talking about? "Boys, what did you say?" The two smiled to themselves, apparently praising their work to get Anese fully awake. Yet they weren't joking, as they proved when they repeated, "The little girl says you're getting married today. You'd better." Anese heard no more of what they were saying. She looked up, horrified, to find Taint standing slightly behind Matthew. Married! The word rang through her head as if she had been next to a church bell when it was stroked. But to whom would she be wed? Jack? Could it be a local man? Or would it be one of Eric's warriors? It never occurred to her that her groom might be Eric himself, until Taint saw the confused look upon Anese's face. "Lord Eric had the Count Valasky over for dinner last night; he was the man on the right. And when you spoke with Eric while serving him, he thought that since Eric needs a wife, and you were obviously available, as you were flirting in his eyes, so he arranged the marriage. Come on, I'm supposed to get you down to the seamstress so she can make changes to the dress the Count picked out." Taint held out her hand and Anese reluctantly took it and followed the young girl, Matthew and Christian trailing behind them. Anese was so confused! Everything about her life was being decided for her, and she of course didn't like it, but could do nothing to stop it. She was being led by a six year old to a room she didn't know existed, and she was to face the terrors of standing still for a marriage she had no say in! Nothing made sense anymore.
The day was passing by in a blur for Eric. He had awoken to John's rapping upon his chamber door, gotten out of bed and followed John to a room where Anese stood on a stool in front of a folding changing wall, tried on his own attire for the ceremony behind a wall of his own, seen that Count Valasky hadn't completely destroyed his keep, and now stood at the alter with his future wife. How had he let the Count set him up like this? How could he have just sat back and watched as his life was changed forever?
Count Valasky stood in front of the stables, watching his orders being carried out. Horses were being moved about and rearranged according to his breeding preference. Count Valasky smiled at his handiwork, marveling in his 'glory.' Next on his list of things needing improvement there was the fact that Eric's eating habits needed re-teaching, then he must speak with the cook and the kitchen staff about their preparation skills and recommendations they had from previous employers, and finally he needed to see to the remodeling of both the Great Hall and the church for the coming wedding. "So much to do, so little time to do it in," the count mumbled. Perhaps later there would be some time to talk to the servants who took care of the cleaning of his bedroom. It was simply atrocious that the sheets on his bedspread had had a wrinkle in them when he'd pulled back the bearskin quilt.
Anese stood in a midnight blue gown at the end of the aisle. A silver belt rested above Anese's hips, highlighting their curvaceous flare. Her hair was down and loose instead of the usual knot at her nape, and small braids throughout it were graced with white flowers from Scotland's many feral gardens. She held nothing in her hands, but wished she did, as she wanted to finger something besides the nails of her thumbs. She looked upon Eric to see the cold shine in his eyes once again, and she wondered whether he had ever been warm to anyone. Anese shivered slightly, dreading her role in the ceremony, and even more, dreading Eric's and her future. She walked slowly down to where the priest, Eric, and John Maverick stood. Over the course of the last few days, Anese had come to know John's reputation. She had found that Eric had met John when Audrey had imprisoned him, though not here at Arlington Hall. Eric had been brought in after his wife had died, but Anese knew not of how she had past on. The two had immediately become friends, and John had helped Eric through the rough times he'd faced without his wife and children. He'd had two twin boys by the name of Christian and Matthew, but Anese thought that odd that her own two were named the same. She would have continued on the trail her thoughts had taken, but Eric's 'I do' shook her from them. The priest, Father Liam, turned to her and repeated what he had said to Eric. Anese said, "I do," but momentarily regretted it. She should have said no, should have said.Oh! Eric's lips were upon her pinched ones, and he demanded she open for him. He guided her own open, making her respond to his demands. His tongue probed her mouth, and Eric was heedless to the hoots that now seemed to come from the audience. When he finally released her, Eric reached around Anese's waist to steady her swaying figure, and marched her down the aisle way, continuing into the Great Hall. And so the feasting began.
Anese was seated on Eric's left side, Count Valasky, proudly flaunting his part in the marital arrangement, on Eric's right. Eric looked at Anese's face, carefully examining every firm contour. She had high cheekbones, beautiful sapphire eyes that were set perfectly in her face. Her eyebrows were thick, but shaped thin and arched. Her eyes were slanted every so slightly at the corners, and her lips were full and supple. Her wondered if her face was as silky as it looked. Eric next compared her with Jennie; there were many contrasting traits. For one, Jennie was petite yet tall, and vastly shy, but Anese was shorter, and had not the paper thin stomach that society's young men longed for, however she had not an ounce of fat in her body. Jennie had had skin the color of soft cream, but Anese had the tan skin of a foreigner; his former wife had had cloudy grey eyes and silvery blonde hair that was baby fine. Anese had thick ebony hair that seemed blue-black in the moonlight and eyes like sapphires. Eric sighed. It seemed he could never rid himself of Jennie's everlasting hold over him. "A toast, to the newly wed couple, and the new Lady of Carrleigh!" John said as cheers were shouted in the Great Hall. Men taunted Eric aloud, making crude jokes about the coming bedding. Eric only smiled, aware that the remarks were from the ale rather than the men. The night wore on, and still Anese only concentrated on the plate of food she'd hardly touched. Her head was bent, but her shoulders straight. Eric found his gaze shifting to her often. He wondered if she was even listening to anything going on around her, but she was, he concluded. She always seemed to be listening, watching, waiting. Though she had pretended to eat, Eric could see she had only pushed the food around her plate. She hadn't even taken a sip of the warm liquid that rested in her chalice. "I believe Lady Anese and I shall retire for the evening," Eric said after coming to the finality that Anese was extremely depressed about the marriage, maybe more so than even he was. She had actually been serious with the local carpenter, while he had had no one but the wenches who warmed his bed. Anese stiffened as Eric said they should leave. The Lady and I was what he'd said. Oh no! He meant to bed her. Her job was to bear him sons of course. What was he supposed to do, sire them elsewhere and leave Anese to raise them? She had been naïve to think that he would leave her alone and sleep where he pleased. Eric must have seen her worried disposition, for when he rose from the table and went to escort her to their chambers, he whispered, "Your children are staying with Taint and the other serving children with Cook. Don't worry about them." Yet she wasn't worried about her children, she was worried about herself. She felt selfish, but she couldn't help it. A deeply embedded need for survival warned her of the long night to come. She walked as calmly as she could, clinging to Eric's arm, as he led her out of the feasting hall that was filled with the hoots of drunken men. Eric held Anese by her tiny waist, leading her away from the chaos and disarray of the feast. They walked in silence, Anese struggling to compose herself, Eric warily watching her, until Eric led Anese through a heavy wooden door that seemed to be the only one in this corridor. He shut the door with his booted foot, and sat Anese down on the giant bed. She stared ahead, and waited for whatever may follow. "What's wrong?" Eric asked, a strange compassionate tone entering his voice. Anese's head snapped up, her glowing eyes wide, alight with fear. Eric drew her close. At first Anese stiffened and fought his grip, but then, unconsciously sensing security, softened and molded her body to his. He held her firmly, allowing her to rest her head upon his up righted chest, but still Anese drew a ragged breath before speaking. "Everything. Nothing has gone right. I am sorry to say I deeply regret our marriage." "It was not what I had intended either," Eric said, "but we should make the best of it. Marriages aren't all bad, you know." Anese looked up to his face at that. Their eyes met, unblinking. Eric leaned down and touched his lips to hers, coaxing her into a deep, tender kiss. Anese allowed him to continue his exploration of her mouth, only to be sucked into a hole where there was no way out, no escape. Yet something inside her warned her of danger, and something else pushed her to go forward. There was no going back through time to change her legal marriage, and it seemed that with the way this night was headed, there would be no annulment either, even if Count Valasky and Eric agreed to it. Eric pulled Anese over him, so she sat across his lap, her shorter legs draped over his muscular thighs; she made no objection. Eric moved his hand along the bicep of Anese's slender arm in an effort to comfort her. Anese suddenly pulled away, saying, "No! Stop! We can't do this; I can't do this." Her voice was soft and pleading. "Please." Eric practically threw her off of him and further upon the bed. He rose swiftly and stormed from the room, proceeding from the bedchamber to the now deserted Great Hall. He found a pitcher of ale in the kitchens, and guzzled the contents in one swig. He sat in the head chair and allowed the ale to lull him into a dreamless sleep.
Anese was sorely confused as she watched Eric thunder from their room, slamming the door behind him. She wondered where he would go, or to who he would go to. He had appeared to be smitten with Reva, but Anese didn't want to think of Eric sleeping with her. It was simply devastating to her that a dear friend such as Reva might accompany Eric to bed. A sudden surge of jealousy overwhelmed Anese. Eric was hers, yet obviously he wasn't exactly that. She had denied him what she had wanted herself, but had been cowardly toward. Perhaps he thought her deflowered and therefore would've stopped himself had she not said anything. Anese tried to force herself to believe this, but found little comfort in the proposition. She decided to try and sleep off the hunger that still haunted her. She felt an odd attraction for Eric, even though he was the man she most wanted to disappear from this Earth. Anese fell asleep atop the bedspread, fully clothed, and completely at a loss for feeling. Her only comfort was the prospect of a brighter day tomorrow. But the next day would not be comforting at all! Taint had been sick most of her life with a terrible cough that would wrack that small body of hers, but now she was coughing more frequently and could not even do the simplest chore. Christian and Matthew ran into the room Cook had said their mother had been moved to, shouting so all heaven could hear them. "Momma!" they yelled in unanimity. Matthew, always having been the one to initiate things, finished as Christian nodded fervently, "Taint's sick! Get up, Momma!" Anese drew herself up, rubbing her eyes to rid them of sleep. When she began to comprehend what her children were saying, she bolted from the bed and changed quickly, herding them out the door and urging them to wherever Taint may be. "We know," Christian said, "she's in the kitchens where Cook an' Reva can watch her." "Have you been hanging around the marketing country folk again? You better start talking like gentlemen again before I tan your hide. Now, go to Cook and tell her I'll be right there," Anese said as she darted away from the boys toward her herbal room. Christian and Matthew ran as fast as they could to the kitchens, and plunged into Cook as they rounded the corner. The hefty woman paid no head, and led them to Taint's side by the oven. Reva sat next to the little girl, holding cool rags over her twitching head. Anese arrived soon enough, planting herself between the oven and Taint. She whispered softly to Taint, reassuring her that everything would be fine as long as she stayed strong. "Are there any others who have this terrible cough?" When Reva was silent, Anese persisted, "Reva? Are there any others?" Reva nodded guiltily, her eyes were filled with tears that leaked from her eyelids and skidded over her cheeks. Anese embraced Reva for a moment before turning to see Cook holding out a piece of parchment, a quill, and a miniature well of ink. Reva wrote a name in bold letters: Gabe. Anese reached into her skirts and pulled out a small vial and unplugged it, saying, "Give her a sip of this every hour, and keep cold cloths on her." Anese rushed from the room in search of Gabe. Who was Gabe? "Anese! Gabe works alongside Bluthe overseeing how this place runs; he's an apprentice and was a former slave. You know how he is, buying and then taking in all the slaves that he does. You make him better, you hear?" Anese nodded solemnly at Cook's words, but somehow knew deep down that the little boy wasn't going to live. She just knew it, and she hoped the household would forgive her if she were right. Later that evening, tired and tear stricken, Anese climbed the stairway to her bedroom, meeting Cook along the way. She had warmed to Anese ever since Taint became sick this morning, and when Anese thought about it, she had even started to notice her after Anese and Eric had married. "You did your hardest baby." Cook opened her arms to Anese as a new wave of tears came on. "Gabe was real sick; it's okay. You did everything you could for that boy, everything possible." Cook pulled back from Anese and raised a finger to wipe away the tears. "Now then, I came to see you to thank you for your help with Taint today. You've won all of our hearts, but we should have come to you sooner. Gabe has been as sick as Taint was today for a while, but we doubted your gift because we were afraid. And we have good reason to be afraid, what with your spunky attitude." They laughed together, and Anese nestled herself deeper into Cook's warm arms. "She's not out of the woods yet, Cook. You know that, right?" Anese asked thoughtfully. "I know, but at least she can see the sun."
A week after their marriage, Eric had not yet been to Anese's bed, and had continually ignored her through the daily tasks of living and even dinner in the Great Hall. He never spared a glance at her, but one night at dinner, Reva was serving Eric ale. Anese looked upon the two, trying to tell herself to stay calm and not get jealous over her friend. But in the end temptation won her over. Feeling betrayed and, even more so, rejected, Anese asked coldly, "Could I see you for a moment?" Anese got up suddenly, sending her chair scooting loudly backward, and strode out of the room toward their quarters. Eric followed her, keeping pace step for step. When she pushed the door to her room open, she turned on him. Eric was shutting the door as she sprang to life. "What do you think you were doing?" "Thanking Reva for(" "For what?" "For serving me my ale! Do you suddenly have a problem with good manners?" Eric demanded. He wondered if it was jealousy that provoked this fight. Anese raised her chin and straightened her back determinedly. "Not if your good manners consist of sleeping wherever you choose, with whomever you choose!" She was close to tears, but she denied her own emotions and concentrated on the argument at hand, an argument she was resolved to win, even if it meant him sleeping beside her for the rest of her life. She would not be cheated behind her back, especially when one of her dear friends may be involved. "You sleep who knows where at night!" "At least I honor my vows, not that you could say the same! Maybe while I'm away from you, you invite dear, dear Jack to come to your bed!" "Yes, I loved Jack, but I can no longer. I had been drifting from him anyway and(" Eric gave a low snort, cutting Anese short. "I(I wish you'd at least sleep out of someone else's bed, even if(" "As you wish Milady." Eric swept an indignant Anese up and into his arms, kissing her deep and passionately. He slowly ran his tongue over her lips, urging them to part for him, and laid her upon the bed. For some reason she showed no resistance. He unbelted his tunic and pulled it over his head. Anese opened her eyes to see a tan chest, but light hadn't permitted her to see much else. The sun was barely setting on the horizon, leaving this side of the keep dark and quiet. Eric took her mouth in his own again, touching his tongue to her own. She timidly responded, and then their kiss turned ravaging. Their passion seemed to ignite both of their hidden desires they had held withdrawn from each other. Outside the door, Taint had been listening diligently, hoping for the silence Sir John Maverick had instructed her to listen for. When there was finally no noise to be heard, Taint hurried off to tell John. Anese lay beside Eric, weeping lightly. Eric pulled her to his chest and wrapped his arms around her, holding her close. He'd of course known that virgins felt a sharp pain once experienced a man, but Eric had not known that Anese was one of these virgins. He'd been such an idiot! Of course she had been a virgin. What else? But he had convinced himself she had been deflowered. He'd convinced himself she had been experienced in the ways of marriage life. Yet now how did she come about with two boys? He'd had the suspicion that they were his long lost sons, but had dismissed the notion when he thought of what Audrey had said while he was imprisoned. "Your wife and unborn child are dead, and now your boys have been killed! Hah!" Audrey had spat at it and ordered his hands to be crushed and his back and shoulders whipped twenty strikes for trying to get at Audrey. He shook the memory out of his head. Anese cuddled closer to him, wanting his warmth and comfort. For some incredibly reason, Eric felt a certain instinct to be here for his wife. He felt as if she needed him badly, but for what he had yet to figure out. He'd never understand how such a brave and headstrong woman could cry so pitifully. Her shoulders shook with each wrenching sob, and Eric realized that these were not the cries of the typical woman, the women who pouted and cried when they desired something. He hugged her even closer, and Anese willingly molded her body against his.
Eric looked upon Anese's face. "Please don't cry. I hate to see you cry like this." Anese snuggled her cheek against Eric's chest. "I just hate this. I loathe how we can fight such repulsive fights, then engage in something as beautiful as this." Eric was thankful for the darkness, thankful that she wasn't exposed to another repulsive sight, scars. In the morning, Anese awoke feeling a hot soreness between her legs. She felt stiff, achy, yet at the same time, wonderful. She had seen a side of Eric that was tender, a side of him that was caring. He had not known she was a virgin that much was obvious, but she questioned why. Why had he not known? she thought to herself. Anese quickly sponged herself off, dressed, and went off in search of Eric, who had not been beside her when she'd awoken. Anese found him in the Great Hall, discussing business with John. She decided to leave them to their own devices, and instead went to find Christian and Matthew. The two had been spending much of their spare time with Jack. When she checked there and found the boys, they rushed out to greet her, throwing their arms around her legs in a tight embrace. Anese thanked a solemn Jack for taking care of the boys, noting the fact the he seemed to barely hide anger. She hoped it wasn't for Eric or herself, and chiefly not for Matthew or Christian. Anese led the twins with her into the kitchen after seeing John and Eric still engaged in fervent conversation. She and the boys ate a hearty breakfast, and they decided that today they wanted to learn how to cook and so would stay with Reva. Anese laughed and left the kitchens in bright spirits, hoping that it was just her imagination that every one seemed to be staring at her. She wondered what was going on, but her mind went blank when she came to the herbal chamber to find all the things necessary for her poultices and things already here. Anese chuckled when she thought of Eric shaking his head when he went to work on her home, only to find that all her things were still there. The idea of it was absolutely hilarious. She turned to find Eric grinning from ear to ear as he leaned in the doorway. "Something amusing?" Anese walked over to him, and he straightened slightly, still keeping his back against the doorpost. She walked over to him, wrapped her arms about his waist, and said, "I was just thinking of you." Eric's smile deepened. "And that's amusing?" "Oh yes," Anese said as serious as she could muster her voice to be, grinning widely. She timidly stood on tiptoe to brush her lips against his, and she'd barely done so before Eric had already taken her small waist in his arms and deepened the kiss. Anese had never felt as truly happy as she felt now. "I love you," she whispered against his lips. Eric pulled away from her abruptly. He looked at her with confused eyes that became cold and frozen. "No you don't." Anese broke from him and ran.
The next few months flew by for both Anese and Eric. They dined together at supper and sometimes at breakfast, and retired for the night at the same time. The castle bustled with activity around them. Servants gossiped about how Anese might be able to warm Eric's heart as she did his bed. But during the day, Eric did everything he could just to get Anese's attention. Since that day when she'd said she loved him, Anese had been avoiding him until supper, when her laugh rang loud and her affection deep. He wondered, though, why she refused to speak with him in any way but with a clipped tone. Anese, on the other hand, was devastated. She longed for the missing piece of the puzzle. Eric was a wonderful husband and a terrific father. He'd taken the twins into his life without thought to it, but he would not admit any feelings he had to her. And she obviously couldn't read his mind, but then again, what good would that do? She wanted him to tell her how he felt; she didn't want to guess for the rest of their married life. Today she sat at the small desk in her chambers, looking at the calendar and seeing the closeness to Christian and Matthew's birthday. Then panic struck. It had been three months, almost four, since she had had her monthly cycle. Her life had been so busy, what with the construction of her cottage, her marriage even, and the coming birthday of the twins. Oh God! She'd been married a week and three months to the day, but she wouldn't tell Eric she was pregnant. Not yet. But when would she tell him? And how? Interrupting her thought train, a knock sounded on the door. Anese called for the person to come in, and Reva entered, giddy with delight. She mouthed the words, "Miss Anese, guess what? Eric is going away for a week to go scouting for Audrey, who's been seen snooping around the outer village and fields." Anese turned away, tears filling her eyes. It looked as though Eric didn't feel for her at all. Then Reva walked over to Anese and put her hand on her shoulder. Anese wouldn't have known why Reva was so happy if she dismissed the woman, but Reva was not 'silent', and mouthed the words, "You didn't let me finish. Eric is having a special dinner for two made. He plans to dine up here, alone with you!" Anese hugged a grinning Reva, saying, "Thank you, for everything you've ever done for me." Reva replying in silence, "Eye doebah; Taint taught me the language from where you come from. Am I learning well?" Anese's eyes glazed over with fresh tears that streaked silently down her face. For Reva, that was answer enough, and she embraced her childhood friend one last time before turning to exit the room. "Wait!" Anese said suddenly. Reva turned with a look of curiosity upon her beautiful face. "Between you and me, bahn cai aye-yaw-ah." Anese smiled when Reva gave her a look of confusion. "I am pregnant. Bahn cai ma-nahn bead dyay see leenc!" "You're going to have a babe?" "See leenc!" Anese answered in her native language, saying "a babe!" Reva smiled jubilantly, turned, and ran out the room, ready to summon Lord Eric and the delicious food he'd ordered. Anese smiled to herself, and determined that even though she had said for Reva to keep her pregnancy a secret, the castle would soon be informed of her condition. She might as well tell Eric. An hour later, when the sun was descending on the horizon, Eric knocked on the chamber door and entered, his arms laden with a tray full of the Cook's special meal. He smiled as he crossed the room and laid the tray on the table near where Anese worked. She'd watched him traverse the room, and now gazed at him with wifely affection. Eric looked at Anese, sat down beside her, and began to pour their drinks. Anese accepted the goblet he handed her, thoughtful his current sanity. When they were done eating, Anese had finally made her decision that she would tell Eric of her present circumstances. Yet before she could even begin to speak, Eric did. "Anese, come here." She walked over to where Eric sat. They'd eaten by the gigantic hearth, and Eric was seated in the chair that had been originally placed there. Anese settled onto her husband's lap, as bidden, and rested her chin on his heavily muscled chest. Its heat warmed her cheek and so she snuggled closer. Eric encased her body with his arms. "Tired?" he inquired casually. Anese shook her head against him. Eric looked down at her, and tilted her chin up. He leaned down and took her mouth in his own, kissing her with the burning passion he had never hinted of. Anese pulled away from him slowly, bringing her knees up seductively. Eric could bear it no longer, and lifted her, carrying her to the fur covered bed.
Dawn came swiftly that next day, and oddly enough, Anese awoke to it. Eric was rising slowly, hoping not to awaken her. He had turned his back briefly when he heard a strangled gasp. He instinctively stiffened. He'd forgotten about the scars Audrey had so loved giving him. Anese rose unconsciously, and walked over to where Eric stood. She touched his scars, one by one. He lowered his head in shame, but raised it when she began tracing over each one. Eric turned toward her then, knowing he had to tell her something, something he had felt but been afraid she wouldn't feel the same after his apparent insult that day in the herbal room. "I love you," he said gently, searching for her gaze. "I love you, too. And I(" Eric silenced her words with a deep kiss. Anese resolved herself not to worry him with her, and decided to tell Eric of her pregnancy at a later time. "Reva already told me," he said out of the blue. He looked into her sapphire eyes and knew that she had not wanted to worry him, but she smiled brightly, embracing him lovingly. "The traditional feasting will be tomorrow, at Carrleigh. I've cancelled the scouting that would have been today. You're coming to your home, Anese, Lady of Carrleigh." Anese couldn't believe her ears. She would finally get to know what Eric's life had been like before her. She had to talk to John, about the scars, about everything. But now, she would just enjoy the company of her loving husband.
Jack hurried out of the gates, shrouded in a dark brown cloak. He had closed his shop as soon as he had heard the news of the coming trip to Carrleigh. Anese still loved him, he was sure of that, and she only waited for him to rescue her. Well, now he would. Finally he could tell Audrey Macvigh something that would be of use to Anese. He could tell the greasy man something that he could use to his advantage, as Audrey had promised to give Anese over to him as soon as Eric and the two little brats were dead. It was too bad that Eric had raped Anese so many times that Anese would have to bear his child, but he would take care of that. No child of any man but himself would ever be born of Anese. He would not force her to do it. Jack was unseen among the merchants who were leaving for the day, and this he was glad for. He was soon able to sneak off along the outer wall, and into the forest where Audrey waited with his newly recruited troops.
Eric was in the stables, saddling his stallion and Anese's mare, when he saw the wary looking man glance quickly around and then practically run out the keep's gates. The man was dressed in a brown cloak that all but swallowed him. Eric was suspicious, and so he mounted his steed and silently pursued the dubious man, leaving Anese's mare to stand in befuddlement. He returned only a few hours later, having lost the man's trail at a creek where the man could have gone down stream or up. He arrived in time to join John Maverick with his work on Anese's cottage. They worked shirtless, pulling down the last wall stone by stone. "There.are.not enough men.who know how to build.stone structures," Eric said between huffing breaths, "We need to.to start training in.more than body and skill.start training in mind.also." John, equally exhaustedly out of breath, replied, "Well.how do you figure.that?" Eric paused and grinned at John. "Anese." They chuckled together, and went back to their work of hauling the huge stones into place. Anese sat on one of the uprising parapets, watching the two. She had come around on the wall, and now sat between two of the ramparts. Anese laid her head against one of the stone works, sighing contentedly, and swinging her feet on the tremendously high indentation in the wall over the hardened ground. Suddenly, a voice from the nearest station along the walls sounded. It was a man's voice, and Anese looked behind her uneasily. She was wary until she saw Jack step forth from the shadows. She went to him and hugged him, but pushed away disgustedly when he tried to kiss her, saying indignantly, "I'm married!" Jack looked confused, then angry. He backed away from her, his enraged demeanor made her ever wary of him. He was huge, towering over her as a giant would an ant. He bowed his head in frustration, and Anese felt guilty for having hurt him like this. Yet she could do nothing for him; she loved Eric. "It wasn't meant to be. I love Eric," she said passionately. At that, Jack's bent head cocked up, his eyes ablaze with rage. He started toward Anese and was on her before she could utter protest. He grabbed her and held her mouth closed while he unfastened the leather thongs that held his cloak together. He released his hold on her for only a moment, and Anese took the opportunity given. She bit down on his loosened hand, and threw the swearing Jack partially off of her. "Eric! Er(" Jack closed his red hand over her mouth once again, holding her so tightly that she gasped desperately for breath. From below, Eric looked up to where he'd seen Anese watching, but she was gone. There wasn't anything on the ground where she would've fallen. Oh no! Eric thought. Anese was over three months pregnant; if she was injured enough to harm the babe she could die as well. He couldn't bear to lose her. "Christian! Matthew!" Eric called urgently into the house. The two boys had been busy lately with their mother's present from themselves and Eric, and had been working in the cottage. They came running out as quickly as their little legs could carry them having heard the urgency in their father's voice. "Papa!" the two said to their new father of several months. The twins had come to except Eric as who he really was, and learned much from him. "What is it?" Eric dismissed the question, knowing now that the two boys loved him. It was the first time they'd called him Papa, but he was too distraught with fear and worry to bask in the joy of the moment. "Go to Old Man Bluthe tell him to meet me at the gate with armed scouts. Then stay with Reva while I go search(" Eric caught himself too late, and instantly both Christian and Matthew knew something was wrong, something that involved their mother. But they hurried to do as their father bid them. Eric ran to the keep and donned a thin white shirt that buttoned up the middle. He quickly rolled up the crisp sleeves and pulled on his stockings and heavy boots, then rushed down the stairways and through the halls to the keep's gate. Old Man Bluthe, the first man from Arlington Hall that he'd talked to, was waiting for him, a crowd of armed men mounting their horses. One of the stable boys, Jimmy, Reva's brother, smiled slowly as he gave Eric the reins. Eric thought Jimmy had the same amount of curious cheerfulness that Reva did. "We don't split up into less than pairs. Search for only one set of footprints, he's likely to think he can outsmart us by carrying her, but be wary of two sets. If you see anything holler for reinforcements and the rest of us will soon fall in," Eric said as he addressed the scouting party. He turned to John Maverick and Old Man Bluthe. "Bluthe, check around here as quick as you can of who is here and who should be and isn't. Report to Sir John when this is accomplished. John, post armed men around the entire wall, and send a small group of men to constantly survey the outer walls. Another group should stand guard just inside the gate. Should anyone come with Anese, do what you feel best." Eric nodded to the two men and set out with the others. He rode off, having been paired with two other men of his, Sir Casey and Sir Luke. They were deep into the forest when the two men Eric had trusted turned on him. He was cornered. "Don't even think about going for that sword, Eric," Luke said, raising his crossbow slightly. He cocked his head and Casey grabbed Eric. But Eric pushed himself backwards, tumbling the two over Casey's horse and onto the ground. Eric balled a fist, knocked Casey out cold, and seized the man's crossbow before Luke could do anything. He pointed the weapon at the horsed man, and said dangerously, his voice low and menacing, "Take me to my wife before I kill you!" Luke was scared sick, and dismounted quickly. He dropped the crossbow at Eric's request, and led the way to a small encampment. Before they entered, Eric silently drew his knife and came up behind Luke. He slit Luke's throat, stopping anything the man would've said, and laid the body in a thick bush. Eric went back the way he came and summoned his men with the call of an owl, hiding in a tree before the men could arrive. He didn't know whom he could trust anymore. When the men came to the place Eric had been, he decided they were loyal, or they weren't. He dropped suddenly, his body tense, but when no one made a move against him, he relaxed. "Sir Luke and Sir Casey were corrupted and have been punished for their conspiracies. I know where Anese is. Michael will stay with me as a messenger, and Jesse will deliver me. The remaining men will head back to camp and tell John, he'll know what I'm thinking." Eric, Jesse, and Michael headed toward the encampment, the master in the lead.