Chapter 14

Carolyn lay in bed that night tossing and turning. She had refused supper, not wanting to see Riddick while her emotions were still in a jumble, and had sent Agnes on her way shortly afterwards.

She had not spoken to anyone of her home or her parents. Charles and Elizabeth just always assumed it was too painful for her, especially with the breakdowns she had over Audrey, and it was so much easier to let them believe that than to say "Oh, by the way, not only am I from another planet, I'm also from hundreds of years in the future." Her ramblings had simply been blamed on the blow to the head she had suffered.

It was times like this that she missed her parents, especially her father. As a child, before Audrey was born, her mother was rarely around, always off at one retreat or another. Even after Audrey was born it wasn't until she had started school that their mother had been around more. But by then she had written several books and was a sought out personality.

When she had told Riddick that she felt to close to her mother in that spot on the hill, she wasn't exaggerating. While Sasha had repaired their relationship and Carolyn loved her very much, Carolyn always had the feeling that her mother was holding something back from her.

Carolyn balled up a fist and pounded the pillow next to her in frustration. Climbing out of bed she pulled on her robe while quietly slipping out of her room. The floor was cold under her feet as she crept across the house to the guest wing.

Pausing in front of one of the two rooms she knew her mother would put them in, Carolyn stood listening. After a moment she heard James lilting voice and what sounded like Sophie, one of the upstairs maids. Rolling her eyes with a grin, Carolyn quickly opened the door to the next room and left herself in. Closing the door behind her she leaned against it for a moment letting her eyes adjust. The fire burned low in the fireplace casting shadows throughout the room. The bed was in one of those shadows and she could just make out Riddick's bulk under the bedding, and now that she was here, was unsure of what to do. Bouncing from one foot to the next while wringing her hands, the decision was made for her as the covers on the side nearest her were tossed backed.

The firelight flickered over her face as Riddick watched her tilt her head while chewing her lip, her hands now toying with the ties on her robe.

Hesitating only for a moment, she untied her robe as she made her way towards the bed. She wanted comfort, security and familiarity; things she hadn't had since leaving this man against her better judgment.

Riddick rose up on an elbow to look at her. "I've been waiting for you."

"How did you know I would come? I didn't even know myself."

"I hoped." He replied, "I haven't had one good night of sleep since you left." He paused a moment before continuing, "I've never missed anyone in my life. I used to think it was a weakness."

Carolyn was pretty sure that was as close to an actual apology she was going to get for his behavior that last night at Riddick Keep and the following day. Tossing her robe aside before climbing on to the bed, she rested her head on the empty pillow. Flipping the blankets up over her, Riddick moved closer, propping his head on an elbow. Reaching a hand out, he tucked a length of hair behind her ears. Her feet brushed against his leg causing him to suck in a breath. "Gods blood, woman," he gritted out, "your feet are like ice."

"It was a long walk."

Riddick grunted but lay back, pulling her to him. Carolyn settled against him, using his shoulder for a pillow while wrapping an arm around his waist and twisting her feet around his calves causing him to growl until she settled. His hand curled around to play with her hair as she lay quietly taking in the feel of his skin and breathing in his scent.

"I missed you as well," she whispered.

Riddick kissed the top of her head but remained quiet as her breathing slowed. "Do you want to talk about today?" She asked in the silence, her voice thick with sleep.

Rolling her on her side he spooned up behind her. "No," he said stroking the side of her face. "Tomorrow will be soon enough."

"Don't leave me," Carolyn mumbled already asleep, the words past any recognition.

Carolyn woke with a crick in her neck. Lifting her head she realized she was also lying on a huge lump. The morning was dawning gray and dreary as she looked down at a still sleeping Riddick. Sprawled on his stomach with a pillow over his head she had somehow ended up half on him and half on the bed. That explained the sore neck.

Untangling her gown from Riddick and her self from the bedding, Carolyn grabbed her robe and crept out of the room coming face to face with Sophia who had just emerged from James' room. The two women stood looking owlishly at each other for a moment before breaking out into giggles, helping each other down the hall.

Riddick, James and their men rode into the village after breakfast. He was disgruntled to discover upon rising, that not only was Carolyn not still in bed with him, but had already ate breakfast and left without him.

The traveling fair had set up on the far side of the village in an empty field. Sending the men off to enjoy themselves, Riddick and James took a circuitous path through the people and attractions. They had stopped, watching two men box when the tinkling sounds of cymbals reached James' ears. Knowing that sound usually meant half-dressed women and wine, he immediately sought out the source.

"Holy mother…" He breathed getting Riddick's attention.

"What?" Riddick asked leaning forward on his horse to look past him.

"Are you fucking kidding me?" He asked putting his horse into motion as he continued to watch Carolyn climb down backwards from a Gypsy trailer, before jumping to the ground. Another woman emerged, handing down a leather satchel, stuffed full of items. Carolyn kissed her, smiling and laughing as she waved goodbye, even as she was swept up and around by a young man her own age.

He had just set her on her feet when they spotted Riddick and James coming towards them, murder written on Riddick's face.

Carolyn turned her smile towards the men in front of her.

"Riddick, James! I'm so happy you decided to come out, despite the weather." The morning that had dawned gray and dreary had lived up to its expectations, sprinkling on and off all morning. It hadn't dampened the villagers' enthusiasm though, as the sounds of merriment reached their ears.

Glowering, Riddick pointed, "What are those?"

Carolyn ignored him. "Don't you want to meet my friends?"

"No." Riddick barked still frowning.

"But Riddick," Carolyn pouted, "they're very good friends," she said with a wink at James who was trying his best not to laugh.

"Well, I for one would be honored to meet them," James replied eyeing the woman who was half in and half out of the trailer.

"This is my friend, Zerena. We were just talking about the two of you. She was very anxious to meet you as well, James."

"I live to please." He replied with an accompanying snort from Riddick.

Carolyn walked up to James, handing her satchel to him. "Sir James, would you be so kind as to secure this and your Lord's horse while we join in the festivities? I'm sure Zerena would be happy to keep you company."

James put up no resistance at all as he watched Zerena crook her finger at him before disappearing into the trailer.

Riddick, already in a bad mood, grabbed Carolyn by the waist, dragging her behind an empty trailer, pushing her up against the side, keeping her pinned there by his body.

Probably not the best decision on his part, he thought as his body reacted to the close proximity of what he was seeing, watching as she licked her lips before meeting his eyes, her hands going to his waist as her eyes went dark.

"What are you wearing?" He asked again, watching as the rise and fall of her chest quickened.

"Mother nearly passes out every time I wear them so I only wear them when I come to the village. They're so much easier than long skirts." She said snapping her mouth shut as she realized it sounded like whining.

Riddick bowed his head, placing his lips near her ear as he lifted her slightly grinding his hips into hers. A small moan escaped her mouth as her hands scrambled for purchase around his neck. "Now do you see why your mother almost faints every time she sees you in them?" He asked as his tongue lightly traced the outside of her ear.

She simply moaned in reply as her head spun from the things his lips and tongue were doing to her. Setting her down, Riddick tilted her head to look at him. "No. More. Pants. Ever. Understand?" he asked. Carolyn nodded her head in agreement.

Stepping away, Riddick guided her back into the midst of gossiping villagers, making their way down muddied paths. Acrobats, puppeteers and jugglers all preformed in the midst of the people while Merchants hawked their wares from the backs of their trailers, laughter and music floating on the air.

Riddick was watching as Carolyn good-naturedly haggled with a vendor over a pair of leather riding gloves when he felt the distant rumble of horses, honed from years of fighting. Turning in the general direction he spotted several of his men and using only his hands gave instructions on what he wanted done. Turning to watch him, Carolyn quickly paid the vendor and hurried over to him. "What is it, Riddick?" She asked as the sound of horse hoofs reached their ears.

Parting around them, the crowd revealed their visitors. Carolyn couldn't help the whimper that escaped her mouth before she brought up a hand to cover it. Taking a casual stance, Riddick gently pulled her behind him as the man on horseback came to a stop in front of them.

"Riddick!" Johns boomed loud enough for everyone to hear him.

"Johns, didn't expect to see you around these parts."

"Just wanted to check in on my bride-to-be," he said moving so that he could see Carolyn where she stood. "Appears as though she's healed up just fine." He said with a lick of his lips that caused Carolyn to bite hers to keep from crying out. "But it looks as though you already know that," he continued, the implication hanging in the air.

"Johns, the people are here to enjoy a fair. If you have something to say, you'll find Lord Raven at home."

"Yes, well I believe I'll look around a bit first. After all, this will be mine one day. Will it not, Carolyn?"

As she stepped forward to speak, Riddick stopped her. "Lord Johns, I do believe you've over-stayed your welcome. My men here will see you on your way." As he spoke, the men that had ridden into the village with he and James appeared on horseback. "You'll want to make sure they all return to me." Riddick said turning his back on the man.

Fuming, Johns locked eyes with Carolyn, causing her knees to buckle before leaving the way he had come, Riddick's men falling in behind.

Grabbing her arm to keep her upright, Riddick used his thumb to wipe away the blood that had trickled from her lip. The terror in her eyes cementing his decision.

James appeared at his side. "Carolyn, go with James. James, get the horses and meet me back here."

Not giving her time to protest, she was handed off to James who swept her away.

Once they had disappeared into the crowd, Riddick grabbed hold of one the villagers.

Upon James and Carolyn's return, Riddick had taken one look at a somewhat dazed Carolyn, sopping wet now that it had begun to rain in earnest and pulled her on his horse setting her in front of him. Returning to the Manor house, Riddick left instructions with a stable boy, that his men's horses were to be ready to go in the morning. Nodding at James, Riddick left him to handle rounding up the men while he hauled Carolyn into the house behind him, yelling for Agnes.

Charles and Elizabeth came running. Elizabeth tisking over Carolyn's pants while Charles shushed her, as Carolyn just stood there quietly, dripping on the floor. Agnes, who arrived just seconds later, was pulled aside by Riddick.

"Get her bathed and warmed up. Lady Elizabeth will be up to help her dress in a bit. And Agnes, have both of you packed and ready to go first thing in the morning."

"Yes, Milord," Agnes replied pulling Carolyn away from her parents, leading her upstairs, Elizabeth moving to follow.

"Lady Raven," Riddick called out, "Might I have a moment of your time?"