1606011324-Lady-Knight-Chenery Read online

  “I’m pleased, my lord, but there is one thing you should know about this serf.”

  “And that is?”

  Theodoric cleared his throat, gaining the Norman’s full attention. “She thinks she is more than what she actually is. At times she can be very believable. I pray you not to listen to her, they are all lies.”

  “I will take that into account. Here is your payment, you may leave now.” Tossing a bag of coins at Theodoric, the Norman dismissed him. Signaling to his men, the older man left Ariel without a backward glance.

  “What’s your name, girl?” Geoffrey asked her.

  Pulling herself up straighter, she answered. “Ariel.”

  “I’m Geoffrey de la Roche, your new master. Come with me.”

  Ariel followed Geoffrey into the hall. There were men sitting at the trestle tables eating their midday meal. They all looked up when she stepped into the room. The further she moved into the hall, the harder it became for her to ignore the remarks being made about her. She was now considered a serf, a female serf, which gave every man in the hall the right to use her in any way they wished. Ariel prayed she would be strong enough to survive what she would have to endure. She hoped Broc would come for her, but she did not put much stock in that happening any time soon.

  Stepping into one of the chambers, Geoffrey closed the door behind them. Geoffrey stood in front of Ariel studying her face. He reached out and touched her hair. “Undress. I want to see what Theodoric brought me.”

  Knowing that if she refused he had the right to rip the clothes off her back, Ariel slowly began to undress. When she at last stood naked before him, she locked her eyes on a point just over his left shoulder.

  She stood stiffly before him, trying not to flinch as he circled her. He stared at her body, and from the smile on his face she knew he liked what he saw. He gaze drifted to her breasts and down to her hips. He circled her again. Ariel knew the moment he saw the scar she had on her shoulder. He was a warrior, he had to have seen scars such as that and recognize it for what it was. He had to carry some of the same type of scars on his body.

  He nudged the crude metal collar that hung around her neck, She gritted her teeth as the metal brushed against the fresh chafe marks. If she had been a collared slave for as long as Theodoric undoubtedly told Geoffrey, those marks would not be on her skin.

  Standing once more facing Ariel, Geoffrey took hold of her chin and forced her to look at him. “You may get dressed. I think Theodoric was not honest with me.”

  Ariel nodded her head in agreement and reached for the rags Theodoric had forced her to wear. Maybe Geoffrey would return her to Elmstead. He looked like a sensible man.

  Geoffrey stopped her before she could get dressed. “Wait. Don’t put on that foul thing. I’ll give you something better. That is only fit for burning.” Crossing the room he knelt down in front of a chest and rummaged through it.

  Finding what he sought, Geoffrey shut the lid of the chest and walked back to Ariel. He held out a man’s tunic and trews. Without hesitation, she quickly donned the items she had been given.

  “I’m sorry it isn’t your typical female attire, but at least they are better than those rags.”

  “They’re fine. I prefer man’s clothing.”

  Geoffrey watched her adjust the clothes so they fit her smaller frame. He sat down in one of the chairs in the room and motioned for her to sit in the other. He quietly looked at her. “You are not a serf, are you?”

  Shocked at Geoffrey’s question, Ariel shook her head. “Nay, I’m not.”

  “Then what exactly are you?”

  “My father was thane to Elmstead before William’s coming.”

  Geoffrey ran his fingers through his hair in agitation. “So that would make you a lady. Then why do you have a warrior’s body and a disdain for women’s clothing?”

  She hesitated before answering. There had to be somewhere Geoffrey was going with all these questions. “If I tell you, will you release me?”

  “I can honestly say I’m not willing to do that right now.”

  That was definitely not promising in Ariel’s way of thinking. “Then I do not have to answer your question.”

  Geoffrey didn’t push her. “All right, but I want you to answer this next question. Do you have a husband?”

  “Nay.”

  “Are you betrothed?”

  Ariel paused for a second. Broc was going to marry her, but he hadn’t returned in time for betrothal contracts to be drawn up so technically she was not. “Nay, I’m not.”

  With that answer he seemed to come to a decision. “Well in that case, you stay. I’m sure Theodoric was smart enough to cover his tracks, so it’ll be hard for anyone looking to find you here.”

  “Why will you not let me go?” Ariel could not understand his reasoning. He all but admitted he knew Theodoric had lied to him about her, but still he would not release her. What kind of man had she been sold to?

  “I’ll be honest with you. You are the most intriguing woman I have ever come across. I want you to be mine, pure and simple. If by keeping you a serf it will bind you to me, I will keep you a serf. It is my right.”

  “What exactly do you expect from me?”

  “During the day you can look after the hall, but at night you will warm my bed.”

  Chapter 30

  “Why can we not find her, damn it!” Broc slammed his first on the table in agitation.

  “Don’t work yourself up so, we will find Ariel.” Swein said in a reassuring voice.

  “It has been a fortnight since she was taken and we still haven’t found anything. Not even Theodoric and Alwen can be found. It’s almost as if they have disappeared off the face of the earth.”

  “I should have anticipated his moving against us. Ariel foiled his plans. With Alwen wed to you he was that much closer to the king. You after all are a close friend to William. I should have realized he would want revenge.”

  Broc ran his hands roughly through his hair. “Don’t blame yourself. I am responsible for bringing him to Elmstead. If I ever see Theodoric again he will be lucky to walk away with his life.”

  Feeling spent, Broc threw himself into a chair near the hearth. A small fire burned within it. The days had gradually become warmer, but there was still a need for a fire to keep the hall comfortable. Spring was not too far off and Colwyn would be turning a year old in a week. His mother would not be with him to share this special day.

  Almost as if she had heard his thoughts, Lily walked into the hall carrying Colwyn on her hip. When his son caught sight of him he started to wriggle in Lily’s arms, trying to get down. Winning the struggle, Colwyn toddled over to his father.

  Broc still found his son’s ability to walk an amazing sight to behold. How he managed to propel himself forward on his chubby little legs, he did not know. The only sad thing about it was Ariel had missed Colwyn taking his first steps.

  When Colwyn reached him, Broc picked him up and tossed him into the air. Catching him, he pulled his son up against his chest, Colwyn snuggled close.

  Looking at Swein, Broc kissed the top of his son’s head. “We have to find her soon. Colwyn should not have to grow up without his mother.”

  “Then let’s hope William can find out where Theodoric is hidden. London holds many people, and there is Ranulf. I’m sure he will continue to search.”

  Broc nodded his head in agreement. William had left Elmstead two days before. When their initial search had uncovered nothing, William had decided it best to return to London. He had said he would try and use other means to find Ariel. And it was imperative that he not stay away from London for any length of time. If his absence became noted, it could give others ideas of taking the throne from him. Ranulf had decided to leave with the king. With Ariel missing it was for the best.

  Time was running out. Broc knew if no clue as to Ariel’s whereabouts was found she could very well be lost to them forever.

  * * * *

  Straighte
ning, Ariel wiped the sheen of sweat from her brow. She then surveyed her handy work. Her days were spent toiling in the hall. Shortly after her arrival it had become apparent there were no other women at Kilsmere. The hall had been full of filth, which no woman would have tolerated.

  It had taken Ariel almost a whole day just to clear out the rushes from the hall floor. They had become full of remnants of past meals. Along with the bones and scraps of food, the rushes had begun to molder. She was surprised anyone could even eat a meal there. The stench would have had her retching. Clearing them out had been bad enough.

  Cooking the meals had also been an experience. Back at Elmstead, Ariel had only made small meals for her family. Preparing food for all the people at Kilsmere was a monumental task. But there had been no complaints so far, giving Ariel the notion that whoever had been in charge of the cooking before her had not been very good.

  By the end of the day, Ariel had been totally exhausted. She had eaten her meal by the hearth trying not to be noticed. Some of the men had given her sly looks but no one bothered her, not even Geoffrey. After she had finished her bowl of food, she had stretched out before the fire and fell asleep in the fresh rushes. She didn’t stir again until the dawn broke over the horizon.

  Every day after that, her hours were spent cleaning the hall and preparing meals. And every night she slept before the hall fire. For some reason Geoffrey still had not insisted she come to his bed, which had taken some of the pressure off her. As the days went by, Ariel had come to an even more startling conclusion. She was once more with child.

  Only one night spent with Broc and she was pregnant once more. That made her situation all the more unbearable. If she didn’t gain her freedom before the child came, it would be born a serf.

  Ariel rubbed her aching back trying to alleviate some of the tightness she had there. The hall was now put to rights. The trestle tables had been scrubbed clean along with all the walls. Her days would be easier now that all the back breaking work was completed, but she had not minded doing it. The work had kept her mind off what her life had become.

  Looking out a window, Ariel realized how late in the day it was. She would have to start preparing the evening meal. At least she found that part of her duties a little easier.

  Placing another piece of wood on the fire, Ariel saw that more would have to be brought in from outside, which meant she would have to seek out Geoffrey. He had forbidden her to leave the hall. If she needed wood or anything removed from the hall he had one of his men do it. Ariel had the feeling he even kept her presence a secret from the villagers.

  A pair of strong arms wrapped around her waist and pulled her back against an equally strong male body. Her first reaction was to free herself until she looked down at the arms that circled her. She recognized the material of the sleeves. It was Geoffrey who held her.

  He nudged her hair aside and kissed the back of her neck, Ariel stiffened causing Geoffrey to chuckle. “Come now. You knew I would seek you out.”

  “I had thought you had changed your mind.”

  “Nay, I have been watching you. You have worked hard to get the hall set to rights. I let you rest without making any further demands on you. Now the hall is completed and I want you in my bed.”

  Even though she knew there would be no getting around it, Ariel still had to try to hold Geoffrey off. “What if I refuse you?”

  Geoffrey released her only enough for her to turn in his arms and face him. “You have no choice in the matter. You are a serf now. I own you and can use you as I see fit.”

  Ariel’s spirit rebelled at the notion of being another person’s property, and to such extent they could decide whether she lived or died. She had been independent for far too long. As for sharing a bed with Geoffrey, it would make her situation seem more permanent. If Broc were to find out he would more than likely shun her. Not knowing what else to do, Ariel used the only piece of information she could think of to stop Geoffrey from carrying out the plans he had for her.

  “You cannot bed me, I’m with child.”

  Geoffrey blinked in surprise. He then looked down at her still flat stomach. “How far along are you?”

  “Almost two months.”

  His reaction was not what Ariel had hoped it would be. Geoffrey just smiled. “Then I will just have to be extra careful with you.”

  “Does it not bother you that I carry another man’s child?”

  “Not in the least. Whoever he was, he’s no longer a part of your life. I will provide for the child’s up keep, just as I do yours.”

  She had lost. She would have no choice but to submit to him. “You may own my body, but you will never own my soul or my heart. They have been given to another.” She stepped away and went back to the chore of preparing the evening meal.

  * * * *

  The sight of Ariel sitting before the hearth almost made Geoffrey hesitate. He had given her all the time he could, allowing her to adjust to her new station in life. He could no longer wait for her. Tonight he would make her his.

  Placing a hand on the top of Ariel’s head, Geoffrey made his presence known to her. She continued to stare into the fire. “Ariel, it’s time to retire for the night.”

  “Aye, I know.”

  “Please don’t make me do this. I just can’t do what you ask of me. If you were an honorable man you would leave me alone.”

  “I am an honorable man. I just can’t do what you ask. Come, I won’t hurt you.” Geoffrey held out his hand. Ariel took it and he helped her to stand.

  “Let it be known, Geoffrey de la Roche, you may use my body, but do not expect me to do anything to increase your pleasure.”

  “We will see. For now, I will accept whatever you can give me.”

  Ariel allowed him to lead her to his chamber. Once the chamber door closed behind him, Geoffrey moved about the room snuffing out all of the candles only keeping a single one lit next to the bed. The room was plunged into semi-darkness. Ariel stood near the bed, waiting.

  True to her word, Ariel showed no sign of taking an active part in their love making. Divesting her of her clothes, Geoffrey found it very much like undressing a doll. Her limbs moved where he placed them as if they had no will of their own.

  When she was gloriously naked before him, Geoffrey sucked in his breath. The mere sight of her caused his blood to pool in his loins, causing his cock to harden. Her lips were hard and unresponsive. Wrapping his arms about her, Geoffrey pulled Ariel close. Her woman’s scent engulfed his senses.

  He kissed her eyes, her cheeks, her neck. Geoffrey felt a tremor rack her body. She would fight him, but he would teach her to accept. Lifting Ariel off of her feet, Geoffrey gently placed her on the bed. He stretched out beside her.

  Hoping to arouse her, Geoffrey cupped her breast in his hands. He flicked his tongue around each of her nipples. Ariel held herself ridged. Letting his hands roam her body, he caressed her, working his way to her sex. Slipping a finger between her folds he pushed against the opening to her body. He found her dry. Peering down at Ariel, he saw she had her eyes closed. As he watched, a single tear slid down her cheek. Groaning he rolled off her so he lay on his back beside her.

  Ariel turned her to look at him with questioning eyes still bright with tears. Turning his head away Geoffrey took hold of his throbbing cock and slid his hand up and down it. He continued the motion until he ejaculated.

  “Why didn’t you take me?”

  Turning over onto his side, Geoffrey stared at Ariel. He knew he would kick himself for doing it, but it was the right thing to do. “I don’t rape women, and that is what it would’ve been if I took you. I admit I was being thoroughly selfish in wanting to bed you. I wasn’t thinking how it would affect you. I apologize. I won’t force you to endure my touch.”

  Ariel leaned forward and gently brushed her lips across Geoffrey’s. “Thank you. If you no longer wish to bed me I’ll return to the hall.”

  Geoffrey grabbed her arm before Ariel could get out of
bed. “Wait. I still want you in my bed.” At her confused look he shook his head. “I told you I wouldn’t bed you. I want you to sleep in the bed beside me. Just sleep. It will protect you from my men. They don’t have to know we aren’t having sex.”

  Understanding Geoffrey was only looking out for her, Ariel laid back down on the bed and allowed him to pull the covers over them both.

  Chapter 31

  The market place was crowded with all manner of people. Alwen didn’t care whether she brushed elbows with Saxon serfs or Norman nobles. Spring had finally come bringing new life to the land, just as she had a new life now.

  She was back in London living in modest accommodations far enough away from court, so as not to draw attention to herself. So far no one had realized she was back in the city.

  Her father had yet to return from his excursion, but he had not left her alone during his absence. He had hired a maid to look after all her needs. Today she had left the girl at home, wanting to go to the market alone.

  Moving from one stall to another, Alwen purchased fresh vegetables and meat. Coming to a stall that held bolts of material and other trinkets, she paused to look over the goods offered up for sale. The vendor stood behind the table ready to be of service if anything caught Alwen’s eye. She smiled at the man as she browsed through his wares.

  The material was of good workmanship, but Alwen didn’t feel like making herself a gown. What caught her eye were the gloves. They were made of kid skin and were soft to the touch. Spotting a pair of dark green ones, Alwen picked them up and tired out the fit. A child’s high pitched shrieking drew her attention.

  The gloves forgotten, Alwen watched Broc coming toward her. He hadn’t seen her yet. He was too absorbed in the child he carried in his arms. The boy child was probably no older than a year and his face was a match for his father’s. Broc had never mentioned he had a son.

  Hurriedly stripping the glove from her hand, Alwen moved to leave before Broc became aware of her. Before she could replace the glove she felt Broc’s eyes on her. Too late, she found she would not be able to avoid him now. Sure enough a large hand clamped down on her shoulder before she managed to step away from the stall. Spinning around, Alwen looked up to find Broc towering over her. He held the child in his other arm.