Demon Within (11 page)

‘Kai, did you hear what I said?’ Slamming his hand flat on the table, making the cutlery jump, he dipped his head towards Kai. ‘Someone needs to talk to her, and tell her you’re not interested.’

‘Someone?’ Kai arched a brow.

Huffing out a breath and leaning back in the chair, Sabe clutched the edge of the table with both hands. ‘She’s not talking to me, and I think it would be better, if it came from you.’

‘Why do I have to do it? It’s only you she’s ignoring.’ Kai chuckled.

‘I tried to tell her this morning! She’ll accept it if you tell her!’

Rising from the table, he leaned over and pursed his lips. ‘She’ll listen to you. Please talk to her.’ Pushing out his bottom lip, ‘Please?’

Groaning, Kai placed his cup on the table, ‘What did I do to deserve this?’

Sabe grinned. Rubbing his hand on Kai’s head, he messed up his hair but snatched it away as Kai growled.

‘You’re going to pay for this, you know that don’t you?

‘You don’t have to do it until tomorrow. Kiera’s gone to bed, and won’t be joining the dinner.’

Rubbing his hands together and stepping away from the table, he grinned over his shoulder. ‘I’ll go and fetch our guests. Don’t drink all the wine before they get here, okay?’

Kai scowled and watched him leave before refilling his empty cup.

***

Garlan was tired. He’d been stretched out on the bed ever since he took a ‘few’ moments to ease his weary bones. But reluctantly, he washed and himself presentable before waiting eagerly for an escort to take him to supper. They’d not eaten real food since breakfast. Snacking on a pie, in his mind, didn’t count. Holding his stomach as it growled one more time, he wondered if he should go and seek out the dining room. They could have forgotten him. He’d made up his mind to leave, when someone knocked on the door.

‘Come in!’ Rising from the bed, he marched forward but when greeted with Roulan, he huffed out an irritated sigh.

‘Forgive me father, I thought I might have a word?’

Easing into Garlan’s room, Roulan closed the door behind him. His father had already made his way back to bed. Roulan knew he was already pushing his luck, but had to speak with his father before they left for dinner. He’d already voiced his concerns once during the day, but he’d been cut off before he could finish. In three days, Eloise would be married to Kai and he didn’t like it.

Roulan took a few tentative steps towards Garlan as he sat on the edge of the bed. Daring to approach the subject again, he began.

‘I think Kai manipulated you, father. He’s wriggled out of backing us when we fight against the Highlanders.’

Garlan’s eyes rose to look at Roulan. He didn’t make any other movement and gave him a disapproving glare.

Roulan nibbled his lip nervously. Garlan paused a moment, then rose up to face his son.

‘Manipulated you say?’

Roulan closed his eyes and regretted the statement. But it was too late to take it back.

‘You’re getting on my nerves, do you know that Roulan? I’m sick of hearing you whine about Kai and the alliance.’

Garlan’s face turned red as his temper rose. Tired, hungry, every muscle and bone in his body ached, and he’d had enough. He’d listened to Roulan’s constant whining for the last two days. He dared to speak of manipulation, when Roulan had tried to do exactly that, since this whole plan started.

‘I don’t have to explain myself to you!’ He prodded Roulan with his finger. ‘I’ve got exactly what I wanted.’ His face drew closer to his son’s and Roulan winced as his voice became louder. ‘I don’t know what you’re up to, but I’ll tell you something; this wedding, will take place. Eloise will marry Kai of Darkmide, and you, will respect my wishes.’

Sidestepping he made for the door, but hesitated and turned back to Roulan.

‘This is your last warning. If I hear you whine one more time, it will be your body nailed to the front gate. Do you understand?’

Garlan was ready to explode and sweat poured down his red face. Roulan couldn’t look at him; he kept his head down as he replied.

‘Yes, father, of course, whatever you say.’

Roulan continued staring at the ground until he heard the door open then slam shut. Exhaling, he wiped the sweat from his brow. His face grimaced at his father’s words; he wasn’t going to let it end here. He had plans, and while he’d not expected to be here in Blackhill so soon, he may as well take advantage of the situation.

Marching out of the room and down the hall, his temper simmered. His father was almost down the stairs and Roulan slowed to let the distance between them widen. Approaching Eloise and Nissa’s rooms, he bumped into Nissa as she entered the hallway alone. Closing the door quietly behind her, Nissa jumped when he spoke.

‘Where’s Eloise?’ he snapped.

Nissa leaned against the door. Avoiding eye contact with him, she answered. ‘Sleeping, she’s exhausted.’

‘Where are you going?’ Roulan frowned.

‘I’m going to get something to eat.’

‘No you’re not. Stay here with Eloise.’ He walked a few paces then glanced over his shoulder and added. ‘Lock the door.’

Nissa’s mouth gaped wide. They hadn’t eaten all day, they were hungry. While Eloise was sleeping now, she’d be awake soon and would need something. Taking a deep breath, she quietly opened the door and entered the room. She was about to close it when she heard Roulan’s voice, down the hall. He was speaking to Sabe. Waiting a few moments, she poked her head around the door. Sabe’s handsome face greeted her.

‘Hello there.’

Nissa blushed as she looked up to see mesmerizing eyes. ‘Hello.’ She managed, in a soft voice.

Sabe frowned at her anxiety and looked back down the hall. ‘It's okay, he’s gone.’ He grinned. ‘Only three days to go.’

‘You mean the wedding?’

‘Well, yes, the wedding, but I was meaning, three more days, and then he’ll be gone.’ He chuckled.

‘I’ll have someone bring a tray of food, for you and Eloise. We can’t have you starving now can we? Sabe held his hands behind his back and bowed, making her giggle. ‘Anything in particular you’d like?’

‘No, nothing, whatever there is, will be fine. Thank you. You’re very kind.’

‘Well, my sister doesn’t think so!’ He laughed.

Nissa giggled and lowered her head. It wasn’t like her to be so tongue-tied, but he was charming and witty, she couldn’t help it. His dark and mischievous eyes, made her stomach twist, it was impossible to stare into them. He smiled so much, and had the most infectious laugh; she couldn’t find any fault with him. Remembering Roulan’s last words, she couldn’t find the key for the lock and wondered if Sabe knew where it was.

‘Do you know where the key is?’ Determined not to look away this time, she held his gaze.

‘Why would you need a key?’

‘To lock the door.’ She smiled and pointed to the empty lock.

Sabe chuckled and toed the ground before speaking. ‘Do you honestly think anyone would be foolish enough, to break into your room?’ His head cocked to the side.

‘Well, I suppose not, but Roulan ordered me too.’

Surprised Nissa still didn’t understand there was no need for a lock; he scratched the side of his face and took a deep breath.

‘You’ve seen what we do to thieves, on the way in?’

Nissa’s eyes widened as she remembered the two men nailed to the gate with their hands and heads chopped off. She nodded. He leaned closer to whisper.

‘Can you imagine what we do to rapists?’

Nissa gasped and covered her mouth with her hand. Seeing Sabe wiggle his brows, she laughed. Feeling a little better, she glanced back in the room towards Eloise; she was waking from her nap.

‘I should go, Eloise is awake.’ She gave an apologetic look and wished they could continue a little while longer.

Bowing and placing his hand over his chest, Sabe flashed a wide smile and stepped away from the door.

‘I’ll speak with the kitchen staff and have someone bring your supper. I’ll say goodnight and look forward to seeing you in the morning.’ He gave her a final stare, followed by a wicked grin and walked quickly down the hall.

Nissa closed the door and hurried over to Eloise. ‘Are you feeling a little better?’

Eloise nodded and stretched out. Raising her arms above her head, she arched her back and groaned. ‘I’m still tired, and I ache everywhere. Did we miss supper?’

‘No, Sabe’s going to have something brought to us here.’ She wasn’t sure if she should tell Eloise about Roulan. Deciding it wasn’t important, she wondered if Eloise wanted to go to the dining room now, with everyone else.

‘We don’t have to eat in our room. But you were asleep, and I didn’t know if you would wake in time.’

‘I feel dirty and until I can take a bath, I’d prefer to stay here.’ She took Nissa’s hand and smiled. ‘I think after a glass of wine, I’ll be asleep anyway.’

The carriages would arrive in the morning; Kai’s men were traveling behind them at a slower pace. She really wished she had a change of clothing and her toiletries. Staying in her room, with Nissa, she’d not feel comfortable sitting at a table with everyone. Riding all-day in her clothes, she smelled of horse and dirt.

‘Did you find any clothing when you were looking through the drawers?’

The corner of Nissa’s mouth pulled to the side.

‘There was only bed linen and drying towels. Some perfume and the hair slides. Sorry.’ She sighed.

‘Doesn’t matter, I’ll sleep naked just for once. But I need to wash, so would you ask for some freshwater please?’

‘I’ll ask whoever brings our food if we can have a few jugs of warm water, and see about a nightshirt.’

When they’d first arrived, she was so tired, she’d not thought about eating. But now, her stomach grumbled. They only had to wait a short time. A woman, from the kitchen arrived with a huge platter. Filled with cold meats, bread and pickles; the large plate was enough to feed a small army. Another woman followed, with a large jug of wine, and two goblets. Nissa asked for some fresh water, for washing, and something to sleep in; she explained they were waiting for their clothing to arrive. The woman smiled and nodded, and promised to return with everything she’d asked for.

They finished everything after a short time. Lying back on the bed and rubbing their full stomachs, both of them were clean, well-fed and ready to sleep. Unsure of what to expect in the morning, they didn’t have time to think about it too much as they fell asleep within moments of lying down.

Caster watched Ellanor as she rode ahead of him next to Jace. Pleased that she’d insisted on joining them, after the previous night’s events, he knew he would have missed her if she’d not been here.

They’d set off at dawn; rising earlier than usual, they’d eaten a hearty breakfast to keep them in good stead for their first days traveling. Packed with enough food to feed an army, courtesy of Maisey, the spare horse was a good idea. Not only carrying food for the journey, but extra clothing and blankets; they would need a change of clothing once they reached Blackhill.

They’d all been chatty to begin with; excited about the trek, but now all was quiet; each to their own thoughts, at a steady pace.

Caster was still unsure if this was the right step to take. Yesterday, talking it over with Ellanor and Jace, it seemed the best outcome. Now he was on his way to meet Kai of Darkmide; he would be lying if he didn’t feel apprehensive.

Snapping out of his anxious state, he concentrated on the road and Jace and Ellanor ahead of him. He still hadn’t found out why Jace was quiet when he returned home yesterday. Something had bothered him for sure; he wasn’t his usually cheery self. Feeling sure he’d get around to telling him when he felt ready, he put it to the back of his mind and enjoyed the scenery.

Settling back in his saddle, Caster took a few lungful’s of air and drew in the scent of the heather. His eyes were drawn to Ellanor. She’d braided her hair that morning, which wasn’t usual; it fell against her back, reaching down to her waist. Recalling their first meeting, it was the second thing he noticed about her. The first, being her green eyes.

The first few days, after the accident, were hazy. He remembered little, other than pain in every part of his body. But the soothing touch from the beautiful woman that tended his wounds, made it bearable.

Ellanor’s smile greeted him every time he stirred. At his side constantly, he’d thought he’d died and gone to heaven when he first saw her.

Golden hair cascaded over her shoulder and rested against his body while she cleaned his face and the cut on his head. He’d stared for some time before managing to speak. When he finally broke the silence, and asked for her name, she’d smiled and gave it to him. Her whole face lit up, as if she’d been waiting for something. It was later; that she told him the doctor didn’t expect him to wake. Hearing him speak for the first time was a relief.

The recovery was slow, but Ellanor tended him without complaint. He knew nothing of his life, and had no idea where he was from. He’d remembered something after a few days; his name.

Through spending every day and night with Ellanor while she took care of him, it was after only a few weeks he knew he loved her. Afraid to confess his love, he kept it to himself; worried she’d leave him if he revealed his affection. They laughed about it later, when Ellanor told him she’d felt the same.

They had the Inn keeper’s wife to thank for their married life. If she’d not embarrassed them into confession they might never have married. She’d been watching them from the beginning. It was obvious they were in love, but neither of them would admit it; she would huff each time she saw them together. Shaking her head in frustration, she’d been unable to keep quiet any longer, and said if they didn’t get married, she would throw them out. At first, Ellanor and Caster thought she was serious, afraid of gossip of them living under her roof. But they laughed when she’d said, that if her husband loved her as much as Caster loved Ellanor, she’d be the happiest woman to ever live. Caster declared it was true, and proposed to Ellanor, who quickly accepted. They married the next day, and remained at the Inn until Caster was well enough to work.

‘What are you thinking about?’

Caster blinked and looked up to see Ellanor smiling at him over her shoulder. She was still the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen, and would love her until the day he died.

‘You look miles away.’ She continued.

He gave her a wide smile and stared for a moment. ‘I was my love, but I’m back now.’

Ellanor frowned, but seeing he looked happy smiled before turning back to watch the road.