Page 36 of The Darkland

Micheline seemed comforted by the fact that Johanne was present; mayhap she believed there was safety in numbers. Whatever the case, she gave Kirk a brave smile and entered the room with her customary dignity. Kirk watched, feeling sickened, wishing he could warn her of the appalling reality she was about to face. But his sense of duty prevented him from doing so. Still, it did not stop him from assuring her he would be right outside the door should she require him.

A statement that seemed to anger Edmund. Kirk’s strange loyalty to the le Bec sisters was something he had not anticipated, nor desired, considering he needed the man now more than ever. The Irish were preparing to rebel and he needed his captain’s strength and military wisdom if he were going to protect his holdings; clearly, the last thing he wanted was a souring relationship.

Although he did not want to argue with the man he admired above all else, the fact remained that Kirk was sworn to obey him and not the other way around. But the arrival of Micheline and Mara le Bec was creating division between him and his mighty captain, an uncomfortable situation that Edmund was struggling to come to terms with. A division that seemed to be growing wider by the moment and Edmund was desperate to stop the rift.

A rift that was apparent as Micheline entered the bridal chamber, accompanied by her new sister-in-law, and Edmund and Kirk locked gazes. Edmund had no idea what to say to the obviously displeased knight, waiting for him to shut the door, but instead Kirk beckoned him with a crooked finger.

Edmund labored to remain neutral of expression as he graciously honored the request. Quietly, Kirk pulled him into the corridor where their conversation could not be heard.

“Lady Johanne will be leaving, I trust?” Kirk asked.

Edmund nodded. “After she prepares my bride. Truly, Kirk, this is of no concern to you. She is my wife, after all.”

Kirk’s gaze was cold. He had always disengaged himself with Edmund’s personal habits but found at this moment he could not. He had promised Mara that he would protect her sister and felt strongly, even above his oath of fealty to Edmund, that he enforce his promise. Especially when he knew what Edmund was capable of.

“That may be, Lord Edmund,” his voice was a growl. “But Lady Micheline is a fine and dignified woman and I shall be most displeased if I discover the marriage bed does not meet with her expectations.”

Edmund tried not to appear intimidated. “And what does that mean?”

Kirk’s jaw ticked, dangerously close to insubordination. “I believe you already know,” he moved to the opposite side of the corridor, assuming his post at a discreet distance. “Congratulations on your marriage, my lord. May you be truly blessed.”

Edmund stared at him; thinly veiled threats one moment, best wishes the next. But his apprehension quickly turned to rage and he whirled about, slamming the door to his chamber hard enough to rattle the walls.

Kirk continued to stare at the door, wondering if his intimidation would do any good for Micheline’s sake. Wondering, upon reflection, if Edmund would do unspeakable things to the woman simply to show his captain who was truly in charge of Anchorsholme Castle. A battle of wills had begun, the lines of conflict drawn, and Kirk knew there could only be one winner.

And it would not be Edmund.

*

Mara was tryingdesperately not to think of her sister’s plight as she strolled the kitchen yard, searching for the quartet of dirty children. The more she walked, however, the more difficult it became for her to forget what was happening. Micheline had married a fiend, Kirk had decided she was indeed a hellion, and the world in general was looking rather dismal.

Dismal and depressing until four familiar faces suddenly appeared out of the buttery. The younger children shrieked and danced around Mara, delighted to see her, while Robert greeted her with a dignified bow. He had seen the knights offer the gesture to fine young ladies and mimicked their manners perfectly.

“Heard there was a marriage this morning,” he said. “Was it your sister?”

Mara nodded, her smile fading. “She had no choice, Robert. But Kirk has promised to protect her.”

Robert shook his head sadly. “He canna. Not if Edmund wants to kill her. Nothing can protect her. Or you.”

Mara stiffened, turning away. “I can protect myself.” In the distance, Niles caught her attention, waving at her as his charger was brought around. She waved back, shading her eyes against the bright sun. “He’s dressed in full armor. I wonder where he’s going?”

Robert followed her gaze. “To hell, most likely.”

Mara turned to him sharply. “Why do you say that?”

The lad cocked an eyebrow. “Because he’s evil, like Edmund.”

“How do you know?”

“Everyone knows.”

“Knowswhat?”

Robert looked around to make sure no one was listening. Moving close to Mara, she tried not to shy away from his strong stench. “They say that Niles helps Edmund murder the young ladies,” he said quietly. “You should stay away from him.”

Mara’s eyes widened. “He does? Why did not you tell me this yesterday?”

“Would you have believed me?”