Page 17 of Eternal Obsession

“Well sir, those two men are locals, and you are the only other man in here.”

“I see. Well, thank you . . . um, my horse?”

“Taken to the stable. My husband is having a stable boy feed and groom her, as Lord Velde instructed.”

“Thank you. How many rooms?”

“Just the one, sir. He said you would have returned from a long journey and would be in need of a good night’s sleep before you continued on.”

Alex peered out of the window and caught sight of the towering castle silhouetted in the distance.

“Here you are then. It’s through that door behind the bar and up those stairs.”

Alex took the key from her and headed up.

Alex opened the door to the small room, his eyes adjusting to the dim lighting. He could just make out a large bed, a side table, a washing basin, and a drawing table with a large bottle of rum placed upon it. Intrigued, he entered the room, walked over to the dressing table, and found a candle next to the opened bottle of rum and two silver goblets. He lit the candlewick with one of the matches placed beside it then turned to get a better view of the room. He jumped with fright, almost dropping the candle, when he realized he was not alone.

“Daumia! How could you have traveled here so quickly? I did not see you enter the tavern.”

“Oh, Alex, questions, questions. You really are a frightful bore sometimes. I left shortly after you and came in through the back,” I said.

“I see.”

I walked passed him, moving toward the dressing table. I poured rum into the two goblets, filling them to the top and picking up one, handed it to Alex.

“I have just had some wine.” He accepted the silver cup. “I do not need anything more to drink.”

“Really? Well, for what I have planned for you, I would recommend at least a sip. No?” I took the vessel from him, placing it down on the side table. I turned toward him and commenced unbuttoning his shirt, silently.

Alex stood, chest bare, though apparently relieved that his breeches and boots remained. He watched me place his shirt on the back of a chair. I returned the cup of rum to him. He gulped down the liquor. The thick rum burned his throat and as I walked away from him toward the dressing table, Alex’s expression reflected the discomfort of the rum.

“How is your drink?” I smiled before facing him again, just in time for my young friend to recompose himself.

“Wonderful,” he rasped, his throat burning.

“Good.”

A knock at the door startled him. Alex reached for his shirt.

I pulled it from his hands, placing it back behind the chair. “Come in,” I said.

The door opened.

Alex was surprised to see a young woman appear. She closed the door behind her. Alex withdrew toward the window self-consciously, looking at the young female. Her age was similar to his own. She wore the dress of a servant girl, her mousey hair flowing around her face, tied at the nape of her neck in a bun. Her waist was small, her breasts large. Alex glanced at me as I leaned against the wall by the door. With a nod, I permitted the girl to proceed. She followed my direction and approached Alex, who by now understood the scenario.

She knelt down at his feet and pulled at one of his boots. Alex lifted his foot in order to help her. Calmly, she tugged at his other boot. I approached him and topped up his cup. Alex gulped the rum. I backed up and leaned against the wall, again fixing my gaze on Alex.

Alex begged me with his eyes to stop her. “Daumia, this⁠—”

“In front of you?” His silent words.

The girl, unabashed, undressed him. She pulled his arm and pushed him onto the bed.

With a nod of confirmation, I gave permission for the scene to unfold before me.

She glanced up at me for permission to continue. With a nod from me, she too undressed.

The great castle was visible from the window. Deciphering the information that Alex had provided, it was evident that his father Lord Artimas was indeed the Stone Master. I was so close now I could almost taste the Grand Master’s blood.