Page 11 of Lord of the Castle
“But you asked me to be your home’s protector,” I protested.
“True,” he chuckled and let go of my hand. “And is a protector entitled to secrets? I think not. But come, I have something to show you.”
Instead of moving, he paused, and his gaze tore down to my lips. His lifted his hand and the pads of his thumb grazed my lower lip. A tendril of longing shot through me, but he broke contact and limped down the hall.
I remained frozen in place, heart pounding in my throat. If I followed him, I would step across the realm into a place where I had no control, and with my feelings spiraling out of control, I desperately needed an anchor before I lost myself in this wild, dark castle.
* * *
He led me through the winding halls, leaning heavily on his staff. I wanted to reach out and help but he used his staff expertly to navigate the stairs—a sign of his intense upper body strength. He must have had many days and nights to practice walking around his spiraling castle.
We walked through the maze and up a curving staircase until we reached a set of carved double doors. Leaning on his staff, he used both hands to throw them open. Dust filled the air and then light, so bright it almost blinded me. I blinked, then gasped as I took in the view before me.
A gentle breeze blew as I walked out onto a balcony where brilliant sunlight warmed my skin. We were near the top of the castle, and far below me I saw the bright flowers of the rose garden, the sparkle of the water fountain, and even further, the cobblestone path winding down the mountainside. Animals grazed in the meadow, and although they were almost too far to make out clearly, I thought I saw horses.
On the slope of a hill was a vineyard thick with purple grapes. But beyond the majestic land were vague smudges, a village, and the small dots moving back and forth had to be people.
My heartbeat pulsed at the breathtaking beauty of the land, the scent of pine intertwined with flowers.
When I glanced back at Lord Cedric, he watched me, a small smile playing about his full lips. “This is my land. What do you think?”
“It is beautiful,” I admitted. “But surely you do not take care of your lands alone?”
Cedric chuckled. “No, but my lands provide for the villagers and I employ many of them, as need arises. During the harvest they come here, to pick the grapes from the vineyard and make the wines that are used for trade. My horses are sold as warhorses, back to the kingdom, and the castle provides a barrier between the village and the wildwood. This is one of my favorite haunts, where I can look out and see the land is at peace.”
I stilled, admiration shooting through me as he walked over to the balcony. He belonged outside and the wind ruffled his hair as if it agreed.
“These lands are rich and fertile, and the kingdom wants to take them from me and destroy the land with armies and trade routes. I will not allow it. And what magic I do possess is enough to keep the king at bay.”
Sunlight shone down on his head, and even though he stood with his back to me, I put my hand over my heart, feeling my pulse quicken. This glimpse at his life, at something his was passionate about moved me, made me realize he was human, with a soul, with things he cared about. He was more than just an exiled lord, much more than a man I was sent to kill. I swallowed hard.
He faced me. “You accuse me of dark magic, and I will admit there is truth to the rumors about Whispering Vine. But magic here is never used for evil, only for the protection of life.”
Even as my heart warmed to him, the words of the ditty played through my mind.The lord of darkness hides in his tower. Saving the land from dark monsters. . .
Chapter Eight
The next morning,Betty woke me with a tray of breakfast and yet another elaborate dress. This one was dark green with a wide skirt. I had to admit, it was nice to wear fine clothing even though I still felt awkward. At least the country folk did not follow the styles of court and I did not have to wear a corset or hoop skirt. Still, I offered vague protests while I internally wondered what Lord Cedric would think of me.
The morning was lonely, so I went out to the gardens. But my mind was easily distracted, and every noise made me jump. Just before the midday meal, a shadow covered the patio, and Lord Cedric appeared. Today his clothes had flourishes of green which matched my dress, and he looked as dashing as ever. Heat warmed my cheeks as he walked up to me.
“Good morning, Mistress Mariel. Will you join me?”
I took his outstretched hand, but didn’t miss the wicked glint in his eye as he bowed his head, giving me a view of his thick black lashes. He pressed a feather-light kiss on my hand. I felt a spark in my lower belly and forced myself to stand still.
“I’d like that,” I smiled at him, relieved to find the air between us was clear. It was nice not to bicker.
He led me down a path to an adjoining building. I hadn’t noticed it at first for it looked like part of the castle. It was smaller and shaped like a barn with doors standing wide open. We walked through to the other side where a hilly pasture opened up, looking out over the cliff and down into the rolling hills. I could see the track I’d followed to reach the castle, and in the distance, I saw a faint smudge.
Lord Cedric gave a sharp, shrill whistle, and a black steed galloped out of the meadow toward us. It was the largest horse I’d even seen, and my jaw dropped in surprise. Its coat was a shiny black and glistened in the light. Powerful legs moved the horse, and it trotted up to Lord Cedric, snorting as it tossed its mane.
“Mariel, this is Felix, my war horse.” Lord Cedric stroked the horse’s mane. “I usually ride bareback, but if you prefer a saddle there is one in the stables.”
“Ride? Together?” I blurted out, and then glared down at the inappropriate dress that Betty had talked me into wearing. Forced me into wearing would be a better description.
Lord Cedric chuckled. “I would like to take you down to the village, and Felix’s mate is nursing two foals. It would be wrong to take her away from her children.”
I glanced around and saw a pure white horse in the meadow along with two foals, frolicking and dancing about. “Is it not late in the season for foals?”
