Angie Arms - Flame Series 03 (16 page)

"It has been a hard day for her."  Ryann's face looked strained
, as he came to stand looking down at her.  She bounced the baby lightly in her arms.

"Have you eaten?" he asked
, holding his arms out to take the baby from her.  He still felt nervous that he would handle the tiny thing too roughly, or would drop it, not support its head properly.  There were a number of things that ran through his head when the baby was in his arms. 

Ryann nodded
, glancing up at him as he bent close, her blue eyes spellbound him, and he felt his entire body shudder.  She settled the baby's weight into his arms, and suddenly his thoughts fled from her to the nerve racking task of holding the child.  For a brief moment Ryann's scent surrounded him.  How could the woman still smell like sunshine and the sweetest of roses? 

He ran the words over and over again in his head
, before asking her to walk with him.  His initial urge was to command her to walk with him, but he could not forget to handle her differently.  Gently, coaxing and not demanding. 

She smiled in response to the question, as if her entire day centered on a walk with him.  He drew in a shaky breath
, and turning away, offered his arm to her.  Gently her fingers slid into the crook of his elbow, coming to rest on the inside, the sensitive area protected there.  How could her touch feel like fire? 

He walked slowly, accommodating her short stride.  They walked in silence for a few content moments
, before she broke the silence.

"The baby seems to grow stronger, and is crying less."  As if to demonstrate
, her cries began growing less intense.

"Is it?" he asked
, cradling the tiny thing gently, while paying attention to the terrain as he led her away from all the people.  They were closing in on him.  All he wanted was space so he could touch his beautiful wife again.  He thought about it all day.  When he should have been devoting his undivided attention to their journey, he found his mind drifting away to the feel of her, and the dream of how she would feel beneath him.  He not only craved it, but needed it as surely as he needed the air to breath.

"You know, you really need to stop calling her it," she admonished him
, with a pat of her fingers sending lightning through his veins.

"Then you need to name her," he said
, glancing down at the pretty little face of the baby, with the red curly hair and green eyes.  Every red head he had ever seen was a hellion, and he worried that this one whose innocent eyes looked back at him, would be no different.

"What would you suggest?" she asked
, taking him by surprise. 

"Why would I have a suggestion?" he asked.

"I don't know," she replied.  She walked so closely, folded protectively against his side, that he felt her shrug. 

Suddenly he wanted to have a suggestion for her
, for it sounded as if she had hopes that he would.  "Spring," he said, the only name he could think of.  He was not even sure if a person could be named spring, but that was what he thought when he looked at the little girl in his arms.  With her bright green eyes she looked the epitome of the young innocence he associated with the season of life. 

"Spring," Ryann said, testing the name.  "I think that will do as well as any other name.  Seems quite fitting."

Her praise and choice made him feel like he was beaming from within.  He pulled his arm a little closer to his side, pulling her closer against him.  They walked until a small stand of trees separated them from the others, blocking out the campfires and noise that came with an army settling in for a night.  The grayness was quickly giving way to the night, and a feeling of peace settled over Garrick.

"Do you think I will like my new home?"
Ryann asked, releasing his arm and turning to stare up at him, with her blue eyes darkened by the falling night.

He never gave
it much thought.  Kilkenny was a much warmer, welcoming keep.  It had obviously been touched by the hands of many women, turning it into a place of welcome.  Kinsey had not had the benefit of a woman's touch.  He and his men ruled it, and never had anyone thought about giving a woman free rein to warm the cold floor and stark walls.  He had no tapestries, and the old keep had no benefit of doors to keep the heat inside the chambers.  He had not spent a great deal of time at the keep, his only time there was spent in thought for his next campaign, and relieving his need with the whores he kept nearby for he and his men.  It was a place that showed plainly he and his men were hard warriors, and nothing in the place boasted of comfort.  He suddenly hoped his wife would soften it, warm it.

"It is nothing like Kilkenny.  I fear you will not."

He heard her sigh.  "It does not matter, as long as I can be by my husband's side."

"Do not fear.
  You will be the lady of Kinsey, and can fix those things you do not like."

"Surely your keep is the way you wish it to be. You have been lord there for many years now," she said
, bending to pull the blanket more securely around Spring's head, to ward off the chill creeping into the night.

"I do not think of the things a woman would think of.  The keep is only a place for me to sleep when I am not at war."

"Will you be at war often?"

Her question was like a slap to his face.  He took a step back, unsure of the response
, and his foot fell into empty space as he toppled backward.  Instinct made him protect the baby, and not try to break his fall.  Though it was more of a stumble on the uneven ground with his arms wrapped securely around Spring, he landed on his back, his shoulder colliding against a rock, sending needles of pain radiating from it.

"My lord!" Ryann exclaimed
, leaning down over him.

The child, who had fallen fast asleep only whimpered slightly at the jostling.  Doing the best he could to hold the child toward Ryann
, he was relieved when she took her so he could see to himself, and the injury he felt three times a fool for incurring.

"Are you hurt?"

"No," he said, as he pulled himself to his feet.  Despite the mind numbing pain as he worked the shoulder back and forth, he was not a man used to telling anyone what ails him.  "It is time to return to camp."  He was aware his voice did not sound as sure as it normally did, but the pain from his shoulder, he now knew was dislocated, made his mind a little hazy. 

~ ~ ~ ~

"I often go for walks
, but have not found myself with a dislocated shoulder," Marcus couldn't help goading Garrick as he felt around his shoulder.

Garrick gritted his teeth as he told the story to his ungrateful friend standing nearby

"I was taking advice from your woman," he gritted out between clinched teeth, when Marcus moved the shoulder slightly.

"I'm not his woman," Alena said so quickly
, Garrick felt Marcus's unease as he stood against his back.  It was obvious his friend was still not happy with their arrangement.  Garrick sat upon a stump with Marcus against his back, his knees pressed firmly to give leverage for what he had to do.  As if he was taking his anger out on Garrick, his arm shot around his chest while the other gripped his shoulder firmly, a knee lodged against the back of it, and he jerked back sharply.  Garrick gritted his teeth, never making a sound except the grind of his teeth together, as the pain exploded within him.

"I did not tell you to yank your wife's hair from her head, throw her beneath horses
, or perform like a jester and fall before her."  From the sound of her voice Garrick knew she detected Marcus's displeasure, and was ready to turn her own anger toward him.

"For now on I will deal with my wife my own way," Garrick said
, as the pain turned to a throbbing ache.

"With your rough hands and sour mood?"

"I will show you rough hands when I turn you over my knee and discipline you as a child should be."

He heard Alena gasp
, and she took a step toward him.  Rising swiftly he towered over the tall woman.  "Tread carefully Alena, I am not in the mood for your tongue."  Garrick turned away, listening for the sound of feet ready to attack his back as he retreated, and was very glad tonight, of all nights, there were none.  He had bungled her advice so badly he was done with it.  There would be nothing left of his lovely bride if he continued down the path he was on by the time he took her to bed.  She seemed not to be running from him as he expected, so he would be himself and force her if need be.  He was not beyond that now.  He wanted Ryann beneath him so badly, he would break her if need be, to get her there.  With that thought in mind he went to check the night guards and catch some sleep himself, so he could be rested for the day he had not been able to push from his mind.

Chapter 11

Sitting atop its hill
, Kinsey appeared every bit as unwelcoming as the first time she laid eyes upon Garrick.  As if sensing her own discomfort, Spring set up a steady stream of cries as they pulled ever closer to her new home.  Feeling the foreboding air, Ryann had to school herself so she would not join the baby in tears.

She could tell Garrick riding beside her kept glancing weary looks her way
, but she could not find the strength to make eye contact.  She knew he would see her disappointment in the home he brought her to, and she could not do such a thing to him.  She would find something to like about the place, of that she was sure.  They rode into the courtyard, a handful of men, some appeared beyond fighting age, while others were yet to reach it, came out to take their horses.  She waited patiently while Garrick dismounted, gave orders to one of those elderly men who immediately took Malik's reins, and led him in the direction he had come.  She felt the electricity of anticipation course through her as soon as Garrick's big hands reached for her and closed around her waist.  With no effort he plucked her from Fleet's back and she placed her hands upon his shoulders, as he set her upon the ground. 

A great wall of sound began within the hall
, and Ryann knew the army was much faster to make it inside.  Two women came from the hall, one with red hair that trailed nearly to her knees and a clinging tunic that left very little to the imagination.  Her brown eyes were fearful, yet intent upon Garrick, as was the raven haired beauty that advanced with her.

"You have arrived back," the raven haired woman said
, in a sultry voice.

Ryann saw the hesitancy wash over both their faces as they came to a sudden halt.  Ryann looked up into her husband’s face and saw such a hard, menacing look it nearly brought fear to her own breast.  The two women wasted no time offering half hearted curtsies
, before turning and fleeing back into the hall.

Ryann did not have to wonder long who those women were
, and their purpose here.  Disappointment washed over her.  She had never imagined she would have to share Garrick with those kind of women within her own home.  Anger suddenly flared within her, and she vowed to take care of that situation shortly, after she found a wet-nurse for Spring.

"Come, the kitchens will be preparing a meal for us."  He offered his arm and she took it with a smile
, hoping he would not be angry with her when she cleared his keep of his whores.  She would just have to tell him she would willingly take their places.  Surely she could learn what they knew, so she could keep him satisfied.

Stepping through the main doors and into the hall
, Ryann's feet faltered.  Never had she imagined the inside to be what she was looking upon.  She saw them immediately, the women, some half dressed and the men already rutting upon them.  The nearest trestle table had a woman upon it, her legs spread with a man grunting between them, and two more men next to him as if they were waiting in line.  Another woman was bent over at the waist, her skirt pushed up and a man behind her hammering into her, while she held another man within her mouth.  Ryann did not think such a thing was possible.

She cast a glance at her husband, the muscles in his cheek twitching.  His eyes cast straight ahead
, his indomitable physique carrying him toward the head table, parting the sea of people.  No one ventured near, behind her she could feel Marcus and Alena.  What did she think of the carnal acts going on within the hall?  Surely Garrick would have more respect for her than to throw her upon one of the tables and sate his lust before everyone.

Reaching the dais Garrick led the way to the high-backed chairs.  He paused for a moment
, looking across the large chamber at his men.  Ryann saw the scowl cross her husband’s face.  This made her feel better that he would not like what was happening.  She had no doubt it was only for her sake, the way those women had run out to greet him without her by his side, he would probably be one of those men panting between their legs.  It wasn't difficult to find the red hair, her hair like a beacon, sitting atop one of the tables, and the man Roland reached for her, grabbing her by the ankle, and yanking her toward him.  She screeched, apparently not happy with the rough turn of events.  Unmindful of the injuries he would cause by doing so, he flipped her over onto the hard table, yanked up her skirts, and plunged in.  His viciousness that had her crying out and trying to pull away, reminded Ryann all too well of her own experience with the act of sex.  She wanted to go to her rescue, to the rescue of several of the women, for she was not the only one appearing to be handled too roughly.

"Cease!" Garrick called.  "If you wish to spill you lust
, it will no longer be done in this hall."

Several men began to protest
, while others did not hesitate to begin pulling the women from the chamber.  "Roland!" Garrick said in an authoritative voice, as the one man continued pounding away at the red head.  An instant later he spilled himself into her and immediately pushed her away, and the look upon his face disgusted Ryann.  He turned, as he put himself away and smirked at Garrick, before sliding onto the bench beneath the table, where he had just abused the woman.

"We will have ladies among us now
, and I will have none uncomfortable with the acts of you men.  If you do not like it, leave now."

With no other words spoken
, he seated himself in his chair, and looked out across his domain.  She studied him, his pride and confidence.  He knew no man could unseat him, it was in his every line.  He proved himself, fought for his kingdom, one he ruled with an iron fist.  No, no man could compare to such as he.

The meal was atrocious, no flavor was added
, and everything was either overcooked or undercooked.  The wine was a horrid experience, she did not know how one could go so wrong with wine.  The ale she found however was perfection, and the servants were quick despite the hands that were constantly reaching out to grasp a breast or a thigh.  One young woman was grabbed by Roland, and began to cry when Garrick’s fist slammed down upon the table shaking it, and every person in the room jumped to attention.  Roland glared at Garrick but released the girl, who scampered away with sobs.

"Marcus," Garrick said, his voice authoritative.  "Bring the girl to me."

Without a word Marcus stood and left the table.  What did her husband want with her?  It made her uneasy.  She had found if a servant caught Garrick's attention was usually because he or she had displeased him.  Within moments he was back, the girl appearing as if she feared for her life, trailing him.

"What is your name?" Garrick asked
, turning to look the girl over as Marcus had to shove her forward.

"Sara my lord," the girl replied, her hands clinched in front of her tightly, her eyes downcast.

"My lady wife requires a personal servant.  Would this be a task you would care to see to?"

The brightest turquoise eyes shot to Garrick and then beyond him to Ryann, star
k against her dark brown hair, slanting eyebrows, and full lashes.  She was quite an attractive young woman, and Ryann felt herself suddenly on edge that Garrick had noticed this too.  No, his tastes ran to whores, the thought did not help. 

"I would be pleased to serve your lady," she said with relief and gratitude in her voice
, as well as more than a hint of apprehension. 

"Your first task is to see this young one to a wet nurse," he said
, turning to lift the content baby from Ryann's lap.  "Knowing my men, I'm sure there's more than one mother who would accommodate her.  Her name is Spring, and she is to be cared for as well as if she was our own child, do you understand me Sara?"

Unable to see her husband’s face, Sara's told her plainly what expression was upon it.  It was the stern look, the one that promised retribution if his bidding was not done to its fullest.  It sent fear and uncertainty across Sara's before she turned, baby gently in her arms, and hurried away.

"Why did you choose her to be my maid?" Ryann asked, after the meal progressed a little longer.

"She is a virgin," Garrick said
, turning to her.

Ryann felt the blood drain from her face.  "You wish a virgin my lord?" she whispered, her voice lost to anything beyond that.

"No," he looked appalled.  "She is a virgin who would no longer be after this night, if she were not under my protection."

At her horrified look he said.  "They have done worse," he explained
, as if this was information she should already know.  "I have done worse things.  She would have already found herself having been tasted by several men if I had not put an end to their activities."  What kind of place had her husband brought her to?  What a terrible existence these women must live.  She had seen what mistreatment could get, and to know these women had no one to protect them from Garrick's men, left her cold inside.

"I don't know if I am to thank you for stopping them
, or be angry that you allowed them to do such things."  Ryann heard the words come out before she could stop them. 

"I do not seek your thanks
, or your anger.  The only women I knew throughout my life have been whores.  Throughout my life, I have treated them as such." 

She smiled up at him.  "Then you have my thanks."

A short time later Sara returned, and Garrick stood from his seat.  Immediately quiet prevailed throughout the hall.  "This is my lady wife, the Countess Ryann Fenton.  She and her servants will be treated with the respect befitting their stations.  Any deviance from this and the offender will have me to face.  As the lady of Fenton she is welcome to make improvements to our lots in life, and will not be denied."

He resumed his seat
, and it took a few more breaths before others went back to their meals.  Indeed she could find something here she liked.  Here there was Garrick.

"Get out of my way," the voice was furious
, and all eyes turned toward its source.  Roland stood between two trestle tables, his path blocked to the door by three soldiers who had just entered, and were wishing to seek their places and trenchers.  It would have been far easier for Roland to step aside and let the three pass, but the man obviously would not, and expected them to yield the way.

She heard Garrick sigh beside her.  "I see now why Damien has sent him to me," he said
, and with his tone of voice she was inexplicably sorry for the man causing the scene.

"He will not get special treatment here," he said
, but shook his head at the man in front of the three, and they quickly stepped to the side to let Roland pass.

"Why would he receive special treatment?" Ryann asked
, apprehensive about prying into her husband's business.

"His wife was dragged
from their home, in front of him and his two children, then King Richard killed her."

"The King did that?" she asked, her stomach suddenly churning with bile that threatened to come up.

"She served as an example to some of us that we were to do his bidding, no matter how distasteful we found it.  Roland was once a good knight, level headed, a good husband and doting father.  He blames himself and will have nothing to do with his children."

"I see you do give him special treatment," she replied
, nodding to the three men who were wolfing down the food on their trenchers.

"That was not for Roland, he could have easily killed those three men."  Ryann looked up at her husband with disbelieving eyes.  "He is a man much like myself."

He left the words to hang over her as he stood.  "I must see to my men.  I will find you later."

The words held a promise and left her blood pumping loudly through her veins.  Very soon she would submit entirely to her husband.  She was filled with anticipation for the lust he had already shown her
, and fear, because he was a man with deadly abilities.

She
filled the rest of her day meeting the wet-nurse Sara found, and seeing to the unloading of the wagons.  At one time the old castle must have been grand, for it was quite large and the details of the stone and woodwork were intricate, but apparently Garrick was not mindful of the things that would make it grand once again.  Garrick left instructions she was to put her things in his own chamber, and it was explained to her Marcus and Alena shared the second largest chamber, which would typically be for the lady.  She was giddy with this news, for she found Garrick's chamber very cold and empty.  If she was to live in it, she was comfortable transforming it to fit her desire. 

~ ~ ~ ~

Garrick climbed the steps to his chamber.  In the back of his mind he hoped she was not angry over putting her in his chamber
, and another part said she would deal with it because he was the lord here.  He did not want to fight with her, he had already gone a tough round with Roland.  That man was on a destruction course, and Garrick did not think there was anything anyone could do to stop him.  At one time he had surrounded himself with men like Roland, no conscience and full of anger, he still had those men, but now his mind was working on a way to get them out of his ranks.  He did not feel comfortable with Ryann among them.