Chapter Eight
1028 Words
Chapter Eight
His threats from yesterday left her in a rather bad mood, he said everything with such promise Elise couldn't help but know that he said no word without weight. If he said he'd do it, he would.
She couldn't allow that.
Never.
She couldn't tarnish Troy's memories anymore.
She was his, her body, her soul and everything.
He couldn't take that away from her!
The simple ritual was to hurry on with her plans, the plan was same but she'd have to execute it earlier than expected.
Lizzy was as impeccable as allies could get. She could charm the girl into helping her, the sweet thing's mind was a blank canvas.
The next worry was getting to the docks, these bloody vikings, she knew were rapists and abusers. If she went to the ship dressed as a lady, she'd never make it to the other side in one piece. It was that simple.
So, she thought it best to travel all the way to Jarl Bjorg's Mannor, her husband's arch nemesis. She'd give him the promise of money and then she'd be back home safely.
To Troy.
The thought filled her with ecstasy.
It had been three weeks and her husband all but avoided her, she didn't mind it one bit.
It was as good as it could good.
Now sitting out in the gardens she waited for tonight when Lizzy and she will hitch a ride with the tradesman who'd be going to Jarl Bjorg.
"What are you thinking?" Her husband's voice as usual sent her into panic.
She gave him a solemn look and looked down, she didn't want to see his face.
He was a monster.
He loomed over her threateningly, "I asked you a question." He gripped her chin forcefully.
For reasons unknown, he looked so angry.
"If ye're angry, take it out on someone else, not me, my lord." She spoke stiffly.
She was rewarded with a throaty laughter and then he sat beside her on the bench. She moved away but he simply slid right where their thighs could touch and before she'd put more distance he slung a arm over her shoulder and brought them close.
"I've been busy with my duties, I have had no time for you but my servants tell me you've done a great job with the Manor, I'm pleased. He pressed a soft kiss on her brow and she flushed with pleasure. Don't be wanton, Elise. You just like praise. She admonished herself.
She didn't want to but a tingly sort of warmth spread through her at the compliment.
So she gifted him a hesitant smile.
He looked as if someone just hit him in the gut, "Is that a smile?" Elise lowered her head in shame. Oh, God. Did nothing go unnoticed by him? Stop smiling, ye fool!
She wasn't supposed to smile at him!
"You know, I think I can get used to that smile on your face." He tipped her face to press their lips together in a sweet display of affection. She went frozen as usual. Was she afraid of him or herself? She asked herself. False bravado, woman, false. Ye're a woman, a woman and you are bound to feel this way. Tis a virgin but she knew all about the pleasures of flesh. She hadn't taken over her father's estate by being shy and formidable, she'd dealt with men, their forward manners and their more than honorable intentions. Her home would be a heap in the ground if she didn't have all that knowledge.
But that in no way meant she was ready to sin with this murderer.
"One of these days I might loose my bloody control and satisfy myself to my heart's content. That's why I avoid you. One month, darlin. Then you're all mine, do you understand?" His husky voice did something to Elise's insides and her heart shattered.
I'm a traitor. He's the enemy. What spell was he casting?
Remember Troy, remember your home, your people, your house. He destroyed everything. Everything. Murderer. Pillaging terrorist. Thieve of dreams. Abuser. Heartless. Ruthless. Unkind. She chanted over and over again.
But two could play at his game.
She gave him a nod, for one moment she was afraid and ready to bolt, the other she caressed his cheek.
"Warming up to me, are you now?" He chuckled, immensely pleased.
Only if you knew, bastard.
"N-No, you had mud on your face!" And with that she ran inside the house, his laughter ringing in her ears.
Oh, damnation. This could be harder than she imagined.
~
As it turned out, Jarl Bjorg and her husband had mended their fences and that plan of hers went down the drain, Elise wanted to rip her hair out and cry like a child.
Oh, God, Why!
She kept staring into the fire, feeling absolutely dejected and helpless. There was a feast going on down in the great hall, slaves with barely anything on them were dancing and smelly warriors were throwing coins at them. She'd overlooked the horrible festivities through the balcony. She didn't want to be a part of it.
Lizzy sat in the corner reading all the books Elise had given her.
Lizzy had informed her in descriptive details that it was one of their God's birth day, Thor, yes Thor. She'd heard about the God Of Thunder before she had become a Viking's wife.
Their myths were incredulous.
But she never judged one's religion and believes and even though she plain hated her situation she was not going to stoop low to doing the horrible things like judging and doing criticism meant to hurt. Not constructive at all. No one had the right to tell a person his dreams and beliefs were stupid. Just no. It wasn't in her heart to do so.
Everyone should have a sense of right and wrong without others meddling in their business.
The flames flickered and wood crackled. Elise's life was also turning into ashes, once it was absolutely planned and now it was in ruins.
What had gone wrong?
She needed to make a new plan, that was certain.
~
- Writer
