Chapter One-3
509 Words
Though she’d rather have been by herself to gather her wits, the young man moved in beside her, answering her question: “I am Markus Leeds.”
“And should you, Mr. Leeds, be addressing a Lady to whom you’ve not been properly introduced?” She spoke with a great deal of reserve in a way she rarely did, feeling utterly annoyed that the young man persisted with her. She was not ready for pleasant conversation.
“Perhaps no more than you should be walking unescorted through the market, might I add after visiting the castle’s bowels. That is no place for a lady.” He was smug, but perfectly correct in his judgment.
Conceding the issue, Roslyn sighed and stopped to address the man properly. “It would please me, if you would not mention this to anyone. I have my reasons, and you would be polite to let those reasons remain my secret.”
“As if your movements are not known to your uncle?”
“Are you his spy?”
He laughed. “No, I am not in your Uncle’s confidence,” said with a wry twist.
“Well, then, he’ll hear what he hears. I have my reasons for today’s visit to his dungeon.”
“The girl, I presume?”
She was taken aback that he would have such an uncanny grasp of her recent excursion.
“And if I was?”
“You would be wise to let that matter rest?”
“She was then a despicable traitor to my Uncle’s house.”
“She fell away from his requirements.”
“Requirements? You talk in riddles.”
“You’re young and have much to learn about the way our world works. Indeed, you may, by your noble birth, be spared of the fate granted to most women in your uncle’s realm. I should pray that’s so, as fine a rose as you are.” He sounded as though he were courting her; in that manner, his blue eyes twinkled teasingly. But then, he spoke so sincerely.
“What fate do you speak of?”
“I speak only of what I know and will not embellish the matter beyond the facts, but there are those who decry the subservience of the female under your uncle’s gaze. Surely, you’ve noticed that fact.”
“I have not been here long enough to notice much of anything.”
“And perhaps your recent misfortune has preoccupied your time.”
“Perhaps so.”
“Then, I advise you to take notice of your new home and its unique customs.”
“It would certainly help me if you were to elaborate on this issue,” Roslyn pressed.
But Leeds was not entirely comfortable with the length of their discourse and decided to cut it off with a gracious exit.
“I have likely said too much already, milady. I wish you well in your stay here.” He bowed. “Perhaps, our paths will cross again. I need to be going. I would recommend your hasty return to your chambers within the castle, perhaps from the back entrance where you will be least noticed. And do heed my warnings.”
The man left her, disappearing into the crowd seconds later, leaving Roslyn unsure from which direction. What an odd conversation! And so clouded in mystery as to leave her unsure if Markus Leeds was an angel or a villain. He was unduly anxious for her when she was not anxious herself. But sensing some truth to his warning, she fled back the way she came, passing the dungeon steps quickly and making her way to her chambers, hopefully unseen.
- Writer
