Jessica Robinson
Stories
9
Chapters
2,697
Words
1.2 M
Comments
0
Reading
4 d, 6 h
-
After the second assassination attempt failed, we couldn't keep everything a secret anymore. Spoils of how someone is after my life reached the capital, and his majesty wrote a letter for us to express his worry. He hopes we'll pass this difficult period without scratches, and that the culprit will soon be found out. Oh, don't make me laugh! It should be his responsibility to ensure justice. It gets on my nerves, but I can't complain about it with Alexander. He's still too loyal to his Emperor. At…-
272 •
-
-
Just when I consider losing all hope, I see the maid behind the assassin getting up. Oh, if she reaches the door, she can ask for help! Still, it's not just as easy. We need to make sure the killer doesn't notice anything. And also to survive until reinforcements come. ?How much are they paying you for this?? I ask. Now, I do need to buy time. ?I can offer more. I'm a rich woman.? I already know it won't work. Assassins aren't easy to be bought, and this one has started hating me. Personal…
-
272 •
-
-
The next days, Alexander doesn't complain even once about his wound. He just places his hand on a table, the palm up. However, I can tell it hurts. I catch his grimaces, once or twice every day. During the evening, I make sure my Duke is comfortable and warm. I let him rest his head on my lap when he seems in the mood for it. I also started singing to distract him from the pain. He doesn't seem bothered that I only know folk songs. He doesn't look surprised either. Just the usual. I offer my…
-
272 •
-
-
?I hope my Lady will forgive me,? the maid whispers. Her apologising expression is rather believable. ?I should have figured,? I shrug. ?You won't follow my orders if the Lord said you not to. His influence is way more powerful than mine.? ?It's not like that, my Lady,? she continues. ?My duty is to protect my Lady right now. Unless it is revoked by the Lord, I can't follow orders that go against that goal. Even from the Lord.? ?So, you're not doing it because you were told not to leave me…
-
272 •
-
-
I'm sitting on an armchair, wrapped in a blanket, while one of the maids treats Alexander's wound. They took out the aquavit again, and my Duke took a few sips before the maid started to sew him up. He didn't offer me the beverage when he cured my hands. Well, it's true that I didn't need sewing. From here, everything seems like a trivial procedure. My Duke is comfortably sitting on the couch. His right hand is clenching the armrest, and his forehead is sweaty, but he doesn't let out a single…
-
272 •
-
-
The carriage's shaking is getting?on my nerves, so I naturally move on Alexander's lap and lean my head on his shoulder. I wrap my arms around his neck and close my eyes. I almost fall asleep, but the wine doesn't let my mind rest. I stay between slumber and consciousness for the whole time, so when we arrive, I feel more tired than when we departed. My Duke carries me out, and I try to thank him. However, my throat is sore, and I only manage to moan. ?Are you all right?? he asks me, and I nod…
-
272 •
-
-
Alexander sighs again, and he pecks my forehead. ?Are you pretending or did you really forget?? he inquires. He would have wiped away my tears if his arms weren't busy carrying me. We walk inside the central hut, and he leans me on a table. ?Warm water, some clean fabric and aquavit,? he orders a woman passing by. She bows her head and runs away with haste. Oh, aquavit? What for? At first, my Duke cleans my hands with the water. He wipes them carefully, while I just observe his expression in…
-
272 •
-
-
After a couple of sips, Alexander seizes the wine from my hand and selfishly decides to finish it all by himself. I pout for a second, but there's no need to make a fuss out of it. I'll find other wine if I turn and look for it. Too bad that my eyes are locked on my husband. I've been admiring him for a few minutes already, but I can't move my glance away. However, he must have done something weird, because he's never been this handsome... I got it: it's the wine! Drinking wine makes one…
-
272 •
-
-
I spend the rest of the day with the villager girls. They show me how they stomp grapes, and they propose me joining them. I look at the must with a grimace, and then I simply decline. First of all, no matter how careful I am, my dress will turn bloody if I accept. Also, I don't really like getting dirty. I just look from the side, curiously. When a little girl offers me some food, I grab a bun from the platter. It's still warm and scented. And also, rather dark. I have never tried wholemeal…
-
272 •
-
-
Alexander hasn't yet bought a horse just for me. At least, I've been allowed to choose a couple among his for now. Not that I get out of the castle too often, though. The carriage will reach the village for the festival on its own, while we'll head there riding. When the horses are ready, I pet mine for a few minutes, checking whether he dislikes my presence. Only after, I mount on the saddle. Alexander offered me his help, but I refused in fear that he would think I'm not capable enough to ride…
-
272 •
-
- Previous 1 … 227 228 229 … 270 Next