The Lady's Choice (5 page)

Benae woke, disquiet spearing her gut as sleep left her. But why should she feel anxious on waking? All was well. She had won the hand of the heir to the throne of the kingdom and together they would ensure prosperity for all. Her people would be saved from the cruel fate of starvation that had hung over their heads for the past year and might even be saved from the dark elven invasion that threatened. Yes, all was well.

Then what did she fear? Ramón's face danced in her memory and instantly she knew. A slow burn began deep in her abdomen at the memory of his hands on her. The way he made her feel was new to her. The desire wasn't, of course, but the connection . . . His heart spoke to hers but what did it say? She had time to test her feelings. The marriage was weeks away and Ramón was in charge of her care. It would be easy to see if the reaction he invoked in her was true or just fleeting desire.

She rose and dressed for riding in snug breeches and an emerald-green satin shirt, then pulled her hair into a twist. She slung her ermine-trimmed, dark green cloak around her shoulders and left the room without a sound. The castle was quiet as was the forecourt. Billy, the boy on duty, squawked with surprise when she appeared at Flaire's stable door and Benae smiled at him. Flaire poked his head over the stable door and Benae rested her forehead against his nose as they breathed each other's exhalations. The stallion's mind held a flutter of thoughts: fresh oats, pungent hay, green meadows under cerulean skies and the thunder of flying hooves. He was happy here. Such a simple creature and Benae suddenly wished life were that simple for her.

‘Billy, I wish to go for a ride,' she said. ‘Have you seen the squire?'

‘It will only take a moment to fetch him, my lady. If you don't mind my saying, ma'am, Flaire's just had breakfast so he'll need an easy ride, at least for the first leg.'

Benae smiled. The boy showed laudable concern for a horse that had only been in his care for a few days. Flaire was in good hands. ‘I will be sure to go easy on him, Billy. Thank you for the warning.'

Billy flushed and raced away to find Ramón. Benae leant against the stable door and watched Flaire nose around in his feed bowl, trying to get the last grains from the corners. Footsteps sounded on the stone floor and she turned, ready to greet Ramón, but Lieutenant Vorasava appeared instead.

‘You wished to go riding, my lady?'

The lieutenant's dark hair and eyes matched his olive complexion. He was fit and tall, with slim hips and broad shoulders and a commanding air that said he would go far; that Brightcastle was only a stepping-stone. Benae allowed her gaze to wander over him. Oh, she did love to contemplate pretty men and here was one of the prettiest. But where was Ramón?

‘Lady Branasar?' he said, a touch of impatience in his tone.

‘I did not want to trouble you, lieutenant. I sent for the squire.'

‘This I know, my lady. I was with Zorba when the boy appeared. The squire is attending to an urgent matter and asked that I accompany you on your ride. I trust that meets with your approval.' He smirked at her as if assured that she would accept his company.

Benae raised her right brow. She felt like turning him down but Flaire had read her intent in their mind link and he would be sad if he did not get his ride. She could not disappoint him.

‘Yes, lieutenant, that will be fine. I will wait at the front of the stables.' She stalked out of the building and perched on some bales of straw in the sun. Closing her eyes, she lifted her face to the golden globe that her people had once revered. Not surprising that primitive people had worshipped such celestial might. It felt so good on her skin, the warmth, the life . . . Benae opened her eyes in time to see Ramón hurry across the forecourt towards the entry gate. He lifted his hand to her in greeting then stuck his head down and continued on his way.

Goddess, what a sight! Benae seated on a bale of straw, her glorious face uplifted, the early morning sun glinting off her lustrous hair and thick dark lashes, her breasts pushing against the emerald satin of her blouse. Ramón grew hard just remembering it. Damn, what was happening to him? He deliberately formed a picture of Alecia in his mind – her long fair hair, generous breasts, elegant legs as he had often seen them in breeches, tiny waist, impish smile, the feel of her lips against his and her curves under his hands. Ah, yes! That was better! He had to keep traitorous thoughts about Benae where they belonged: safely locked away where he could control them. Ramón smiled. Benae could manipulate him as much as she liked but he was eminently capable of staying one step ahead of her. He put the alluring lady out of his head and hurried on into the town.

Benae sipped her morning cup of tea in the hope that it would dampen her frustration. A whole week had passed since Ramón had sent Vorasava in his stead and still she had not succeeded in spending time with the elusive squire. From her position at the dining room window, she could see the corner of the weapons practice yard; she could just see Ramón as he fought back the assault of five men with practice swords. How did he hope to defeat five men on his own? The man was infuriating and if she could just corner him on his own for a moment, she would tell him in no uncertain terms how ridiculous she thought he was!

She knew why he did it. Her husband-to-be had finally noticed Ramón's prowess two days ago and he was to be sent on an expedition to find Princess Alecia. But instead of reducing the need for him to practise, he seemed to be training even harder. Where he had fought four men, now he fought five. Where he had partaken in two sessions a day, he now could be found in the practice yard three times a day. And the running! When Ramón wasn't practising at weapons, he was either heading off on, or returning from, a run in the forest. Really, it was no wonder she hadn't been able to converse with him!

The past week had dragged and left her feeling like a caged beast. She was used to physical exercise and Ramón had managed to worm his way out of another three rides with her, saying she must ask Jiseve instead. But Jiseve had not the time for long trips to the upper meadow. He had wooed his bride and now there was no time for frivolity. She supposed he might have put many things to the side during his search for a bride.

Her betrothal ceremony had come and gone. At the feast afterwards, no matter how hard she tried, she could not conceive of a way to get Ramón on his own long enough to have a conversation. The rest of her week had been taken up with planning her wedding, which would take place in a matter of weeks. It seemed that, after waiting more than four years, Jiseve Zialni was impatient to start life with his new bride.

Despite the fact that Jiseve had been too busy to go riding, her prince had been very sweet to her. He had announced a journey to the king's seat at Wildecoast, where she would be fitted for a wedding gown sewn by none other than the royal dressmaker. He brought her something every day, whether a bouquet of flowers or a trinket from his master jeweller. Her engagement ring was stupendous – white gold with rose quartz from the very walls of the castle. Since Benae had been told that magic had been used in the construction of the quartz walls of Brightcastle, surely this was a sign that Jiseve was not so averse to mystic arts as Ramón asserted?

Ramón danced into view with only one opponent following. My, he looked good! Each day his muscles became more defined, his clothes pulled even tighter in certain distracting regions. One of those places was across that magnificent backside. Benae fantasised about those buttocks beneath her hands, in fact she fantasised about all of Ramón beneath her hands.

‘He fights well.'

Benae spun at the quiet words of her betrothed. ‘Jiseve, I had almost given up hope of your company.'

Jiseve stared at her for a long moment and for only the second time in their relationship, Benae felt his disapproval. ‘He has come a long way in the past month or so. The only greater motivator than love is revenge, and the squire has both.'

‘Do you speak of your decision to send the squire in search of the princess?'

‘It is all he has hoped for since she vanished, and I see that he is finally worthy of the duty. This last week he has been especially focused. I worry what he might do if I don't grant his wish.'

‘You depend on him,' Benae said, hoping she might gain an insight into her husband-to-be.

‘More and more I do. He has grown so much since he arrived in Brightcastle not even four months ago. I hardly recognise him. Sometimes it is so with adversity, but more often it defeats a man. He loves my daughter and seeing him now, sometimes I wish . . .'

Benae yearned to finish the sentence for him but after their conversation the first evening, she did not dare. Instead she grasped his forearm and looked up into his eyes. It was difficult to lose those you loved. ‘When does he leave?'

‘Three days. In the meantime, we have a wedding to organise. Come,' Jiseve said, ‘let us break our fast together and then you can tell me of our big day.'

Benae turned her back on the squire and his fighters, ready to bask in the security her future husband offered.

Benae and Jiseve had just completed breakfast when Lieutenant Vorasava stuck his head through the door to the dining room. Jiseve bid him enter, and Benae was again struck by the lieutenant's arrogant presence. He was a man on his way up but why had Jiseve not promoted him to the rank of captain after the departure of Vard Anton?

‘Your Highness, I am sorry to interrupt,' Vorasava said, ‘but I have word from the north. It involves the dark elves.'

Jiseve stood, his eyes meeting Benae's. ‘I will see you at lunch, my dear.'

‘I am anxious to know this news, beloved,' Benae said. ‘My estates—'

‘Do not fear. I am now the master of your estates and I will keep your people safe.' He lifted her hand to his lips. ‘Until luncheon, my dear. I may have more information then.' He released her hand and left the dining room.

Benae's fist hit the table hard enough to make the cutlery jingle. She was not some little woman to be pushed aside when troubles raised their heads. She was an estate owner. Those lands held people she was responsible for. Those very same elves had taken her brother from her. Lunch was too far away to wait for information. She swept from the room in search of the one person who might be able to tell her if the sporadic sorties the elves had mounted against her lands had progressed to an invasion.

Ramón's muscles ached more than they ever had in his life. He had beaten the five warriors but at what cost? If he could make it to his room, he would sleep for two days. He thrust his practice sword back in the rack and leant on the wooden structure, sucking deep breaths into his lungs.

‘Squire Ramón, I need to speak with you.'

Ramón suppressed the instinctive groan those words brought.
Not now, please not when I am close to exhaustion.
He turned to the speaker and bowed, using the movement to disguise the instant reaction his body had to the stunning woman before him. ‘Lady Benae.'

Benae came close, close enough to smell the evidence of his labours, but her face did not change. Her emerald gaze bored into his and he knew he had been wise to avoid her over the past week. Goddess, she was exquisite and it looked as though she would like to take his head off.

‘You have been avoiding me. Why?'

‘I have merely been busy, lady. I am sure your betrothed was only too happy to attend to your needs.' Ramón felt the heat in his cheeks at his words.

She frowned. ‘I wished for
your
company, Ramón, and what happened to you calling me Benae?'

‘It is not wise for us to become close.'

She stepped closer, her breasts rising and falling in her agitation. Oh yes! She was magnificent indeed and at times he was so lonely. It would be easy to give in to this attraction, fill the emptiness within him. He thought Benae might be willing, but down that road lay guilt and he had enough of that already.

‘I thought we had formed a friendship. I thought I had made it clear that I cared for you. I know you are not unmoved, Ramón; I can see it in your face every time you look at me. You want me!'

‘No, lady,' he snapped. ‘What you speak of is not friendship. I am trying to protect us both. You have won the hand of the prince and you must be content with that.'

Benae stamped her foot and he could not believe it. Did she always get what she wanted? Well, not this time. ‘I am sorry, but it would not be appropriate for us to spend time together. I will fetch and carry for you but anything else you must put from your mind.'

She reached up and Ramón gasped as her fingers brushed the hair from his eyes. He swallowed hard to force the lump from his throat. If he listened to his body, he would take her in his arms and give her what she demanded. She might say ‘friendship' but she meant so much more. He had done stupid and impulsive things in the past and lived to regret them. He would not alter his plan to assuage this animal attraction he felt for Benae. The prince was coming around to his way of thinking and Ramón would set off on this quest and bring Alecia home. He had real reason to believe they would be married.

‘You are betrothed, lady. Are you not content? Your husband is the only man who can give you everything you want and need. Look to him for companionship. I remain your faithful servant only.'

Benae's head rose until she gave the impression that she looked down her nose at him even though she only reached his shoulder. ‘Of course I am content.'

She stepped back and Ramón expelled a quiet sigh of relief.
Finally, she might leave him be!

‘There was one other matter,' she said.

Ramón ground his teeth. He should have known Benae would not let go so easily.

‘What news do you have of the elves? The lieutenant mentioned them and I am concerned for my estates.'

‘There have been raids on some of our outlying farms,' Ramón said. ‘I do not know what is occurring further north.'

She stared at him as if assessing the truth of his words, then nodded. ‘Be about your business, squire. I am sorry I have held you up.' She turned on her heel and strode towards the stable, no doubt to check on her stallion.

Ramón hurried from the practice yard, his spirits curiously deflated. It seemed he had convinced her of the unsuitability of any relationship they might have, but Ramón knew she would not be that easy to banish from his thoughts.

Ramón entered the dining room to find Benae pacing up and down the room. She froze when she saw him.

‘What are you doing here?' she said, her big green eyes devouring him.

His body responded in its usual way. Since when could he not leash his manly desires? ‘Prince Zialni called me to dine with him.' He looked closely at her, noting the strain around eyes and mouth. ‘What is amiss?'

‘I told you. I am anxious to hear more of the elves and your presence here makes me wonder about the news Jiseve has to deliver.' She continued to pace, clearly agitated.

‘I do not believe we have an invasion on our hands just yet, lady,' Ramón said, trying to lighten her dark mood. ‘Best to focus on your wedding.'

Benae glared at him, her gaze as dark and stormy as the seas at Wildecoast. ‘How can I think of gowns and weddings when the elven pestilence threatens?'

‘Compose yourself, my dear,' Jiseve snapped as he entered the room, ‘and leave the elven threat for me to deal with. We cannot have panic amongst the people. Our wedding will distract them from more serious concerns. We have a duty to see that life goes on.'

Ramón took the moment to really observe the prince and his lady. They made a handsome couple, both dark-haired and attractive. Their children would be blessed in all ways. But would Benae be able to bow to the will of His Highness? Ramón did not think she could be as subtle a manipulator as it was said that Zialni's previous wife was. No, with Benae it would all be up front. He could see many arguments looming. Was this to be the first?

‘What is the news from the north, Jiseve?' Benae asked, her hands clutched at her bosom. ‘What news from my estates?'

‘As to your estates, I have heard nothing, but our distant farms have been plundered. I fear I must travel north and west as I did in my youth; see how I might finish the task I began twenty years ago. I will visit your people and check on my farmers.'

‘No, Jiseve!' Benae snapped. ‘You cannot risk yourself so.'

‘Who else will go? Vorasava must stay here to defend Brightcastle. I am the only one who can do this chore. I will speak with your estate manager and he will send word to the King of Tylevia. The rider will vouch for the union between our kingdoms and we can open discussions about the dark elves. Perhaps I can take the opportunity to invite your king to our wedding, my dear?'

Zialni reached for Benae and drew her against his chest. She looked the picture of an obedient wife but Ramón wasn't fooled.

‘Who will accompany me to Wildecoast if you are heading north, Jiseve? You said the trip must be soon.' She gazed up at her husband-to-be and Ramón felt he was intruding on an intimate moment. They did seem fond of each other. Perhaps this union would be a happy one. Perhaps Benae was doing the right thing? But if the lady were set on a happy life with the prince why did she feel the need to reach out to him, Ramón?

‘Ah, yes, the trip will go ahead and the squire shall accompany you, along with a small company of soldiers. We cannot be too careful.'

Cold shock ran through Ramón.
No!
That was insanity to the highest degree, for the prince to send his betrothed off to Wildecoast with another man. Ramón flicked a glance at. Benae. She did not look half as uncomfortable as he felt. What was this? A test? Or was the prince so certain of Benae's love for him that he did not fear she would misbehave? After all, he had not known her long and if he knew what Ramón knew . . .

‘How will that look, Your Highness?' Ramón had never changed the prince's mind before but he would try now.

‘You will have a company of soldiers as chaperone, squire.'

‘That might be so but Brightcastle can ill afford the soldiers. With the search parties out and you heading north, Vorasava will not have enough to defend the principality.'

‘And that is the beauty of this plan. Most of the search parties will have returned by tomorrow or the next day at the latest, including the mercenaries I have hired. Brightcastle will be well defended.'

‘You cannot postpone the search for Alecia.'