The Apprehension (Unexpected Circumstances 6)

“What, with this thing?” Greysen sneered as he shook me a little. “All bloated and ugly? I would sooner pass my time with a pig!”

They all laughed, and he shoved me by my shoulder further back into the cell though he still held my arm so I only barely stumbled. He brought his hand up and pushed at the center of my chest, which caused me to misstep. Strangely though, he did not let me fall as I thought he would have but quickly leaned forward with his hand at the small of my back, depositing me on the straw in the corner.

“I do not care if they do call her ‘Queen’ in Silverhelm,” he said. “I am young, strong, and desired by true nobles. I would not waste my time on this disgusting commoner in the morning or the night!”

The other two laughed at his joke. Despite his insults, I could only feel relief.

“I would not have my sword caught sticking into so unworthy a wench as this one!” he exclaimed.

The guards murmured in apparent agreement and began to make talk of other places where they could find prettier women. Greysen nodded and then glanced back at the guards for a moment before leaning down and glaring into my eyes.

He hit me then, and his arm moved so quickly the blow should have been quite forceful, but he slowed his hand at the last second, barely connecting with my face. As he pulled back at the last second, his body shielded his hand from his comrades, and merely pushed me lightly into the straw.

“I would not want her even if I was alone and in the twilight of my years.”

Just as the word fell from the burly man’s lips, his eyes flickered only slightly—softening in the dim torchlight the tiniest amount as he looked down at me. My mouth dropped open, and at first my mind could not form any thoughts at all. Slowly, comprehension of his actions and his words filtered through the shock I felt.

And that is when I knew, even in this dark place, I had an ally.

~End Book 6~