Dark Warrior (Warrior 2)

“Good,” Decimus said with a single nod. “The Dark One is then an ordinary man and ordinary men make mistakes. I will be there when he makes his.”

Mary felt as if she had just betrayed Michael. She should have remained silent offering Decimus not a word. Instead she felt the need to defend Michael for she loved Michael with all her heart.

Unfortunately her love could do more harm than good. She had to remember to hold her tongue when Decimus queried her about the Dark One.

He held out his arm to her. “We go so that you may see to your wedding dress.”

He forever issued commands, never once asking but constantly telling what would be done. And she had no choice but to obey him; to refuse him would only cause anger and retribution.

She took his arm, keeping her touch light. By the time they reached the keep she was anxious to leave his side. The fearful looks he received as they walked through the village had upset her. How often would she see similar looks on other people? How could she tolerate a husband who caused such misery to so many?

Mary was quick to excuse herself.

“I will see you at supper.”

Another command by him, another performance by her. Only one day and she was already tiring of the act. What was she to do?

She voiced the troublesome thought as she entered the tower room where Reena and Brigid sat with piles of material.

“He is more obnoxious and demanding than I thought possible.”

“He is dangerous,” Brigid said. “You must be careful.”

Mary plopped down on the wool carpet where the women sat. “Decimus does not wish to hurt me. He wishes to tame me, bend me to his will, make me an obedient wife for all to see. Then he can bask in the glory of his achievement.”

“How long do you think you will be able to continue your masquerade of a dutiful wife?” Reena asked, examining the material.

“She does not have a choice,” Brigid reminded. “Her safety is at stake.”

Mary picked through the various materials and colors without notice. “You are right and perhaps that is what is so very frustrating. I have no choice.

“There is still time,” Reena said, attempting to offer hope. “Did you learn anything from him?”

“I think someone is betraying me though I cannot imagine who. Decimus implied that someone alerted him to my whereabouts, and then just moments ago he made mention of my penchant for singing. No one but Magnus knew of my love for raising my voice in song. And I know without a doubt he did not betray me.” Mary shivered and rubbed the gooseflesh that raced along her arms. “It does make me wonder, though—who else knows these things about me? And how?”

“It would seem a ghost follows you,” Brigid said, crossing herself.

“Nonsense,” Reena argued. “Someone feeds Decimus information.”

“But who?” Mary asked, pushing the material away from her.

Brigid shoved it back at her. “You must pick for your wedding dress.”

Mary shook her head. “I have not the heart. You pick, I have heard talk that you work magic with a needle.”

“There, you see,” Reena said. “Mary has been here just past a day and already she hears of your sewing skills. People talk and offer information without even realizing it.”

“I heard it in passing. Two servants girls were discussing sewing and one made mention of how she wished she possessed your talent with a needle.”

“Could someone have overheard Magnus tell you of Mary’s love for singing?” Brigid asked.

Reena shook her head. “We were alone at the time, no one was nearby.”

“We are missing something here,” Mary said.

“This color would compliment you,” Brigid said, holding up a deep blue silk.

“That is too rich for me.”

“Nonsense,” Reena argued. “It is your wedding day.”

“Not to the man of my choice. I care naught about my wedding dress. Do as you will, Brigid, but keep it plain. It is not a day of celebration for me.”

“I will see to it for you.”

“In the meantime we all need to ask more questions and listen to more conversations,” Reena said.

They all agreed and Reena made haste to see if she could discover anything from the servants who had served Decimus’s men. Brigid left after taking Mary’s measurements. She intended to request sewing help from other women, hoping to see if she would learn anything useful from their gossip.

Mary remained alone in the tower room. She wanted to be away from everyone, alone with her thoughts and her aching heart. She missed Michael so very much, and try as she might not to think about him, it was not possible. He kept creeping into her thoughts reminding her of his touch, his kiss, his love, and she ached with want of him.

A tear fell from her eye, rolling off her cheek. She caught it with her finger and stared at the solitary droplet.