Lady X

“Here, let me have a look at that,” he said taking the hem up and saying, “Ah, the button eyelet is a bit small,?

? he worked the button into it and said, “There. Now you are properly attached,” his voice held amusement as he stood back to survey her. Suddenly his face changed, his voice changed and he almost gasped as he uttered, “You are stunning, Exerilla.” His dark gray eyes raked over her and took on warmth.

She saw his look of appreciation, but chose to ignore it. “Stunning?” she chuckled, “Thank you, you are most kind to say so,” she answered suddenly wanting to escape his scrutiny.

“Off to the Towers?”

So, he knew about her arrangement with Sir Jacob, she thought, mildly surprised. “Yes, I am anxious to see how much horse I will have under me.”

“I am not worried about the horse; I have every confidence that you will handle that blood just fine. It is the three bachelors currently residing there that worries me.”

“No need to worry, I am very used to taking care of myself.”

“Indeed, but our connection I think, gives me the privilege to concern myself for your safety.”

She didn’t like this or where it was going. “You are most thoughtful and I appreciate your concern, but I am certain that Sir Jacob will behave respectably in my regard.”

“I am not concerned about Sir Jacob, but I am concerned about his guests.”

“You shouldn’t be. They know that I am under your father’s protection and that gives me a connection to you, thus I feel quite safe.” She said this for it was obvious to her that David’s ego was larger than his fathers.

He smiled appreciatively and inclined his head, “You will be back in time to enjoy High Tea with us?”

“Yes of course.”

“I shall expect you by then.” He answered with a show of authority. He opened the front door, holding it wide for her.

She had to come very close to him to pass through the doorway. “Or, I shall come and fetch you home,” he told her a light in his eyes making her feel uncomfortable.

She met his clear gray eyes with a straight forward look. “That is very thoughtful of you, David. It is a comfort to know you are concerned for my safety.” She wasn’t going to put up with this, but she wasn’t ready to go at it with him just then. She wanted out. She had a sudden urge to run. Life in 1815 was getting complicated. She was going to have to stand up to David Horwich as well, but before she did, she needed to know more about him.

* * *

In a Realm unlike any other, more an island, than a world, situated on a knoll of gray weeds and leafless knawel trees, sat an ancient castle. Its outward appearance was foreboding, its interior even more so; and to all that possessed magic, it spelled the very darkest most forbidden magic.

The being that created it felt at home there. It was where he did his best thinking and planning. Had she left Hunter’s father and gone with him, he would have made it a place of bright comforts, just for her.

That however, had not happened.

He had taken up residence here because this was the one place Hunter would not find him. He was in a trapped time zone where he could go back or forward in time with ease. No one could track him here, not even Hunter MacTorry.

The Wizard MacTorry had absorbed just enough dark magic to make him the most dangerous enemy he would ever have. Baudali knew he had to find a way to destroy him.

The human woman, Exerilla was the key.

He had to find just the right moment and he would be able to use her.

First he had to watch and be certain.

He hated Hunter for what he had done. He had not enjoyed killing Hunter’s mother again. The first time, it had been quick…and then it was over, but this time, because of Hunter’s interference, she had suffered. Baudali had not thought he could experience such grief, and it was all Hunter’s fault. Hunter had to die with his brother Ferrell, there wasn’t much time left to plan.

The Wizard Baudali stood in his black cone hat and matching black wizard’s robe, both embellished with silver threads, contemplating the crystal orb on his glass table. He was thoughtful, wary, and determined as he stared through the orb at the scene taking place at Cressly Towers where his target presently resided.

Baudali sighed irritably for he knew that he had erred the first time. He had killed only the younger son Ferrell. He should have made it his business to strike Hunter MacTorry down first and then the other.

It had not occurred to him at the time. Hunter had been away, traveling dimensions when Baudali had executed his design against his parents. He had posed as a friend took them by surprise. They never stood a chance.

He closed his eyes, as the thought of her always brought vivid three dimensional images floating before his eyes. She had meant so much to him. He had not felt that way since he first saw and coveted his twin brother, Rysdale’s mate.