Patreon LogoYour support makes Blue Moon possible (Patreon)

Order & Chaos. Right & Wrong. Murder & Justice. (Greeneyed23 & Lady Bloody Ava)

He did attend.

There were 42 women.

Morgan stood at her side, in just his armor, his cloak and weapons at hand but hidden behind a statue of one of Arabella's ancestors. These were pregnant women, not warriors.

Or assassins.

He had had them all thoroughly searched.

Two assassins had been found. And hung.

In such matters he did not even have to tell Arabella. It was his duty to protect her.

The two women were already being burned.

Now he stood at ease, his legs apart, gis hands clasped behind his back. He was too big to ignore but he projected no menace.

36 of the women were happy to sign away any supposed rights for work, food and shelter.

3 were clearly so badly traumatized by the gang rape they were nearly mad in their terror. The oldest was perhaps 15.

Morgan escorted them to Bathilde to be fed and tended to while Arabella made arrangements for them.

The last three demanded Arabella instantly name them Lady vontrell.

Morgan escorted two to the dungeon personally.

The third made a ghastly mistake.

When Arabella refused, the woman stood and rushed the desk.

Morgan catch her about the throat in a blink of an eye.

She attempted to claw at him and he whipped his head back, and as she hissed and gagged he lifted her. "Your eyes are wide....you have dosed yourself with something..."

Green foam began to bubble at her lips and blood began to pour from her nose, mouth and ears.

He dropped her but waved Arabella back as he barked for the guards.

They entered confused. "Spear her down!"

"What?"

Morgan leapt over the shuddering woman and yanked a spear from the nearest guard and without pause drove the spear through her left leg, pinning her to the floor.

She did not react but instead turned maddened eyes up toward Arabella and began to shriek nonsencial madness at her, tearing at her clothes and flesh, ripping herself apart as she tried to get to Arabella.

Morgan took another spear and drove it through her skull.

Then he carried Arabella from the room, slamming the door shut and leaving the strangely hissing corpse in the room alone.

"She was given Polyn's Poultice...my gods..."

He was shaking, and pale.

The guards all went ashen at the words.

Arabella had heard myths and legends of the poison. It drove it's victims in a violent madness, while their every fluid became venomous in the extreme.

Stories of escorts who had killed emperors, generals who had died from touching blood on their swords, and much more littered history.

It was a horror.

Morgan would not let anyone into the room for two hours. And made Bathilde pour a gallon of water into Arabella to be sure she had not been exposed at all.

Then he cleaned the room himself, and stayed in there for another two hours. When he came out he assured everyone it was alright.

And went to see Arabella. "My Lady are you alright?"

Once told why, Bathilde had refused to let Arabella leave her sight and had kept her busy ordering foods, cookware, and everything else the household needed.

And many of her house were muttering darkly about cowards who used poison.

All of them came to check on her several times while everyone waited to learned whether the poison had reached her.

Fortunately after four hours it was certain she had not been exposed.
 
This had gone, for the most part, as she had expected. Lady Vontrell was completely ignorant of the assassins and was not surprised that not all parties were willing to give up the potential to swipe a noble name when it sat to readily before them. The last woman, however, was a massive shock. When Morgan had her pinned to the wall is when Arabella gasped. There was a moment of hesitance, but she did heed the Commander's words and backed herself up towards the door.

When the woman began tearing at her own flesh and clothes is when Bella turned her back with her hands over her mouth in an inaudible gasp of shock and disgust. The noises heard made her stomach churn. When Morgan voiced what caused the woman's madness it proved to be the stuff of nightmares. The Commander's presence was comforting, but the shock was still there.

When she was placed in her room Bathilde soon joined her and spoke to her. The woman who was almost like a second mother seemed to worry when Bella did not talk back after a while, but Bella would say something to reassure her that she was okay. The shock was still there and Bathilde seemed to be doing her hardest to keep the Lady rather busy. While the girl was determined to see Morgan, and for no reason other than to see if he too was okay, Bathilda was insistent in taking care of other things first.

Morgan's voice caught her attention and nearly stopped her heart. "I am physically fine. A little shook, but... I am fine. I..." those mesmerizing eyes looked towards the nearest wall. Nothing all that interesting that way. There were only so many 'thank you's that she could offer the man, but she always remembered that he had to go back to the Hurts. The man was a priceless asset and that is where her next words came out of nowhere.

"I hope the other retainers show up sooner, rather than later. And here I carelessly thought that the fears against my life ended with Lucius, but desperation can drive a person do crazy things." The proof was in the pudding. There were still things to be tended to and Bella was nothing if not a woman of her words, so the women would be tended to as she had promised.

The message ravens had been sent to Southhaven, but there was also the matter of the Imperial Court and what they may strike back with. They would not like it and many would be opposed, but Morgan was right: it is her right, by law to be the Vontrell heir.

_______________

Arabella kept herself busy, not a hard task in the slightest given the mess that needed to be cleaned up after Lucius. Even three days later she got little rest. Sleepless nights led to giving up early in the morning and just starting the day. Of course, she was reprimanded, but she had big shoes to fill. While told to be stern she did check on the women in the dungeons. There was a bit of an underlying trust issue with Bella. It was best to see with her own eyes and be sure that no one was abusing anyone, even those imprisoned.

From a nearby window, she saw her well-rewarded messenger dashing into the house with a message. She took a deep breath and made her way towards the foyer of the manor to intercept him, though she knew that someone else may get to him first since she was not the second floor a ways from her final destination. Butterflies swarmed in her belly. It had to be a message from the Imperial Court. If not, then maybe a retainer on par with Morgan returning a message? But surely they would use a raven, no? Again her mind was running off with itself as her feet were on auto pilot.
 
Morgan was outside drilling her guards.

He too had been concerned about abuse. There had been none.

But in the midst of his prechecking for the lady the guards had approached him and asked for some aid and guidance.

He had agreed.

He watched the messenger return, but did nothing.

He had not been summoned.

Her Ladyship had asked him to attend many meetings and functions, and he would do so gladly. But her messenger was no threat.

And she went nowhere without him, or two of his people with her.

Currently she was attended by two of his younger female warriors dressed like ladies in waiting.

They were actually quite attentive and helpful. As well as silent and deft. They had gifts for staying between her and the world while seemingly just doing their jobs.

They lacked Morgan's size but they were able to keep people back.

They had reported their concerns about Arabella's lack of rest to the Commander. And he too was concerned.
 
The messenger was prompt and found his Lady heading past the gardens and in his direction. Swiftly he kneeled on bended knee with the message presented in his outstretched hands. "My Lady."

Bella took the message and lent a grateful sigh to the man. "Thank you Sir Bryant." It was not often that a servant was addressed by name, such was the difference between the Vontrell nobles and many other nobles in the surrounding lands. Why was her heart racing? Was it because it held the seal of the Imperial Court? Was it because she could be denounced as the heir of the Vontrells and her father's hopes dashed with her misstep?

Regardless she made haste to her study, in a professional manner, of course. The doors were opened without a word by two guards without her having to say a word and then closed behind her after she entered. Arabella sat down behind the same desk her father once used with a heavy sigh. The seal was popped off and the crisp parchment unfolded to reveal a message for Lady Arabella Isa Vontrell.

Cerulean eyes looked over the wording:

Dear Lady Vontrell, daughter of Lord Arthur Vontrell, may he rest in peace,

We give you our condolences on your father's passing and are saddened to hear of your brother's situation. Under normal circumstances, you would be tried for the death of another noble. Our own investigations prove that you Lord Lucius Vontrell did endanger the lives of his people and may have may an attempt at his father's life. With that said, the Council feels that the lands of your forefathers would be more suitable inexperienced hands as well as your own.

It is for this reason that we give you two options; marry by your next birthday and find a commander committed to the Vontrell clan that will take order at your side or leave it to the Imperial Council to divvy up the lands to the surrounding nobles. We wish the Vontrell clan a blessed future. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

His Majesty's Imperial Council

Bella's heart bottomed out. Mouth agape with the parchment in her hands. This could not be true. Again she read the note and when reality set in one could hear the shattering of a glass against the nearby stone wall along with an angry cry.

"This is outrageous! Scandalous! How COULD THEY?!" The Lady was pacing her study and stopped to open the window for some fresh air where she remained to catch her breath. Bella was willing to do anything for her family, and arranged marriages were nothing new. She should feel blessed to be able to pick her own suitor, but it all felt rather uncouth to the Lady.

"If it is what must be done, then there may be no way around it...."
 
She was alone only for a moment.

Somehow Morgan bear everyone else into the room at the sound of the breaking, and her cry.

And for a moment she saw the ferocity of the Commander, waiting for a target.

His eyes were empty, but the danger of him was beyond question.

The door had flung open and he had dove in, both blades in hand and his cold eyes scanning as he rushed to her, seeming to spin around her as he searched for the threat.

His blades flourished as he moved, always mobile, always ready for the surest cut to whatever came.

After ten seconds and no threat he stopped shifting his blades.

Then stopped moving.

Then turned to her. "My Lady...what has happened?"

He sheathed his weapons and his eyes regained their light.

He gently took her hands, cradling them as he deftly and rapidly searched for wounds to her person. He did not touch anything but her hands. And he did not leer.

He scanned her for blood or harm.

Then he bowed and kissed her hands and stepped back.

And gestured for those that had followed to stand down.

"My Lady what has happened?"

His face was marked with clear concern.

Her escorts searched the room, and the two on either side before they nudged everyone out. It took them moments.

They shut the door, giving Arabella privacy with the Commander for whatever had upset her.
 
Morgan's sudden arrival was a surprise, to say the least. More than the manner in which he showed up. She should have not been surprised given his loyal and protective nature. Now she felt bad for having necessarily alerted the man as he held her hands and scanned her over.

"I am fine, Commander. I am sorry. I...." she watched as the escorts left the room, leaving her alone with her protector. The woman was lost for words and grabbed the message and presented it to Morgan to read with his own eyes. Thinking about it upset her, but she went back to the open window for another deep breath of fresh air.

"I was just a bit upset. It can be done and it will be done and by it, I mean that the Council will leave me my lands to take care of. I have potential Commanders coming so that is no problem, but getting married?" No matter how many times she said it, it was hard to wrap her pretty little head around.

The palm of a hand came to rest upon her forehead as she sighed heavily. "This is where my father, mother, Lord, and Lady Hurt are greatly missed. I do not wish to marry the scum of the earth." There was one silver lining, at least she had somewhat of a choice as to who she could marry... for now.

"Do you have a twin, Commander?" it was a jest suggesting that if she had to marry someone she would prefer a person like Morgan, but he needed to get back with the Hurts. "I need to send another message to Lord Hurt. I've been updating them and getting updates about the wee one to come and how things are going. I wonder what he would say about all of this. What do you think, Commander?"
 
He smiled at the compliment. "I am an only child My Lady. I do apologize."

He spread his hands. "I only know that soon I shall have another Hurt to tend to. Will the court not give you time to reach out to prospective suitors?"

He knew it had happened before. But this was not real politics. This was the Empire seeking to leash and collar her, then bring her to heel. Preferably with one of their own as her husband.

He reread the letter, then lay it on the desk, letting her think.
 
A little pathetic laugh sounded as the Lady turned to face the Commander. "Well, it was certainly worth a try." There was a sweet smile that grew upon her lips at the mention of the baby Hurt on the way. "It is another reason why I am eager for the other retainers to arrive. I can not hog you when you rightfully belong to the Hurts, especially baby Hurt." It was clear that the idea of a baby made the girl smile with delight, even when it was not her own.

"I have until my birthday, so I have a little over two months... at least by then, we may have baby Hurt to look forward to." Morgan's presence calmed her down, considerably and talking of something other than the marriage. "Thank you, Commander. I will be fine. I will pick a retainer and we will get you back to Lord and Lady Hurt as soon as possible."

There was still work to be done and to add this to her plate was just daunting. This was just the tip of the iceberg. The Council was not the only one keeping a stern eye on her. There were two ways to get the successful lands of the Vontrells; marry the girl or curry favor with the right people and have the last Vontrell heir join the rest of her family. The escorts constantly following her was something she was getting used to.

Anyone who sought her life was sure to meet their demise. Word of her conditions would be known by many and suitors would, no doubt start flocking to her doors. The sun had barely settled in the sky when Lord Harold Udall showed up at her door with a ridiculous amount of flowers to express his condolences to her. When seated in the garden with her the man clearly had a wandering hand that the Lady seemed to flawlessly and politely evade.

The short ebony haired man with the clean shaven face and hazel eyes looked as though he was not used to being denied when Bella escorted him to the graves of her family and left the flowers there. Harold was confused and looked a tad offended, but if these flowers for the condolences of her father's death then they were where they belonged.
 
Morgan walked along in their wake.

He was the official escort, the ladies feigning service to the Lady. And to her only.

Morgan was meant to be seen. They were meant to blend in.

He took no notice of Lord Harold, though he did draw Arabella aside for a short word before they left the graveyard. "My Lady he is very forward. Shall I educate him?"

Lady Hurt was very beautiful. And had many admirers. Even now. And was well known for punishing anyone who took liberties with her person.

Morgan had personally held a noble out over the parapet of the Hurt castle until the whimpering fool had apologized for laying hands on Lady Hurt.

Her daughter was less open but no less insistent on her personal space.

Morgan had thrown a would be suitor out a window at her request.

Everyone was still questioning whether he had known the fool would land in a haypile.

Morgan never answered, though he implied that the boy had gotten lucky.
 
Harold's advances did not go amiss on the young Lady. It was fun to watch the man get frustrated as things did not seem to be going his way. He did note Morgan's presence, but his mind was torn between the limits of what a servant man could do and how well his word would hold up to a prestigious noble like himself. The man was a thorn in his side as he pulled his potential bride aside.

"Actually that would be a sound idea. I do not want people to get the idea that I am an easy woman in the slightest." The beautiful Lady looked over her bare shoulder and gifted a deceptively kind wave of a hand before looking back at Morgan. "I trust you will see him out. I believe one of your back in the day comrades should be arriving today and I am a mix of nervousness and excitement. Meet me in the garden and fill me in on this... Arlan Granger."

Arlan was not the only one showing up, apparently. When the message raven arrived from Southaven to her bedroom window, she squealed with excitement and started enough escorts to have her door rammed in. If there was one thing Arabella did not have to worry about, it was her safety.
 
Harold moved to cut her off but Morgan moved quicker.

And let the man reach far too low. His hand landed on Morgan's thigh.

Morgan's eyes burned bright as he glowered at the lording, who quickly fled in fear.

Morgan then reported to Arabella. "What would you like to know My Lady?"

He had not seen Arlan in many years.
 
Morgan clearly made quick work of the young Lord when he joined her in the garden. She had a servant girl bring her a snack of fruit, coupled with tea and thanked her with a smile.

"Well what does Arlan specialize in? What do they all specialize in, for that matter? Who do you think would be best suited?" Maybe a little more knowledge would make her more comfortable.

Sure Arlan was do to arrive today, but curiosity got the best of her. "You must remember that I hold them to your standards and those are ridiculously high standards, in my opinion. I also know that you warriors are no joke and have a legendary loyalty and fighting the likes of which no one has ever seen in ages.". It was just facts.
 
He considered.

Then told her.

Unlike him who was more of a all around expert, the people he had suggested specialized.

Swords. Axes. Deceit and daggers. Politics and poison. Protection. They all were of the seventh rank, and all were very good.

But he had to admit that there was no Raiden among.

They would do well. And serve her well. But she would need to find another advisor.

Morgan was subtle with this line but it still came through clearly. He wanted to help, but he was limited by options.

Commander Raiden had been one of a kind.

He did not know of anyone who could fill that role for her. And he regretted it.

Each person he had suggested were utterly loyal, brave, and extremely gifted with their chosen arts of combat. And all of them were disciplined and trustworthy as well.

"Is there anything else My Lady?"
 
The Lady listened and understood what Morgan conveyed. Deep down she believed that if anyone came close to Raiden, it was Morgan himself. The girl would be lying to herself if she said that she was content with Morgan leaving her, but it was worth it knowing that Hurts were well taken care of. At this point, they had so much more to lose than she did and she loved them dearly.

"No, Commander, that is all." In her mind, she figured that when Arlan arrived, if they got along well, it would be sufficient enough for Morgan to head back home. The butterflies still prevailed and interfered with her appetite. For the time being, she sipped on tea and snacked on honey cookies in her study as she occupied herself with more paperwork.

Arabella was snapped out of her working trance when a young and pregnant servant girl informed her guest had arrived, "Thank you, dear, see him in and have a cookie before you go." With the quill placed back in the inkwell and a soft sigh, she stood up out of respect for her guest when a man with a thick head of hair slicked back and a stubble beard covering his entire jaw and over his lip. His physical appearance spoke volumes to how strong he had to have been. Scars here and there were visible on his hands and one was most obvious following the contour of his left cheekbone.

The Lady extended out her hand for a greeting, but before she could even utter a welcome her surprised her with a kiss to the back of her hand and a polite nod with a composed look to his face. No smile, but all seriousness. "Lady Vontrell, I am pleased to meet you. Any person that Morgan is willing to tend to is certainly worth checking out."

The baritone of his voice reverberated through Bella's bones as she took a moment to look the man over. The low rumble of his voice is comforting as it wraps around Bella and carries her off to a world where sound is the power that could change everything wrong in the world. She felt this before. It was how she felt when she first met Morgan.

"The pleasure is all mine, I assure. My father never was able to find a Commander and after seeking for such a long time he decided to take things into his own hands. With my father's passing, it is clear that I am in no way shape or form able to do as my father did." With a hand, she offered him a seat, if he was willing, but she certainly needed to take a seat. "I do not expect you to pledge your loyalty to me and my people on the spot, but perhaps we can give it a try? maybe Morgan can fill you in on the situation as it has been a tad... chaotic." Knowing Morgan he was most likely aware of her guest and none too far, if not probably outside of the door.
 
Morgan entered then, with her meal and drink.

"My Lady Bathilde is handling a minor catastrophe in the kitchen. She asked i bring you this and watch you eat."

He set it down and dutifully watched her face. He would not move until she had eaten. Everyone was on orders to be sure she slept well, ate fully, stayed well hydrated, and that she got time to relax.

"Arlan."

Arlan straightened at the word. "Commander."

They said nothing else.

Morgan spoke to Arabella. "What do you make of him so far?"

The warriors of the 7th rank were often talked about like beloved bits of furniture or horses as opposed to people. Their deeds and abilities won them great renown.

But Morgan had done this particular action before. In her presence. He would let her or others speak of what they had seen of the guard/warrior in question.

Then he would speak of his own observations.

It wss why her guards were all making 10 more gold a pay period now. And why they were all proudly wearing her official colors. The house colors with her own favorite mixed in.

Vontrell was her house now, and everyone in her service was more than happy to be there.
 
Morgan's company was welcoming and hearing the task given to him by the mothering Bathilde caused her to laugh lightly. A sheepish look consumed her lips at the determination given towards making sure she took care of herself. Her mother and father may no longer be in the picture, but she felt like she still had a loving family. Before she noted the food placed before her, she noted how the men greeted one another. That was... if you could call it a greeting.

A look of almost childish amusement was clearly fought back at the stern respect between the two. "What do I think? Well... Arlan seems as though he could handle himself and the protection of others. No doubt there is so much more to learn about him, so I figured that maybe he could spend a few days with us and maybe he can choose if he wishes to join this clan. He is welcomed based on your recommendation alone, Morgan."

There was no denying that she was so interested in these two men that the food had less appeal than it usually would. She was curious and had a selfish request, but she knew that Morgan would not do so if she did not eat the food brought to her. "I would like to see you two spar. Please, Morgan? Arlan?" The girl had the power to order them, but it was not in her nature to wield her nobility for such unnecessary things. "Do it and I will eat everything on this plate."
 
Morgan smiled. "A counter proposal My Lady. Eat and we shall do so. We will need room. And the cold is not good for you or the meal."

Once she had eaten he made sure she was bundled up then lead her out to the courtyard and arranged for seating, summoning his people and her guard.

Then turned to Arlan.

Both men removed their cloaks and spare weapons.

Then their lethal weapons and took up the practice weapons they preferred.

Morgan selected twin swords.

Arlan selected a hefty wooden battle hammer.

They took their places, then went still.

For a solid minute the wind whipped their hair about, Arlan's beard fluttering as well.

Snow scratched over their light armor and faces, but neither set of eyes moved.

Then at some unseen and unheard signal they both shot forward, silently.

Arlan swung first, and Morgan ducked it, then spun aside from a blow that didnt seem to be happening until the hammer crashed to the snowy stone where Morgan would have been.

Arlan stared at the spot, his eyes wide, then swept his back foot around in a crescent, sending up a thick spray of the powdery snow.

But Morgan again was not there.

Arlan snarled and whirled, flinging his hammer out in a wide arching circle.

And again, Morgan was not there.

Arlan's sharp eyes flicked around rapidly, searching for his foe.

Even those watching had lost the Commander for the moment.

As Arlan had swung and circled Morgan had swept into the thickening wind, until he had actually vanished from sight.

He had not left as the wind was shooting through the gate which closed it in into the snow sweeping white out her was using, but was utterly clear at the gate.

The house was catching the majority of this strange occurence, catching large drifts of the snow already.

Arlan turned again and again, then roared and slammed his hammer down so hard a large patch exploded up and for a moment a fountain of wind and snow rushed up around his hammer.

And Morgan appeared. To the side. Arlan grunted and threw himself to the side but still took two rapid blows to the side.

The crowd gasped as Morgan danced back out of range, his blades held in the reverse grip along his forearms, his stance low. Seemingly strangely low.

Arabella's guards mentioned this, noting how he was crouched so deep he was nearly sitting on his ankles despite standing.

But the the stance was low, it stole none of his speed.

Arlan snarled again and shot forward, this time flicking the handle of his hammer out for a glancing blow, only to change this mid move to a driving thrust of the hammer's head right for Morgan's chest.

Morgan dodged the first blow, and deflected the second, forcing Arlan past him, and swept out one of Arlan's feet, shoving the other man away with another rapid strike to the side.

Arlan roared now and let himself fall and roll to his feet.

"You've gotten quicker. And meaner Morgan."

Morgan just smiled but said nothing.

Arlan hissed. then began to twirl the hammer like it weighed nothing. "Then i shall show you some speed."

He rushed.

Still twirling the hammer about, showering blows at Morgan from all sides, from above and below. And even the front.

But morgan deflected the lot of them.

Arabella could hear bets. Some backed Morgan. Others Arlan.

Most of her household had come out to see this now. Those not outside were pressed against the windows or were on the balconies watching.

Arabella couldnt hear it but would later learn that none of his people had bet against Morgan.

For five minutes Arlan kept up this lightning fast barrage. The guards and Morgans people, including her escorts, were all very impressed with his endurance and stamina, but though he might have dealt some light grazing blows to Morgan, they were far from even. And Morgan showed no signs of slowing or faltering.

Arlan was.

Arlan let the hammer go loose with one blow, the handle swinging around Morgan, whereupon Arlan seized it just as Morgan snapped his arms back, blocking the hammer from actually striking his flesh.

Then Arlan pulled, yanking Morgan againsg his chest, while Morgan held his blades in place, keeping the attack from breaking him in half.

Arlan pulled hard, trying to squeeze him opponent out.

Morgan released his weapons, brought his hands and knees up at once against Arlan's chest, and pushed and kicked off into a soaring backflip.

Arlan snarled and hurled the hammer and swords away and rushed Morgan, hands splayed.

Morgan dropped at the last moment and rolled Arlan with him, slamming Arlan into the cobblestone so hard everyone was sure several had cracked.

They had not but Arlan lost all his air.

Then he roared as Morgan wrenched his right arm about painfully. And swatted the ground four times rapidly.

Morgan bounced to his feet and held out his hand. "You ok old man?"

"You little shit! You have gotten meaner!" He took Morgan's hand.

Morgan hauled him up as the bettors paid off or took their winnings.

They collected the weapons and walked over to Arabella.

"He is the best man with a warhammer you could ask My Lady. I would advice you make him your quartermaster as well. Few alive can horse trade as well."

Arlan smiled and bowed to her. "Shame you can't keep him My Lady. Haven't seen anyone that good in decades."
 
Arabella was on the edge of her seat throughout it all. Arlan was astounding and wielded a Warhammer with unbelievable tact, but Morgan...Morgan was all around amazing. The man was a wonder to behold. How could she not laugh when the fight ended and Arlan spoke to Morgan about being meaner.

Bella stood from her seat as the men approached. The most genuine smile upon her face as Morgan spoke his thoughts on her new caretaker and as Arlan spoke of Morgan she looked from her guest to the Commander. "I do have to agree that it is an absolute shame that Morgan can not stay. I will have to stop by his home just to visit the Commander from time to time."

Bathilde watched the girl grow up from a baby to a lovely young woman. Not once had the girl found interest in a man. Bella may not have outright said it to her, but the glances given were more than enough. Arlan laughed and took his Lady's hand and laid a bristly kiss to the soft back of her hand. "We will manage and you can have another friend in me, if My Lady is willing."

A smile was gifted to Arlan and a nod, " I would love that, Arlan, especially since my life is literally in your hands. Now... Morgan if you could make Arland comfortable and show him around, I have a meeting to attend. Thank you both."
 
The escorts stepped up to take her to the meeting.

Arlan found his room most suitable and lay down for a nap.

Morgan did an inspection tour, especially the dungeons, then came up to wait outside Arabella's office.

He wondered when the others would be arriving. He knew that Tabitha had not arrived yet. She was impossible to miss.
 
Two seemingly unpleasant and all around stuck up nobles left the study with their help in tow. Proposals were already being made for the lands it the benefits seemed one sided. Bella had plans for strengthening the safety of the roads traveled into her lands and it would increase flow traffic with certain merchants.

All some could see was the beauty and not the brains. The idea held merit but the credit going to a woman did not sit well to a few. Any eligible male of high status had an eye out for the girl and some, refreshingly enough, didn't. Some wanted to genuinely increase trade and make more profit.

Lady Vontrells had a goal of getting her lands on a better track than they were before her damned brother screwed it all up. A sigh sounded and doors were left open per her request. There was nothing to hide with her guests gone.

"Well, you can not please everyone, nor do I intend to." A cup of water was savored and she found herself smiling at it and light laugh. It was funny that Morgan was not here to make sure she was actually drinking it. No doubt Morgan was not far, he never was and she did enjoy it. Just out of humor she called his name.

"Morgan..." His name was sung in the lightest of melodies.
 
He stepped into the room instantly.

"My Lady?"

His face remained impassive and unreadable, his eyes their normal color, at rest.

He said nothing else and did not move. His eyes were on her's. He never roamed her body with his eyes.

Never made presumptions.
 
At the sight of her reliable warrior the girl oddly laughed. She was right, he was never too far away. Elbows sat atop the table, fingers laced, chin resting up them like so as she did the absolute opposite and looked at Morgan as though she were trying to memorize every perfect imperfection of the man.

"Nothing. I was just thinking about how you are always nearby even if I can not see you and here you are." A resting sigh slipped from soft lips as she stood up and walked up to the man who could, no doubt, lift her up as though she weighed next to nothing. "Two questions: When do you plan on leaving me and... do you believe in love at first sight?"
 
He gulped. "I do believe in it yes My Lady."

He studied her eyes for a long while. Then spoke. "I...I will go when you are properly protected My Lady "
 
Did the mighty Morgan just stutter?! This was an adorable sight to her and it only made the woman want to press him all the more.

"Two more questions: 1. What do you classify as properly protected and ... do you love me?" This was getting very interesting. The heat seemed to pulse through her being. Nerves alight but her curiosity pushed on.
 
He spoke very softly. "Yes My Lady. I do."

He studied her eyes, his own unreadable.

She knew the law. If she wanted she could have him executed just for that.

His trust in her goodness was clear and absolute.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom