《The Dragon's Fated Bride》


 A TIME TO GROW UP - PART 1

    Disclaimer: My books always end with happiness. However, it''s the middle parts that can be dark and dangerous.


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    Since the funeral of Faye''s mother, Baroness Grace Montgomery, the rain in Granshope Parrish had persisted, with no sign of it letting up. Three days prior, her ailing and feeble spirit had ascended to the heavens, departing from this wretched land.


    It was also the same day that Faye Montgomery learned her future fate from her adopted father, Baron Theo Montgomery.


    The imperial order received by the Baron stated that a female child from the Wintershold estate was to be given in contract marriage to Duke Evan Sterling Thayer¡ªthe most formidable knight in the Eastcarin empire.


    The arranged marriage was to forge peace between the two rival families. After the nuptials, the girl would be taken back to the Duke''s lands in Stanhall Lake. Her new home would be at the infamous Everton Fortress near the desolate northern steppes of the empire.


    Her stepfather had discovered a way to get rid of Faye and keep his daughter Alice from marrying a barbarian. He would give the Duke the most undesirable child of the family to meet the king''s demand, and no one would be the wiser.


    As Faye awaited her groom''s arrival, her mind pondered on what she could remember hearing about Duke Thayer. Everything she knew was just speculation and rumors.


    She had heard from her brother Aaron, who would read her the newspaper, and from the gossip around town that the man was a renowned knight leading a vast army. People began to believe that the Duke had managed to gain his fortune through the stealing of his rival''s riches, the taking of treasures from monsters he had killed, and the selling of monster parts and magical stones in the mage''s market after slaying them.


    Some in the empire had believed that Duke Thayer was a demon, summoned from the depths of Cressa''s hell by the Emperor himself to maintain his divine power on the throne. However, Faye did not believe in such fairy tales.


    Her understanding of the Duke''s current obligation was to serve the King and First Crown Prince of Minbury. His duty; destroying the never-ending streams of monsters that kept flooding over the borderlands of the Dannemora Steppes and protecting the empire from demon invasions on the northern front.


    No creature, human or monster, had ever withstood an attack from Duke Thayer and his Roguemount cavalry knights or even survived to speak about it. He had a flawless record with large-scale combat, and the Duke was always victorious in his conquests.


    Faye was jolted back to reality by the sound of her younger step-sister, Alice, giggling behind her. She swung about and watched Alice cover her mouth with her fan, like the other Noble women did when they exchanged secrets and whispers during tea parties and, at times, when they were invited to the royal palace of the empire.


    Faye felt her stomach drop as the younger Montgomery girl''s voice rose in vicious taunts.


    "Look at you standing there waiting so sullen. I wonder if that savage of a Duke has backed out and forsaken you? You know you are not the greatest catch. I overheard father say you are almost too old to be married. I am shocked he has not sent you off to the spinsters'' home yet. There are much prettier and far more sophisticated women in this empire than you. The man could have any one of them he desired. Why he chose you is a complete myst¡­"


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    Before Alice could finish her sentence, her twin brother, Aaron, cut her off.


    "He did not choose her, sister Alice. This union was forced upon the Duke. I feel quite sorry for the poor man. Father explained it was decreed by the holy imperial order, and the emperor himself, that Duke Thayer is to take a bride. The match is to mend the rift between our two noble houses. They are to have a child, to bind our families together. And stop the centuries old feud between us."


    Aaron''s last words were a cutting, cynical comment.


    "You are lucky that Faye''s mother died or it would be you, dear sister Alice, who is getting married to that savage¡ªas you so kindly like to refer to him. Celebrate the fact and thank your father that you are not to become the plaything of some bloodthirsty despot whose sole purpose is to bring about slaughter and death for his mere pleasure."


    Aaron''s face twisted in disgust as his icy baltic blue eyes glared down at Faye.


    "The most that the man could hope for now is he has a carriage accident and meets his maker to get out of this disgusting mess."


    Faye gritted her teeth and snapped back a response to his last remark.


    "That''s enough unsavory talk from you, Aaron Montgomery. You have admitted knowing it was not I that chose this path. Rather, your father and the King of Minbury that made this choice. I am only the vessel acting on their accord."


    In response to Faye''s back talk, Aaron slapped her across the cheek with his hand. It was such a powerful strike that it knocked her to the ground. The spot on her pale flesh where his hand met it turned bright red. Holding her face, she sat on the floor, stunned but determined not to show how painful it was.


    As Faye stood from the wooden floor, she inwardly thought the fact that she had been sold into marriage almost made her grateful. At least she would never have to suffer under her brother''s hand again.


    The Wintershold butler excitedly raced into the parlor, interrupting Aaron and startling everyone who was anxiously awaiting the enigmatic guest''s arrival. He announced in a shaking voice,


    "I see horse''s and knight''s coming down the carriage path."


    Faye had just regained her footing when she was jostled against the icy window pane and could hear the excited murmurs of the others as they rushed to the window. She focused on the sound of the horse''s hooves, getting heavier and louder as they approached the Wintershold estate. Inside her soul, she felt a chill, as if the sound of her impending doom was drawing nearer.


    Like a prophetic warning, a streak of lightning crackled across the sky, followed by a deep, reverberating thunderclap that caused the dull air in the parlor to shake. It made the occupants of the room jump. The two siblings ceased their gossiping abruptly, their mouths effectively silenced by the storm''s violent noise.


    Faye gazed out of the rain-drenched glass panes as the storm poured down harder. She could see the silhouette of the coach approaching. She pressed her hot, swollen, aching face against the frigid glass to lessen the pain where Aaron had struck her.


    She noticed, out of the corner of her eye, horses and knights following the carriage in a massive entourage. Faye turned her head to get a better look and watched the vehicle halt under the porta cochere. It blocked her view of the passenger descending from the horse-drawn coach.


    She could only see his tall black leather riding boots as they struck the ground, splashing the dirty rainwater on the spats. Faye could hear the jingling of his roulettes as he strode across the muddy path to the front entrance.


    When he passed by, she noticed his oiled cloak''s bottom edge. The interior was lined with black wolf fur. Seeing this, Faye understood he was indeed a man of wealth to be dressed in such a fine cloak. Contrary to what her father and siblings had said, he was not some impoverished warlord.


    A/N: Hi, readers, and welcome to the newest book in the ADG Series. This story is part of the Angels, Demons, and Ghosts family. It can be read alone, or you can read the first in the series of books, "An Angel''s Soul For A Devil''s Heart." You can find them both in my profile and add them to your library for your reading pleasure.

 A TIME TO GROW UP - PART 2

    She watched with a chill as the cloaked man outside the window slowly disappeared from view like a wraith. Faye felt as if this was another one of her horrid nightmares when she would fall sick and become plagued by high fevers.


    The entire affair seemed surreal.


    The family had only buried her mother hours earlier, and now here she was about to take her wedding vows to a man she knew nothing about. Then there was also the King''s shocking order that she bear a child with this stranger.


    The anxiety Faye felt right now was overwhelming. She took a deep breath to calm her mind and tried to remember happy thoughts from her childhood. She had always hoped for a marriage of love. Since she was the daughter of a royal knight, Faye had imagined herself falling for a brave Paladin and marrying him just like her mother and father had done.


    However, that dream died long ago when her father was murdered, and her mother was forced to marry Baron Montgomery to keep them out of the poor house.


    At this point, there was nothing more she could do now. It was too late.


    Faye had to accept her fate of becoming a contract bride to the Duke. She had nowhere else to escape, and her adopted father, the Baron, had squandered her inheritance many years before on his debauched activities in the gambling houses and brothels. This left Faye and her mother destitute, with no way to support themselves.


    In the end, the Baron accumulated so much gambling debt that he had no money to pay a decent doctor or buy medicine for her mother''s illness. That was the reason the Baroness was no longer alive.


    Now here Faye stood, On a king''s accord. Being sold like common goods to the Duke in exchange for erasing the family''s debts, and giving them a meager monthly stipend to support the indigent Barron and his heathen brood.


    As Faye nervously stood in the parlor, her heart raced rapidly. She heard the Duke''s heavy foot strides once he entered the home and marched in her direction, her anxious heart keeping pace with each of his steps. They sounded loud and confident on the wooden floor while he and her adopted father, Baron Montgomery, briefly chatted as they came closer to the parlor.


    All of this made it feel as if she were awaiting execution.


    When the entourage of men entered the room, she first observed the priest following behind them with his red leather-bound holy book, ready to officiate the ceremony. It was the same man who had presided over her mother''s funeral. Seeing the priest, Faye felt a lump rise in her throat, and panic took hold. She clenched her fists tight by her side and swallowed hard while struggling to maintain control and not cry in front of those gathered.


    She heard the clanking of armor as her eyes scanned the area, spotting two knights in their cloaks. She assumed they were the Duke''s subordinates here to witness the wedding vows. Beside them was her father, who seemed quite diminutive next to their burly stature.


    Faye sucked in a lungful of air, her heart still pounding in her ears, as her gaze eventually fell on the Duke. The cloak he wore covered him completely. She watched with anticipation as his calloused hands reached up to remove his hood.


    His back was to her, so she could not get a clear view of his face. Although, Faye noticed a thick, luxurious mane of shoulder-length black hair cascading down his nape. The waves of his tresses glowed with blue highlights in the soft, dim light of the room.


    She looked around her to gauge her siblings'' reactions to the man, as they were turned where they could see his face. Aaron stood stoic with an impassive expression as he glared at the Duke. Then Faye turned her attention to Alice, and she recognized the lewd, desirous look in Alice''s bright hazel eyes as she scrutinized the Duke''s appearance. For her stepsister to react this way, the man must have been remarkably handsome.


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    As Faye watched, Alice stepped closer to the Duke. She noticed how her sister delicately unfolded the fan she held in her right hand, covering her face. Then she gave Duke Thayer a polite curtsy and seductively flirted with him. Alice''s coquettish expression held a come hither look as she introduced herself and held out her hand for him to kiss. It was more than apparent to those around her what she was doing.


    "Greetings, Milord. I am the Baron''s daughter Alice Montgomery."


    Any other man in the empire would have fallen all over himself to receive such attention from Baron Montgomery''s daughter. She was admittedly one of the most exquisite women in the empire. However, that was not the reaction she received from Duke Thayer. Instead, he turned his back on her, ignoring her greeting altogether, and mumbled with ire in his voice.


    "Get away from me, filthy slut."


    There was a shocked look of disbelief on Alice''s face, and words of rebuke escaped her momentarily.


    While Alice was trying to recover from being rejected, the Duke turned his moody impassive gaze on Faye. She stared back at him with the same quiet, vacant expression and wondered if he was as uncertain about this union taking place as she was.


    Then she was distracted after spotting his eyes. The rare crimson-red color with serpent-like pupils gave him the appearance of an evil creature. Her gaze wandered down to his upper body, taking in the ropey muscles of his neck, stout shoulders, and broad chest under the cloak. It was difficult to get a better view of the rest of his body hidden beneath the mantle, but she imagined from what she had already seen, the Duke was powerfully built.


    The silence of the moment was broken when Alice regained her senses and furiously articulated her displeasure of being insulted and disregarded by the Duke.


    "Well, how crude you are, Sir! Never have I felt so utterly belittled!"


    Baron Montgomery''s face blanched at the situation. He quickly retrieved Alice and hushed her up with a warning glance before she could cause any further disturbance.


    "Shush! Alice," He scolded, "Stop being inconsiderate and bothering the Duke on his wedding day."


    Alice''s eyes grew wide with incredulity that her father was not standing up for her after she had been so offensively insulted. She stood beside him; her eyes narrowed, and her lips pursed with a pouty expression. It was the first time Faye had ever seen someone put Alice in her place.


    A wide grin tugged on Faye''s lips at the scene of her stepsister''s fit of rage and the worry it was causing the Baron. the Duke was certainly winning points in her eyes right now for ignoring Alice''s overtly repulsive advances. Conceivably, he might not be as bad as she first perceived. Faye knew it would not be advantageous for the Baron to start a squabble with the Duke. It wouldn''t be a battle he could win.


    In a flash, Duke Thayer strode forward and, in a swift motion, aggressively clutched Faye by her upper arm and dragged her to him. He glared at the Baron and, with a harsh voice, inquired.


    "Is this my bride?"


    His actions and coarse words removed all doubts from Faye''s mind.


    The man was deplorable. The Baron was right when he called him a barbarian. He had not even introduced himself and placed his hands on her without permission. This was not going as Faye had momentarily imagined. He was a rash brute. She was about to speak up and put him in his place when she was once more rudely interrupted.


    "Priest! Let''s get on with the ceremony. Once we are finished here, my bride and I are leaving. We must return to the Everton Fortress so that I may attend to my duties before the next demon horde attacks. I have no time for trivial celebrations."


    The clipped tone in his dark voice made Faye clamp her mouth shut.


    Clearly, he was in a foul mood and wanted to leave this gloomy land as fast as possible.


    Although Faye did not like how things were developing, she, too, could not agree more about leaving this place and not looking back. This home had been a prison for most of her young life, and now there was a glimmer of hope. She had a perceived chance at freedom.


    In Faye''s mind, the sooner they left Wintershold, the better. At the very least, the Duke was saving her from being further mistreated by the Baron and his children. Especially, since her mother was no longer alive to protect her from the Montgomery clan.


    Faye suddenly felt Duke Thayer''s scowl on her skin as she stood beside him. The tension in the air was heavy with animosity. He took in her disheveled appearance with a critical eye. The Duke rounded on Baron Montgomery. His lips curled in a snarl as he growled.


    "Where is the girl''s wedding dress and veil? Is she not to be given as a presentable bride?"


    The Baron, Faye''s stepfather, was stunned into silence, his eyes wide with surprise at the Duke''s outburst.


    "..."

 REGRETABLE VOW - PART 1

    Faye watched as her adopted father''s pallor paled at the Duke''s words. From the way he shrank back, she could tell he was terrified of this man. Inside, it made Faye a little happy to see Theo Montgomery frightened and groveling before this formidable knight that could snap his neck like a twig.


    The baron twisted his hands anxiously as he made up a lie for why the Duke''s bride was not dressed in the appropriate bridal attire. There was a tremor in his voice when he spoke.


    "We did not have the funds to waste on such extravagance, Milord. I have just buried my wife and what little money we had was taken by the doctor and undertaker."


    The Duke tipped his head forward in a nod. His jaw set firmly.


    "Hmm¡­I see. Then shall we get on with this farce of a marriage?"


    At those words, any hope Faye had left of getting out of this union vanished. She was going to be looked at as nothing more than a tarnished possession. A ball and chain attached to his ankle that he was forced to accept by Royal decree. Faye knew there would never be a chance for love to develop. The man was not interested in her in the least.


    She felt the Duke firmly tug at her arm.


    "What is your name, girl?"


    Her response was immediate, as if spoken without thought.


    "Faye¡ªFaye Montgomery."


    The Duke stepped forward and spoke his name in a deep, bold voice.


    "I am Duke Evan Sterling Thayer. From this day forward, you will call me Sterling. Do you understand?"


    Faye tilted her head and gave a soft, affirmative response to his question.


    "Yes, Milord¡ªI mean Sterling."


    The Duke watched as the woman before him stayed silent, her posture stiff. She remained tight-lipped until he encouraged her to speak. He was content with that. He did not need a girl who would be a constant burden, her nagging voice ringing in his ears with his hard-earned money slipping through her fingers. Like the girl, Alice, who was trying to hang off the front of him earlier.


    Sterling addressed the priest, "Excellent. Now that introductions are complete, you may proceed, Padre."


    The priest opened his book, and the light from the chandelier glinted off the gold-leafed pages as he stood before Duke Thayer and Faye. When he spoke, the priest''s words drifted aimlessly in Faye''s mind. They were hollow and empty and held no meaning. She was following the age-old tradition of becoming an Eastcarin Empire consort, a role that was often unappreciated. Just as her mother had done before her.


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    "Witnesses, we have come together in the sight of Iahn, the soul creator, of all life. We are gathered to observe this man and woman swear an oath of marriage to one another."


    The officiant lifted the winter willow branch, glistening with sacred oil and its silver leaves, and showered the blessed essence over everyone gathered.


    "In the sight of Iahn, the great creator, Duke Thayer, do you take this woman Faye Montgomery to be your betrothed? Will you revere her and cleave her to you? Cherish her, protect her from harm and not forsake her in sickness, and remain faithful until she is called to heaven by the creator, Iahn?"


    Sterling replied to the vow.


    "Before Iahn, I vow to make Faye mine."


    In the sight of Iahn, the great creator, Faye Montgomery, daughter of the Baron of Wintershold. Will you take this man, Duke Evan Sterling Thayer, to be your betrothed? Will you revere and obey him, Cherish him, bear his heirs, and not forsake him in sickness and remain faithful until he is called to heaven by the creator, Iahn?


    Faye''s bright blue gaze locked with the Duke''s ruby-red one as she spoke her answer.


    "Before Iahn, I vow to make Sterling mine."


    "I ask all witnesses and betrothed, is there a reason this union cannot be consecrated before the creator, Iahn?"


    Everything was still, and the atmosphere was heavy with tranquility. The silence inside the parlor was deafening.


    She stood contemplating. Even if she spoke up now and contested the marriage, it would not matter. The king was commanding the union between two houses, and if she protested, all that would result would be her death as an imperial traitor.


    The priest finally broke the silence with no one objecting.


    "Then, by the authority of the Eastcarin empire and Iahn, I now pronounce this marriage sanctified. You may exchange the rings."


    Faye was dumbstruck hearing the words. Her expression was as if she was a deer in the archer''s sight. She had no ring to exchange with Sterling. Her face beamed a bright hue of scarlet, embarrassed by the fact.


    The silence was cut when Sterling''s dark voice reached her ears.


    "Rings are not exchanged in my house. Because of the constant grip of my sword, I cannot wear them. It is to prevent injury. I don''t want to lose a finger."


    The relief Faye felt was short-lived when he spoke up again.


    "In my land, we exchange a necklace, bracelet, or anklet. For you, my bride, I have chosen an anklet."


    He knelt before her and raised her dress just enough to see her tiny foot. Then, as he was about to place the anklet on her, Sterling noticed the calloused red marks around her lower leg. She had recently been in an iron cuff and chained to something.


    Seeing this on his new bride made him boil with fury. He wanted to know why she was in this condition. But there was no time, and he was here to take a bride. Not start a war. He pushed back his rage and slid the dainty chain around her ankle, fastening it on. Faye heard a tiny chiming noise when she moved her foot.


    It was an uneasy sound as it made her feel like an animal wearing a bell so its master could keep track of it.


    When he was done, Sterling gracefully raised himself from the floor and stood before Faye, waiting for her offering. She bowed her head in shame. She had nothing to give.


    Faye apologized, "I am sorry, I have nothing to offer you."


    Sterling''s stern voice rang out above her head


    "Look at me, Faye. It is no large matter. I do not need trinkets."


    He tenderly raised her chin with his finger, locking eyes with her. His view of her face was hidden beneath the curtain of her soft, blonde tresses. He reached out to tuck the strands of hair behind her ear, but she flinched away from his touch.


    In response to her reaction, Sterling pulled her close to his side and frowned at her.


    "We have not finished the ceremony. We must seal our pledge with a kiss."


    Faye''s throat tightened, and her mouth felt like cotton as she tried to process his words of ''a kiss'', taking her completely off guard.

 REGRETABLE VOW - PART 2

    The blood-red orbs of Sterling''s eyes drew Faye''s attention once again. With his finger, he moved her hair behind her ear. This time, he realized why she was so hesitant for him to see her. Her face bore a perfect hand print where she had been recently slapped, and the skin beneath it was purple and bruised.


    She watched as his eyes flashed from a bright crimson to coal black. His odd, serpent-like pupils were no longer visible. Her flesh crawled as she heard the tone in his voice. It was now dark and dangerous.


    "Who touched my bride? NO! Let me rephrase this; who dare to damage what is mine?"


    The room was filled with an oppressive silence as everyone exchanged wary glances.


    The Duke let go of his bride and charged after Alice, grasping her by the shoulders and shaking her harshly. Shouting into her face, "Did you do it? Were you the one who did that to Faye?"


    With a look of terror, Alice frantically shook her head from side to side, sending her curls bouncing wildly.


    She stammered and pointed a finger at her twin brother, "I-I did not! It was Aaron. The girl was ridiculing him, and he set her straight."


    The Duke''s brow arched as he asked in a mocking tone, "Is that so?"


    His brawny frame stalked aggressively toward Aaron Montgomery. His eyes narrowed with intense focus. Everyone gathered could feel the tension in the room as he waited for an explanation, standing face-to-face with the young master of Wintershold.


    "Tell me, what did she say that was so bad? What did my bride speak that she needed to be disciplined in such a severe manner on her wedding day?"


    Aaron stood there. His jaw clenched shut, refusing to answer the Duke''s question. Sterling was so furious he could feel his muscles tighten and coil, wanting to lash out and beat the life out of the young man that stood defiantly before him.


    Nonetheless, his common sense told him that this would not provide a solution. Sterling turned away, and Aaron''s words, barely audible, reached his ears.


    "Barbaric Coward."


    Before anyone could stop him, the Duke raised his enormous fist and pummeled Aaron in the face, breaking his jaw. All that had gathered gasped and murmured as they watched Aaron''s body go limp and slump into a heap on the parlor floor. Sterling had knocked him out with a single blow.


    Chaos and name-calling ensued as the Baron berated Duke Thayer for his callous actions.


    "You uncultured bastard! I will be sure the emperor hears of this incident! Do you hear me Duke Thayer!!! I will make sure you pay damages for what you have done to my only son. I will also tell him of the insults you heaped on my daughter!"


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    The Duke scoffed at the Baron''s empty threat.


    "Pfft! By all means, do as you see fit. Run off and cry to the king; He will probably laugh you out of the royal court."


    The Duke turned to his men, who had witnessed the nuptials. He calmly instructed.


    "We are leaving."


    He latched onto Faye and dragged her from the room. Then he heard the priest call out for him to stop.


    "Please, Milord. The ceremony is not finished. You must seal it with the pledge of a kiss."


    The Duke halted and wrapped his powerful arms around his new bride, and before she knew it, his mouth covered her lips. He was coaxing her to open her mouth and return the pledge. His tongue slid across the seam of her lips, and she opened her mouth as his tongue roughly rubbed against hers. After a long moment, he quickly parted from her, leaving Faye breathless and slightly confused about what had occurred.


    Before Sterling exited the parlor, he addressed the Baron and his son with a smirk.


    "You should have taken some of the money you spent on this evening''s lavish meal and found a good doctor to fix your son''s face. I am sure I have crushed his jaw."


    The Baron, no longer wanting to deal with Duke Thayer, exclaimed, "You have what you came for now. You should leave?"


    The Duke did not reply. He turned on his heel, grasping Faye''s arm, and pulled her from the house. As they walked to the carriage, she remembered her beloved bunny.


    "NO, WAIT! I need my bunny."


    Faye tried to release his grip on her wrist.


    Then as she was about to panic, she watched as the only person she could ever trust come running from the Wintershold house to say farewell. It was the maid, Hildie. She carried an odd-looking item in her hands. It was a dirty stuffed animal bunny.


    The Duke rolled his eyes and frowned, seeing the childish toy.


    Hildie gave Faye a hug and kissed her swollen cheek, smoothing her hair down with her hands.


    "It will be okay, Milady. Take care of yourself."


    As Hildie was about to give Faye the bunny, Sterling jerked her away, and she watched in disbelief as the rabbit fell on the wet, muddy ground. Faye went to reach for it, and before her fingertips could touch it, she was roughly tugged back.


    Faye cried, "BUNNY!"


    The Duke ignored her plea to stop and let her retrieve her precious childhood toy. His boot stomped on it, crushing the threadbare aged stuffed animal into the muddy ground.


    "Get In! You are no longer a child and have no need for such things. I must have a woman who can run a household, not a kid to look after."


    He shoved Faye onto the carriage floor and climbed in behind her. She was about to get up and face the Duke to condemn him for the way he was treating her. She was his new bride, a lady, and he was roughly handling her, treating her no better than a hunting dog. When she turned to rise off the floor and take a seat on the bench across from him, his dark voice rang out in warning.


    "You must earn your seat. Sit¡ªback¡ªdown; on the floor."


    She whipped her head around to see Duke Thayer glaring at her with his burning red, blood-filled eyes. His pupils were oblong once more, like that of a snake. He had a wicked smirk as he watched her in discomfort on the carriage floor.


    Faye responded to his remark, "I am not an animal. I do not follow commands like a trained dog."


    She went to make a move for the seat when Sterling reached out, roughly grasped her lower chin in his leather-gloved hand, and brought her face to his. He produced the marriage contract and dangled it in front of Faye''s face.


    "On the contrary, my sweet Duchess, you will do everything I say. It was part of the stipulations in this accord. Otherwise, I would not have agreed to this union. Here, read it for yourself."


    Duke Thayer shoved the papers into her hands.


    Faye''s eyes scanned over the documents, but it was all gibberish to her. The Duke could see her confused expression as her eyes scanned the words and brows wrinkled, not understanding what they meant.

 FAREWELL TO WINTERSHOLD - PART 1

    Faye felt a sudden vulnerability at being unable to decipher the contract. She had never been taught to read like her siblings. She had spent her days locked in her bedroom, sleeping, convalescing, or embroidering clothing for the nobility of house Wintershold.


    Refusing to grant her a basic education, the Baron believed Faye to be just as sickly as her mother and that she would never really have a use for it. She was constantly reminded of the possibility of dying young because of her asthmatic lungs. Her adoptive father regarded her desire for schooling as a frivolous expenditure of his gambling money.


    Sterling''s smirk widened as he observed her timid response to his query about reading the contract. He was eager to hear her honest answer.


    "What is wrong with you? I was told you were a lady of cultured refinement. Can''t you read?"


    Faye answered him honestly with a headshake and dropped the parchment on the floor in defeat at Duke Thayer''s feet. She bowed her head and could feel heated tears building behind her pretty blue eyes. It took everything she had not to burst out sobbing. She could not give this monstrous man the pleasure of seeing her cry.


    The Duke jabbed Faye in the shoulder with his long finger and sneered, "Awww¡­What''s the matter? Are you sobbing like a baby?"


    Faye raised her light sapphire blue gaze to meet the Duke''s own crimson orbs and gave him a fierce scowl.


    "A proper noblewoman is trained from a young age to keep her tears and feelings hidden from the watchful eyes of others. Tears have no power to solve my problems."


    The Duke snorted at her remark, "So you consider me a stranger."


    Faye''s response was immediate and instinctive.


    "Indeed, I do. Just because you hold a paper that says we are betrothed does not mean we are well acquainted, now does it?"


    The Duke chuckled at the truth of her comment, thinking how amusing this girl was when she was angry. He was going to have fun taunting her all the way back to the fortress in Stanhall Lake. At least she would keep him entertained on this arduous trip.


    "I must agree, with you on your assessments, crying like an infant is very unbecoming of the Duchess of Thayer and we know little of each other."


    "However, I have discovered that the woman seated before me is a pathetic excuse of a human being. Faye, you are no noble lady. You are simply pretending to be one. You have even failed miserably at your fakery."


    "The point I am making is if you are to be a noble woman, then you should know how to act like one. That means you are to be pretty and remain quiet unless asked to speak. Your hair and clothing leave much to be desired and as for the fact you cannot read, well, that is another problem altogether. How can I depend on you to run my fortress while I am away if you cannot read?"


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    Sterling let out a deep, exasperated sigh and rolled his eyes upward to the coach''s ceiling.


    "I can see I am at fault for not finding out more about your background before I was rushed into this marriage and agreed with his majesty''s ridiculous scheme. So it is now my burden to remedy the situation. You will begin lessons once we reach Everton Fortress."


    "I cannot have you embarrassing the Thayer family name with your fabrications and ignorance, now can I? I will seek a tutor in the imperium to come instruct you. At least I have a way to keep you busy and out of my sight for the time being."


    Faye shrank back into the carriage floor and avoided Sterling. She sat silently in reflection, thinking of ways to get out of this horrid marriage. Her only idea was to take her own life, and she was not that desperate.


    ¡ª¡ª


    It had been several hours as the carriage traveled onward. The floor of the coach became hard to take. Every bump and vibration of the wooden slatting sent shooting pains through Faye''s lower half, as if a board was beating her.


    After a while, the Duke became bored with watching Faye silently squirm in misery at his feet.


    "Get up out of the floor and straighten yourself. Have a seat over there and say nothing."


    The Duke reached out with his hand to help Faye from the carriage floor. He watched as she flinched and backed away from his hand. Swiftly raising her arm in defense over her face, as if he was going to strike her.


    "Put your arm down!"


    He snapped in irritation.


    "What kind of man do you take me for? I am not one who goes around beating on women. I am a knight and uphold the codes of chivalry. So, put your worry to rest about being hit. I will not touch you."


    The Duke''s brow furrowed as he watched Faye do as he had commanded. He wondered how often she had been beaten by her brother while living at Wintershold and why? Although he already suspected he knew the answer, and it was not a good one. The next time he met with Aaron Montgomery, he would be sure to do more than break his arrogant face.


    Sterling knew that the clothes Faye was wearing were not the correct size for her. He understood fully that the dress he saw was not hers. The item of clothing gave off the impression that it had already been used and potentially came from her stepsister''s collection of clothing.


    The condition of her hair and body was far from satisfactory. When he grabbed her by the wrist earlier; he felt as if it might crush and break under the strain of his massive hand. His new bride was frail and too thin for his liking. Her blonde locks were shaggy, dull, and lifeless.


    It was clear Faye had been ill-cared for while in her adopted father''s custody. The other concern was her ankle. As soon as they returned to Everton, he would send for the doctor. There was great worry it might be infected.


    Sterling shook his head and scrubbed at the stubble on his chin. Why was he suddenly worrying about this insignificant woman? She meant nothing to him, just a means to an end. This was just another condition of his service to the emperor. Marry and make a baby. He despised everything about this situation.


    And to make matters worse, Faye was even causing him to lose income, being here for the wedding and transporting her back to Everton. She did not even come with a dowery. Instead, he had to pay off the family''s debts because of her stepfather''s heavy drinking and gambling addiction.


    Although, he was glad he did not have to marry the stepsister Alice. She would have really made life a misery for him. The haughty girl seemed the type to want to spend money on wasteful things, at least with Faye. He knew she would be satisfied with the meager scraps he would offer her.

 FAREWELL TO WINTERSHOLD - PART 2

    When Faye settled into the seat across from Sterling, the plush cushions molded to her body, providing her with much-needed comfort. It was a relief to be off the carriage floor.


    Now that she sat at eye level with her betrothed, all she could do was stare at the stunning man in front of her.


    His aura exuded a powerfully intense masculinity.


    Even though she was still infuriated with his brutal and ruthless treatment of her, she had to admit her new husband was strikingly handsome.


    Except for his savage serpent-like ruby-hued eyes. Everything else about him appealed to her.


    His features were strong and powerful, with a flawlessly smooth complexion accentuated by a cascade of thick ebony hair.


    Sterling''s perfectly sculpted features were enough to bring a painter to tears. He had full, well-defined lips, a firm square jaw, and blade-like aquiline nose. Faye noticed the warm tone of his tanned skin that glowed golden bronze. Her assumption was that it was an inherited trait.


    Most people in this part of the world had pale skin because of the lack of sunlight. In Wintershold, it was rare for the sun to shine. Most days were cloud-covered and dreary. Thinking about this, she wondered if the northern territory would be the same. Since her life had been so sheltered, she knew little of the landscape outside the walls of Wintershold.


    Faye was still curious about Sterling''s body. Though she tried to get a better look, the thick, fur-lined cloak Sterling wore blocked her view. Although, Back at Wintershold when she first laid eyes on him, Faye guessed he had a rugged, strapping build beneath his black oiled mantle.


    While her eyes continued to scan the slumbering man across from her, an odd sudden wave of emotion washed over her. It was the feeling of D¨¦j¨¤ vu as if Faye had met this man somewhere else. She tried to remember if he had ever visited Wintershold in the past, but nothing came to mind.


    There was a mysterious energy she could sense between them. Faye hoped it meant destiny was saying this union would succeed. She understood it would require time to become acquainted with each other. Faye was filled with hope and optimism. If she could just muster up the courage to talk to Sterling and break through his intimidating persona, then maybe they could have an amicable relationship.


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    Faye was so mentally exhausted she could no longer think. She told herself to close her eyes for just a moment to catch a nap. Then maybe, when she woke, she could figure out this feeling of a past connection between herself and Sterling.


    Faye drifted off into a deep sleep.


    ¡ª¡ª


    ¡­The room was dark. There was an eerie silence. Faye could tell she was back at Wintershold in her mother''s room. There was a sense of confusion. Why had she returned to this place? A raspy voice called to her, interrupting her quiet reflection.


    "Faye¡­Faye¡ªwhere are you? It''s hard to see."


    It was her mother''s voice. The sound of it sent a chill through her body. Faye knew her mother was dead. It was an awful trick her mind was playing on her. She turned to face the direction of where the voice was speaking. Faye recognized it was the same bed and quilt that her mother was on the day she died. She looked closer, and her mother''s emaciated, pale body lay before her, struggling with each breath she took.


    Faye listened to her mother''s hoarse voice whisper a repeated mantra, "Beseech the Draco, the one who resides on the grassy plain. He is your destiny. I promised him a life for a life."


    Faye knelt beside her frail mother, tears wetting her cheeks as she picked up her dying mother''s withered hand, asking for clarity.


    "Momma, I don''t understand. Why do you keep saying this?"


    Her mother repeated the words once more as if she did not hear Faye''s question.


    "Beseech the Draco, the one who resides on the grassy plain. He is your destiny. I promised him a life for a life."


    "¡­"


    ¡ª¡ª


    A thunderous noise and shaking wrenched Faye from the nightmarish dream.


    She felt disoriented, her mind foggy as she distinguished the knights'' voices shouting orders and the clatter of men dismounting their stallions. Her sleepy eyes shot open at the horrible ear-splitting screech coming from outside the carriage. She heard the distinct sound of metal striking metal as the carriage swayed dangerously from the force of the battle.


    Once again, Faye found herself on the floor of the coach, her pulse racing. As she looked on, Sterling threw open the carriage door and jumped to the ground with ease. His abrupt turn was accompanied by a harsh command that reverberated through her entire body.


    "It''s not safe! Stay inside this coach!"


    The sudden noise of the door slamming made her jump as she watched him leave. As he swiftly strode away, his figure gradually faded into the distance. Faye sat alone in the carriage, her heart racing and her palms slick with sweat.


    While she waited, Faye noticed a heavy, oppressive quiet that settled over the surrounding area. She leaned forward in her seat, craning her neck to peek outside the tiny carriage portal. There was nothing but forest and thickets as far as her eyes could see.


    When she looked away from the window, a blur of red caught her attention and made her turn back. It was a horde of Osvol''s demons. From what she could see, there were at least four of them. As Faye quietly slunk back in the seat, she heard the blast of a horn.


    "BWOOOO!"


    The clatter of armor grew louder as the knights approached the carriage, shouting to one another. Faye''s apprehension mounted as they drew closer, wondering if the men were walking into an ambush. She frantically pulled open the coach door, ready to leap out and give them a warning.

 IF I SHOULD DIE BEFORE I WAKE - PART 1

    She soon regretted her decision. When Faye opened the door, she was snatched from the carriage by several scaly red hands with enormous claws.


    Trembling with fear as she tried to fight off the beasts, Faye shrieked in terror.


    "STERLING!!!!! PLEASE¡ªHELP ME!!!!"


    There was a sinking feeling in her stomach. Faye cried out once more for the Duke''s help as she realized the gravity of her situation. The monstrous creatures easily overpowered her fragile body with their immense strength.


    When she tried to scream again, she felt her lungs seize, gasping for air as the fear of being attacked by the demons took over. Faye struggled to inhale, feeling as though an unseen force was squeezing the air from her body and causing her chest to ache. The sensation made it feel like her lungs were burning.


    The coven of demons snatched Faye away from the safety of the carriage and the Duke''s guards. They dragged her through the dense, thorny vines of the Terrewell thicket. The jagged branches of the gnarled trees clawed at her dress. Faye''s skin stung as the prickly thorns pierced her flesh, drawing blood that dripped down her arms and legs.


    The sound of her labored wheezing and the knights calling out her name resonated through the silence of the thick forest. The lack of oxygen to her body left Faye weakened and unable to answer their calls. It was hopeless. A pungent smell of decayed leaves and rot filled her nostrils as the horde carried her deeper into the heart of the woods.


    Her vision blurred, and the world around Faye seemed to spin out of control. The pain and terror caused her body to go limp as she lost consciousness, succumbing to the darkness when it enveloped her.


    ¡ª¡ª


    It had been several hours since the horde''s attack. The sun was setting, and darkness descended in the Terrewell thicket. Sterling tracked the Osvol deep inside the forest that seemed to go on forever. The Duke''s mind raced as he envisioned the gruesome fate that awaited Faye if he failed to reach her in time.


    However, he was lucky that the primordial demonic creatures were ignorant and didn''t bother to cover their tracks. Their footprints were like following bread crumbs.


    Upon hearing the rustling of leaves, Sterling halted his movement. He crouched low to the ground, trying to avoid detection. There was a clear view through the brambles. He could see the demons gathered around something on the ground. Upon further inspection, he discovered it was Faye. Her unconscious body did not move.


    Sterling perceived a sense of frustration among the red scaly beasts that hovered over his stolen bride. He observed as one of them reached out to touch her and was repelled by some invisible force. It was so powerful that it threw the creature ten feet back. Sterling watched as its body smashed into an enormous tree on the opposite side of the clearing.


    The surrounding woods were quickly becoming dark. There was little time to waste, the sunlight would soon be gone, and there were worse things in the thicket than Osvol''s.


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    Sterling untied his cloak and let it slide from his shoulders. He expertly unsheathed his sword in a stealthy motion so as not to alert the monsters to his presence. Then, in less than a blink of an eye, Sterling advanced forward into the center of the clearing.


    The forest was faintly lit, and the small horde of Osvol''s had no chance against Sterling''s blade aura. As he swung his massive fiery blade, a bright-red glow illuminated the area around them. The sound of his swift movements carried through the trees, and the demons hissed and screeched in terror at the sight of him. They lashed out to attack the Duke with their razor-sharp claws, only to meet their demise at the end of his deadly sword.


    The smell of burning flesh filled the air as his blade sliced effortlessly through the beastly creatures, leaving behind a trail of smoke and ashes. With each swing, Sterling''s blade created a heated burst of wind that brushed against Faye''s skin, causing her eyes to flit open and see what was occurring before her. She watched while the demons fell around them one after another with ear-splitting shrieks.


    ¡ª¡ª


    As Sterling clashed with the Osvol, Faye lay unmoved on the ground, fighting for her life. Her lungs felt like fire with each excruciating inhale, as though she were gasping for air underwater. Faye''s palms ached painfully from where she had tightly clenched her hands. The fingernails digging into the soft flesh made her bleed.


    Her body felt frigid, coated in the gritty residue of blood, dirt, and cold sweat. She strained her bleary eyes toward the towering knight, watching as he whirled his blade and sliced the monsters in half. The metallic tang of blood filled her nostrils, mingling with the acrid scent of smoke and charred flesh.


    The fight ended before it ever began.


    Once the fray with the demons settled and there was an assurance they were no longer in danger, Sterling rushed to Faye''s side and knelt before her. He reached out to touch her and felt the unusually intense energy that was like a protective barrier.


    He noticed her ghostly complexion and the frailty of her body. The putrid stench of sickness and sweat emanated from her, causing his nose to wrinkle in disgust.


    As he surveyed her deplorable state, his eyebrows furrowed, creating deep creases on his forehead. The silence was only broken by the sound of her wheezing, which seemed to get worse with each passing moment. His heart strangely sank at the sight before him, and a confused sense of sadness washed over Sterling. He did not understand why he should feel sorry for this pitiful girl before him.


    When his moody gaze met her soft blue eyes, he felt the tension from the barrier drop. He bent closer and asked,


    "Can you speak?"


    A small shake of her head conveyed her inability to do so.


    After she answered him, Sterling glared down at her in ire.


    "I can''t believe you disobeyed me, my little elusive butterfly. I thought I told you it was too dangerous and to stay in the carriage. Now, look around at the trouble you have caused."


    Faye''s mouth dropped open. She was shocked by his indignant chiding. Here she was dying before his eyes and he was not worried for her at all. The man''s frosty and detached attitude made it feel like he was doing everything possible to make her miserable and push her away. Faye feared that the unsaid rift between them would never be mended.


    She observed Sterling''s armor as he leaned closer to gather her in his arms. That was when her tired eyes fell on the ornate design etched into his breastplate. She was well acquainted with the engraving.


    It was the same image she saw the day her father was murdered before her and her mother by another Paladin from a strange land.


    Faye''s entire body shook, and her eyes widened. She was in disbelief as she desperately tried to protest Sterling touching her. She attempted to move away from the powerful knight that was about to clasp her in his arms.


    She stammered through her wheezes a few incoherent words.


    "I-I-I w-w y¡­"


    The strain of what she was seeing and her current condition was more than Faye could take. Her body gave in and collapsed, and her mind lapsed into unconsciousness without Faye speaking another word.


    .


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 IF I SHOULD DIE BEFORE I WAKE - PART 2

    Terrewell thicket had gone dark, the sun was now below the horizon.


    Wind pushed the leaves over the forest floor, making a rustling noise, and the sound of crickets chirping filled the night air. Stirling could smell the musty scent of damp earth mixed with the sweet fragrance of pine tar. There was a cool breeze blowing and rain drizzled, sending a chill through his body.


    It was time to leave this place quickly. The Duke could see Faye was ill and in shock. Not to mention she was not dressed for this environment. The elements in the thicket were unforgiving and would kill her quickly.


    Sterling''s glowing red eyes surveyed the surrounding area, taking in the dense forest and rugged terrain ahead. He worried that there would be more monster attacks before he could get them out of this godforsaken place. He wrapped Faye''s icy, unconscious body in his cloak as he prepared to carry her from the woods.


    Taking a deep breath, Sterling prepared himself for the weight of Faye''s body in his arms. As he lifted her, he was surprised by how light she felt, almost like a feather. He couldn''t help but notice the strange energy that surrounded her, repelling him like an invisible force field. It gave off a warm electric-like tingling through Sterling''s arms as he clutched her closer to him.


    Despite the strange energy surrounding Faye, Sterling felt a sense of calm wash over him as he gripped her tightly. It was as if the force field was protecting her and him, cocooning them in a warm, safe embrace. He couldn''t help but feel grateful for this odd power, although it felt weird to hold her and keep her safe. He still could not rationalize why he was saving this weak, pitiful creature. If he had any sense, he would just leave her to die.


    He moved forward and backtracked, using his footprints to find where his horse and men were waiting. Even on the main road, things were still not safe at night. The Duke did not like leaving his men to fight on their own if there was an attack.


    With each step he took, he could feel his boots sink into the damp earth beneath his feet, reminding him of the recent rainfall. The wind increased, and the light drizzle from earlier turned to a torrential downpour.


    It was becoming more difficult to see his tracks as the water washed them away. For a moment, Sterling thought he might have lost his way until he heard one of his men''s hearty laugh. He could see the lights of carriage lamps. They were lit, their incandescent glow leading him closer to the road and his entourage.


    As he pushed forward step by step through the tangled vines and thorny brambles of the thicket that raked at his armor, his keen sense of awareness warned him something was following behind them, tracking them like prey.


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    A low, guttural growl pierced the silence, causing the Duke''s keen eyes to snap toward the sound. There it was, a Girox, a repugnant goblin, slimy and gray-skinned. Its glowing green eyes barely hid beneath a tangled mop of dirty wet hair that fell over its forehead. The stench of rot and decay emanated from the beast, making the Duke''s nostrils flare in disgust. He could feel the hair on the back of his neck stand on end as he felt the Girox''s sinister aura.


    Before Sterling could place Faye on the ground and draw his sword, the Girox clumsily lumbered forward and began its attack. The monstrous beast raised its gnarled boney fist and flung it toward the Duke.


    However, they both got an unexpected surprise. Sterling had braced himself in anticipation of being struck, but the impact never came, and he watched as the filthy Girox was thrown backward in the wood''s darkness when his fist connected with the barrier that Faye was emitting.


    The beast shook its head and regained its footing, and once more launched to attack. It met the resistance of the invisible barrier again. Sterling laughed at the unforeseen turn of events. He looked down at Faye, still unconscious in his powerful embrace.


    "I don''t understand what this is, but thank you."


    Looking over his shoulder, Sterling could see the Girox''s eerie, luminous green eyes gazing at him in puzzlement. The beast bared its jagged teeth and furiously roared.


    Sterling muttered as he smirked at the demon.


    "Stupid beast, you''ve done it now."


    There was a loud sound of men shouting and swords leaving their scabbards as the hills around the Duke and Faye were overrun with paladins. They bore down on the Girox, and Sterling watched as one man easily sliced through the shoulder of the monster, causing it to shriek in pain. Then another came from behind and cleaved the head of the beast. It hit the forest floor and rolled to a stop at Sterling''s feet. A black substance oozed from the severed head, and he quickly backed away from it. The blood from the Girox was toxic and would cause hallucinations and death.


    He chuckled at the sight of the dead creature. It was a miracle that he and Faye had not been seriously injured or killed by the filthy beast. Although, there was not a lot that could harm Sterling. He had a few secret abilities of his own. He smirked as he inwardly pondered that maybe one day, he would show Faye his special powers. His grin widened as he imagined her startled expression when she found out.


    Maybe being married to this petite waif in his arms would not be so bad after all.


    The group of men hurriedly made their way toward their commander, their footsteps thudding against the hard ground. Each of their faces was lit up with delight as they caught sight of him returning with his wife in tow.


    However, there was still an uneasy silence, As Sterling cradled his wife''s unresponsive body in his arms. Despite the joyous moment, there was an unspoken tension, as if something was amiss.


    Sterling addressed his men.


    "Do not touch us. It will not be a pleasant experience if you do. Now, someone go find Merrick."


    No one questioned his command. The man backed away from his gruff warning and went in search of the knight named Merrick.

 IF I SHOULD DIE BEFORE I WAKE - PART 3

    As Sterling sat patiently inside the carriage, he cradled Faye''s quivering body in his warm cloak, shielding her from the damp weather of late Hartesk (The season of fall.) Even though the carriage sheltered them, it was still cold. While he waited for Merrick to arrive, the Duke couldn''t help but notice a shiny silver flask left behind by one of the men.


    He picked up the container and pulled out the cork with a soft pop, unleashing a sweet fragrance that filled his nostrils. The rich aroma of the pear brandy, his favorite, brought a sense of comfort. As he took a sip, the smooth and velvety liquid trickled down his throat, leaving a warm sensation in his chest. The subtle notes of pear danced on the tip of his tongue, and he savored every drop, enjoying the moment of calm amidst the evening''s chaos.


    Faye''s fragile body wiggled in his arms. He heard her mumble something that sounded akin to a protest against him holding her. Sterling gazed down to see her eyes were shut tight. He was not amused at this turn of events.


    He felt the weight of exhaustion on his shoulders as he leaned his head back against the seat. This one in his arms was too much trouble. Maybe it would have been better to defy the King''s order and take his chances with war.


    He understood war, but women were complicated. He knew little about them and had never involved himself in courting them. His duties as a Duke and on the battlefield kept him busy most of the time.


    Hearing Faye wheeze and knowing she was critically ill only added to his weariness. Sterling closed his eyes, trying to find a moment''s respite.


    ¡ª¡ª


    Shortly thereafter, there was a sharp knock on the coach door, the sound jolting him back to the present. He observed the handle twist and heard a small click as the door slowly creaked open. Faye shivered under the cloak because of the cool evening breeze flooding into the carriage''s compartment. She coughed uncontrollably. Sterling noticed this and sat up straight, concerned about what was happening.


    "Evening commander, the men said you requested to speak with me?"


    As Merrick entered the coach, his eyes landed on the Duke''s arms, which were firmly wrapped around a woman who appeared to be in dire condition.


    The sight of her made his forehead crease with worry. Her breathing was ragged and shallow, as if she were struggling to draw in air. The color had drained from her face, leaving her looking pallid and frail. Her lips were tinged with a deep shade of purple. Only the apples of her cheeks showed with color, and they were bright pink.


    Merrick expressed great concern at the sight of the woman''s deteriorating condition.


    "Commander, we have to get to the next town. Quickly. Time is running out for your bride. We must find a healer or doctor to treat her, or I fear she won''t survive till sunrise."


    Sterling asked, "Why do you think I called you here? Doesn''t your daughter suffer from fire lung? How do you treat her when she is ill?"


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    Merrick''s expression soured as he shook his head disapprovingly at Sterling.


    "I''ll be direct. You''ve never had a wife or child to care for and worry about, so you wouldn''t understand. We don''t treat my daughter''s condition, as it may worsen or even kill her. We call the healer, who has the knowledge. I don''t know how to do it. We need to leave now."


    Merrick went to reach across the coach to touch Faye''s forehead, but before he could, Sterling knocked his arm back.


    "Don''t! Be careful not to touch her," he cautioned.


    Merrick conveyed his concern. "I can see her trembling and her cheeks are tinged red. It is a sign. She may have a fever."


    Sterling frowned at Merrick''s words. The one thing he knew about fevers from his days on the battlefield¡ªif left untreated, they could kill.


    Merrick stood, stooped over in the carriage, preparing to leave. He turned and addressed the Duke.


    "Wait here with her commander, I will let the troops know we are moving out and return with something that might help your wife''s fever."


    He heard the vice commander shout for the other knights to ready themselves for travel. Some groaned and complained about the dangers of traversing this area at night in the rain. Merrick was quick to reign in the men and shut up their complaints.


    "Stop your grumbling! The Duke''s wife is in a bad way. We should make haste for Easthaven."


    Hearing this disturbing news, the group of men fell into a state of silence. The only sound was the rustling of leather and the soft pawing of horses'' hooves in the mud. Everyone watched as Merrick emerged from the shadows. In his hand, he held a canteen of water and a small paper pouch. The surrounding atmosphere was tense.


    The men''s eyes followed Merrick''s every move as he returned to the coach with the canteen and pouch. They observed Sterling receive the pouch and sniff it. The knights who were watching all assumed it was healing herbs for the Duke''s wife.


    "Pour this into the water and make her drink it. She will probably fight you, as it tastes extremely bitter. However, I believe it will reduce her fever enough until we reach Easthaven."


    The sound of a horse''s whinny disrupted his instructions.


    The Duke glared harshly at Merrick.


    "I guess that means we should be on our way."


    Merrick replied.


    "Indeed, commander."


    Sterling watched from the carriage window as the men mounted their steeds. Within moments, the order to move out was given, and the rest of the group followed suit. The only sound that was heard was that of hooves pounding against the dirt as they rode off in the direction of Easthaven.


    As the coach inched forward, Sterling did as Merrick instructed and prepared the medicine for Faye. When he opened the parchment pouch, a potent scent of bitter herb hit his nostrils. His nose wrinkled at the odor. He dumped the contents into the water canteen and watched it slowly dissolve.


    He propped Faye up in his arms, then shook her gently, calling her by the new pet name he had given. His voice was sardonic as he spoke.


    "Wake up, my sweet butterfly. Merrick, the valiant knight, says you have to drink this."


    Faye''s eyes slowly opened. The whites were red and bloodshot. Her glassy gaze stared at him, and she struggled to free herself from his firm grasp, almost spilling the elixir on them both.


    Sterling gave Faye a disdainful sneer.


    "What''s wrong, butterfly? Did you see something from your past that you recognize? Now calm down and be still. Take your medicine like the good girl I know you are."


    Faye tried in desperation to get away from Sterling and not drink the herb water.


    Nevertheless, it was useless. He only further restrained her and forced her mouth open, pouring the bitter water into it. Faye gagged and sputtered. Spitting the sour liquid from her lips. She only got about half the medicine in her. The rest was running down her chin and chest.


    Sterling''s crimson eyes glared at Faye as he firmly cautioned while trying to hold her still.


    "Stop fighting me, little one. I would hate to harm someone as delicate as you."


    At his stern warning, she stopped her struggle and went limp. Sterling looked down to see she had lost consciousness once more.


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 IF I SHOULD DIE BEFORE I WAKE - PART 4

    The carriage ride into Easthaven had been uneventful. Once they reached the little backwater hamlet, Merrick and a group of knights went in search of an inn to shelter them. There was only one, and it was already filled for the night. The proprietor of the establishment gave Merrick directions to an old farmhouse on the outskirts of town. He informed them a widow owned it, and she would occasionally take in borders. Then Merrick inquired if the town had a healer or doctor.


    "Sir, I have another question. Where is the doctor or healer for the townspeople? We have one member of our company who is extremely ill and in need of help."


    The silver-haired old man behind the counter slowly shook his head as he answered in a raspy voice,


    "It has been sometime since we have had a healer. He passed away last year during Dhalhet (The season of winter). No one has been sent from the mage tower or the empire to replace him. We depend on the doctor from the Earl of Northbrook at present to heal our ailing."


    "Unfortunately, the doctor won''t be around again for a few weeks. The best you can do is speak with the old widow woman when you get to the farmhouse. She is the closest thing we have to a healer right now in these parts."


    Merrick''s face drained of color as he heard the old man''s news. He nervously returned to the carriage, struggling to find the words to explain the situation. His stomach felt like a pit of despair. He assumed when he gave the news to the Duke. He would not be pleased because they couldn''t find suitable shelter for his men. Merrick was fully aware of the dire situation that the new Duchess was in. He also knew that Sterling was completely clueless about the severity of her condition.


    This reminded him of his own struggles with his daughter''s illness.


    The vice commander hesitantly knocked on the carriage door and heard the hushed tone from the Duke bidding him enter.


    "Step inside, Merrick."


    The older paladin entered and took his seat across from Sterling, observing the girl still slumbering in his arms. He could see her brow furrowed as if she was in pain. Although, her pallor and condition looked much improved since he last lay eyes on her several hours earlier. Merricks musings were disrupted when the Duke asked,


    "Have you secured the lodging for the men and a doctor?"


    Merrick showed he was unsuccessful in his endeavor by shaking his head.


    "There is no lodging available. The inn is full. The inn keeper said there is a farm near to here and the old lady who owns it might take us in. Also, the town healer is dead and they only have the old woman at the farmhouse that might help."


    Hearing this information, Sterling ordered, "Then let''s not tally here any longer, Merrick, and be on our way."


    ¡ª¡ª


    The gracious widow woman at the farmhouse was delighted to open her home and see all the knights gathered around the table inside. She hurried about, making food and preparing tea with warmed brandy and honey to give to the exhausted group of men. It was nice to have visitors in her otherwise empty home.


    Merrick was sitting next to the fireplace, attempting to soothe his chilled bones. He looked up as the old woman passed him a cup of the aromatic drink. The warmth that emanated from it was a pleasurable feeling to his frigid fingers.


    He addressed the elderly woman as he accepted the cup of tea.


    "Ma''am, do you have any experience in treating fire lung? It was told by the innkeeper who sent us this way you might be of aid to the woman in our group who has fallen ill."


    A kind smile met her delft blue eyes as she gave the vice commander a gentle gaze and replied.


    "I have treated it. The old healer that lived in town used to care for our daughter over the years. I observed and learned a thing or two from the man. It got to the point when she fell ill. I did not have to call on him and could treat it easily myself."


    If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    "Although it has been some time since I have been summoned to treat someone with fire lung. I am lacking the herbs I need to make the potion. If you and a few men are willing to hunt down the plants I require, I will assist her gladly."


    Merrick gave the lady a brief nod.


    "I appreciate your aid. Please tell me what you need and we will go now. Also, I am curious to ask, what is your name?"


    Her reply was simple, "Helena Partridge,"


    "Now come along, young man, let me show you what I require."


    ¡ª¡ª


    As Merrick, two knights, and Helena approached the old barn, they could hear the creaking of the wood as a gust of wind pushed against the walls. He could tell the deserted building was about to collapse at any time. The torches Helena had lit flickered brightly against the aged parchment. Helena pointed out the various plants described on the paper. She cautioned the men as they began their search.


    "Take care near the edge of the woods. I have seen a few osvol poking about."


    Merrick and the other two knights nodded, acknowledging her warning. She watched them depart in the hunt for what she had asked for.


    It wasn''t more than an hour before they returned with the ingredients they had gathered for the potion. The old woman set straight away to prepare it.


    ¡ª¡ª


    Duke Thayer looked around the tiny room with the low ceiling that the old woman had brought him to. As he examined the space closer, he immediately noticed the signs of neglect. Cobwebs lurked in every corner, and a layer of dust had settled over everything. It was clear that no one had stayed here in quite some time.


    Although the place was not well kept, Sterling knew it was the best shelter they could find. His priority was to make sure his men were protected from the elements. Once that was done, he could focus on helping Faye recover before they continued their journey.


    As he laid his sick bride on the bed, he couldn''t help but notice the scratches on her face and arms. The thorns of the brambles had dug into her flesh when the osvol had absconded with her.


    Her dress was in tatters, barely recognizable as clothing that was covering her frail frame. She shivered and curled into a ball. Sterling knew he had to act quickly. He had to get her undressed and out of the wet clothing before she became even sicker than she already was.


    He had a sinister grin on his face as he procured the dagger from his back. Now he could actually see what he had purchased in his marriage contract. Lecherous thoughts crossed his mind of seeing his new bride naked. He was eager for her to awaken so he could ravage her body and claim her virginity as his own. He couldn''t wait to hear her gasps and cries as her body would writhe beneath him.


    The sound of her clothing being shredded by the blade was a pleasurable symphony to Sterling''s ears and made him excited. It was as if he was opening a gift for only his eyes to see. In his hurry to look at Faye''s naked body, his fists clenched the remaining fabric of the bodice on her dress and wrenched it open.


    His muscles tensed as he felt a wave of fury wash over him while he tried to process what he had just seen. He could not move or speak, completely overcome by the shock of the situation.


    Any excitement Sterling had felt earlier about seeing his bride unclothed vanished. The front of Faye''s body was covered in long linear welts and dark bruises. There were fresh cut marks where he could see a leather belt had been used to whip her.


    He muttered furiously under his breath.


    "Those Montgomery Bastards!"


    His eyes burned, and his face was red as he suddenly felt his anger boil over. The Duke''s entire body quivered in uncontrollable rage. Someone had damaged what belonged to him. Sterling was furious and would be sure to report this transgression to the king when they met again. He would ask for the Winterhold stipend to be reduced as a reparation for the damaged bride he was given.


    Then, in a sudden moment of conscience. He inwardly questioned what kind of life had this poor girl been living under the roof of the Montgomery family?


    Faye moaned, drawing Sterling''s attention back to her. He looked on as she turned her naked body on its side. That is when the Duke noticed more marks and, this time, old scars from past abuses she had received. Faye was terribly emaciated. He could see the bones from her spine poking through her pale flesh. It looked as if the Baron had been withholding her food, and she was being starved.


    He had seen healthier corpses on the battlefield.


    His icy heart throbbed painfully in his chest at the sight of her. He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and exhaled to regain his composure. He tried to shake the feelings of sympathy from his mind.


    Why was he feeling sorry for her? He should be overjoyed she was being treated so poorly. It was driving him insane. He could not rationalize why he kept feeling compassion for this woman, the one whose family had caused him so much heartache and pain as a child.


    A loud pounding noise from the bedroom entry jolted him to his senses. Without wasting a moment, he grabbed a nearby blanket from the mattress and covered her body to prevent anyone from seeing it.


    ¡ª¡ª


    Dear Readers,


    Thank you for taking the time to read my newest novel. I hope you have enjoyed the first ten chapters. I would really appreciate it if you could leave a review of the book. It would be a tremendous step in supporting me. Also, you can read more at: https://www.webnovel.com/book/the-dragon''s-fated-bride_26840390206658405</a>


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    The_Sweet_Sparrow