"Tell Lord Alixandre that I shall grace his presence in the most timely of matters Mistress Katharine."
She curtsied and left Lady Symonne amongst her ladyservants.
She stood from her dressing table adjusting her skirts and checking her reflection in the mirror. He had made a truly visible marking upon her young and defenseless being. No amount of powders would cover this for the ball. She would stay locked away in her room and Lord Alixandre would bide an excuse of her absence as taking ill. What had she done to deserve of his rougishness this time? He had discovered that she was unable to bear him a child even after he had planted the seed to grow within her. If she could not bear him a child, she would be a disgrace to him. He would probably take another lover to bear him the heir that he desired and she would be nothing more than what her Father had given him; a mere posession in exchange for the most sinful of riches. If only he'd known of her most recent indiscretions. He would not tolerate it. She would be considered as low as the women he procured for his own ill pleasures. Drawing in a breath, she pressed open the large wooden doors."Good morn Lord Al....,"her words cut short by the presence of a stranger. A feminine presence at that.
"Come to my side milady,"he beckoned.
Cautiously she approached him.
"Does milady not wish to be adored"he remarked.
"You far from adore me my Lord."
He rose from the table and grabbed her arm. He dragged her toward the young lady sitting on the opposite side of where she was to be. He positioned her in front of himself with a firm grip on her shoulders.
"You may move your gaze Marie,"He adressed as her eyes rose to meet the horror in Lady Symonne's. The black and blue circle around her beautiful blue eye shone brightly. "If you ever disrespect me in such a manner as the Lady of the manor just has, this shall be your punishment as well."
"Yes My Lord,"she responded solemnly.
"Now Lady Symonne. Meet the new mistress of the manor, Mistress Marie Dumont. You will show her to the vacant room and your wardrobe will become hers. Anything you own shall be at her disposal. Do you understand this Lady Symonne?"
"Yes My Lord,"she cowered at his demands. She couldn't deny him. She knew what was happening. Soon, she would not be called to his bed at all. Marie would have that pleasure.
Was she jealous of the place Marie was taking for her? The nights she surrendered strong will to succumb to the pleasures of his flesh only to be left with gripping reminders of it the morn after?
"Now please Lady Symonne. Sit. Feast this morn for you will not partake of the festivities on this eve. I choose not to display my scorn for the world to see."
"Mine is not to question Lady Symonne. Mine is but to serve the Lord."
"You speak as though you care not about my being."
"I cannot speak of such things amongst these halls. I would be hanged and you would be sent to the torture chambers well below the Earth."
"But you do know of his intentions?"
"I cannot speak of that or he would have my tongue,"he stopped at the set of doors leading to the Lord's chamber."Be strong and I will be yours when the moon comes out to play on morrow's eve,"he comforted as he crossed the hall to his chamber.
She pressed the doors open to find her husband with Marie draped upon his virile torso. He noted the horrific expression on Symonne's face upon her discovery. He whispered something that gave Marie joy. He then spoke aloud to her,"Marie. Please bring Lady Symonne to my side."
Marie did as she was told. Lady Symonne shrugged Marie's advance."I suggest you do as he says lest you have a matching pair,"she implied.
"I do not need advice from some ill fated lady that the Lord procured from the local tavern to send my blood boiling."
"Tis not your manor Lady Symonne,"he approached her.
Marie stepped aside.
"Tis not my Lord's either. It was a part of my dowry when I was betrothed into this godforsaken marriage."
"You were given no choice."
"Of that you are correct. Is there anything here that requires my further presence?"
"Lady Symonne you amuse me,"he chuckled heartily."Your presence is all but necessary at this point. Listen to me and listen to me well my love, you will sit in this room and learn from this scrumptious young lady of how to pleasure me. Only then maybe will you learn of the ways of my heart."
"Do you wish to match the agony displayed upon your delicate features once again?"
"If only you were to give it of love."
He grinned smugly as his hand softly cupped her cheek."You do know my heart of hearts fairest of the fair."
Her gaze rapidly drew from his.
"But your heart belongs to another. One you long to be holding at this very instant,"he remarked; drawing her gaze aggresively toward his."Am I wrong?" he inquired;his thin dark brows raised in suggestion.
"Do not speak of matters of which you have no knowledge,"she returned as she met his cold, heartless gaze square.
"But I do know of such matters milady. I know of his presence for he resides within these very walls and believeth you me, if I ever come across the man that hath the armor to partake of your flawless form, he shall know a wrath even more horrific than the depths of hell. I suggest you release him Lady Symonne. Release him before I inflict such pains upon him."
"You speak with such conviction Alixandre. Do not be so sure of the walls speech for the walls do not speak of truth."
"What riddle do you conjure upon our midst Symonne?"
"That such words are spoken only to harm those of us which are not denied of the greatest riches upon this Earth."
"You may take leave of us now Symonne. I cannot will you to remain in our presence if you do not wish it to be so,"he dismissed her as he turned away.
She knew she was being dismissed far too easily but she knew the subject was far from being forgotten. He would search the ends of the Earth to find the man that held a treasure that he would never behold. The treasure of one such man that held the only riches worth being held; her love.
