Aydra found herself settled down at a big table at one end with Maisie on one side and Malcolm on the other. They all had big steaming bowls of thick meaty stew in addition to big mugs of a hot tea that smelt of flowers and honey. Aydra hesitated, glancing down at her hands clasped tightly in her lap. Her very dirty hands.
"It's all right, dearie. Wash them right quick in the side sink there, that's what everyone does!" Maisie said comfortably, following Aydra's glance at her hands and understanding instantly. Once that was done, Maisie gestured to the scrap of towelling hanging on a nearby hook with an encouraging smile.
"Thank you." Aydra said shyly when she was sitting back down once again. She blinked back a fresh sting of tears and lifted the waiting mug, inhaling the fresh scent with gratitude.
"Ah naw. Thank YOU for coming all this way for a visit!" Maisie said with a smile. Aydra blinked, and then giggled.
"It wasn't actually planned but am I glad I'm here!" She said simply, and then took a bite. She nearly moaned as the flavours of the stew burst across her tongue with the first mouthful. Not even the amused chortling of Malcolm or the gentle chuckles of Maisie could distract her from her food after that and Aydra went silent, dedicating herself to emptying the bowl as swiftly as she could without showing poor manners.
"Have another now that your stomach has been reassured that you aren't going to starve, little lamb." Maisie nodded her head meaningfully. She took Aydra's bowl to refill it before setting a second helping down in front of Malcolm. Bustling along with a content air, Maisie went on to scoop up a second helping for herself. Aydra blinked, but since she still felt ravenous, didn't argue.
"Wha' ye mean, ye din't plan it?" Malcolm asked, pausing halfway into eating his second bowl to glance at Aydra. Maisie shot him a sharp glance but didn't say anything, only smiled encouragingly.
"Well, I did plan a journey. It's not like I woke up and just found myself travelling after all. It's just that I hadn't this specific place in mind when I started. I don't think I did anyway. I'm in need of a place to live – a fresh start you might say and just stumbled across here." Aydra said, a trifle muddled in her explanation, and was completely confused when both of them laughed.
"Naw, missy, don't fuss. People come through here all th'time and din't mean to. Mos' lookin' for a fresh start an' all as well. I thin' ye'll find tha' everythin' will look better after a few days to reflec' on wha' ails ye." Malcolm said comfortably.
"Drink up, dearie. Afterwards, you and I will go pick out the best bedroom for you while Malcolm does the washing up." Maisie said, casting a stern glance at Malcolm whose head drooped between hunched shoulders with a morose down turn to his mouth. "An' non' of the slinkin' out to hide in the barn, mind ya' now!"
Aydra smothered her giggle by taking a deep drink of her tea. It was clear to see that the pair truly loved each other in the way Maisie's hand rested lightly on Malcolm's shoulder as she brushed a kiss on his cheek before she cleared away empty dishes and in Malcolm's gentle pat on her hand in response.
"I can easily sleep on a pallet in front of the fire, I don't want to put you out or anything." Aydra started, half convinced the elderly couple would put her in their own bed and be relegated to armchairs, or worse, pallets on the floor by the fire.
"No such thing allowed under my roof, dearie! Perish the thought!! There are plenty of proper guest beds waiting to be slept in." Maisie said firmly, gently taking Aydra's hand in hers as they went out of the kitchen and down the hallway, leaving a snickering Malcolm to start the washing up.
Aydra looked all around as they walked, barely hearing Maisie's gentle explanations as they went. Her wide eyes took in graceful, elegant stone work mingled with painstakingly carved woodwork. The detailing was amazing and beautiful. Intricate and detailed tapestry lined the walls and covered the windows as well and Aydra's eyes widened at the images.
YOU ARE READING
The King's Justice
Romance**Incomplete** Aydra is a sheltered young girl, raised for one purpose only - to raise her family standing with a good marriage. The man chosen for her is Fyn, who is infamous as the kings right hand man. Nothing is easy - or as it seems!
