My Dark Knight

Chapter 16

'Where are you little one, come out , come out where ever you are. This cat and mouse game only amuses me, my dear. Come out and greet your dear uncle....."



She watched the man move around the room searching, calculating. All the while a knife was pressed tightly to her mothers womb. She was immobilized with fear. Bile rose in her throat, the tightly closed area making her nauseous. Oh how she hated small spaces! A fact she just now came to know. Tears streaked her cheeks, but try as she might, she couldn't move. As if a force had her frozen to the spot. If it wasn't the mans grating voice she heard, it was the loud beats of her pounding heart.


"I guess you want to see your mommy die." The man shrugged, as if he wasn't the one inflicting cruelty upon innocents. As if she was the criminal. She tried moving, all in vain.

"Don't! Sweetheart, don't listen to him!" Her mother called out, only to be rewarded with a slap.

"Bitch!"

Her dad let out a ferocious sound, but even he was helpless, his limbs lay scattered around him, his torso the only thing left. The man smiled savagely.

"I'll find you soon enough my sweet....."















Tristan strode with, long purposeful strides towards lord Rivers. A vein in his neck pulsed, his jaw taunt. Never had he felt disgusted with himself until today, he truly was a cruel bastard.


Lord Rivers put down his sword as he saw Tristan's approach, his usual grim expression more prominent. Lord Rivers sent a wide, charming smile Tristan's way, one he did not recuperate.

"Good morning."

"Cut the crap, it most certainly is not a 'good morning' as you so kindly phrase it." Tristan snapped. He would have never spoken to lord Rivers in such a manner, but he was aggravated. A poor excuse, one he was aware of.




Lord Rivers silently stared at Tristan.

"I sincerely apologize. If I had known....." Tristan trailed off while running his hand through his hair.

Lord Rivers stared at Tristan in confusion, why was the lad apologizing, although it was a first. Tristan never apologized, ever.


"Why exactly are you apologizing?"

It was Tristan's turn to seem confused.

"Because of the bruises on lady Dracmore. If I wasn't so harsh, she wouldn't have gotten them."



Tristan watched in annoyance as lord Rivers began to chuckle, and continued on until it was full blown laughter.

"Talking to you is useless." Tristan grumbled.

Lord Rivers ceased his laughter to put Tristan at ease.



"You have nothing to apologize for, lad. Sapphire gets bruises all the time from her lessons. This wouldn't be the first. I've given her so many bruises, she's probably lost count. No one knew about them up until yesterday. A maid saw them and voiced her concern."



Tristan didn't know whether he should be relieved by this or more troubled.


"If she's constantly getting hurt, why make her go though the strain?"


Lord Rivers eyes hardened as he spoke, "because, she needs to be able to defend herself. She always carries a sword in her person, it eases my mind."



Tristan chose to remain quiet at the revaluation, tucking it away for later examination.



"Would you stay for breakfast?"

"No thank you, my lord. I've got business to attend to."


"Very well, I shall see you at the ball tonight."

Tristan scowled at the older lord before muttering a quick 'perhaps' as he left.











"I was afraid you would never wake up!" Isabella exclaimed as she sat on Sapphires bed.

"Papa told me not to wake you."


Sapphire smiled weakly, her cheeks were still pale, and she hadn't stopped trembling.


"Are you sick, Sapphire?" Isabella asked, concern evident in her eyes.


"I'm fine Izzy, just a bit tired." Sapphire gave a reassuring smile.

"If you say so...." doubt clear on her face.


"I'm positive. I'm just going to go to the stream and wash up."


"What ever for! I'll have water delivered to your room." Isabella waived off. Sapphire was her only true friend, Isabella loved her dearly. Sapphire was always there for her, and Isabella wanted to do the same.

"No, I want to go to the river." Sapphire said. She honestly wanted to just breath in the scent of nature. The water was cool and refreshing, exactly what she needed. After reassuring Isabella, Sapphire got dressed and headed outside with extra clothes to change into.










Sapphire walked to the stables, taking in the crisp morning air, winter was fast approaching. Distracted by her thoughts, Sapphire didn't notice the person behind the tree until he was grabbing her arm.


"What the hell do you think your doing!" Sapphire spat while removing her arm from his grasp.


"Such foul words do not seem nice coming from such a delectable mouth."


"What do you want, Stark." Sapphire was beyond irritated, she was tired not to mention still sore from yesterday's activities.


"You look ill, my darling. Is that why you refused my offer, because your ailing?"


Stark took a step forward, Sapphire took one back. She could easily beat Stark in a sword battle, but the man played dirty.



"I am not ailing, my health is none of your concern. I have no interest in you what so ever." Sapphire spat.



"You can outrageously flirt with Knight, but can't even bare my presence. Is it his tittle you seek, you dream of being a countess? Lord knows you have enough of your own wealth." Stark sneered.



"Stop this foolishness, Stark, leave before you regret coming here."



"I'm leaving, my lady. I came to see if you'd reconsider my offer." Stark leered. He was livid, he would make certain she payed a high price.


"The answer is no, and it will remain no." Sapphire had never felt such hatred and aggressive behavior towards anyone before, Stark seemed to be an exception to her kindness.




"Very well, my lady. You shall regret the consequences, marry me you shall, and I won't be kind." Stark menaced.




"I suggest you stop threatening my daughter, or else I might do something I find a great deal of pleasure in."


Lord Rivers cold voice reached them before the man himself appeared. Any sane person would have ran with their tail between their legs. Lord Rivers expression conveyed murder. Stark made a wise decision and left without a word, but not before casting a hateful expression towards there way.








"You really should take someone with you on your expeditions."


""No expedition dear uncle, just a wash." Sapphire said holding up her arms.


"Very well, but I am still going to accompany you." Lord Rivers said, leaving no room for argument. Her face was still pale, he noted. Even exhaustion didn't seem to keep her demons at bay.




Sapphire let it be, knowing he was worried. She should have taken greater caution of Starks warning, a fact she would come to regret.












"Am I understood? Everything must go accordingly."


"Are you certain she will be at the dance?"


"She most definitely will, her aunt would make certain of it."


"Her aunt is conspiring against her?" The woman seemed shocked by this information.


He sent an annoyed look her way, he hated it when women spoke out of turn, but he would have to tolerate her, for now.


"No, if she was, it'd be easier. Her aunts very fond of social gatherings, she expects her daughters to be the same."


"Why do you hate her so?"

At his scathing look, she continued, "not that it bothers me, but I've never seen you so determined to achieve something, nevertheless, acquiring my help in doing so."


He reined in his temper, what should he tell the wench? That the deep, royal color of her eyes has him intrigued? Or that her wealth is so massive, it could easily support a small island for centuries? Or the mere fact that she is unattainable? Or rather, because she wounded his pride, and he very much would like to break her. Humiliate her, make her beg.


"That is none of your concern."



"My payment?"




"You shall get your payment once the job is done!" he growled. But the woman didn't show fear, she was equally a serpent as he.











" Must I attend the ball?"


"I will not argue with you Sapphire, you must go."





Sapphire leaned back in the carriage. Her uncle sent a small smile towards her way, showing his helplessness. Isabella sat next to her filled with excitement. Sapphire concluded she was feeling anxious, as well as dread, due to her dislike for balls, or rather social gatherings with people she did not know.












Tristan stared at the ballroom stoically. Xavier stood next to him drinking a glass of wine. Tristan was content with nothing. The mothers and their daughters leered at him as well as plotted to get him in to marriage, they were sadly mistaken. He cared not whether he was being curt or not.



"A dance, my lord."


Glancing at the girl in women's clothes in front if him, Tristan said sharply,


" A tad bit forward of a lady to ask a man to dance, don't you think?" His cutting remark hadn't warranted the desired effect.


"A bit if boldness is admired, my lordship."



"Then, please do take it to someone who, indeed, does admire it." Tristan said dismissively. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw her walk towards a group of women. The girls mother scowled in Tristan's direction, not at all pleased with her daughters attempt at seduction.


Tristan could care less. He was bored out of his mind. Xavier had left his company, leaving Tristan to fend for himself.


"When will these naive girls learn you require a women, not a child."


Tristan glanced at Sasha who stood beside him. She was like an annoying fly, constantly buzzing in ones ear. Tristan decided she wasn't worth even his acknowledgement, much less his attention.


"It's impolite to ignore a lady." Sasha ground out. She had worn a tight fitted, red dress with a daringly low bodice. Her blond hair had been left down daring a man to run his fingers through it. Her lips were curved in a seductive smile, her eyes promising many pleasures. She gained many lustful stares and many more invitations from the men, much to the jealousy of the women. And yet the very man she desired treated her as if she didn't exist!




Tristan remained silent, looking straight ahead. One word, one glance towards her direction and she would not shut up, Tristan knew it. He would simply ignore her until her pride made her leave.


"Tristan, ever the social host, come join me."

Tristan was ever grateful for lord Rivers interference.

"Thank you, the woman is.... cunning, to put it mildly."


Lord Rivers chuckled in amusement.

"Don't be quick to thank me, I need you to accompany Sapphire, make sure no one goes near her, I must go and discuss certain matters, I'll be back shortly."


Tristan would have growled his frustration, but he kept quiet. Dropping Tristan off with Sapphire, where she stood trying to hide from the world, lord Rivers left.





"Good evening your lordship."

"Good evening , my lady."

Tristan took in Sapphire, she wore an ivory dress, which clung to her physique rather deliciously. Her hair was brushed but left down. Her gloves made her hands appear long but dainty. A single black bracelet adorned her right wrist, as well as a pair of matching earrings. Those two being the only form off jewelry. She looked breathtakingly gorgeous, although her radiant, milky skin appeared more than a bit pale, shadows danced beneath her eyes, ones she did not bother to hide.



"Have you come out of hiding, your lordship."


"Out of hiding? " Tristan asked confused, yet he couldn't hide the half smile which took shape.


"Aye," Sapphire nodded, " does a man truly kiss someone and walk away,only to disappear? I was truly confused." Sapphire said while looking ahead.

Tristan, also looking ahead, answered, " Your confusion could not be satisfied by one of your female friends?"


"Oh how wonderful it would have been if I asked a female companion, could you imagine what it would sound like? Something along the lines of, ' what should one do when the handsome lord Knight ravish's them and walks away? Why, he did not even give me the chance to return the favor.'"

Sapphire sent a cheeky smile towards Tristan's way. The mischief in her eyes had him smirking.


"You find me handsome, my lady?"

Sapphire gave an indelicate snort.
"Don't tell me that was the only thing you heard, my lord."


"I also heard the part about me ravishing you, and how you would like to return the favor."


Sapphire blushed a bright scarlet, staining her chest and then her face. Tristan couldn't help but be fascinated with her, he itched to do as she'd said, his body not letting him forget the kiss.



Before either of them could answer, lady Rivers came to take Sapphire away to speak to some ladies, much to Sapphires displeasure. Tristan watched Sapphire, the swell of her breast, the narrowness of her hips, the arch of her back. With his heated glance, one would assume she was naked.










Sapphire smiled and nodded politely at the appropriate times, even then she was bored. She didn't care what new slippers were made, or who caused a scandal. A light tap on the shoulder had Sapphire turning around. The woman was beautiful, no one could doubt it, her red dress clung to her body, emphasizing her physique to the core, she made the scandalous dress look acceptable. Her lips were curved into a soft, or perhaps mocking, small smile.


"Are you lady Dracmore?"


"Yes?" Sapphire answered, albeit confused.


Relief showed on the women's face, "oh good! I've been looking for you, there's a small kitten stuck upstairs and I heard you were good with animals."

Seeing the doubt on Sapphires face, she continued," the poor things bleeding, won't even let me near it."


"Let us go then." Sapphire had a niggling feeling something wasn't right.



"Right this way."


"What is your name?"

"Sasha," she said while leading her upstairs through the back staircase. they made their way towards a long, dark hallway. After passing a couple of closed doors, Sasha stopped.

"This one, the poor things in here. You go in, I don't want to frighten it."




Sapphire should have thought more carefully of the woman's actions, like why was she upstairs when it wasn't her home, but hearing the soft whimpering of the kitten, she threw caution to the wind and stepped inside. The noise came from the corner of the room, Sapphire hurriedly made her way towards the injured animal.


"There's nothing h-"

The locking of the door cut Sapphire off.


"Well, well , well."


Sapphire stared as Stark appeared from behind the curtains.


"I have no time for your games, Stark."













"Where's Sapphire?" Lord Rivers asked, slightly out of breath.


"Your wife took her away, I couldn't stop her." Tristan said with a frown.


"I asked Katherine, and Isabella, they don't know where she is. I've checked outside as well, she's not there."

Tristan tensed, where could she have gone?



"I saw her going with Sasha." Xavier said, coming up behind them.

"And you didn't think it necessary to tell me." Lord Rivers growled.

"Good Lord! the woman is a conniving bitch!"

Tristan couldn't agree more.

The three gentlemen were still arguing when Sasha called everyone's attention.


"I'd like to have everyone's attention, please. It disheartens me to inform everyone we have yet another scandal. Another lady falling to the clutches of desire. She should be married off to the man she was with, am I correct?"

There were numerous agreements around the ballroom. Tristan felt himself stiffen, what the hell had Sasha done!



"But who is the lady in question?" Someone called out from the back of the room.


"Patience , she as well as the rogue, shall make an appearance at the staircase any moment now. I did not get a good look at the couples face, therefor, I arranged a grand entrance. With all of your help of course."



Everyone waited. Tristan could not help but be filled with dread. As the minutes and seconds slowly ticked by, the sound of hurried footsteps could be heard.


Tristan watched in anger and horror as Sapphire came into view, she elegantly, yet hurriedly came down the stairs. Several gasps could be heard from around the room. Sasha wearing a smug expression. Spotting her uncle, Sapphire hurried towards his side.


"Why is everyone staring at me like a criminal?" Sapphire whispered, cautious of all the eyes on her.

"Why are you bleeding." Tristan growled lowly, her right hip was covered in blood, seeping through the fingers of the hand she kept there.


"I'll explain that when we leave. Can we leave please."


Lord Rivers took in his daughters appearance, her hair was a bit untamed, her face pale, her clothes soaking in her blood. But what had him worried was the frightened look in her eyes, she was trembling slightly, barely trying to contain the urge to make herself as small as possible.



At the sound of more footsteps, everyone looked to see James Stark coming down the stairs with a lazy smile, feigning surprise when he noticed eyes upon him. James sun kissed blond hair with high cheek bones and brown eyes, along with a sharp, straight nose and thin lips, not to mention his wealth, would make him attractive to the ton. He could ensnare any women, any but Sapphire.
Sapphire cast a hateful glance in his direction, grabbing on to her uncles sleeve, to stop the swaying, she was loosing blood fast.


"How kind of the both of you to join us." Sasha sneered.

Sapphire remained silent while staring at her.

"Marriage it is, is it not?"

"Under what authority do you issue that claim." Sapphire said in an eerily calm voice as if her life was not to be destroyed in mere seconds.

"Why, the two of you were found in a room, alone, in a rather compromising position."


"And who is witness to that?"


"Why, me of course. I hope you don't mind, I couldn't resist sharing the good news with everyone."


"You are sourly mistaken miss , I was not in the room with him."


"No, my dear, you are mistaken, you were in the room with him, he came downstairs a few minutes after you. A lovely orchestrated plan, if I hadn't caught you two, you would have gotten away, but sadly, an example should be made of the two of you. The honorable thing would be for lord Stark to wed you. You should be aware of the consequences of your actions." Sasha finished with a helpless shrug.


"I don't have any qualms about wedding lady Dracmore." Stark said in the silence of the room.


"Like hell you don't ! It'll be a cold day in hell before she marries the likes of you!" Lord Rivers snarled. His fists were clenched in anger, his face a bright shade of red, murder a promise in his eyes.


"You can't do anything to save her. She should have thought about shaming you before doing the deed." Sasha snapped.

"Besides, she hasn't proof of her innocence."


Lord Rivers took a step forward only to be stopped by Tristan grabbing his arm.




Sapphire felt sick, nauseous. Her face had paled to a dangerous shade. She couldn't believe what was happening, it couldn't happen. She glanced towards Stark to see him leering at her. She felt her dinner make its way back up. She could feel herself shaking, her palms became sweaty, the scent of her blood made her dizzy, or was it the lack there of, she wasn't sure.






"She can not, will not, marry Stark." Tristan said coldly.


"And why not , my lord." Sasha mocked.




"Because, she is my fiancé." Tristan heard himself saying.









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