The young boys were surprised by Aiya's calm demeanor, surely she knew her fate, yet she still remained collected. She simply walked in front of them silently, hands bound behind her back, looking around at her surroundings. The tall tree's of Keller's forest swayed gently in the light breeze, they offered protection against prying eyes.
When the trees began to thin out, the large city of York could be seen off in the distance. It's fortress towered over the village, a dark reminder of where she struggled most in her short eighteen years. Looking out over the lands she remembered Noah and how they would explore their small world around them, not understanding how vast the world really was, not knowing the hardships they would face in their futures or that he would not have one. As she walked along, a prisoner of three teenage nuisances, her anger boiled. She wanted nothing more than to look into Hemming's eyes, to show him she still lived and who she had become. She would destroy him.
They moved through the wooden houses that were laid out in rows, people stopped to stare after her as the boys shouted their victory over a Viking traitor. Many of them cheering themselves, or simply rolling their eyes as they knew the three boys were nothing but troublesome scamps.
"We're taking her to Hemming Castle! We shall be rewarded for our triumphs! Come and witness this traitorous whore's punishment!"
People began to follow them to the castle, curious as to who the woman was and what her crimes had been.
As they approached the large gates protecting the compound, two heavily armored men stepped forward to halt them.
"What is your business here?" One of them asked.
"She's from the Viking settlement near Durham," Eadred pushed her forward towards the guards. "She claims to have been a servant here for Lord Hemming. We think he may wish to see what we've recovered for him," He said.
The other guard looked from Aiya to his partner, who gestured to him, without a word he turned and the large wooden barricade doors opened up and he disappeared behind them. A few moments passed and he returned, motioning for them to follow him inside the fortress.
The courtyard had not changed one bit since her abrupt departure nearly one year ago. Soft red dirt covered the yard, flower beds made of wood outlined the perimeter, giving the dull surrounding come beautiful colors of red and purple. 'Royal colors' Hemming always said anytime someone knew toured his gardens and castle.
They made their way into the castle, a red carpet made of Persian wool lined the long hallway passage that led to another set of double wide, mahogany doors that were opened by two more guards. The room was large and dark, painted pane glass windows lined the room, allowing minimal light inside the large dwelling. Tapestry's depicting ancient battles fought in the name of Christ draped from the walls. People stood silently on either side of them, they were dressed in fine tunics and long, conservative wool dresses. They were Lords and Ladies from across Yorkshire who had come to Hemming's court to show unity against the new invaders.
At the furthest end of the room sat two giant thrones, side by side. In one chair sat Lady Ardith of Wales, the wife of Jehan Hemming, Lord of Yorkshire and in the other Jehan Hemming himself. He looked bored but as his eyes raised to meet hers he sat up slightly, a vicious gleam in his beady eyes. He was still just as fat and pink as she remembered but his hair looked slightly more grey and their were dark bags under his eyes, as if life had not been treating him well.
They came to a stop in front of him and the three boys dropped to their knees like loyal dogs, Aiya stood tall and proud, a slight smirk on her lips as she stared him down. Her defiance amused him as it had always done, he motioned for one of his men to step forward and he forced her to one knee by kicking at the back of her leg, knocking out from underneath her.
"You," He began. "I remember you," He stood up from his chair and walked towards her. He grabbed her face in his hands and knelt down to kiss her, placing his thin, flaky lips over hers. She jerked her head away quickly, disgusted by his actions. He laughed and danced around like a mad man as he moved from one subject to another exclaiming how happy he was that she was on her knees before his entire court.
"Do you know who this is?" He pointed to her as he walked excitedly around the room. "She's a servant girl who caused me much grief over the years, a thief I had only wished to punish, being the just Lord that I am, a humble servant of God,"
Aiya panned her eyes around the room, looking at all the sneering faces who disapproved of her but she remained silent.
"And who might you all be?" He asked the young boys who were still bowing down, noses pressed into the carpet.
"We are humble servants my Lord, we simply wished to bring this sinner to you," Eadred spoke for them.
"Stand please, stand," He rushed over to them as they stood up and began to hug them, creating a spectacle in front of everyone. The false image of a loving Lord rewarding his subjects. "You shall be greatly rewarded for this, boys, God will provide for you," He finished, calling for his guards to lead the boys from the hall.
They looked back in wondering glances, "What is our reward, Lord?" Eadred called over his shoulder, realizing Hemming had no plans on rewarding them for their capture.
Once the hall was silent again, Hemming returned to his throne, taking his wife's hand in his own and kissing it with affection.
"You will remain here, as my personal slave," He cackled at her.
She kept her chin up, remaining silent as he sentenced her. There was nothing he could do to her that had not already been done before, she had endured his hatred once already, she could do it again.
"Have you nothing to say to me?" He asked.
She simply smiled at him, "I'm going to kill you,"
He was serious for a moment before he boomed with hysterical laughter at her threat. She was a powerless woman, there was no need for him to fear her, for she was nothing.
"I've been so bored as of late, this is going to be fun," He said, before his men lifted Aiya off the ground and began to drag her away.
"Stop!" A man shouted from the doorway, every pair of eyes in the room shot in his direction.
Hemming stood from his chair, as his gaze fell to the man. "Jago ?"
Aiya looked to the voice she had heard and was amazed to see James standing in the door. She looked back at Hemming, and Lady Ardith, who looked less than pleased to see him.
"Father, I must speak with you," James said, motioning towards Hemming.
"Father?" Aiya shouted at him.
James ignored her, walking passed her as if she were no one to him.
"Jago, my son! You have returned to me," Hemming cried out, moving to hug James, who embraced him in return.
"Husband, you allow your bastard at court?" Lady Ardith shrieked.
"Silence woman!" Hemming shouted back at her. "Guards, take the prisoner to the tower. Jago come, speak with me privately,"
James turned around to look at Aiya as she was dragged from the hall, a look of utter shock on her lovely face.
Sorry I was late getting this up last night. Please let me know what you think.
Comment and Vote! <3
YOU ARE READING
Conqueror Queen
Adventure✯Sequel to A Viking's Rage✯ Her whole life she had been mistreated, now it was her turn for revenge. She wasn't just a slave anymore, she was Aiya Einardóttir now, and she would conqueror the whole world if she had too. Now she seeks revenge on Lord...
