Chapter 9
Donovan was getting good at this peeping thing. He stood in the open doorway to his chambers and leaned against the door frame. Laura hadn’t noticed his presence yet since her back was turned to him as she tended to the child. He inwardly smiled at the fact that she had retreated to his room for safe place to take care of Allen.
The way she had stood up to his people made him proud. She was a born leader whether she knew it or not. Even as a child he admired her courage. Nothing scared her, or nothing seemed to. The power in her voice, the look in her eyes as she laid down the law to his people made his chest swell with pride. The law’s were not to suit her own selfish desires but to better the lives of those who lived under his rule. He had originally called the young humans he brought to his home slaves because it helped to further his fearsome exterior. The mere words struck fear into other humans who imagined their children taken by the bloodthirsty Black Death. Those same pathetic humans never took the time to realize that it was only orphans who he took in. Orphans like himself. Though his people may resent her for making laws that seemingly broke his own, they would deal with it. Yes, he thought, she has the makings of a queen.
He’d heard her words to the child. In fact he’d heard everything but he had other plans. The boy would never grow strong if he allowed others to take advantage of him. He had to stand up on his own to feet, not having some woman step in for him and scold the boys that had done it. The fact was, there was always going to be someone out there who would attack someone weaker. It was cowardly, and those boys were cowards, just as she’d told him.
One particular run-in with three boys had left him angry and feeling beaten and broken. Did this remind Laura of that day? If it hadn’t been for her he wouldn’t have been able to get out of there. His anger was at the fact that he should have been able to protect himself. He would have been able to if his mouth hadn’t been so swollen from the punches they had landed. It was only after a few tries, when Laura had them distracted that he had been able to whistle, barely, and his dogs had come to his aide. By then Laura had single handedly ran them off. A ten year old girl had run off three boys much older than her while he lay bloody and beaten. He’d never been angry at her, but angry at himself for not being a better, stronger man. Someone Laura deserved.
“Allen.” He said slowly. He didn’t want to frighten the child after his ordeal but he didn’t want her coddling him either.
Their heads snapped up to look at him and he watched as the frown form on her pretty little lips. “How long have you been standing there?”
“Yes, my Lord?” The little voice said before he could respond to Laura.
“Go to your room now that she has you cleaned up. I need to speak with her alone.”
His little eyes looked up questioningly at Laura, as though the little guy had taken in her words and would stand and protect her honor if need be.
“It’s okay.” She smoothed his hair back from his forehead. “Come and find me if anyone gives you any trouble. Otherwise, I will see you tomorrow.” He nodded and looked at Donovan quickly as if he were trying to figure something out. Then the small little boys arms flung around Laura, giving her a tight hug before running past Donovan.
Laura stood up with her back still to him and he watched as her hands smoothed down the front of her dress. When she turned, he saw that Allen’s blood had marred the fabric.
She had seen him looking at it and commented. “I hope I haven’t ruined Ellen’s dress.”
Most noble women would have passed out at the sight, but not his Laura. Instead she was more concerned with whom the dress belonged.
