devil's dove

Untitled Part 1

It was early evening when Jaden finally made camp ,she was sure that the estate was now only an hour away soon she would learn if all the rumors shed heard over the years about the dark lord where indeed true , but for now she would relax a little, everything else could wait. So as she watched the flames dance along the crackling wood she slowly closed her eyes allowing the sounds of nightfall take her cares and worries far way; soon she was fast asleep only then did he step out from the tree line and study the lass more closely aye but she was a beauty even under the layers of dirt that still clung to her olive skin a soft curly lock of raven black hair had fallen across her face, it took all of his will power not to reach down and push it back into place. With a sigh he quickly went about investigating all of her belongs he knew who she was and why she was there though he kept telling himself that it didnt matter, that he could dispatch her without a second thought just as he had done countless times before after all it was kill or be killed .a soft sigh brought his attention back to lass still sleeping by the fire quickly with one last look around he slowly pulled out the white rose he had carried and placed on top of her small pile of belongings and slipped back into the darkness. With a silent promise that she would soon be his.

Five weeks had passed since the night he had studied the lasss sleeping face and his growing eagerness of the her arrival had the Lord on edge as he shouted out commands and cursed those who seemed to move to slow in their duties. She should have made it to his estate that following day so where the hell was she?! no one seemed to be able to calm his growing tension already two men had been sent to the dungeon and a maid whipped only one dared to stand up to him and that was Jacob the only servant Darren had ever trusted and counted as a true friend. Come me Lord let us retire to your study perhaps a drink or too will calm your nerves he stated as he attempted to lead him inside. Darren only laughed and started to stroll away only to turn back and nodded his head in agreement, as always Jacob you are right and more level headed then I. closing his eyes and pinching the bridge of his nose he slowly exhaled have the men released and give both 200 pounds and the poor maiden to my private chambers, I shall attend to her myself. It was wrong to take my tension out on them old friend. Thank you as you wish me Lord. was all Jacob replied he was almost out of sight when Darren called to him again and Jacob knock it off with the me lord crap you know how I hate it when you do that! he said his voice full of amusement as he shook his head and slowly made his way to his chambers. He could hear the poor girls whimpers before he ever entered his chambers she was lying face down on the rug in front of the empty fireplace the back of her dress was ripped to shreds and stained with blood from the whip she cowered and whimpered when he moved towards her easy, easy little one easy, no farther harm shall befall you I was wrong to take my tension out on you. Will you allow your lord to set things right light one? his voice was low and tender as he knelt down next to her with a bowl of clean water and a bag of healing goods. my my lord? the young maid started to whimper again as she somehow found the will and courage to rise to her knees flinching with every tiny movement biting her lip to keep from screaming. Darren watched in amazement as the young girl fought through the agony she was clearly in to kneel before him tears rolled freely down her cheeks but she refused to cry. With great tenderness he knelt down in front of her and gently placed his hand under her chin to raise her face to him. The face he saw there shyly meeting his gaze shocked him to the core and caused him to jump back as if she had plunged a poisoned dagger in his heart. It was His lass, but how and why? When did she arrived?

Every muscle in Jadens broken body screamed as she tried to remain on her knees before Lord Darren even as she fought it she could feel her remaining strength escaping her, a soft cry escaped her lips as she hit the rug hard. She could hear him curse harshly as he quickly walked back into the room after yelling for the old servant Jacob to make hast

She had not expected the Lord to be gentle or tender, she had been at his estate for almost five weeks now passing up countless opportunities to speak to him privately, and over that short time she had learned all the rumors about him were nothing more than lies. Then she had tripped today and broke a priceless vase resulting in her whipping. So when she had been brought to his private chambers she knew her punishment would continue, his tenderness had surprised and confused her completely.

my Lord? I must-- she whispered as she heard him approach her again but quickly fell silent when she heard Jacobs voice assuring him they would not be disturbed and the rooms would be prepared quickly. Waiting until the door closed before trying to speak once again but his finger tenderly pressed against her lips sssshhhhh little one, your safe just relax. Allow Your Lord to tend to your wounds, you and I have much to discuss but that will wait for now. His words were soft but cold as he carefully lifted her from the floor and carried her to his bed where a bowl and bandages had been laid out along with crushed herbs.

Please my --- please Lord Jaspers allow me to explain before you pass judgment and punishment upon me I beg you Sire m—my presences here at-- at your estate is not for the reasons you think. The lass whimpers before fall unconscious on the bed.

Darrens hands shook with rage as he downed yet another glass of honeyed brandy her broken bloody body was burned into his mind and refused to be banished and as he had gazed into those beautiful pale green eyes he had seen her forgiveness and it had angered him even more! Why? Why had she been so quick to forgive him ordering her whipping? What was it about this lass that pulled at him and seemed to melt his heart? she was here to kill him there could be no other reason. Jacob I want you to go to the village and find out what you can find out about the girl. If she is here to assassinate me I must know! his voice was cold as they locked eyes

Darren let me ask you something first, this maid, what is so different about her? If if she is here for what you claim, would she not have tried so already? Think about it she has been here for almost six weeks and have had countless chances to carry the deed out with ease. Know I know you dont care about what an old man has to say regarding such matters but I think your judging this lass all wrong , if she truly behaved as you stated then I think her intentions are much purer then you think. And with that the old man bowed and left for the stables.

A soft knock on the study door just as Darren had set down brought his eyebrows up. No one else knew he had been in the study except Jacob. An that was not his knock

Enter.