Hidden in the Castle

Part 18

Chapter 17

As Annabelle pulled away from her father, she wanted to laugh at the expression on his face but knew better than to do so.  How many times had he tried that look on men who he thought were trying to take advantage of her?  How many times had it worked?  Every time, and right now, she had a feeling that William was only going to last a little longer under her father’s glare.  It wasn’t as if she had no faith in William; it was the simple fact that not many men could stand there, under the power of her father’s gaze without down casting their eyes.

She glanced over her shoulder, happy to see that, while William looked shocked, he had yet to do as the other men had done, blunder words together as an excuse to why they were seen with her and then flee before any harm could be done to them.  Because, despite the fact that Annabelle had heard many whispers of how odd others thought her to be, her father had never heard such tales.  If he had, there would not have been anyone left to say such things.

He was a well-respected man, one who had enough standing to destroy some of the most powerful men, but he was also a man who was well known for not abusing his power.  It was that reason alone that Annabelle did everything she could to keep her father from knowing how others whispered behind her back.  She didn’t want him to become someone he was not, and in order to protect his daughter, he would do anything, even if that meant discrediting his reputation as a fair man. 

Turning so that she could keep an eye on both William and her father, Annabelle gestured towards William.  “Father, I would like you to meet William Talbot.”

“I know who he is, Annabelle.  What I do not know is what he is doing here.”

“Visiting his father,” she replied, letting a small smile form on her face.

Her father glanced away from William, turning the glare on her.  She wasn’t frightened though, because no matter how hard her father tried, he couldn’t hide the amusement in his green eye.  “And you followed to what, visit with the king also?”

She lifted one shoulder in indifference, but knew that her father could see passed her façade.  “If it would further your cause.”

A laugh escaped his mouth as he reached towards her and gave her another quick hug.  “I have missed your humor, Annabelle.  Those old men who travel with me couldn't jest if I paid them to do so.”  He pulled away from her once more, but this time, he kept one arm wrapped around her shoulders as he led her into the room.  “The king and I have already come to an understanding.  He needs the goods I bring to his lands, and I need the protection his title brings me.”

He stopped speaking as the two men sitting at the table ahead turned towards them.  Annabelle glanced towards the king, and relaxed as she saw the smile on his face.  Looking towards the other man, Annabelle felt herself tense once more.  His eyes bore through her as if he could sense all her secrets, and at that exact moment, she knew who he was.

“Annabelle, I would like you to meet Ashmore.”

Her father didn’t supply a first name, and despite Annabelle’s curiosity, she would not ask.  Bowing her head slightly, she nodded towards the man.  “I have met your daughter.”

A smile, much like the one Annabelle’s father wore when he looked at her, formed on his face at the mention of his daughter.  “Yes.  She insisted on a visit, no matter how many times I wrote to tell her to wait for my guards.”

“It seems as if we have something in common,” her father said as he smiled towards Annabelle.  “Daughters who do not do as they are told.”

“As if the two of you would have them any other way,” the kind said with a small chuckle as he glanced behind the two of them.  “Now, my son listens to my every word.  Do you not, William?”