The Princess and the Protector

Part 3

"Nice of you to join us this lovely evening." A voice made Ashley turn, making vain an attempt of a discreet arrival. The courtyard was empty, signifying an affirmative departure, yet there he was. Jonathan Sinclair's silhouette sat at the edge of a long oak table. "I've sent Monika up. She took to bed early. Nathaniel took the carriage home. Says he'll catch up after Archery at dawn." Ashley moved away from the door. "I see. Then what are you still doing here?" furthering her steps, she gave her ex not a single glance as she searched for candles to replace. Nonchalant, he watched her.

"What's in the bag?"

"It was for the kids."

"Apple pie. Of course. Its their favourite thanks to us. Remember when-"

Ashley's face shot up, "Sinclair. Dont give me all that. I know thats not what you're here for. What do you want?"

Sinclair paused. "To take your hand again."

Ashley froze, then proceeded to tend her task. "Jonathan-"

"I know about Mark."

She froze again. This time her statue stood, more elongated and in more shock. The words echoed into her head and a weight pressed onto her shoulder blades as she exhaled, bleary eyed. Sinclair rose from the end of the murky hall like a predator closing in on its prey. Slowly, Ashley turned, with her heart in her hands. She confronted his craggy face, with eyes beclouded by dark brown hair. He gazed at her face, and as his eyes met hers, it spoke her greatest fear. She was upon a man with a face of a saint. Loved by the public and praised for its charm, only surfacing the dirty deeds done by the one inside. Veiled beyond the façade was an imperious man, a mercenary. One who would do anything to satiate its hunger for control. He lifted her chin with his fingertips. At the verge of tears, Ashley pushed the words out of her blistered throat. "He's your friend." Sinclair tilted his head but kept eye contact , squinting , Bet.