FOREVER KNIGHTS: #17 Marked As Mine

Feglen Forest, Dread Country

MARDICHI

Mardichi paced Feglen Forest. Needing some fresh air to cool his ardor. Watching the lovely movements of his wife as she walked the castle. Her graceful stroll rocking full hips. Or embroidering near a fire in the Main Room. He was consumed by the way her womanly hands worked the needle with careful precision.

Like they maneuvered my flesh.

Since that brief contact with her body in her chamber his body was heated with a flame he couldn’t squelch.

A man had bumped into him in the Main Hall and jerked back startled. “Good Gad Man! Do you run a fever?”

Mardichi had only glowered at him and stalked sullenly from the room. Glimpsing Zuriena tossing him a quick look.

Damn her! He swore.

Submit to me. He thought in frustration.

“You have to calm.” A familiar voice said as Sebastian stepped from the denser trees.

Mardichi tossed him a withering glare.

“You’re going to burn the whole of Feglen down if you do not.”

“I’m high tempted to burn yonder castle to cinders to escape my torment.” He gestured.

“Torment is not the word.” Bast said.

“You’re making me lusty with the hunger in your demanding thoughts.” Bast said.

“I am sorry.” Mardichi gave him an apologetic look. “I hadn’t known I summoned ye.”

“Ye’re distressed. Perhaps not the manner I can help with, but I sensed it just the same. Can ye quench ye’re thirst with another wench?” Bast suggested tentatively.

“Would another wench quench ye’re need for that valkyrie.” He gestured agitatedly.

“Never.” Bast admitted.

Mardichi gave a decisive nod.

“Then I’d suggest you cast aside ye’re honor, Brother.” Bast said thoughtfully.

“Ravish her?” Mardichi paused as he mulled it over.

“Nay!” Bast cried in horror. “Are you considering it?”

“Not ’til now.”

“No.” Bast shook his head furiously. “I meant seduce her ruthlessly. Touch her in passing. Lean around her. Be devious in your tempting.”

Mardichi’s eyes lit. “If that doesn’t work?”

“Ravish her.” Bast chuckled in jesting. He saw Mardichi wasn’t laughing. “I am kidding.”

Mardichi nodded slowly.

Unconvincingly.

“Don’t ravish her.”

“I was raised a barbarian.” He reminded.

“You’re not one now!” Bast argued. “You once told me you left that life because they were without honor.”

“I did.” He agreed.

“You are not. Honor your wife. Just be ruthless in your seduction.”

“I can be ruthless.”

Bast grimaced. “In your seduction.” He reminded.

Mardichi gave him a long look.

I’m not helping. Bast slowly backed from the clearing. “Where is Norris?”

“At the Buck’s Bell.”

“I’ll send him to the castle. I think perhaps you need some reminder of humanity. I feel as though I just did the opposite.”

“I need some ale.” Mardichi grumbled.

“I’ll have him bring some.” Bast waved a staying hand. “Just don’t go back in.”

“Norris.” Bast murmured. Running down to the Buck’s Bell.

“Mardichi!” He called in the Main Room. Knowing the barbarian would hear him from anywhere in the castle.

“What?” Mardichi bellowed down the stairs.

“Are you behaving a barbarian?” Norris called up. Heedless as to who he disrupted.

“Not yet.” He said dangerously.

Zuriena was sitting near the fire again tonight. A wrap encircling her shoulders.

Where my arms should be. Mardichi thought viciously.

“Oh…” Norris saw the look on his face. “Come down a bit. Dinner is about ready.”

“Is she going?” He gestured to her near the fire.

“No.” She shook her head to toss hair from her face. Glancing at Norris but refusing to look at Mardichi.

Her husband.

“Come down.” Norris said coaxingly. Mouthing, “I’ll talk to her.”

Mardichi came down and leaned against the banister sullenly.

“Raven,” Norris sat in a wooden chair opposite her and leaned forward. Resting his elbows on his thighs.

“What?” Only her eyes lifted.

“Please join us for the evening meal.”

She eyed him warily.

“You’re in a castle. Safe and warm. Far from the hazards of the woods and amongst the villains. I’m certain with them you were always watching your back…”

She lowered the embroidery to her lap.

“Don’t let him destroy a stay in a castle for you.” He gestured around them. “How often have you lived as a lady. Servants waiting on you. Endless cups of well-made tea.” He gestured to the half full cup next to her.

Her face relaxed some as she took in his words.

Norris’ gaze flicked to Mardichi whom he was sure heard every word. The black look on his face bespeaking how he felt about Norris telling her to ignore him.