Here She Rules: The Chronicles of Erla: Book 1 (46 page)

XXVIII

Kara wiped the sweat from her brow as she surveyed the scene in front of her. The surviving members of Cassie’s escort party were being rounded up and tended. They had discovered several more bodies and a couple of survivors in some thick brush not too far from the ambush site.

Quinn lay on a pallet in the back of a wagon as bruised and bloodied as the Erlan warriors. They had been trying to make progress towards Erla when Kara’s band of warriors and wagons found them.
 

Kara had dispatched the advance party to load up the dead and return quickly home with them for proper burials. The survivors were being checked by the physicians and were resting to rebuild their strength for the return journey.
 

Kara mounted her horse and called out for a retinue to accompany her as she searched for evidence of Cassie. Her mouth was set in a grim line. She had hoped to have her Commander safely back amongst them by now—even leading the rescue party, perhaps. One of her best scouts walked ahead of them, and after they had followed the trail for some time, Kara dismounted, and leading her horse, she followed the trail.
 
As they progressed, they caught the unmistakable scent of decaying flesh.
 

Kara’s stomach rebelled. It rebelled not only at the smell, but at the fear that it would turn out to be emanating from her friend’s body. As they came around a curve, they found the body of the slain Trevian. Sighing in relief, they sought to put as much distance between themselves and the rotting corpse as possible.
 

Suddenly, a shout rang out behind them, and they swung about as a warrior rode up to them breathlessly.

“Her horse has been found! Lady Kara, the Commander’s horse has been found!” the warrior shouted.
 

Kara and the others wheeled their horses about and made for the camp at a breakneck speed. Kara leapt from the saddle before the horse had come to a stop and ran to Nera’s messenger.

The woman bowed to Kara.

“Her Majesty directed me to tell you that Lady Cassandra’s horse has been recovered by a farmer on the far side of the forest to the south of here. Queen Nera requests that you lead your force in that direction and scour the countryside. Send the wounded and recovered back; my unit will escort them to free you for the search,” the woman said before bowing again.
 

Kara thanked and dismissed the warrior and turned to bark out orders for her warriors to prepare to ride south immediately, unaware that her friend and Commander lay slumbering quite safely on the chest of a Northern prince.

When the woman woke again, it was early afternoon, and she was alone in the big bed.
 

Sitting up carefully, she waited for her head to throb and was pleased when it didn’t. Slipping out of the bed, she moved to the window and looked out into a world of sparkling white. The sun shone softly on the snow which had fallen all morning, giving the world a stark beauty, and she shivered slightly from the chill coming through the glass pane.

“I suppose I must supply you with some sort of clothing, although I must confess I prefer you like this,” Nall’s smooth voice sounded behind her. She spun about to see him close the door behind him as he entered the room.

“I think it may be better if I were clothed when I left these chambers, Your Highness,” she said with a grin.

Nall’s breath caught in his chest as he fought back the urge to throw her back into bed and ravish her thoroughly.

“Indeed! I should hate to have to slay my best men for molesting you,” he said.
 

There was a soft knock at the door, and two maids entered with clothing in their arms.

“My Lord Prince, we have brought clothing for the Lady.” They stood there, watching him expectantly, and Nall realized they wished him to leave in order to so dress her. She turned and grinned broadly at him.

“I believe that is a hint, Highness,” she said cheekily, and Nall shot her a look before striding towards the door.

“I believe I can take a hint. I will return shortly, My Lady,” he said before bowing and leaving the room.
 

The maids fussed with the Lady for some time—dressing her and fixing her hair. When they were finished, she looked into the mirror and nodded, pleased with their work. They had dressed her in a soft woolen gown of fine craftsmanship in hunter green, with lighter green embroidery. The cut and color flattered her figure and coloring, and she felt sure that the Prince was behind the wardrobe choice. Soft suede ankle boots warmed her feet, and they had pulled the top half of her hair away from her face and caught it up in a jeweled clasp.
 

She turned to face Nall as he re-entered the room, and his appreciative smile warmed her more deeply than the clothing or the fire.

“I see it all fits you rather well, My Lady.” Nall came forward and lifted her hand to his lips.
 

Her stomach trembled at the warmth of his touch. Her attraction for him was shining in her eyes, and once again, Nall had to fight down the urge to crush her in his arms.
 

“We shall have to decide upon a name for you. Have you thought on it at all?” She frowned slightly and bit her lower lip, causing Nall’s loins to tighten with desire.

“I haven’t thought about it at all to tell you the truth. I suppose it would simplify things if I had a name . . .” she replied, laughing lightly. “I was hoping someone would recognize me and save you the trouble of caring for me.” Her eyes sparkled into his.

“I assure you it is no trouble to care for you. In fact, it seems to come quite naturally.” His conscience smote him again. She lifted her hand and caressed his face. Her eyes focused on his full lips, and Nall leaned down, giving her full access to his mouth.
 

Abruptly, she stepped back.

“Forgive me, My Lord. I seem to lose all self-restraint when I am around you. It is rather embarrassing.”

“Please do not apologize for that; I am having the same problem myself,” he replied, straightening.

“You will have to help me choose a name, My Lord. I am afraid I don’t know where to begin,” she said. Nall was still for a while, discounting the obvious choices that sprang to his mind. He didn’t dare suggest her true name for fear it would trigger her memory.

“I have always liked the name ‘Fara.’ What do you think? There is a legend in my country about a woman with this name, and it has been my favorite growing up. It means ‘joyous one.’”
 

“It’s beautiful! I love it,” she instantly replied, smiling up at him.
 

“Would you care to have a tour of your new home?” he asked. Her face brightened and she nodded. “Then allow me to escort you, my lovely Fara.”
 

Guilt ran a familiar course through his mind and heart as she slipped her arm through his and allowed him to lead her through the room and into the Great Hall. Servants and slaves nodded respectfully as they passed. Nall was animated as he pointed out the comforts and beauties of the lodge.

“Would you like to go outside?” he asked. “The snowfall has ceased, and the sun is out. It is quite beautiful.” Fara smiled widely.

“Oh, yes! Let’s,” she responded eagerly.
 

Nall called for a slave to bring her a cloak, and then he settled it upon her shoulders. Fara stroked the soft fur lining as Nall secured the clasp.
 

“You treat me as gently as a baby, My Lord. You will spoil me,” she said, happily looking up and into his eyes.

“That is my intention, Lady. I wish to have you so spoiled that you would not ever think of leaving my side.” He met her eyes, and they softened as she looked at him.
 

Pulling some woolen mittens on her hands, he escorted her out into the courtyard. The sun glinting off the snow was blinding, and it took several minutes for their eyes to adjust.
 

Fara cocked her head to the side as she caught the sound of metal on metal in the distance.

“What is that sound, My Lord?” she asked.

“My men are training, Lady. This fort is an outpost for Serlenn, and we must safeguard the King’s interests,” he said.

“Tell me of your father, Nall. Will I meet him soon?” she asked as she looked up at him.
 

A sudden breeze whipped his long white hair into his face, and she reached up to brush it aside. Before releasing all of it, she rubbed some of the silky strands between her fingers.

“My father is King Nyles.” He searched her eyes intently for signs of recognition, and, thankfully, he saw none. “I do not expect to return to the Capital until the spring, and he does not come here often, so I am not sure when I will have the pleasure of introducing you to him.”
 

He smiled to cover his discomfort at the lies he was telling her. Nall had no intention of letting the two of them meet; his father would have no compunction about telling her exactly who she was and returning her to Erla.

“Well, that is disappointing, but I believe I can resign myself to the company of his son.” She crinkled her nose at him, and he laughed shortly.

“We all have our loads to bear,” he said and she smiled at him again.
 

They walked on in companionable silence for a time. For her part, the continuous sound of the swordplay in the distance rippled through her mind—a snatch of a memory which she tried desperately to grasp. It tickled her insides and made her stomach ache.
 

“Is something the matter?” he asked, seeing her slight frown.

“No, nothing. I just wish I could remember,” she answered with a sad sigh and forced smile. Nall took her hand, removed her mitten, and kissed the back of her hand.

“It will come. Don’t force it. If it doesn’t, do not be afraid. I will always protect you and care for you. From the moment I saw you, I felt that we belonged together.” Her eyes widened at his passionate words. She was in shock. They had only just met and he was admitting feelings in a way which was tantamount to professing his love.

“My Lord, I don’t know what to say . . .” She looked at him with troubled eyes. “I cannot deny I am drawn to you, and certainly I am attracted to you. I feel so safe when you are with me, but everything is so strange right now, and it is all happening so fast! I don’t know what to think or feel.” Nall smiled sadly at her words and turned away.
 

Fara’s heart lurched at the knowledge that she had caused him pain. She wanted him to smile and flirt with her again. She did not want not want him to continue standing there, looking so wounded.
 

What
did
she feel for this man?

“Nall, I do know I want you with me. I want to be able to touch you and be with you . . .” Her voice trailed off uncertainly.
 

Nall turned back to her and searched her eyes. Seeing the warmth there, he smiled again and she launched herself into his arms, intent on kissing away the pain she had caused. Their lips met, and they both sighed in delight as Nall pulled her flush against him, and she buried her hands in his hair.
 

Pulling back, she looked deeply into his midnight blue eyes and said, “I think it would not be so bad to spend all of my days by your side, My Lord Prince.” In response, he buried his face in her neck and squeezed her tightly to him. “Nall! You are crushing me!” she sputtered and laughed.

“Sorry, beautiful Fara, but you have overwhelmed me with your affection,” he said, grinning playfully.
 

Nall released her reluctantly, and she took his arm again as they continued their walk. He acknowledged the warriors they passed when they bowed to him, and Fara smiled at them.

Something about the men dressed in their training clothes tickled her memory also.

“Nall, the men in their fighting clothes seem so familiar. It tugs at me. I wonder if I could have been a warrior of some sort?” she asked and looked up at him quizzically.
 

Nall’s face tightened slightly.

“Fara, women are not fighters in my father’s lands. Perhaps it was a male relative—a father or brother?” He swallowed tightly around the lie as she frowned slightly and nodded.

“You are probably right. Oh, no! Nall, what if I am married?” Her eyes met his in alarm. “What if I have a husband and children somewhere?” Her voice rose and trembled with the words. Her fear-struck eyes met his frantically.

“Be calm, my love. You bear no ring of marriage, and there were no marks of childbirth on your body. I believe it is safe to assume you have no husband, nor any children.” He rubbed her hand soothingly and watched the fear recede from her eyes. Fara laughed suddenly.

“It would be very inconvenient to be married to another when I have such desire for you, Your Highness,” she quipped.

“Really? ‘Such desire’ is it? I believe this is a subject we need to explore further, My Lady. Perhaps this evening in my chambers?” He sent a hot, wicked look her way and chills shot through her; she could feel her nipples tighten from something other than the cold.