Page 33 of Forbidden Desire

Rasmie’s stare darted to the younger man. “What is your interest, brother?”

“I’ve merely come to see the new addition.” He smirked as he regarded me. “I remember the recent advice you gave me about women.”

“Not now, Alban.” Rasmie’s voice was a low growl. “Help our brother with the aviary.”

The younger brother, Alban, rolled his eyes. “I feel sure Jeemie has everything under control.”

“Go now.” Somehow, Rasmie’s voice deepened. “Before I find another role for you.”

Alban’s gaze narrowed, and I braced for whatever conflict was about to ignite, but in the end, the younger man bowed theatrically.

“As you wish, Maighstir.”

The sounds of my ragged breaths filled the air as he marched away.

“What are you going to do with me?”

The other brother had been a distraction, but I was still held hostage in this foreign, unwelcoming place. I needed to devise a way to get me, and Desiree, out of here.

“You will be held safely until I have decided what to do with you.” Rasmie’s concentration remained at the entrance where Alban had departed. “There shall be a trial, and after, my verdict shall be heard.”

“You’re gonna make me marry one of these brutes, aren’t you?” Just like that, his whole insidious plan unraveled in my mind. Desiree had warned me, and Rasmie had more or less confirmed his intentions, but standing here now, the whole thing was too terrible to contemplate. “You’re gonna keep me here as a prisoner?”

“You seem to have a penchant for the dramatic, Elodie.” He turned back to me, his eyes drilling into my face. “Much more than your sister.”

“I want to know the truth!” I demanded.

“I have told it to you,” he countered. “No harm shall come to you while you are in my custody, but you shall learn to behave, and you shall be quiet.”

“The aviary is ready, Maighstir.” Jeemie’s voice floated from the entranceway.

“Turn her.” Rasmie gestured for the two guards gripping at my arms, and unwillingly, my feet moved as they turned me to face the wall.

“What are you doing?” I challenged, attempting to twist and see over my shoulder, but there was little chance while I was flanked by two of his enormous men. Squealing with frustration, I stomped my foot at the noises behind me. I knew whatever this aviary was, I was destined for it, but clearly, Rasmie didn’t want me knowing too much too soon.

“Good,” he said as footsteps echoed around the hall behind me. “On the platform will do—where everyone can see.”

Time passed while I waited, unable to do anything but protest. Eventually, Jeemie’s voice answered.

“It is ready.”

“Thank you, brother.”

I could hear the glee in Rasmie’s reply.

“Do you still wish for the favor you asked of me earlier?” Rasmie’s tone lowered as though some secret was being shared between them.

“You said you needed time to think, Maighstir,” Jeemie responded. “Time to seek guidance.”

“That does not answer my query.”

“Aye.” There was conviction in Jeemie’s tone. “Yes, I still wish for it.”

“What is this?”

I tensed at the third voice, unable to place its owner.

“You have decided something, brother?”

---