Page 40 of Her Dark Seduction
Still unsteady on my feet, I clung to Sawford’s arm as he led me to the dining hall. We walked past the trestle tables while the men stood, watching me in silence until we reached my husband who sat on his ornately carved chair, two empty places either side of him.
“Ah, wife. I’m glad to see you recovered from your—illness.”
I sat beside him, repressing a shudder as his clammy fingers circled my wrist, the nails biting into my skin. A servant approached with a flagon of wine but Sawford waved him away before sitting at Mortlock’s other side.
“Quite so, Sawford,” my husband said. “My wife has had enough of our wine, has she not?”
The company watched us with anticipation, and the men shifted their feet as they stood waiting. My husband cleared his throat.
“I am pleased to tell you my wife has recovered from her illness and can grace us with her presence again.”
A polite ripple threaded through the room.
“I also wish for you to share our joy. Tonight I announce we are soon to be furnished with an heir.”
A cheer rose. Some of the men stamped their feet while others banged their wine cups and tankards on the surface of the tables. I searched their faces, to see if any of them showed recognition, but I saw none. No evidence signaled that Tarvin was in the hall. My gaze rested on Sir Baldwin, the knight Percy had served; but he was engrossed in conversation with Wyatt. At a signal from Mortlock the company sat down. Platters, trenchers and wine cups were filled, and everyone began to eat.
My husband held a piece of meat to my lips.
“I trust you understand, wife, that as you have no more need of my good wine and are now more precious to me than ever, I must assign some of my men to—hmm—protectyou.”
His smile did not reach his eyes. He knew what I’d done with the drugged wine. I looked past him at Sawford, loathing him with every fiber of my being. His betrayal had cost me my only advantage. Rather than trust the drug to keep me docile I would now be guarded. Mortlock ate the stew with gusto while I picked at it with my knife.
He drained his wine, and the red liquid ran down his chin, as Harwyn’s life essence had flooded over her shoulders. As if he saw the image in my mind, he smiled and licked his lips. The slurping smacking sound turned my stomach. I looked away in disgust but not before he caught the expression in my eyes. I flinched as he touched my shoulder, tracing a line with his fingertip across the front of my gown, dipping his finger in the valley between my breasts.
“I am glad you are recovered, wife, for I have missed you. I shall enjoy your company later tonight.”
He stood up, instructing Sawford to return me to my room and send for Celia to prepare me.
