Page 15 of A Crown Without Mercy

“If you’re comfortable, I would like to hear the rest.”

“The one who was holding me felt his around way around my body while the one who had Calista shoved her legs apart and untied the laces on his trousers. I will never forget the look in Calista’s eyes and how she cried without making a sound. When I think about the incident, I still smell the way they reeked of body odor and cheap ale, their soiled, tattered clothing, and the sounds of the rain pounding on the roof. I don’t know what came over me, but I broke the binds. The next thing I remember, Calista and I were standing over their dead bodies.”

“They didn’t force themselves on you then?”

“No. Thankfully, he didn’t get the chance. Unfortunately, I didn’t act soon enough to save Calista.”

“I am truly sorry, Sylvana. I don’t remember this being brought before the Guild? Their clan would have been hunted down.”

It is not like my father could bring two frozen corpses before the Guild,she thought. “The last thing Calista and I wanted, or needed was to go into detail in front of the Guild and be forced to recount the incident. Our father never questioned our decision, and he and our brother disposed of their bodies.”

“Your father is Kadric Orfaedo?”

“Yes. You know of him?”

“Only by reputation. He is a well-respected warrior.”

“Off the subject. Why did you decide to escort me home?” she asked curiously.

“I’m intrigued.”

“Intrigued?” she repeated.

“Yes. You have captured my interest,” he admitted lightheartedly.

It took twice as long as it normally did to reach the edge of her manor. It was obvious he was not in a rush to get her home.

Sylvana motioned for Nicolai to stop. “This is it.”

“I assume you would like to head the rest of the way alone?” he asked.

“Yes. I don’t want to wake anyone. They have to be up early.”Hell, the last thing I need is for Alaric to see Nicolai.

“As you wish.” He dismounted Rana and stood next to her.

“Thank you for seeing me home.”

“Until we meet again.” Nicolai winked, gently squeezed her thigh, and then disappeared into the darkness.

Chapter 3

Alaricpacedbackandforth, awaiting Sylvana’s return for what seemed like hours, when a shadow appeared from the tree line.It’s about damn time,he thought. He mounted his stallion and met her midway. “Where have you been?”

“Damn, Alaric. You know where I was.”

“I don’t want you traveling alone again at night. You should have sent word. I would have come for you. Not to mention you have rarely been this late. Did something happen?”

Sylvana squinted her eyes. “No. Now stop.”

“Then why are you so late?”

“It was busy there today.”

“I’m curious why you rode home without your saddle?Shit.“There wasn’t anyone in the stable, and I just didn’t have time to look for it in the dark.”

“So, who’s this friend of yours?”

“What friend?”

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