Part 4
With her frail body wrapped in his quilt, Nickolas carried Samantha to the chateau. As he ascended the stairs to Lord Alexander’s chambers, he was met by the second lord.
A much kinder master, he gave Nickolas a gentle smile as he pulled the blanket back. “Who is this?”
Clearly not afraid, the younger man answered, “She and her husband wandered up…lost and hungry. Her husband begged for a meal and shelter for the night, so she could rest. I told him about the town and agreed to care for her but that he had to leave…that he wasn’t safe here. Lord Alexander came to the cottage and I was afraid.”
“Did he see them?”
“Just her. I shoved her husband into my wardrobe but he knew.”
“Where is Alex now?”
“I assume in his chambers. He ordered me to take her there.”
“He’s not there.” Looking at the woman in Nickolas’ arms, he was captivated by her beauty and he knew what Lord Alexander wanted but he couldn’t let that happen. Feeling her forehead, he knew she was ill and needed to be cared for. “Take her to my chambers.”
“But….couldn’t she be the one?” questioned Nickolas.
“She’s married so it’s doubtful.” As she began to cough, he brushed her hair back for her. “Even if she were, she’d never survive what must be done.”
From a distant room at the top of the stair, a menacing voice called, “NICKOLAS!”
“Have you got his meal ready?”
“In the cottage but Lord Alexander….”
“Go now,” instructed Lord Howard as he took the bundle from his arms. “I’ll take her.”
“Thank you,” replied Nickolas gratefully for he too had been captivated by her beauty. As he started to leave, he turned back. “Sire, what will happen to her?”
“She’ll be safe, Nickolas,” reassured Howard.
