Chapter 5
Anna walked quickly along the cold passages of the stone castle, eager to reach her chambers where a fire would be blazing. But despite the cold, she felt more invigorated and alive than she had in a long time. For a moment, all her cares had been forgotten as she rolled clumps of snow in gloved hands and threw them at Keira and Garrick. She had seen the shock in Garrick’s face when Keira threw the first snowball, but it had only taken a moment for him to lose his inhibitions around his Lady, returning as many volleys as he received. Anna had noticed Garrick watching her, and she knew that he liked her. It amused her to think that she had an admirer, although Garrick was just a boy, even younger than herself. Certainly not someone to be mistrustful around, with his boyish looks and ungainly limbs.
Anna pushed open the door to her chambers, grateful to feel the warmth that had spread from the blazing hearth. A fur pelt lay on the floor beside her bed, and pulling off her damp boots and stockings, Anna sunk her toes into the thick pile with a sigh of pleasure. Plucking the ties of her gown free, she slid the wet garment off her shoulders, allowing it to fall in a heap around her ankles. The damp had also soaked through her chemise, and she went to stand in front of the fire, turning slowly in an effort to dry the thin garment. Her hair had started coming loose from her braid, and tugging the ribbons free, she used her fingers as a comb to separate the damp strands, reluctant to leave the warmth of the fire to fetch the hairbrush next to her bed.
She had warmed up slightly when she finally moved away from the flames and headed over to the large chest that stood in the corner of the room, in which her gowns were neatly folded. A pink gown of fine wool lay near the top of the chest, and she pulled it out quickly, before hurrying back to the fire and pulling the garment over her head. The cloth was cold after being in the chest, and she shivered as it settled over her frame. A pair of slippers had been placed near the fire, and she pulled these onto her bare feet, grateful that they were a little warmer than the gown had been. With deft movements she twisted her hair into a braid and secured it once more with a ribbon, before leaving the room and heading in the direction of the solar.
As she neared the room, she could hear Aaron and Keira’s voices through the door, but a third voice made her pause. It was a man’s voice, but not Thomas. A visitor, maybe? The door was slightly ajar, and pushing it open with her hand, she entered the room, pausing once more when she saw the stranger sitting in a chair directly across from the doorway. She barely heard Aaron speaking as she stared at the man slowly rising to his feet, his gaze locked on hers. A slight smile played around his mouth, while his eyes held a challenge that Anna could not decipher. Perhaps it was the bold stare, or the challenging smile, or the graceful way he pulled himself up to his full height, but whatever it was, Anna felt a wave of dislike for this stranger sweep over her. She stared back at him, her eyes narrowing as his smile grew wider, taunting her, as though he were fully aware of the immediate, intense and irrational reaction towards him. The smile was meant just for her, she knew that straight away, a silent communication between them, and she disliked him even more for it. And she knew, with unerring instinct, that despite his appearance of youth, this was no inexperienced boy who could easily be dismissed. This person standing before her was the fulfillment of her deepest fears. A man who could easily gain mastery and control over any woman he chose. This knowledge was based on intuition, rather than rational thought – all she knew in that moment was that she hated him.
As though speaking from far away, Aaron’s voice addressed her.
“Anna, this is Max.”
“Max?” With an effort Anna pulled her gaze away from the man standing before her, but not before she saw his lips twist with arrogant humor.
“Yes. Max Brant. He will be staying at Storbrook as our guest.”
“I see.” Anna nodded as she turned back to the guest. “Max.”
“Anna.” He was still staring at her, and she dragged her eyes away, biting her lip. Her name rolled off his tongue with an air of familiarity which she immediately resented, but before she could think of an adequate retort, he was speaking again. “I saw you playing in the snow earlier today,” he said. His words made her glance back at him. Was he laughing at her?
“Yes,” she said. She sat down on one of the chairs near Keira, who was watching their exchange in silence.
“You looked like you were having fun.” This time she met his gaze with narrowed eyes. He was definitely taunting her.
“Tell me,” she said, “how long will you be visiting Storbrook?”
Once again Max grinned at her, but it was Aaron who answered.
“As long as he wishes.”
“I see.” Anna turned to Keira. “When do you wish to start decorating?” she asked. Keira opened her mouth to respond, but before she said anything, Max was speaking again.
“Why do I get the feeling you wish me gone, Anna?” he asked. Out the corner of her eye, Anna could see both Keira and Aaron look at Max in surprise.
“I have no idea,” she said. “Just stay well away from me, and I’m sure we will get along famously!”
Beside her Keira gasped softly.
Max’s smile widened as he considered Anna. “Well, that shouldn’t be a problem. I have no desire to keep company with a shrew!”
Anna’s eyes narrowed again as she rose to her feet. “And I don’t fancy being burned by a dragon!”
Max took a few steps forward, closing the distance between them until he stood right before her. “Perhaps, darling, a little burning is exactly what you need! You might even enjoy it!”
Anna’s pulled her hand back, and it flew through the air to land on Max’s cheek with a resounding slap. He didn’t move, but his expression turned mocking.
“Is that all you’ve got?”
Anna gasped, and spinning on her heel, walked away from him and towards the doorway. She had only gone a few steps when she paused, then turning, stalked back to Max, stopping a few inches away as she poked her finger into his chest.
“Don’t ever calling me ‘darling’ again,” she ground out, then turning once more, marched out of the room. Her legs were trembling as she walked, while her hands shook with rage. The arrogance! The insolence!
Aaron’s voice rang from the room, his words making Anna stop in the passage to listen. “Max! Just what game do you think you’re playing?”
“Do you always allow your guests to be treated with such rudeness?” she heard Max respond.
“She’s a young girl, and you certainly played your part in provoking her,” Aaron said.
“That is no young girl,” Max said. “That is a young woman who needs to grow up.”
Anna turned away with a scowl and stalked down the passage in the direction of her room.
She hastened her flight when she heard footsteps behind her, and Keira called out her name. Anna was already at her chambers when Keira caught up.
“Anna! Just what do you think you are doing? How can you be so rude?”
“Me, rude? Did you hear how he was talking to me? That is the most arrogant, conceited man I have ever met!”
“Max is here as our guest and is a member of Aaron’s clan. No matter how he provokes you, you need to treat him with courtesy. You cannot allow him to goad you into unwomanly behavior, Anna.”
“Fine,” Anna snapped, before closing the door in Keira’s face. On the other side of the door she heard Keira’s footsteps fade away, and she sunk down on her bed. There was no excuse for her behavior, and she was completely mortified. It was no wonder that Aaron considered her a child when she could not even control her reaction to a stranger. But just the remembrance of his cool arrogance and mocking smile had her grinding her teeth in annoyance. Somehow, she had to remain civil to this rude stranger, but for the life of her, she had no idea how.
Glossary of Terms
The setting for this story is the Medieval period or the High Middle Ages, which covers roughly
the time period from AD 1000 to 1300. In the course of the story I have used terms that not everyone is familiar with. Below is an explanation of these terms.
Bower – a private study or sitting room for the lady of the house.
Cabinet – a study or library.
Carol – a dance (not a song) where everyone holds hands and dances in a circle.
Doublet – a tight-fitting jacket that buttons up the front.
Great Hall – a multi-purpose room for receiving guests, conducting business, eating meals, and when necessary, sleeping.
Kirtle – a gown worn over a chemise and laced across the front, side or back.
Reeve – an overseer of a town, reporting to the local lord. (In this story, Aaron Drake is referred to as ‘milord’, a title used for someone of superior social standing. However, he is not the lord of the district, and the reeve does not report to him.) The word ‘sheriff’ comes from the word reeve. The reeve carries a white stick as a symbol of his authority.
Solar – a private sitting room used by family and close friends. The word solar does not refer to the sun, but rather to the fact that the room has sole or private use.
Tunic – a garment pulled over the head that reaches around mid-thigh. It is worn over a shirt and cinched at the waist with a belt.
A note about meals. During the Early and High Middle Ages, the entire household typically ate meals together. There were only two meals a day, although the working classes would usually eat something small, such as a piece of bread, when they first arose and before they started working. The first meal, called dinner, was served at around 11 a.m. and was the larger meal, with numerous courses. A second meal was served in the late afternoon.
Other Books in the Dragon Archives
Books in The Dragon Archives series:
Book II: Loved by a Dragon
Book III: Dance with a Dragon
Book IV: Forever a Dragon
Pursued by a Dragon: A Prequel
Facing a Dragon: A novella is a free ebook for subscribers only
For more information about these books go to www.lindakhopkins.com. May sure you sign up to receive free access to short stories not available anywhere else (including Facing the Dragon, which covers the time period between Books III and IV), updates about new books and a chance to enter into prize draws. You can also connect with Linda on Facebook.
Acknowledgements
Where would we be without friends and family? Cathy, through many, many years you have always believed in me. What would I do without you to share my dreams and disappointments with? Lynn, thank you for walking this journey with me, and Belinda, your support and encouragement have meant so much! Thanks must also go to Matthew Godden, my amazing editor, who has patiently and gently helped me improve my book. And of course, my wonderful family. Claye, I cannot express enough gratitude for your support as I have chased my dreams, and Kristin and Bethany, you are the best girls in the world!
The greatest thanks, however, goes to God who gave me both my imagination and a love of writing. Without him, I am nothing.
About the Author
Linda K. Hopkins lives in Calgary, Canada, in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains, with her husband and two daughters, but originally hails from South Africa, with a few years in England in-between. When she’s not hanging with her family, Linda loves to read (preferably with a cup of coffee and a square of dark chocolate) and traveling.
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