Dryden's bride

[DeliciousMaiden]

Sian gasped, as the a man was all but thrown through the door to land on his knees, but it wasn’t until a confident, powerful man strode through the door that she felt Hugh draw her closer to him as she stared wordlessly on at the dagger being held to the first man’s throat.

"Please excuse our clumsy entry. I had hoped for an invitation but instead we had to coax this young man to tell where his mistress was."

Sian shuddered at the ironic tone her eyes meeting those of the man upon the ground … a young squire who had ever been loyal to the family.
Belatedly she realised that Hugh had moved himself in front of her in an attempt to prevent Sian’s sight of the begging man and the Baron’s sight of her.

"My dear Hugh … enough poor men have died today - your own forces are now defeated, many have died - would you want another innocent to die?"

Sian gasped as she noticed the dagger in Hugh’s hand.
Was this the rival they had spoken of? The man who would stop at nothing to ….

"What do you mean by this?"

The isolated wedding hall now seemed to be teeming with bodies, or so it seemed to Sian.
The quiet solemnity had now been replaced by chaos.

"I mean to put a halt to this pathetic ceremony and to claim Castle Clairmont as part of my demesne. It has, always been rightfully mine.."

It seemed those around her voiced Sian’s protests for her.
She looked to Hugh for explanation, clarification.
It seemed impossible that one who had just proclaimed himself her enemy could merely stand unchallenged in the great hall!

"My Lady … A pleasure to make your acquiantance."

Sian met the eyes, eyes to which that avaricious smile did not reach and shuddered.

"Now, how far had this travesty progressed? Have you joined these two?"

Hugh’s response took her by surprise.

"It is over … We are married. The lands of the Lady and my own are joined."

As one they stood against him, she giving no contradiction to the statement that would surely save them.

"Sir, for your sake I hope your words are bravado for if it is so then the Lady Tudor - or Mistress Dryden - is to become widowed rather soon.”

The calmly issued death threat chilled Sian to the core, yet it was the priest who confessed the true state of the interrupted union.

"Splendid! I see we're not too late. Take Dryden. Find the dungeon."

Before she could protest, her bridegroom had surrendered his weapon and was being taken away.

"I will decide what to do with you later - but hear me well, Hugh Dryden. If you try to organise some plot against me from your cell, or should you escape - which, by the way, if he does there will be hangings and torture for the curs that let him - then the Lady Sian will, unfortunately, meet a sad end and her lands will be plundered until every last stone will not stand on another. Do you understand?"

She flinched at the threat held in his words. It seemed that in minutes everything had changed. The wedding she had dreaded, the agreed to was no longer and now Hugh and even she were totally at this man’s mercy…

"Now, my Lady … perhaps I should be at your side and let the good Churchman join us in matrimony, eh?"

The step back she took was involuntary as was the revulsion clearly evident on her face.

"No, fear not. I'm not a monster,"

The reassurance did not convince her.
Every word, every aspect of his behaviour since he had burst into the hall proved otherwise.

"I won't force you to be my bride."

The quiet arrogance of the words did nothing to allay Sian's fears, yet she forced herself not to recoil as the Baron's hand moved to stroke her hair.
She dared not antagonize him, for Hugh’s sake as well as her own, yet she felt sick with fear.

"Shall we adjourn to the great chamber? See what my new servants are like at making food fit for a Baron and his guests?"

Sian made no move to accompany him.

"I especially asked my men to ensure the domestic servants were spared. I try not to damage that which is useful to me."

To Sian, his words carried a thinly veiled threat.
As long as she was “useful” she would not be “damaged” … but should that change ….
She shuddered barely noticing that the squire had been sent off to set the stables to rights.

For a long moment she stood staring in mute horror at the man who now expected her to sit down at table with him. She looked around for assistance, yet Hugh and Wolf and even the Duchess were no longer anywhere to be seen. From beyond the door came the laughter of a group of men in response to a woman’s screams. Men not from her father’s household, men in the Baron’s pay, men who obviously lacked control and respect where women were concerned. And so when the Baron gestured for her to go with him into the chamber, Sian had no choice but to obey. With a last agonised look in the direction Hugh had been taken, she allowed herself to be directed through her own house by a man whose only goal was to possess her lands … though at that moment she could not guess whether his ambitions ran to possessing her also …

 

[chris2c4u]

The Baron looked around the Great Hall, which remained largely undamaged. The fire still burned in the new chimmney rather than at his more old fashioned keep at Durham, where it still burned in the centre of the hall. He pulled out a heavy oaken chair from the long refectory table that stood slightly raised along one wall. He smiled at Sian.

"I'm sorry it is not quite the wedding breakfast you might have hoped for - however, I think your nuptials were rather hastily arranged so perhaps you didn't expect anything." He laughed to himself. "Sit," he said, simply, a man used to being obeyed.

A servant rather nervously appeared and came to them and the Baron ordered small beer and cold meats. He sat back, seemingly completely relaxed. The sounds of pillage gradually died away outside and a few soldiers came to report, including Captain Jacquard, who looked at the young woman beside his Lord and blinked in admiration at her beauty.

"Sir, the men are gathered, the bodies are being buried. Most of the fires are out and the castle is secure."

The Baron nodded and asked his captain to join him at the table. They discussed the mechanics of rule, of the treasury of the castle and its contents.

Manderville looked over at Sian. "Who is the Keeper of the Treasury? Can he be summoned?"

He looked back at his captain, asking for an inventory of the castle to be made. "Also the lands. The Rentals need to be found." Again he looked over at Sian. "Your help will be invaluable. I expect we might be able to squeeze more out of the villains, even the Freemen who rent lands of the Manors." He licked his thin lips eagerly like a dog anticipating the marrow of a bone.

Turning back to Jacquard he instructed that men be sent out to inform the leading landowners nearby that they would soon be visited by the Baron, the new holder of the lands. He did not bother saying that he expected loyalty to his cause and those he supported. The time would come for those political matters when he met them and decided who he could trust and who not.

"Have the Lady Tudor's guardian brought up from the dungeons. He must be persuaded to tell us what he knows about the loyaly of the leading families." Again he turned to Sian.

"Tell me - is there a torture chamber here? It is no matter, the subject is not meet for a noblewoman. We shall find it - or the matter can easily be improvised." He laughed and the sound echoed from the thinly occupied room. Jacquard gave a smile but his eyes met those of Sian briefly before he looked quickly away.

The Baron's eyes lit up. "I have an idea, M'Lady. It would perhaps bring confidence to the people nearby if I should ride out among them. I will do so tomorrow to the nearest village. You will accompany me - to show continuity, that you are still among them - for now. A splendid idea, don't you think? Ah! Now here is our food."

Jacquard remained with them and ate, joining in the toasts his Baron made and stealing glances and a little conversation with the Lady Sian. He wondered what would become of her.

Having discussed matters of grasping more from the estate, the Baron left Lady Tudor in the company of his captain for a while as he and a bodyguard surveyed the castle with the chamberlain. He left matters of business for a while and looked in at the chapel - though even here his eye was taken by the plate of gold and silver.

He brought the priest to say a prayer of celebration for the "restitution" of the lands with his own. He did not tell the man of God that his Latin was passable to ensure that the priest did not try to pass off a call for damnation for prayer of joy but the young man uttered a suitable homily.

"Go, find my captain Jacquard in the great hall and the Lady Tudor. Give them a blessing and tell the captain to gather the men for a short service." He laid a bony hand on the young man's habit. "I am not an ungodly man, Cleric. Though - needs must that certain actions have to be taken in the world of men."

The cleric nodded, his adam's apple bobbed in his neck and he said, "Yes, M'Lord though - mercy is prudent for a conquerer," he added, a fearful look in his eye. To his surprise, the Baron smiled.

"I see you are to be my conscience. Perhaps I will call you Becket." He laughed and dismissed the young man.

He continued his tour with the old chamberlain, reaching the bedchambers. The largest was used seldom, the old man explained, as the Lady Sian was single and the Duke and Dutchess preferred to be near her.

"Have the Lady Tudor's bed moved into here," he said, looking at the rather musty four poster, hung with somewhat delapidated yellow cloth curtains. "Also have someone change and air the master bed. Make sure a fire is set."

The chamberlain nodded and turned a beady and disapproving eye on his new master.

"The Lady must be protected from those who might try and do her harm. There will be a guard set on the room and I will sleep in here tonight. With her."

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

"I'm sorry it is not quite the wedding breakfast you might have hoped for - however, I think your nuptials were rather hastily arranged so perhaps you didn't expect anything."

Sian met his eyes trying to mask her dislike for the man. He knew! Knew about the arrangement and that the marriage had been arranged to safe guard her lands.

"Sit,"

This was no gallant invitation, rather an order that Sian could not refuse. Mutely she did as she was bidden and seated herself at the heavy table and remained silent as the Baron ordered beer and cold meats, secretly seething that he should Lord it over the table in HER home!

The arrival of the Captain was welcome relief. Sian lowered her eyes and toyed with the platter set before her. She had tried to shut out the sounds beyond the room, but now found herself drawn to listen to the report the captain gave.

"Sir, the men are gathered, the bodies are being buried.
Most of the fires are out and the castle is secure."

She blanched at the mention of bodies. So many good men had died that day despite her agreement to wed Hugh and in turn give them protection.
If only the wedding had been hastened …
If only she had realised …
She blinked the tears away as she raised her head once more realising belatedly that the Captain was to share their meal.
She hoped he had not seen, she did not want to show weakness to those who were obviously her enemy.

"Who is the Keeper of the Treasury? Can he be summoned?"

Sian blinked and looked across at her captor unsure what she had been asked, but his attention was upon the Captain once more.

"Also the lands. The Rentals need to be found."

It was all moving too fast. This was not a nightmare that would go away! This man was determined to take ownership, to take the place of her Father … of Hugh …

”Your help will be invaluable. I expect we might be able to squeeze more out of the villains, even the Freemen who rent lands of the Manors."

The protest died on her lips as she watched him turn away from her, assuming her compliance. Nothing in her limited experience could have prepared her for this. Her lands, her people, those she knew and loved … all were at risk … and she had never even realised people could be so greedy, so evil!

"Have the Lady Tudor's guardian brought up from the dungeons.
He must be persuaded to tell us what he knows about the loyalty of the leading families."

Wolf …. Wolf was in the dungeons!?!
Sian’s blood ran cold, then turned to ice at the mention of a torture chamber…

"… It is no matter, the subject is not meet for a noblewoman.
We shall find it - or the matter can easily be improvised."

The laughter filled the room and sickened Sian.
Incredulously she glanced at the Captain before lowering her eyes and fixing them upon the table before her and willing herself not to react.

"I have an idea, M'Lady. It would perhaps bring confidence to the people nearby if I should ride out among them. I will do so tomorrow to the nearest village. You will accompany me - to show continuity that you are still among them - for now. A splendid idea, don't you think?”

She did not even raise her eyes to his in response, a fact that went unnoted by Manderville as their food arrived to distract him.

Though Sian knew that she could not have an ally in the Captain, she was relieved by his presence at the table. If only she could avoid being alone in the Baron’s company, she could perhaps … adapt … in some way to the way her life must needs change now she had lost control of her lands and had she but known it, her own fate.

Toying with the meats, Sian found herself sipping the beer and nibbling on the bread that accompanied the meal.
At least feigning eating gave her an excuse to stay out of the men’s conversation.
She allowed herself to be drawn to make a few remarks about the tapestries and the silverware that the Captain had observed in the great hall, yet in her response, she was aware that even these trifles were no longer hers.

It was with relief that she saw the back of Baron Manderville as he left the room eager to inspect the castle he now proclaimed himself master of.

Sian stared at the closed door as he left and looked around the room, as if searching for a way of fleeing.

”In time, my Lady … “

The young man beside her was obviously attempting to reassure the young woman, yet she interrupted him.

”Time will not alter the facts Captain … “

Despite herself her voice broke.

”That my marriage, my only chance of security has been … interrupted … and that everything I own and everyone dear to me has been captured and is at the mercy of the Baron … “

She met his eyes and dared him to deny her summary of the situation.

”As for myself … “

Her gaze became searching.

”What my fate might be … I dare not guess … “

His silence did not reassure her, nor did the expression on his face.
It was Sian who looked away first this time, pushing the platter unceremoniously away from her unable to maintain the pretence any longer.

”Then … I have much to fear … “

She concluded quietly, her head dropping to her hands as she finally allowed herself the indulgence of tears…

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~​

By the time the Cleric came with the message commanding the presence of the Captain at the Baron’s side, Sian was calmer.

No comment passed between them short of the briefest of courtesies which she acknowledged briefly.

”Sir …”

She forced the Cleric to meet her eyes before scuttling guiltily away.

”Would you inform Baron Manderville that I am gone to change out of my wedding garb and will be in my room should he require my presence … “

Ignoring the stammered objections, Sian swept past the older man and made her way swiftly up the staircase. Relieved that she had reached the upper hallways unhindered, Sian turned towards the doorway just in time to see her bed being borne out of sight along the corridor.

”What are you doing?? “

She demanded forgetting herself as the men ignored her questions.
Impulsively she ran to her room, finding a pile of her gowns, her habitual black gowns laid across a chaise longue, she looked around finding other things had been moved.

Hearing footsteps behind her she whirled round the question already having left her lips to snap at whichever unfortunate would meet the angry enquiry;

” … What is the meaning of this …!?!?”

 

[chris2c4u]

"My Lady," the Baron confronted Sian in the corridor as she called after the servants. "Please do not concern yourself." He stood close to her as she stood and watched the bed carried into the main chamber.

He lowered his voice and his hand moved quickly to her golden tresses. "I am not a monster," he whispered, repeating the phrase he had used earlier. A smile quickly passed across his face and he tried to stroke her hair. "You need - protection - so soon after a battle - many appetites are raised, there are those who think," here his voice sank even quieter, "that the spoils of war might be enjoyed freely. You will be safer with me." He smiled and spoke more normally. "As you see, you are allowed your own bed. Though I lie in the chamber it is not with you." His gaze ran across her face and down her body. For a few moments he watched her, awaiting her response.

"You may retain servants of your chamber - otherwise you may now only order directly the men and women of the kitchen. I go to speak to your guardian. I do hope he doesn't prove too close I wouldn't like to have to make him speak. Torture is such an ugly tool of politics. I much prefer civilized ways."

He turned for the stairwell.

Below in the Great Hall Captain Jacquard took stock of the injuries and prepared to guard the castle in case other supporters of the ousted family wanted to try to retake it. After returning from the wars in France he had entered the pay of the Baron, who had seen his worth and he had risen in Manderville's estimation to become the closest thing to a confidente the man had. He was driven, Jacquard could see that and his planning of this raid had taken time and money and now he knew he wanted to make it secure. He wondered whether he meant to force the Lady Tudor to be his bride.

He returned to his work, trying to dimiss the young woman from his thoughts.

****

The evening brought better fare from the kitchens and the musicians that had survived played, though no one danced.

The Baron sat at the high table and had Sian take her place by his right hand. His captains gathered in the body of the hall and ate and drank noisily.

In one corner sat the cowed figure of the Duke and Dutchess, eyeing the high table warily under guard but out of the dungeon and given good food.

He lifted a silver goblet, pointing it towards the leaders of his troops. "They fight and slaughter and then they whore and drink. They have no refinement but it is a hard life for a fighting man," the Baron said to no one in particular.

He then lifted his cup to the Duke who didn't respond until a guard, seeing the gesture of the Baron, hit the Duke in the back. He then lifted his own wooden cup and returned the toast.

"As you see your guardian is quite well. We had a most useful chat concerning the estates. You know, I found that he is really quite fond of the Dutchess -certainly, he did not want to see her raped by my men. Yes, he was really vocal."

After some further exchanges Manderville yawned and stood. "We will retire," he casually spoke for the Lady Tudor. "Have the corridor guarded when we do so," he said the Jacquard.

****

The room was shuttered and a fire burned. Candles were also lit. The Baron locked the door behind them. He went first to his own bed and removed some of the dark clothing he had worn.

"As you see I took the liberty of dismissing your dresser for the evening." He slowly walked towards Sian. "She did put out your night clothes."

He walked around her, prowling until his hands rested on her shoulders. "Now, you'll have to explain how this works." His finger ran up her back, tracing the ties of her clothing. "I'll help you into your night things."

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

"My Lady … "Please do not concern yourself."

Sian whirled around and met the Baron’s expression. Anger made her unguarded and her eyes blazed as they met his. The Baron on the other hand was calm and even soothing. Sian balked as he moved closely beside her as she watched with impotent fury as the servants bore her bed to the main chamber.

"I am not a monster,"

Came his smooth reassurance as his hand reached out to thread his fingers into her hair. She froze unable to pull away although his touch sickened her.

”You need - protection …”

Eye eyes met his incredulously as he smiled fleetingly.
Fear prevented comment and movement as she felt his hand stroking along the tendrils of her hair that still cascaded about her shoulders.

" … so soon after a battle - many appetites are raised, there are those who think … that the spoils of war might be enjoyed freely.”

The confidential tone left her in no doubt. She too was considered a “spoil of war”.

”… You will be safer with me."

The words were an assurance, yet hung between them as a threat.
If Sian were to flee him, his words suggested that a worse fate would befall her, yet what, she wondered could possibly be worse than …
Her eyes flew to the servants as they arranged her bed and her possessions. Just what did this change truly mean!?

As if sensing her thoughts, the Baron drew away, his voice returning to the normal tone.

"As you see, you are allowed your own bed.
Though I lie in the chamber it is not with you."

Relief filled her, yet the way the Baron’s eyes assessed her body so blantantly put her to blush.
It became very clear to Sian that the Baron’s “arrangements” not due to a lack of desire to … possess … her.
Despite the panic that threatened to overwhelm her, Sian realised she had a respite, no matter how temporary.
She forced herself to calm and attempted to respond with a semblance of gratitude.

”Y-you are … very good .. Sir … “

Though the words choked her, and sounded hoarse with suppressed emotion, though she knew she had responded wisely.

"You may retain servants of your chamber - otherwise you may now only order directly the men and women of the kitchen.”

Sian nodded. Her only possible response was acceptance, but he had in effect displaced her entirely and reinforced the fact that her only “worth” depended entirely on his orders.

” … I go to speak to your guardian.”

The change of topic drew her attention instantly.
Sian feared to ask after Hugh. Even now, Hugh must be Manderville’s main rival. She could not bear to think how he might have been treated, that he might already have been executed.

”I do hope he doesn't prove too close I wouldn't like to have to make him speak.
Torture is such an ugly tool of politics. I much prefer civilized ways."

Again the threat…
To Sian’s knowledge torture had never been used within the castle walls. Of course, she had hardly been kept informed of anything of the real world and yet, she forced her imagination not to pursue any fancies of what Wolf might have to face, should he refuse to respond to any of the Baron’s questions.

Shaking herself Sian turned and headed towards the main chamber she was no forced to reside in.

”Help me out of this …. Fetch me that gown.”

She snapped venting her frustration.
She might be forced to accept every command of the Baron’s, but at least she could rid herself of the wedding attire she had been forced to retain since her interrupted nuptials.
She sighed impatiently as the young servant made heavy work of the lacings.

”Just go fetch my things. I can finish this …”

The words dismissing the young woman halted on her lips as she looked up realising that though the girl was slightly older than her, it was clear that like Sian she was scared.

”I’m sorry … Lizzie …? “

She murmured repentantly recalling the unfamiliar servant’s name.
Though not well known to her, she still felt responsible for the girl.

”Help me with these please … then take them and tell Martha to have them laid within the chest in the attic.”

She instructed peeling off the layers and folding them quickly.

”I doubt the Baron will care for … clutter … “

She added her eyes moving to the bed in which she had been ordered to sleep.
She sighed heavily, anger turning to weariness.

”Fasten me up then see to it …”

Sian urged, lifting her hair to allow Lizzie to work the intricate buttons and lacings that were not apparent at first view.

As the girl scampered off to obey, Sian moved to stare at her reflection in the looking glass.
She had not quite dared to return to her mourning clothes, thought they seemed more than appropriate at the moment. Instead of retreating into the garments in which she had greeted Hugh she wore a heavy gown of midnight blue. So dark was the hue that it might almost have been black and though plain the surface of the fabric was raised in an ornate pattern.

Numbly Sian picked up her hair brush and began to drag it in long hard strokes through her hair giving the tresses merciless attention as if to rid them of the contamination of the Baron’s touch.

She had not purposefully lied to Lizzie when she had ordered the wedding gown to be stowed safely. She truly believed it could be of little consequence to him, but the gown was of such sentimental value that she could not bare the thought of his hands upon that precious garment and should she ever be forced into marriage with the Baron she vowed she would not wear her mother’s gown.

With a sigh, Sian halted the now almost painful passing of the brush and stared at the shiny hair that seemed almost static after such zealous attention.
The Baron had liked her hair, she mused. He might think she had paid particular attention to it to please perhaps even attract him!
With a swift movement Sian reached out to capture the long flow of hair and twist it rapidly capturing every tendril before knotting it and securing it high upon her head. She secured it with her favourite hair ornament and admired the effect. The style was severe and held her hair smoothly against the scalp. As she turned satisfied, Sian did not realise that the effect made her appear all the more fragile, all the more vulnerable as it accentuated the fine bone structure and graceful arch of her neck.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~​

It was much later when she was finally summoned to Dinner.
The Baron sent a “request” that she accompany him, but again she knew that choice was no longer a luxury for her.

Slowly Sian descended the stairs. Glancing around one might believe that nothing had changed and that the events of that morning had never taken place. That was until she entered the Great Hall.
Captain Jacquard awaited her as she stood at the doorway. Without thinking she took his proffered arm and allowed him to escort her to the top table and to the Baron’s side. She stood amazed as musicians played and food was carried in and laid upon the tables.

”My Lady …”

The Baron was prompting her to sit beside him, a show of gallantry as he held it out for her.
Wordlessly Sian seated herself, her gaze moving around the room as she took in the sea of strange faces, those of solidiers, captains none of which she knew and all of which were her enemy.
A small gasp escaped her as her eyes finally alighted on her guardian Wolf and his wife. She scanned their faces for signs of mistreatment. Both looked cowed, frightened, but she saw no outward sign of mistreatment.
With effort she pulled her eyes away and stared down at the plate that had somehow been filled with food, but made no pretense of eating.

"They fight and slaughter and then they whore and drink.
They have no refinement but it is a hard life for a fighting man,"

Sian flinched at the coarseness of the Baron’s comment.
These men had killed her father’s men.
The slaughter the Baron spoke of was the slaughter of her own...


She watched as the Baron tormented Wolf with a mock toast, a salute a guard obliged the Duke to return. She flinched as she saw the blow to his back, her eyes meeting the horror of the Duchess’s reaction.

"As you see your guardian is quite well. We had a most useful chat concerning the estates.”

The conversational tone drew Sian’s attention to the Baron.
She was relieved that Wolf had been open with the Baron, but the man she knew would surely not have been so willing to disclose information to his enemy.

”You know, I found that he is really quite fond of the Duchess -certainly, he did not want to see her raped by my men.
Yes, he was really vocal."

Horror filled Sian at his words. She stared down at the couple who had seemed so strong, so invincible. If the Baron could consider giving a Duchess to his men, then what might he consider doing with her..?

The goblet being pushed into her hand brought Sian back to the present.
Blindly she looked up and saw Captain Jacquard’s concerned expression.

”Drink, My Lady …”

His voice urged quietly prompting Sian to do so.
Just what was in the goblet, she was unsure, though it scorched her throat and then warmed her belly, shocking her back to her senses.
Beside her the Baron was engaged in raucous laughter with the men to his left. Just beyond them on the fringe of the group stood Jacquard, his gaze still upon her..

The meal seemed endless, yet Sian spoke little and ate still less.
Beside her the Baron seemed in good spirits and did not comment upon her lack of appetite. It was enough, it appeared that she was there, seated at his side. The purpose, she suspected was to show her as his prize and she hoped to warn the increasingly raucous soldiers that she was not to be harmed … not yet at least.

"We will retire,"

The words she had dreaded were finally spoken. Though a casual statement, it was the order for her to accompany him to the chamber which she was to share … with him …

"Have the corridor guarded when we do so,"

The quiet order was given to the Captain who nodded his acquiescence.
Behind her, the Baron had stood attentive once more as he eased her chair to allow Sian to stand.
Helplessly Sian shot a glance across at Wolf, still seated beside his wife.
His expression was one of futile despair as his eyes met hers.
In every way he seemed a broken man …
She was on her own. The Baron claimed his presence was to protect her, yet there was no one to protect her from him!
With all the dignity she could muster, Sian left her seat and moved to the Baron’s side. Her gaze met Captain Jacquard’s the panic and mute appeal all to evident in her eyes, until she lowered her gaze as the Baron permitted her to move before him and make her own way unhindered toward the bedchamber.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~​

Despite the order to have the corridor guarded it was deserted as Sian made her way along it and turned towards the heavy wooden door that opened out to her new room. The Baron was at her side now and reached over to open the door, gesturing for her to enter. With only the slightest hesitation, Sian stepped forward and crossed the threshold, turning in panic as the door closed with a dull thud and the locks secured.

She stood like a frightened doe watching as the Baron crossed to his own bed, watching in mute horror as he began to remove his overgarments before finally managing to drag her eyes away to take in the fastened shutters and the candles that burned beside her bed, leaving much of the unfamiliar room in shadow.

"As you see I took the liberty of dismissing your dresser for the evening."

Turning Sian was relieved to notice that the Baron was still decently attired, though knew this would not be so for long.

"She did put out your night clothes."

It wasn’t until he walked around her and put his hands on her shoulders that the import of his words hit Sian.

"Now, you'll have to explain how this works."

One hand on her shoulder, the other at the base of her spine, Sian found the finger trailing slowly upwards making her flesh crawl and tingle in what she knew must be revulsion.

”I'll help you into your night things."


”Noo!”

Sian whirled around, her actions and words a panicked reflex.
Backing away a few steps, horror clearly showed on her face as she stared at the Baron’s fixed expression.
Silence hung between them.

”Please … d-don’t … “

She murmured … the plea as much for what she feared he might do as much for what he had just stated he would …

Surely he must know she had never been alone with a man in this way?
That the idea of her helping her to undress went against all the morals and decency with which she had been raised?
Yet more than that … she knew she was totally at his mercy and now she had surely antagonized him…?

”… I .. “

Fear took her voice; instead she stared at him in mute appeal.
She could not hope for any understanding, any patience.
All she could do was pray that he wouldn’t hurt her … too much …

 

[chris2c4u]

"Nooo!"

Baron Manderville smiled. He watched her as she turned towards him and then backed away.

"A woman of spirit," he said, following her retreating form, "when we met earlier - you showed that, you demanded to know what was happening with the bed." She stopped walking and he saw the look on her face; horror and revulsion.

"And now - such a tremulous creature." He reached out quickly and she flinched. His long fingers surrounded her upper arm and he walked towards her until he stood close.

"Please … d-don’t … "

His hand took her other arm.

"Don't what?" he whispered, feeling the heat of her body, feeling her tremble. He laughed, a low sound as he watched her panic subside leaving her with nowhere to retreat, leaving her just fear of him.

"Now, where were we?" He fumbled with the ties again. He managed to undo one of them and his fingertips felt the bare flesh of her lower back.

"Lost your tongue?" he said and grinned again. The second tie was easier now the first had been released.

"I think I'm beginning to get the hang of this," he said as the back of her dress was half open, as his fingers first ran upwards, pushing inside the loose undergarments.

"You have nothing to fear. Tonight would have been your wedding night, you would have let your husband see you naked - so why not me?" He walked around her again sliding both hands through the open dress around her waist and pressing his body close to her. He noticed the clasp high near her neck and pulled his hands reluctantly from her warm skin and undid it. The fabric cascaded leaving her shoulders covered with her reddish gold hair.

He ran his hands up over her shoulder blades; he felt she had caught the dress preventing it falling away from her breasts. Quickly, more adeptly now, he opened the remaining ties and feasted his gaze on her back, pushing aside the shift within, which also opened with a few easy ties. He drew a deep breath enjoying the play of firelight and candle's glow on her skin.

"You are very - unspoiled," he said standing close so she could feel his breath on the side of her neck and her earlobe.

"Very pure," he said and his hands slid around her his fingertips running over her ribs. He felt her moving but clasped her breasts under the clothing. He held her to him feeling her breathing.

"Is that the first time?" He whispered, his lips now wetting her ear as he spoke. "Am I the first man to touch you there, my Lady Tudor?"

He let go of her and walked around her to stand in front of her again.

"Now, remove the clothing. let me see you naked and then you will begin to learn how to give a man a climax with your fingers. Then you may dress for bed."

he looked forward to the feel of her inexperienced fingers on his body; he was already excited by what he had seen and felt. He would guide her with his own hand, teach her how. Now the thought of using her for his pleasure made his heart hammer in his chest. He was sure she would obey - after all, she had no choice. He was being kind, he mused as he watched her - it could have been much more painful for her had he so chosen.

Perhaps another day - though her skin was so pure he would regret marking her. Still, that was for another time. Teach her now who her new master was before he did enough to go to his priest and confess his sins. And tomorrow - yes, she would ride at his side to a village nearby, let the peasants see she was his.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

The smile upon his face was chilling rather than an indication that the Baron had relented.

"A woman of spirit,"

He moved towards Sian leaving her nowhere to go as the back of her legs pressed against the bed.

” …when we met earlier - you showed that, you demanded to know what was happening with the bed."

Sian opened her mouth to protest. She had been angry, she had made that demand, but never realised that it was he who had been standing behind her.

"And now - such a tremulous creature."

He could see her trembling and yet did not cease tormenting her.
She flinched away as his arm extended, but could not evade the fingers that captured her arm and held her immobile despite her pleas..

"Don't what?"

Sian swallowed not daring to think, let alone voice what tortures he might have in line for her. He had her pinned. A strong hand holding her upper arms as he stood so close to her that she could feel the heat from his body, though her own shivered in fear.

"Now, where were we?"

Somehow his hand managed to reach around and work on one of the ties. Her eyes widened in horror as she realised that he was going to follow through on his intention to undress her!
His fingers found the naked flesh of her lower back and she bit her lip to prevent herself from crying out or from sobbing.

"Lost your tongue?"

His voice mocked her as she remained mute.
She was helpless. All she could do was tremble as his hand worked more adeptly this time releasing the second tie with frightening ease.

"I think I'm beginning to get the hang of this,"

His voice was still amused, his smile broadening as she whimpered at the sensation of his fingers moving to push aside undergarments.
She held herself taut ready for flight that was impossible enduring his touch, a touch of a man she despised and feared more than any she had ever know ..

"You have nothing to fear. Tonight would have been your wedding night, you would have let your husband see you naked - so why not me?"

She blinked up at that.
Her wedding night … she would have been with Hugh … as his wife ..
He would have been gentle, respectful she was sure.
Instead this man was taking all manner of liberties with her body as if she were of easy virtue rather than a Lady of breeding.
She had felt like a possession to be married off the first time the issue of marriage had been put to her, yet now she felt … sullied …

”Y-you’re not my .. husband … “

Sian managed to choke out before his hands slid into her dress. Strong hands captured her waist as the bulk of his torso pressed against her making her too aware of his powerful bulk. His strength could crush her should he so choose, yet she could feel no gratitude for the gentleness of his touches.

Her heart hammered in her ears as he seemed to circle her, touching, prowling, his aim to strip her dress from her. Just how he released the clasp she did not know. Sian clung to the dress holding it in front of her breasts as his hands seemed to insinuate between her clothing touching her shoulders, her waist, her back and then until finally he worked rapidly on the remaining ties leaving her gown unsupported.

"You are very - unspoiled,"

Sian could feel his eyes taking in every detail of the flesh he had managed to expose to his gaze. She could feel his hot breath as he moved closer to her, his whisper intimate, his admiration humiliating.

"Very pure,"

Sian whimpered helplessly as his hands moved to explore still more intimately.
He knew .. he knew she was … untouched … virginal … but rather than responding with honour, it seemed that the Baron was set upon ruining her.

The sudden capturing of her breasts drew a shocked gasp from Sian.
Her heart hammered in panic as her pulses raced.
Strong hands captured the flesh still remaining hidden beneath the gown and drew her more firmly against him the palms, the fingers seeming to brand upon the swell of her bosom which rose and fell in agitation pressing against his merciless grasp..

"Is that the first time?"

His whisper repulsed her even as it made her body shiver.
The lips upon her ear made her flush more deeply the softest frightened mewl escaping her lips.

"Am I the first man to touch you there, my Lady Tudor?"

Mutely she nodded, her response earning her the reward of being released.
She stood gasping for breath, the gown clutched against her as he walked around to face her once more.

"Now, remove the clothing. Let me see you naked and then you will begin to learn how to give a man a climax with your fingers.
Then you may dress for bed."

She blinked at the casualness with which he issued the command.

”..no .. “

Her voice was barely audible yet choked with fear as she was her defiance was firm.

” … only a husband has that right … “

She shuddered as she faced him her body flushed and trembling.
He could take her, she knew.
He could do all manner of things to her body, but no matter what further tortures were in store for her she could not … would not bring herself to submit willingly to him...

 

[chris2c4u]

The Baron smiled and moved next to Sian.

"Your adhererence to the niceties of our sitution does you credit," he said. "What I suggest would be no experience for a fresh young woman to endure. It would be a matter for the wedding night and longer - to explore with your husband."

He put a hand under her chin and raised it.

"There is however, no place for such matters in the life of a chattel. A Thing. Something kept for its usefulness to me. Like your pretty little body."

He took her hands in his own and with his strong fingers began to loosen her grip on the dress she held before her to cover her from his eyes.

It fell in a pool around her feet and he retained his hold on her hands as she moved, his gaze seeking out every part of her woman hood.

"Now - will you take your lesson - or will you take punishment? You see how kind I am - you are still given a choice."

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Her fingers held the gown in place as the Baron moved towards her.
She averted her gaze, not daring to meet his eye and bracing herself for what might happen.

"Your adhererence to the niceties of our situation does you credit,"

She blinked uncertainly as he spoke smoothly.

"What I suggest would be no experience for a fresh young woman to endure.
It would be a matter for the wedding night and longer - to explore with your husband."

Surely he could not be agreeing with her? Her mind raced in confusion as she felt his hand beneath her chin and allowed him to draw her head upwards, her eyes meeting his.

"There is however, no place for such matters in the life of a chattel.”

She blinked sure she could not have heard him right.

”A Thing. Something kept for its usefulness to me. Like your pretty little body."

Each statement hammered home the dreadful truth leaving her numb with shock.
She was hardly aware of his hands upon hers as she stared blankly all to aware of what she was to him.
The gown she had clung to so urgently fell about her feet.
Even had he not held her hands in that vice-like grip she could not have mustered the will to move, to protect herself from his gaze.
It were as if she were frozen as she watched in horror as his eyes raked over her taking in every detail of her body, a body that like her was no more than an object.

Somehow she had thought that her status protected her.
She had believed he needed her compliance, her consent, her assistance to enable him to take her lands, but reality had hit with a force that left her speechless.
The very innocence she prized it seemed was just what he was set upon ruining.

"Now - will you take your lesson - or will you take punishment?

Much as she had resisted revealing her nudity to him, it was her horror and disgust at his words that now held her immobile and unresisting as she finally conceded that she was totally at his mercy.

”You see how kind I am - you are still given a choice."

Sian would have laughed had she been able.
Choice was just what she no longer had.
She was locked in a room with a man, her enemy; a man who had just stated coldly that even if she did comply he would discard her as soon as she proved less than “useful”.
Yet if she did not obey a man she knew capable of torturing … capable of any unthinkable form of rape, she dared not consider what form her threatened punishment would take…

”Wh – what lesson .. ?”

She finally choked out.

 

[chris2c4u]

Manderville saw the look on her face and smiled at her disgust, at her horror. He reached out as her shoulder slumped, her eyes cast down. Yes, he could see his actions, his words were breaking her down. The perverse pleasure he felt on dispoiling her was arousing him even more than the sight of her nudity before him. This pleasure was from eating into her soul, the core of her womanhood. He could ruin her, he could make her his toy. He licked his lips in pleasure.

He took her upper arm in his strong grip and pulled her towards the large bed. Any resistance she showed was futile, her bare feet pulled over the intricately woven rug brought back from some eastern campaign by one of her ancestral kin and then over the stone floor. His thoughts went to some recalcitrant puppy and he chuckled to himself.

He sat her on the edge of the bed and undid his tunic and the shirt beneath. From around his waist he loosened the rivetted belt that held the scabbard ofhis sword. Almost as an afterthought he removed the sword but retained the heavy belt. All the while he held the gaze of the young woman though occasionally letting his eyes wander over her figure.

"You have great beauty, Sian. I am delighted to be the first to see it in its entirety."

He quickly removed his boots and lowered his woolen leggings (he had no finery at hand that day for the feast), soon exposing his nakedness to her gaze and his hard member to her eyes.

He stepped closer to her taking her shoulders in his strong hands so she could not flinch away in fright or further horror.

"Your beauty arouses me, as it would any man," he said his fingers tracing her shoulder blades. His left hand slid up the back of her neck, into her luxurious tresses and his fingers held her skull, compelling her to view his hard cock as it throbbed close to her breasts.

His right hand reached down to take her own delicate fingers and pull her hand to his balls. He drew a deep breath, his nostrils flaring as he manipulated her hand on his scrotum and the tracing the length of his erection where he squeezed her fingers around his girth, over his foreskin.

He moved her hand in his back and forth. He grinned in pleasure, releasing her hand.

"Continue," he hissed. "You still think only a husband has rights like this? Sluts don't care who they pleasure, do they?"

His hips rocked a little and he looked her in the eye again.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Sian's question had implied her unspoken agreement to do as he ordered. The grasp was rough as he pulled Sian unceremoniously towards the bed. It was the suddenness of the action rather than her any rebellion she was showing that made her feet catch on the rug and graze the stone floor until she found herself put into position to sit at the edge of the bed. Fear had kept her compliant and now it was that horror kept her frozen as she watched wide eyed as the Baron began to discard his garments even as his own gaze took in the full sight of her exposed nudity.

"You have great beauty, Sian. I am delighted to be the first to see it in its entirety."

Even now through her fear, she blushed. Every word, every action, every way he defiled her purity humiliated her and went against every sense of morality with which she'd been raised. She tried not to think of her father and what he would react knowing she was being treated in such a manner. She tried to get her mind to turn blank, yet the shock of suddenly being faced with the Baron's naked shaft as it stood erect before her eyes made that mental escape impossible. There was no escape from her fate. He moved closer, his hands holding her immobile so that she was not even able to turn away from the vile member that came ever closer to her.

"Your beauty arouses me, as it would any man,"

His foul touch moved along her shoulders. If she had not known better, the intent might have been to soothe, yet she knew he cared nothing for her fright and disgust. His fingers were laced through her hair now. The action perversely intimate and yet pinning her securely so she could only stare as that thick head neared the exposure of her breasts. Though she held herself tense, the ripple of revulsion was visible as it ran through her defenseless body.

She wanted to snatch away her hand when his own calloused hand captured hers, yet she did not dare. She watched, as if the limb belonged to another as he drew her hand towards his most … intimate area her to make her fingers graze the heavy weight beneath his manhood and then, not satisfied by that touch, she found her fingers manipulated to encircle that shaft and forced to move her hand rhythmically beneath his.

"Continue,"

Every instinct cried out to her to yank back her hand as the pressure eased, to disobey, yet the taunt that followed halted her.

"You still think only a husband has rights like this?

Again the reminder that he had taken her bridegroom from her, denied her the honorable wedding night she had saved herself for.

"Sluts don't care who they pleasure, do they?"

The insult made her burn with shame, even as his shaft throbbed and pushed in the hand in which it was still held.

"I am no … slut … "

She choked on the word. Though she had managed to voice the barely audible protest, Sian did not dare total disobedience. Sickened by what she was being forced to do, her fingers wrapped closer around that thick pulsing heat as she stroked the length mimicking the movements the Baron had made when he guided her hand.

The sound of his arousal sickened her.
It was to her husband, to Hugh alone that Sian would have owed obedience.
Despite her outward compliance, the Baron would never have that!

"… you can have no "rights" to a pleasure you extort … "

She told him softly.
He might take from her, she vowed, but she would never "give".

 

[chris2c4u]

"I am no … slut … "

He laughed at her defiance. Bending his head closer to her face he murmured, "you are what I choose you to be."

He grunted in enjoyment as her hands moved in an inexperienced over his erection. He laughed as he gazed down; she had turned her face away. He read her disgust in her silhouette.

"… you can have no "rights" to a pleasure you extort … "

He caught the words she uttered, her voice low. He moved his hips, closing his hand around hers, pressing her soft flesh more firmly against his rigid member. His other hand reached to her head, his fingers grasping her like pincers, twisting her face around to see her eyes.

He smiled at her lewdly and lapped wetly at his lips before he opened his mouth. He breathed heavily through it. His gaze slid down to her shoulders, to her nudity and he imagined the pleasures she could - would - be made to give up.

"A good - lesson - you've - learned."

The words fell from his throat in time with his thrusts, with her hand sliding over his skin.

"Ah!" He grunted as the first jet of seed shot from his body. He watched it land on her cheek as again he ejaculated, the semen falling down between her breasts where it clung to her skin.

He stood before her, panting loudly, watching her reaction. He smiled, satisfied at her humiliation.

He put his hand to her throat and twisted her face up, watching her skin redden as he squeezed, feeling her move.

"I am the Baron. This land is my land, it's goods and chattels are mine." His face darkened and his cheek twitched. "I have rights," he hissed. "It is no extortion if I take what is mine."

He blinked and released her neck from his choking grip. He patted her head. "Still. Nice to know you have intellect as well as beauty. It will be fine to debate some point of philosophy with you, when you trained. as to your training you have made a good beginning. Now, go and wash and make ready for bed. Tomorrow, I visit my desmene - with you at my side."