Page 123 of Ashborne Forged

“There’s no time!”

“Tell me your name!”

She blinked and looked at me, apparently shocked by the simple question. Then she swallowed. “Jade,” she whispered. “But please… tell no one.”

Then she pulled me forward again, her expression blanked before she opened the door and spoke to the guards in a brisk tone.

“To the Mistress’s chambers, please.”

The chamber was only two more doors down and comprised of two rooms, and a large changing area. It was a beautiful suite, decorated in rosewood and creams. But before I could comment on the excellent job the staff had done, the door swung open again, and Breckon strode in as if the room was his. Which I supposed, it was.

“Everything you need for this life has been provided, but don’t get ideas about escape,” he said as if we’d already been speaking, walking through the room and showing me things as he spoke of them.

“The servants have been warned that any attempt to assist you outside of my instructions will lead to their immediate punishment—and dismissal. But of course, there won’t be problems, will there, Lady Grace?” He shot me a pointed look. “The guards will remain in the room when you have visitors, and outside the door when I visit you, or you are alone.” He turned to face me, one hand on the wide windowsill at the other end of the room, the other stuffed into the pocket of his robe. He tipped his chin at the guards, and they hurried out, taking Jade with them.

The door was shut firmly behind them, leaving me alone with him.

He didn’t move, but I backed away.

His gaze became flat.

“The clothing we’ve collected is sufficient for activity on the estate, but will be removed if you attempt escape. The windows are nailed shut. The moment I catch wind of even a hint that you are attempting to scheme, I will lock that door and not allow you out, even with guards. Am I understood?”

I nodded, breathing quickly, and mentally scrambling for anything I’d learned at the Keep that might help me here.

His eyes narrowed. “You’ll remain untouched until you bleed—or four weeks have passed.”

I swallowed hard, but he turned to look out the window.

“The servants will feed you. The guards will take you riding. And the housekeeper will assist you in planning our wedding.” He turned to face me again, his gaze glinting like a blade. “A task to which I’m certain you’ll give eager attendance.”

I nodded again.

He smiled, but his lips were thin. “At breakfast each morning your herbs will be provided to you by my man. He is under no confusion: He will watch you cut and take them, then he will return the herbs and blade to my chambers. You and I will take the lunch and dinner meals together. Other than that, you will be expected to host in the event we receive visitors, and remain at my side throughout, should that occur. I know that you’ve been well raised and educated, Grace. I know you understand what it means to run a household, and will do so with the grace of your name. Do you have any questions?”

I shook my head. “No,” I whispered.

“Very good.” He strode across the room, his robe swinging apart at the front, almost to upper-thigh. I swallowed as he grasped the doorknob, but didn’t open it. “Don’t conjure ideas of flight. This door will be locked any moment I am not in attendance.”

Then he turned the knob, stepped out, pulling it closed behind him again. And the sound of the lock clunking home echoed in his wake.

I stood there, trembling, as the walls closed in.

“No!” I ran to the door and grasped the knob, turning again and again. It creaked and squeaked, but wouldn’t turn beyond an inch. I rattled the door, slamming an open palm against it.

“Please! Please, you don’t have to lock it! There are guards. Please! Breckon—please!”

I shook, and pleaded, and wept. But there was no sound. Either the guards couldn’t hear me through the thick door, or didn’t care. Or simply had orders to ignore me.

Precisely nothing occurred, until I slumped in defeat, sliding to sit on the carpet, begging and pleading with God to make this nightmare stop.

I couldn’t breathe. I couldn’t breathe.

This was, quite literally, my worst nightmare.

I hugged myself, held my insides together as they threatened to shatter and fly apart.

‘Grace… Grace, be still.’