A Dangerous Destiny: The Pure One Book I

Chapter Fifty-Three

Well last night didn't go very well for Teren or Seleb...What will the light of day bring? Lets find out... This chapter is on the shorter side, but i did think it should be split from the next two chapter. Hope you enjoy:-)

Teren

When Teren awoke after a fitful slumber, the sun was already fully risen.  His wife was not next to him, probably having returned to her own chamber to dress. He wondered what time it was. Ringing for his manservant, Teren dressed and set off towards his study.

Carlotta was in the main hall where she was instructing the housekeeper in the daily list of chores to deliver to the staff. Dressed in a particularly stunning crimson gown, her slender waist accented by carefully stitched embroidery and flowing skirts she looked almost royal. When she spotted him Carlotta gave her most charming smile and Teren felt his mouth follow in kind in spite of himself.

Theirs had been an arranged marriage like most, a product of his father's attempt to buy back some level of rank from a noble family that was struggling financially. But Teren had genuine affection for his wife and she seemed to reciprocate. While other men he knew often complained of their noble spouses' prudish nature, he had never had such issues with Carlotta, and though they had only one child, as of yet, it was not for lack of trying.

She had given him a beautiful daughter, been exceedingly faithful, and run his home in a manner that would make any man jealous, not to mention the fact that she was ravishing. As he watched her approach he wondered what the consequences for her and Emma might be, if something were to happen to him. It was one of the many questions he had been unable to chase from his mind as he lay beside her, unsleeping.

"My Lord, " she said, her tone jovial. "I hope you are well. You arrived so late last evening I thought I would allow you some rest."

Teren embraced her gently, folding her small frame into his, smelling the fresh flowery scented perfume in her hair, feeling the soft skin of her cheek press against his neck. Holding her in his arms, he knew could not risk putting his family in danger. And yet, Teren had already decided to speak to the King one more time. It was the only way he'd been able to finally close his eyes. The only way he could make peace with the consequences of his fail mission. He owed it to his informant to at least try to lessen the punishment Henry had dealt and would not let his resolve waver now.

The King was his friend Teren reasoned. Hadn't he told him so many times before? They had fought together against the Vox Populi in battle and Teren had saved the man's life more than once. Surely Henry could not truly question his loyalty, or believe that he had played any part in the rebel's successful evasion of their forces at The House of Lords?

Henry had not yet had him arrested, nor suggested any measure of punishment for the damage done. Teren reasoned these were signs that his fears the previous evening regarding potential repercussions for himself might have been exaggerated. The King had heard Seleb's testimony after all. There was no way Teren might have known the rebel's had discovered their plan. His informant made that clear.

Teren hoped greatly that, with the horrors of last night behind him, Henry might be more willing to speak, and perhaps be amenable to hearing a plea on behalf of the boy. Hill was, after all, not a true member of the Vox Populi. Henry was brutal in dealing with his enemies yes, but he was nothing if not a fair and intelligent leader. At least the King might entertain the idea that Hill did not deserve to face such a gruesome end. Such exoneration of his informant would help Teren as well, proving his trust had not been entirely misplaced.

Even more importantly, Teren knew he must make amends with his friend. He had to assure Henry of his true loyalty. What better way than to approach the King and apologize for his failures and conduct the previous evening? By explaining himself in person Teren would prove he had nothing to hide. No reason to avoid Henry's presence.

Carlotta stared up at him with her big blue eyes, momentarily interrupting his thoughts.

"You seem distracted, my Lord. I'm worried about you," she said.

Teren smiled slightly, his heart warmed by her concern. He kissed her forehead gently. "I'm fine," he answered, "just a bit tired."

"Well," she said snuggling into his side and placing a hand on his chest. "I am glad you were granted a few days leave from your duties. You have been working so hard you certainly deserve it." As she smiled at him Teren's body stiffened.

"Where did you hear that?" he asked, trying to keep his voice even. Carlotta seemed entirely oblivious to the change in his tone. 

"What if we arranged a hunt for tomorrow?" she asked, ignoring his question. "That would certainly take your mind off of..."

Teren cut her off, grabbing his wife roughly by the shoulders and holding her in front of him. "Where did you hear that!" He saw the fear in her expression as the words hissed from his lips, the confusion at his sudden burst of anger. Her eyes were wide.

"My Lord?"

"Where did you hear that I was granted leave from my duties. Where!"

 "Chancellor Rearder stopped by early this morning," she answered. "He mentioned that his Majesty had graciously granted you a few days to rest as a reward for your hard work."

She put a hand on his shaking arm. "You're scaring me. What is the matter husband?" Teren wrenched himself from her grasp, backing away slightly.

"What was his business here?" he asked. Teren knew he still sounded angry, frightened, his timbre too loud to pass for composed. He noticed the housemaid turn to stare at him from across the hall, and a few other servants pricking their ears at the thundering of his voice. Carlotta placed her hand on his arm again, trying to calm him.

"Teren please, she said. "The High Chancellor was simply stopping by. He mentioned there was something he wished to discuss with you and."

"What did you tell him?" Teren had managed to lower his volume but seemed unable to control the intensity of his tone.

"I told him that you were indisposed. He said that it was nothing of import, that he was certain he would see you later and would discuss the matter with you then."

"What matter?"

"He didn't say." Carlotta stared at him. Teren saw the concern in her eyes. "Perhaps you should lay down, my love," she said. "You seem unwell."

"No. I must attend to some urgent business."

"But. I thought you had been granted a period of rest," she protested. "Take advantage of the time that has generously been granted you husband and."

Teren slapped her across the face with the back of his hand and Carlotta recoiled, hand to her cheek.

"I said I had business to attend!"

Everyone in the hall was staring now. He could feel their eyes on him, prickling against his skin like hundreds of tiny needles. His wife cowered in front of him her face a mix of surprise and fear.

"Of course, my Lord. Forgive me, my lord," she said quickly, lowering her head, voice wavering.

Staring at her cringing form, Teren felt sick and angry all at the same time, horrified by what he had done. He had never once before struck his wife. But there was no time for guilt. Teren quickly pushed Carlotta aside and watched the servants put their heads down as he passed.

"Have my horse saddled!" he barked, catching the eye of the steward at the end of the hall. The man bowed his head and hurried away before Teren could reach him. I have to see Henry, Teren thought to himself. Immediately.