“When did you become so sentimental?” Brant glared at his friend in irritation. But, even so, he thought Gunther might be right. Maybe all Della needed was more time. There was no reason to continue to punish his body when she came to lie willingly next to him each night. Gunther gave him an impertinent grin, his mouth opening to speak. Brant quickly stopped him. “Nay, Gunther, don’t answer. I’ve had enough of your counsel this eve.”
Gunther laughed heartily, swinging the shield from his shoulder and placing it by the entrance to the hall. The smile still lining his mischievous lips, Gunther began to sing a loud, bawdy tale as he left Brant alone.
* * * * *
The moon showed in the distance, faint against the setting of the evening sun. A cool breeze drifted over the forest, carrying a bit of stickiness to the air. Della didn’t mind it as she stretched her hands above her head. The grass beneath her was soft, as was the sounds of the forest. Insects hummed and she heard cattle mooing in a nearby field as they grazed. The wind picked up, causing the leaves to rustle overhead.
Sighing, she knew it was time to go back. She’d waited long enough to see the sun set over the castle. Inside the walls, they would be gathering together for the eve meal and it would be noticed if she were not there to attend them.
She stood and brushed the foliage from her hair and gown. Patting the coiffure at her neck, she tucked a few wayward strands back into place.
“Della?” The voice startled her as it came out of the darkness.
Della quickly turned, squinting to see who it was. “Stuart? Is that you?”
“Yea.” Stuart stepped from the trees. It was hard to see him, except for the shadowed impression he made. “Methought you were a night apparition. What are you doing out of the castle? Are you alone?”
“Yea.” Della suddenly felt uneasy.
“I have been camped outside the walls. I didn’t see the main gate open. How did you escape?”
“I would not say I escaped.” Della forced herself to relax. “I just came out for a walk.”
“How did you get out of the castle?” His voice edged with an unnatural eagerness. “Did you fly?”
“Nay.” She sighed heavily. It looked as if her secret was out. “Promise you will tell no one?”
“Yea.”
“I have a secret passage that goes under the moat. I used it.”
“Who knows of this passage?”
“Only three of us,” she answered, ignoring the nagging urge to say nothing. “You, me, and Edwyn.”
“So your husband doesn’t know?”
“Nay.” Della took a step toward him. “Stuart, please don’t hate him. I so wish for you to become friends with him. You are both my family now.”
“He will never be my friend,” Stuart said vehemently with a toss of his head.
“Nay, don’t harden your heart,” Della pleaded. “I know he had you thrown out, but you kept pushing. What else could he do?”
“You care for him,” he accused bitterly.
“Nay,” Della denied, but her heart burned with the lie. “I care for Strathfeld and its people.”
Stuart straightened his shoulders. “Then come away with me tonight. We will go to King Guthrum and get your marriage annulled. When we come back, we will rid this keep of the barbarian lord. We will do right by your people.”
“You want that I should leave Strathfeld?” Della shook her head. “Nay, the marriage is of the king’s doing, he would be reluctant to dissolve it now. My marriage is legal, there are no grounds.”
“Then come with me anyway.” He took a step toward her, but hesitated when she recoiled. “Leave this place until we may find a way to reclaim it.”
“Nay, I cannot leave my home,” she answered. “I am married. It’s time you accepted it. I have.”
Stuart said nothing.
“Stuart?”
“Yea?” he growled.
“Why have you been camping outside the walls for so long? Your servants left after you, didn’t you see them?” She took a step back from him. He shifted his weight and she was finally able to see more of his face. His features were smudged with dirt and his eyes were wide, almost crazed in their intensity.
“Yea, I let them go. If I’d stopped them, I would’ve been discovered. I have no need of their services here.”
“Stuart, why are you hiding in the forest?” Della searched the trees for a sign that they were not alone. She couldn’t see anyone, but the thought gave her chills.
“Now you question my honor, Della?” Stuart shook his head. “Very well, I’m here to protect you. To make sure you are truly happy. I’m here to make sure he hasn’t bewitched you and that your will is still your own.”