A Nymph Without Mercy
XX

Garrick was neveroverly fond of shops. Most looked at him with suspicion, while others saw himas merely an opportunity for acquiring much coin, and he found their simperingreverence equally irritating.

But entering thetailor’s realm accompanied with Mairi was something else entirely. He was ableto watch her eyes alight with wonder at fabrics and styles, and he was curioushow she normally received her clothing. Was it part of their nymph magicwherein garments knit themselves together as there became a need? He did notask, not certain how much he truly wished to know of her people. And if it wastrue that some of her memories were muddled, he had no desire to cause her painby making her grope through the fog simply to assuage his inquisitiveness.

He wanted to spoilher, but Mairi proved more practical than he would have originally assumed. Sheinsisted that she only had need of one additional gown—though when she was notlooking he commissioned a second—and with a hint of sadness she pronounced thatperhaps it would indeed be prudent for her to have a cloak of her own. Althoughshe was sure to explain to him that was only because she would not allow him tobe cold on her account.

His silly nymph.

As if now that he hadexperienced sleeping by her side he would ever be cold again.

There was sense toher prudence, as everything would have to be carried on Callum’s back, and hewas already more heavily burdened than he was generally accustomed—not that Mairiwas any great weight. But Garrick had to be sensible, and although he wished toshower her with material goods that could provide her evidence of hisaffections, she only smiled at him and placed a kiss upon his uncovered cheek.

“I do not need things to show me that you love me. Ineed only you.”

It was a curiousthing going without his mask or helm. A very great part of him still felt itnecessary to wear—that over the years it was as much a measure of security aswas his sword. But when he had reached for it this morning Mairi had pleadedwith him, assuring him that it would please her greatly if he would at least try to go without it.

And how could herefuse?

Little had changedwith his interactions with other people. He was still gruff and wary, and theyin turn avoided him in favour of directing enquiries and conversation to Mairi,who seemed to flourish at the relations. But every so often she would turn toensure his continued presence and give him a soft smile, and he knew that sheonly managed to do so because of his staid company, giving her courage in anotherwise unfamiliar world.

The cobbler was adifferent matter. Mairi appeared dubious about the entire process and cringedand worried her lip fretfully as the cobbler’s apprentice took measurements andshowed her a variety of styles.

“What about this,m’lady? ‘Tis a fine pair befitting your station.”

Garrick thought theylooked rather like dancing slippers. One step in anything remotely muddy wouldprovide their immediate ruin.

“Boots, boy!Something practical! We have a ways to travel yet and she requires protection,not vanity.”

At least Mairi’s eyeshad alighted at the pretty pair from earlier, but now as she looked at whatconstituted a lady’s boot she grimaced. “They will be so confining!”

Garrick rolled hiseyes. “You will break in the leather soon enough with use, and they will keepyour feet safe. I have had quiteenough of seeing them bloody and abused.”

Even when she poutedhe would not relent and eventually, with promises that the requested itemswould be ready soon—in two days time at the absolute latest—Garrick returned Mairito their rooms. He had not forgotten Cyrus’s appeal for an audience, yet healmost considered dismissing it. He knew of no great issues that would requirehis interventions, and he was not one for his generosity of spirit should thetask prove inconvenient. He would much prefer to shutter himself away with Mairiand wile away the hours on more enjoyable pursuits while the rest of the castlewas preoccupied with the tournament.

From beyond thecastle walls they had heard the cheers and encouragements of an impressivecrowd, each giving heart to their favoured knights, the sound of splinteringwood as it cracked against a shield readily audible even from afar.

The joust was such amessy business.

Garrick participatedbut rarely as Callum was never one to cooperate except under great protest, andGarrick did not relish the bruises that lingered for weeks afterward. Even whenhe was successful, his lance replaceing its mark on a fellow knight, the pressureon his arm at the force was enough to cause tremendous discomfort, let alonethe injuries that followed a well placed hit from an opponent.

Not that those wereallowed to happen often.

“Are you certain Imust remain here? What shall I do in your absence?”

It was a fair pointas there was little in the room that would provide much in the way ofamusement.

But as he looked ather, as beautiful and naturally radiant as she was, even he could see thattheir travels had begun to take their toll. From what she had once mentioned,her people slept longer than he usually allowed them, and they were certainlynot ones meant for covering great distances.

He brushed her cheekgently with his thumb, trying to smooth away the slightly darkened smudgesbeneath her eyes that bespoke her weariness. “You should rest, dear-heart. Ishall not be overly long and then I shall fetch a servant to bring ussustenance. Is that acceptable to you?”

She glanced at theirbed, freshly made by some servant girl. He resolutely refused to give in to the prickles of mortification that threatenedto take hold at the idea of a maid replaceing evidence of their sealing. He had aright to be intimate with his wife, and she had been more than willing—therewas no need for shame.

He kissed her once inparting, but he could not help lingering a moment before he sought out Cyrus.“Do not wander off.”

He did not mean tomake it sound like an order, but as she stared at him she must have sensed thathe was uneasy leaving her alone in a strange dwelling, for she nodded heracquiescence without argument. “I shall be waiting for you. And perhaps you canawaken me with a kiss.”

His eyes darkened andit was with only the greatest outpouring of self-control that he was able to remindhimself why leaving her was necessity, even if it was only for a moment.

“Perhaps I shall.”

Never had he been sograteful for their bond. For even as he fastened the door behind him and sealedaway a piece of his heart, he could feel herand knew that she was well.

And although he hatedbeing separated from her, he knew that he would come to rely on this newassurance when necessity dictated their temporary parting.

The town surroundingthe castle was alive with commotion. He was grateful that the tailor had beentoward the opposite side from the tourney, otherwise it would have required himto take Mairi into the throngs of men, their blood singing with violence,either their own or on behalf of their favoured participant.

Cyrus was more difficultto locate than he anticipated. He was not seated by his uncle, perched upon ahigh dais, laughing and commending whoever managed to draw the most blood fromtheir challenger.

Eventually he spottedthe little serving girl that had been charged to their care, scurrying aboutwith trays of food and wine that would be passed to more well kempt servantswho would bow lowly and submit their offerings to the king.

He caught her on theway back to the kitchens, with a loud, “Girl!”

She haltedimmediately, turning to him with a frightened expression. “M’lord? I’m ever sosorry if I’m late with your meal, m’lord but...”

Garrick dismissed herapology with a wave of his hand. “I had a wager with your king’s nephew, Cyrus,and I am looking to collect. Do you know of his location?”

Her eyes widened atthe mention of his name, and he found that rather curious. He had supplied arelatively believable reason for meeting with him, although it could proveunnecessary. But as the possibility remained that he had need of Garrick’s moremorbid services, it would not do to make their meeting notable to the servants.

“Of course, m’lord.He prefers a quieter spot to observe the games.”

Excellent.

A quieter spot apparently meant one farfrom the crowds. In truth one could see little of the actual competition, butinstead it allowed an appreciation for the bustling kingdom that suffered froman equal lust for chivalry and sportsmanship—even the kind that could includebloodshed.

The girl brought himto a small grove, where two women that he was certain Mairi would haveclassified as old-growths satknitting and gossiping as was their wont. Garrick had little intention ofpaying them any mind, but the girl seemed to hesitate and eventually stoppedshort by their conversation.

“Did ye hear aboutthe queen, the Father bless ‘er? That new ‘usband of ‘ers was murdered down inMonavyn! Had his throat cut clean through!”

The other biddygasped in horror, although Garrick could clearly see her eyes alight withexcitement at the prospect. “Poor lamb! And after sufferin’ such a disgracehere. Only wanted to scratch out a bit ‘o happiness after being married to sucha louse as our king,” both stopped their knitting to glance upward at the skyand mumble, “May he reign long and proud.”

The servant girl finallyseemed to replace the use of her legs, though she might have been encouraged bythe none too gentle push Garrick gave her to keep moving.

He had no doubt thatthat the man of which they spoke was the one he had killed nigh upon a sennightago. He did not ask for reasons. He did not ask why someone should request his skills, he only took their coin andperformed a task, with his conscious little burdened for the exchange.

Then why did itprickle so now?

And it wasfoolishness itself to wonder why, when it was so clear even to him. Because nowhe knew that the man left behind a widow—a woman who had apparently faced somehardship while still remaining here—and all he could picture was some thief inthe night murdering him while he passed through a market, leaving Mairifrightened and alone.

Things had changed.

Whatever part of hisheart had been so firmly shuttered from feeling for the plight of others wasopened, and while he would not say that he would never kill again—such would belunacy—he realised now that the why mattered.

And before he agreedto anything that Cyrus petitioned of him, he would ask it—as uncomfortable ashe was at the notion.

A little past thegrove was a lone tree, outfitted with a tapestry upon the grass and a loungingCyrus eased against the trunk. He hurried to his feet with a wide smile, hiseyes firmly on the serving girl, but she quickly shook her head and her eyesflickered to Garrick’s form slightly behind her.

Curious.

“That will be all,Bonnie. Thank you for escorting him.”

She blushed and gavea clumsy curtsey, “M’lords.”

Garrick turned beforeshe had managed to move too far away. “For your sake, girl, there had better bea noonday meal in my chambers before I return!”

She nodded furiously,her eyes wide, and she all but ran back to the safety of the castle kitchens.

Garrick returned hisattention to Cyrus who now looked at him with what could also be considered aglare. “You needn’t frighten her. She’s an obedient girl.”

He stared at the man,an eyebrow raised in question.

Cyrus sighed and sankback to the ground. “Are you going to loom or shall you also sit?”

Garrick stared downat the tapestry with distaste. “Could you not have picked a more dignifiedplace of solitude?”

He shook his head.“Sometimes privacy is worth more than seemliness.”

Rather than concede, Garrickmerely walked toward the tree, leaning against the trunk and folding his arms.“You are rather obvious, you know.”

Cyrus peered up athim. “What do you mean?”

Garrick scoffed. “Youraffection for the girl.”

Cyrus’s eyesdarkened. “Do not speak of it. That is not why you are here.”

“Is it not? You saidthat this was a matter of mutual interest, and I can assure you, I am not inthe habit of meddling with the serving class. Whoever has employed her thatprotests your dalliance is no concern of mine.”

The prince shook hishead. “You understand nothing.”

Garrick eased furtheragainst the tree, the perfect picture of indifference. “Very well then,enlighten me.”

Cyrus sighed. “Areyou certain you will not be seated? You are going to give me a terrible ache inmy neck.”

Garrick merelysmirked.

“How well versed areyou in the laws of this land?”

He shrugged. “Enough.”

Cyrus scowled. “I cansee why your reputation so precedes you. You are not one for civility, areyou?”

Garrick rolled hiseyes, already tiring of this interlude. “Shall you be reaching a point in thenear future? I have a bride that awaits me.” He closed his eyes for a moment,checking on their bond for any signs of her distress. All he could sense was aswirling haze and a quiet tranquillity that bespoke of her repose.

He relaxed, knowingshe was well and resting.

And could not helpbut be slightly amazed at how quickly he was coming to rely on this strange newconnection.

“Bonnie and I weremarried almost a month ago. It was a simple affair, only a hand fastingwitnessed by the smithy, but it was all that I could provide at the time. Butdespite my efforts to keep it secret, my uncle discovered us and...” Cyrusclenched his fists, and Garrick saw a familiar rage overtake his features. “Hebrought her in front of the entire court. He called her a slave and a whorethat was not befitting a noble line. He took out a knife and I was sure hewould slit her throat where she stood...but instead he chopped off her hair.Her lovely, lovely hair...”

He seemed lost for amoment, and Garrick shifted uncomfortably. It was one thing to discuss the coldand clinical matter of an assassination; it was another to recount an intimatestory of humiliation toward one’s wife.

Perhaps knowing thereason was not so very preferable after all.

“Why did you not stophim?” The question was asked before he could think better of it. He did notfear this man, or the reprisal, but his remorse was obvious and he supposedthere was little need to make him feel worse.

But even now he couldnot imagine standing by and doing nothing while his Mairi was terrorised by atyrant.

Cyrus glared at him.

“Unlike you, I am notcapable of disarming his entire guard. They held me subdued while he carriedout the deed.”

Garrick sniffed.While all young men received some training in the art of combat, Cyrus did notappear overly muscled that would imply some hidden strength that would enablehim to best multiple guards.

“I still fail to seehow this is also a problem of mine.”

Cyrus huffed and fellback until he was lying upon the tapestry, and Garrick thought it a terriblyimprudent measure. He knew of Garrick’sprofession, and to be so vulnerable...

For a moment Garrickwas glad of his skills. For no matter what, he knewhow to protect his Mairi. And allowing such moments of weakness wouldhave surely gotten him killed and then who would be there to keep her safe?

And no one would touch her hair but him.

Cyrus groaned andthrew an arm over his eyes, and Garrick could not help but roll his own at theaction. To be so trusting was absurd in the extreme.

“The king hasexpressed an... interest in your bride.”

Garrick stared downat him, his body taut and coiled. “What?” he asked; his voice deathly calm.

Cyrus sighed andstood, ensuring he looked at Garrick properly so he could see his sincerity.“While you were called away to the stables the king made some lewd remarks toyour wife. He questioned your marriage and I am afraid your bride might have...insinuated that you had not yet consummated it fully.”

Cyrus raised hishands in a placating fashion, Garrick unable to fully contain the growing ragethat filled him. “Tell me precisely whatwas spoken.”

“She did not mean toreveal anything untoward. My uncle has a way of... twisting words to meet hisown desires, but he made it clear to her that unless you two had fullyconsummated your marriage that it was possible for it to be annulled—thatsomeone else could take your place in her...” Cyrus’s eyes fell away and hetook a careful step backward before he quietly finished, “bed.”

Garrick lunged,grasping him by the throat. “And you did nothing to intervene?” His voice was alow growl, even as he realised his hypocrisy. He accused this man of not protectinghis wife when Garrick so completely failed his own.

He knew she did notcare for the lewd way the king spoke—for his easy manner of speech aboutsomething so wholly sacred and intimate. And while he had assured her that hewould mind his own tongue in future, he had egregiously misjudged how the kingwould comport himself in company.

He was a fool.

And he wanted toleave immediately.

But even as he madethe determination, a cold thought entered his mind—one that left him soterribly afraid.

He lurched away fromCyrus, who rubbed his neck with only a petulant glare, making no move toretaliate.

What if she had nottruly wanted it?

She did so wish tobind herself to him in any way she could, and if she had been informed thattheir marriage was only truly valid upon their most intimate sealing, she couldhave seen it as the only way to get him to stay—not because she desired him ascompletely as he cherished her.

His mind returned tothe blissful night before, and he searched through every memory as a manpossessed. Every breath, every touch he assessed for hesitation, for any glintin her eye that bespoke of her reticence.

Had he truly been soblind?

Cyrus watched himwarily, rightfully cautious about continuing his tale. “I can tell she did notspeak of it to you.” He suddenly appeared worried and Garrick did not miss theway he took yet another step back. “Perhaps I was wrong to mention it. I do notknow you, Lord Garrick, and I should hate to think you would punish her for myuncle’s unwelcome attentions.”

Garrick’s eyesnarrowed. “I would never hurt Mairi.And I grow weary of so many suggesting I would be capable of such a feat.”

Cyrus nodded. “Manyspeak of your vicious nature, but I am heartened for you to confirm that youare gentle with her. She deserves to be treated so.”

Garrick huffed,already tiring of this. He was too hurt, too worried by the possibilities of Mairi’sfull motivations from the night before and only a conversation with her couldallay—or confirm—his fears.

“Drostan is free totake a proper wife, why must he covet mine?”

Cyrus returned hisattention to the floor. “He does not wish for her to be his wife, Lord Garrick,only his mistress.”

Garrick could nothelp but clench his fists at the mere suggestion, as unwanted and most decidedlyunwelcome images flooded his mind—his littlenymph laid upon the king’s bed, frightened and in pain, forced to become hismistress while still bound so unequivocally to Garrick’s very soul.

He shuddered, vowingthat it should never take place.

If Callum had notbeen incapacitated he would have left with her at that very moment.

And while his steedhad been his faithful companion for many a long year, with horror he foundhimself debating whether it would be worth leaving him behind as he stoleanother beast, all so that he could spirit away his Mairi to some semblance ofsafety. Anything to spare her such afate.

“The last wife of theking left in disgrace after she failed to bear him a child.” Cyrus shrugged.“Not that any child by him should have been an heir, for the line passesthrough me.”

Vaguely Garrickremembered whispers in his childhood, of a crowned prince killed in atournament, of a foreign bride forced to return to her people even after thebirth of her son, too young to replace his father as heir. The king at the timehad lamented the loss of his son, and for the blind affection he had for hisremaining offspring, he gave him the crown for the duration of his life.

And now a man, toohungry for power as he wielded it over his fellow men had made the terriblemistake of looking toward Garrick’s little nymph as a potential bed partner.

“What is it yousuggest we do?”

And Cyrus stood talland proud, the first evidence of the royal blood that supposedly ran throughhis veins, and smiled.

“I suggest we killthe king.”