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Ruby could make no sense of his actions. She cursed herself for a fool, placing her trust in him, feeding upon his lies and deception. It left her stomach twisting. The disgust manifested physically, leaving her ill and clutching her stomach. She worried not only for her safety but that of her unborn child. She spent the nights lying curled beneath the plush linens, surrounded by darkness, staring at the curtains hanging around the bed.
No one would come. She was utterly alone.
Even the blossom of hope in knowing Henry was close withered with every passing day. No screams. No shouts. Nothing but silence penetrated her gaudy prison.
The time spent here blended together. Four days passed since she first woke in this room, but there was no way to know how long she had been incapacitated.
She rubbed the welt on the back of her head where they had struck her. A wave of shame mixed with a sharp pain in her side made her double over.
Pacing the room, Ruby attempted to redirect her focus on possible ways she could escape. No matter how many times she glanced out the window, she could not change the distance to the ground. Even should she wish to risk escape in such a manner, a fall from such a height, while it would not kill her, would certainly endanger the life she carried.
Her hand rested protectively over her stomach. This would not defeat her. She would persist and in doing so ensure the safety of her child. If Francis had wanted her dead, he would have put a blade to her throat and ended it. He would not take careful effort to feed and shelter her. Although she could not fathom his reason for doing so.
She would not concede defeat. He held no control over her. No matter how much he threatened those she cared about, she would find a way to fight him. But a frontal assault would never work. Nay, she would need to devise another method to defeat him, but what? And how?
The twist of a key in the lock pulled her from the depth of her thoughts. She spun away from the window.
The door swung open revealing the female servant in her simple garb bearing a tray with her evening meal, a steaming mug of tea, and a goblet of wine.
Ruby’s gaze shifted to the two guards blocking the door. Their vacant eyes followed her as she moved to the small table where the servant placed the tray.
“Grammercy.” She smiled at the servant.
The woman caught her gaze. A flash of fear filled her red-rimmed eyes before she blinked and quickly turned away. Ruby’s heart ached at the sight of such panic and uncertainty. Although she could certainly understand the woman’s position. Perhaps Francis relied too heavily on fear than endearing those in his service to ensure their compliance and loyalty.
The two guards stepped aside, allowing the woman to leave, but they did not close the door. Ruby ignored the food and strained to see beyond the two guards. Their unwavering stance offered no aid, and Ruby slumped in disappointment. But still, they did not close the door.
Before she could open her mouth, the two brutes stepped aside revealing Francis. Gone were his monk’s robes, replaced with fine garments fashioned for a king. Ruby’s stomach churned at the sight of the royal insignia embroidered on his doublet.
Francis entered without invitation and dismissed the guards with a wave of his hand. They closed the door, leaving her alone with him.
Ruby placed the table between them. Should he wish to harm her, he could do so, but she would fight him regardless. She tipped her chin up and faced him without intimidation.
“What do you want?” Ruby snapped, fighting off the revulsion of his presence.
“It would be remiss of me to neglect my honored guest.” He gestured to the tray of food. “Sit. Eat.”
Whatever hunger she harbored before now faded. Ruby shook her head. “I would rather starve.”
Francis tutted and took the seat nearest the door. “If not for yourself, then what of the child?”
She gripped the bedpost attempting to suppress the fury rising inside her. “What do you care what happens to me or the child? You captured me against my will and locked me away.” Venom spewed from her lips in pure defiance. “Why not just end my suffering? Kill me. Kill the king. Take your throne and then burn in hell.”
“Come now, Ruby.” He cocked his head and smiled. “Where would the challenge be if I killed you?” He plucked the goblet from the tray and drank deeply from the ostentatious cup.
“Give me a sword, and I’ll show you a challenge.” Ruby clutched her side as a spasm took hold. She straightened quickly as to not show weakness in his presence. He would not win. Not while a breath remained in her body.
“Such passion is an admirable trait in a queen.” Francis set the cup aside and rose to his feet. “I shall enjoy taming your tongue when we are wed.”
“Wed?” A snort escaped her. “I would rather die with honor than surrender to a serpent like you.”
Francis crossed the room in a burst of speed she had not anticipated. Ruby stumbled out of reach until her back slammed into the wall. His breath reeked of wine. She turned her head unable to stomach the pungent aroma.
“What you desire is immaterial.” He traced his gloved finger along her throat. Bile rose in her throat. “I am your master now, and when I take the throne, you shall take your place beside me. Willingly or not, ’tis where you belong. I will bring you to heel regardless of your personal feelings.”
“You underestimate me.” Ruby faced him, reclaiming the defiance that served her faithfully for so long. “The moment you turn your back on me, I will drive a blade through your blackened heart.”
“I would expect nothing less from the Lady of the Forest.” His gaze narrowed before he caught her chin in his deceptively strong grip. Ruby struggled against his hold, but he pinned her to the wall with his broad body. The monk’s robes had hidden his muscular form. It seemed she had been the one to underestimate him. Shame filled her.
