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“Serra Harlowe?”
A man in gilded metal armor stepped forward. His hand braced on the hilt of his sword, his helm tucked away under his arm. He wasn’t unremarkable but he was decent looking. His dark features and curly hair stood out. His skin tanned from hours out in the sun on patrol, causing his hazel eyes to stand out. I’d seen him before. He was the Captain of the Rothnian Guard. He often patrolled around the Conwell Manor when on duty.
“Yes?”
“We have a summons for you.” His voice was deep, not unkind but sharp. Years of service hardening it.
“From where?”
“Conwell Manor.”
Another guard stepped forward and handed me a rolled parchment with the Conwell wax seal. I quickly broke it and unrolled the parchment. Reading the contents inside.
“This has to be a joke.” I stammered. My eyes flicked back up to the guards. Landing on the swords at each of their waists. They could very easily take me out, no question.
“I’m afraid not.” the Captain said. His frown caused the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes to turn down. “You’ve been summoned at once.”
“Now?”
“Yes, we’ve been asked to escort you back to the Manor. It was requested.”
Looking down at myself, still dressed in my night dress, I pulled the blanket tighter around my shoulders. Embarrassment stained my cheeks pink as they flushed, “A moment?”
A soft nod. The Captain was a gentleman, keeping his eyes above my neck. The same could not have been said for those under his employ. The snickers of the men behind him reached my ears.
Glaring at them, I turned to head back into the house, the rolled parchment crumpling in my fist. I tossed the blanket on the floor as I slammed the door shut. Causing the dishes and pictures to rattle. Dressing quickly, I donned my nicest dress and shoes. Wrapping my worn stained apron around my waist. I quickly glanced in the cracked and bubbled mirror of my bureau. The dark circles under my eyes had grown. The lack of sleep the last few nights was starting to show.
Sighing, I grabbed my hairbrush and quickly brushed it through my hair, taming what I could. My usually straight locks had gone wild in the night as I tossed and turned, causing a small knot at the back of my head. Finally, having wrangled the knot out I set the brush down and checked my reflection again. A small touch of rouge and a little bit of powder were all that I could do. There was not much that really could be done with my appearance anyway, so with heavy footsteps I heaved the door open. The parchment clutched in my hand again.
The Captain dipped his head at my approach, he did not bow. I was not nobility and certainly not royalty. Only out of respect did he do so, his companions however did not. He did not speak another word, a stern look to his company, and they had gone back into formation. Lips sealed and eyes alert.
I did not ask questions as they escorted me down the lane and into town, my heart thundering away the whole way there- sandwiched between the three men behind me and the Captain in front. The curious glances and casual looks of those around us as we walked through the town square drew my attention, my ears turning red with embarrassment.
I preferred to live without being noticed. I was not one for spectacle or amusement. So, when I became the spotlight, I became clumsy. I tripped over a loose cobblestone as we approached the manor. The man to my right was quick, his hand at my elbow to catch me. “Steady there.”
His voice was deep, lethal, familiar. It unnerved me, throwing me off. Almost causing me to trip again as I glanced up into his face. But it was hidden by the helm. His cloak fluttered in the salty breeze.
My heart jumped, I thought. . .
No. . .
I could just make out his eyes, two different colors. Or at least I thought they had been. I blinked, and they had gone back to blue. My mind was playing tricks on me. I stared at him for a moment, as he shuffled on his feet, uneasy under my gaze.
I’d been so sure...
A loud crash in the square drew everyone’s attention. The guards immediately rushed off; they’d done their job. This matter was of more importance, off to see to the noise and the exchange between two villagers. Their argument grew louder and louder as they blamed each other for the mess. From the sound of it, one had knocked over the table of the other.
A fit of jealousy?
A gust of wind?
Who knew, it would be sorted, and the culprit fined for the disruption. Turning back to the manor doors. The guards had left me at the doorstep of Conwell Manor.
My nerves took over as I approached.
ChapterFour
SERRA
