Christine flees in panic

A wave of panic washed over her. With a muttered apology, Christine backed away from the Verderer before turning and stumbling up the narrow stairway distancing her weak flesh from temptation. What little light that had filtered into the stables from the small windows completely disappeared and she made her way by feel up the rough-hewn wooden steps. Half-way up the steps, Cristine paused in the blackness to listen for sounds of footfalls behind her. She could not even begin to think what she would do if the Verderer was following her to her room. Not only was there nowhere else to run, but she couldn't imagine even trying to stop this man if he tried to take her in his arms. It had taken every ounce of willpower she had to retreat to the safety of the promised chamber in the first place.

At the top of the stairs, she was pleasantly surprised to find that she could see again. There was just enough light streaming through cracks in the inner wall that she could make out the silhouette of a small bed and table. Resting on the small table were the tools of the trade left by the room's previous occupant; a short-handled brush and dustpan sat next to a neatly folded apron. The bed was narrow and low with a dusty quilt and small bolster. Compared to the great bed in Marielle's and Master Werner' bed chamber it looked tiny, but it was not all that much smaller than her bed at home and after sleeping on the hard cobblestones of the streets it looked wonderful.

Closing the door behind her she lowered a heavy wooden bar to lock the heavy door. For the first time since her perilous escape from her family castle, Christine was safe - and alone.

She collapsed onto the bed, not even caring that the straw tick was lumpy and thin, or that the blanket that covered the mattress smelled distinctly of horse. All the same she pulled the covering tightly up under her chin and closed her eyes expecting to fall asleep immediately.

To her surprise, in spite of her exhaustion, she could not fall asleep. So much had happened in the past two days that she could barely even contemplate it all. Surprisingly, it was not The Black Prince's treachery, Merthin's rejection of her honest claim or the horror of Bishop Anthryl's attack and her stay in the 'hole' that troubled her most. It was her interaction with the Verderer and his wife that was hardest for her to comprehend. She had fully expected Werner to kiss her and her loins warmed at the thought of where that kiss may have led. However, unlike Henry, the outlaws, Bishop Anthryl and his lust filled guards, apparently the Verderer had not found her girlish figure attractive compared to that of his generously endowed wife.

As she lay on the bed, she tried again to settle her restless mind. What had Marielle meant by her offer to have Christine share their bed. Suddenly, as if some puppeteer was manipulating the players in her story, she heard the Verderer's wife's cheerful voice greeting her husband.

"So, did you get Evelyn all tucked into her bed with a goodnight kiss?" The same cracks that let the light filter in from the adjoining room transmitted the sound of the occupant's voices. "I thought it might take you quite a bit longer to get her properly settled down."

"No Marielle," The Verderer's low chuckle was as distinctive as his wife's teasing jibe, "I left her safely at the foot of the steps." Christine noticed that Werner did not mention the intimate moment they had shared. "After what that little dove has been through, the last thing she needed was to be crowded in that tiny room with a man like me."

"You could have both fit on the bed," his wife teased, "although you two would have been more comfortable here with me."

"Oh, stop it." Werner protested with a slight groan, "Trust me when I tell you that there is more at stake here than just a beautiful young woman and a simple man like me." The Verderer's wife said something she could not make out, but Werner's answer was firm. "It's not just that, Mari. I knew her family, her brother especially. That young woman needs more than a lover, and I'm hardly the man for someone like her." Hearing from the Verderer himself why had not followed her up to her room like she feared (hoped?) came as a relief to Christine. Although now, she started wondering how this good man knew her brother.

"Too bad." Christine could picture the goodwife's knowing smile. "That sweet little virgin was creaming her panties every time she noticed you staring at her tits." Christine blushed fiercely as she lay on the rough bed, humiliated that Marielle saw through her clumsy attempts to tempt her husband. There was a brief moment of muffled silence broken by Marielle's delighted giggling. "Oh my, Werner. That pretty thing does have you all worked up, doesn't she?"

"More likely it's the sight of my wife, naked and waiting." Werner's gruff denial was followed by another few moments of muffled murmuring and soft giggles.

"That was nice," Marielle's voice sounded breathless and husky, "and it was nice of you to complement me too, but if you want some action tonight, you're gonna have to call me 'Evelyn' when you spread my legs." The Verderer must have been as shocked as Christine because he spluttered a little before his wife cut him off again. "Stop your foolishness, Werner. You know I understand what men want. Now get over here and show me what you would have done to Evelyn if you had had the sense to follow her up to her bed."

Marielle must have sensed her husband's acceptance of the situation because she added coyly. "I'm not as petite as that lovely child, but I think I can still play the part of a timid virgin."

To Christine's excitement (and horror) she heard Werner laugh good-naturedly and call his wife 'Evelyn' even as the springs of their bed creaked noisily.