The Crimson Castle Read Online Free PDF

could see Gabriel
was restraining himself. They fought aggressively, their wooden swords crashing
against each other so hard that Evelyn thought they may split. They danced
around one another, parrying and feinting with great skill.
    She was disappointed when Gabriel
finally conceded to his master, in spite of the obvious superiority of his skill
and the weariness of his opponent.  If Tibald realised that he had not triumphed through his own skill, he did not show it
and Evelyn smiled in amusement at his posturing. She was astounded when Gabriel
too shared in this smile.
    ***
    Gabriel remembered this shared moment that night, her bright smile
burnt into his mind as he settled between his sheets.  He had felt her
presence before he’d seen her, stood in the corner of the bailey, watching them
with fascination.
    He’d fought harder than usual, normally acquiescing to his master long
before, but it was with great reluctance that he had yielded to Tibald , realising it would do him no good to defeat the
arrogant lord. It angered him normally to spar with Tibald ,
having to play the inferior fighter, but when he had caught her look of glee it
had made him look at his master’s false bravado with a new perspective.
    Evelyn’s ability to find pleasure in life puzzled him. He watched her
with envy as she chatted with the servants with ease. She seemed to make
friends with just about anyone, no matter their walk of life. He had never
before questioned his own lonesome existence and he found himself angry at her
for causing him to doubt the path he had chosen. He knew she’d caught him
scowling at her on more than one occasion, her face a mixture of confusion and
disdain. She scolded him on occasions for his lack of chivalry and he felt
genuinely ashamed at his ignorance.
    Evelyn had come to dominate his
thoughts and he found himself highly aware of her presence. He did not deny
that she was a handsome woman and he saw many a head turned by her, but he was
surprised that she caught his attention at all. He concluded that it was due to
her unnerving character, having never before borne witness to such strength
combined with such delicacy. With a frustrated toss under his sheets, he
resolved to put her out of his mind and concentrate on his task at hand -
ensuring she kept herself out of trouble, long enough to become Tibald’s bride.
    ***
    The next morning, she joined Tibald for
breakfast, half relieved and half disappointed that Gabriel was not with them. Tibald informed that he was attending some business in town
when he noticed her look towards his usual seat.
    Eager to leave the stifling atmosphere of the castle, Evelyn finally
plucked up the nerve to ask Lord Tibald if she may go
to the market. Mary had told her of the exciting wares to be found in the
market and Evelyn decided it would be a healthy distraction and would help
boost her waning spirits.
    “My dear lady, I beg of you come and go as you please. ‘Tis your fevered imagination that believes I wish you ever
present. Although I would not complain if you chose to make it so.”
    He smiled at her and Evelyn was struck by the sinister look behind it.
She suspected he was attempting to charm her and yet for all his gallantry he
could not hide the truth of his character.
    “I thank you, my lord.”
    “I anticipate you may find many wares that will be to your liking, ‘tis
one of the biggest markets in the county. I have but one request, my lady, if I
may?”
    “As you will.” She smiled pleasantly,
disguising an inward groan.
    “I will ask one of my men to accompany you, ‘ twould not do for a maiden under my care to come to harm.”
    “Wherefore, my lord? I could not come to harm
within the castle walls. I am not so incapable that I cannot see to my own
safety.”
    “I do not doubt it, but nonetheless there be my request. Etone is not like your little township; verily our streets
are fraught with danger.”
    Evelyn decided it was most improbable that there