The Crimson Castle Read Online Free PDF Page B

was any danger in a
town under the ruling of such a man and he was as like trying to frighten her
but, with the scent of freedom drawing nearer, she relented.
    Tibald could not keep the look of triumph
from his face as she complied with his request, leaving for the market with a
guard in tow. In truth, there were few dangers to be met with inside the walls
of Etone . He controlled his serfs with a strong hand
and rarely would any risk the wrath of their lord, fearful of retribution. It was
unlikely anyone would be so foolish as to attack a guest of his but he did not
trust Evelyn one jot. Her insolence, while he enjoyed it, could only mean a
bold spirit lay within and he suspected it would not be long before she
attempted some rash escapade.
    An intelligent mind lay
underneath that comely appearance and no doubt she understood the nature of the
deal they had struck. He cared not for the fate of her people and wouldn’t
think twice about harming them should she find his terms objectionable. Still,
until he found her brother, he would have to watch his step. William of Beldersert had the King’s ear and it would not do to anger
him unnecessarily. At least until he could be taken care of, Tibald thought with a smirk.
    ***
    The market did indeed prove to be a sight to behold. Evelyn, being
relatively ill-travelled, had little experience of such a large gathering of
trade. The noise alone was surprising, each stall holder bellowing their wares,
while customers haggled for the best price. Exciting aromas infused the air –
freshly cooked bread, herbs and spices, mingling with, but not quite
disguising, the smell of livestock.
    A visit to the cloth merchant’s stall had her enraptured, the vast
display of colours and textiles, capturing her eye. The stall holder looked
upon her with glee, noting her interest and attempted to coax her into making a
purchase. As Evelyn laughingly declined, the merchant’s grin quickly fell as
she felt the dark shadow of a man fall behind her.
    Gabriel greeted her with a half-smile of uncertainty which Evelyn
attributed to their heated words the last time they had fully conversed, the
awkward meetings since having been blessedly brief.
    “Good day, Lady Evelyn.”
    “Good day.” She gave him a reserved smile in return and she noted the
darkening in his eyes but his smile did not falter.
    “What think you of the market? Is it to your liking?”
    “Indeed, it is diverting.” Evelyn could not help but lose her coolness at
the mention of the market - it was truly wondrous. “Were I at home I would not
be able to resist the temptation to buy up most of the fabrics! They are unlike
aught I have ever seen.”
    Gabriel unexpectedly chuckled at her enthusiasm and she discovered she
rather enjoyed the sound of his laughter, just as she liked the crinkling in
his eyes as he smiled down at her. It softened his menacing aura, making him
more human and less like the demon she thought he could be. However, underneath
the grin she could still sense an undercurrent of something. A sensation she
could not place her finger on, but it scared her slightly and she vowed not to
trust such a man, even if he did have a beautiful smile.
    He noticed her study of him. “Is something amiss, my lady?”
    Caught out, Evelyn wondered if she should reveal her musings to him.
“Nay, I am tired. Will you not accompany me back to the castle?”
    Gabriel looked a little taken aback by her request though she could
well understand why. She was not given to behave warmly towards him and she
doubted it had passed his notice.
    He motioned for her skulking guard to leave. “It would be my honour,
Lady Evelyn.”
    They walked leisurely through the narrow streets, their arms brushing
occasionally. Evelyn found herself highly conscious the large man at her side,
sneaking glimpses of his strong profile while noticing the fearful glances he
garnered from the peasants. She was certain there was good reason behind the
looks, the rumours