A LORD'S WEAKNESS

17. TRAP

"Get a coat."

Mariann leaned her head to the side in confusion but decided to do as she was told rather than arguing.

She snuck out from under his arm to go past them to get her cloak.

"Hey!" One of them shouted.

"It's this way," Mariann grit her teeth not turning back, walking into the small chamber she slept in with Alec and Laria she got the rough fabric she'd gotten from her master back in the Inn.

Laria and Alec's coats weren't there but they were working in the stable and the garden so she didn't know if that meant anything.

Coming back into the hallway she followed the two men who were impatiently waiting for the woman.

They walked through the gardens to the stable and Mariann glanced to look at Laria who was still raking.

Her friend looked worried seeing Mariann being led by two knights, so she smiled to ease her thoughts.

Coming into the stable Mariann saw that it was full of armored men and horses that were packing things and getting ready for something.

They were loading things onto the horses and putting on cloaks.

Standing by the entrance door Mariann could see young Alec who had brought a tall man the lead of a horse.

Alec turned his head to see her and began smiling. Rowan turned and followed his gaze to see Mariann.

Waving his hand for Mariann to come to him she couldn't help but feel that she'd caught the knight's attention as the stables turned quieter.

Walking over she couldn't help but notice how the Lord was dressed. His shoulders and arms were covered in armor padding from which a long heavy blue cloak hung. It's reached almost to the ground matching with his water-colored eyes which were gleaming with anticipation.

She didn't like where this was going.

Now standing in the middle of the room close to him and Alec surrounded by the other the Lord spoke, "you will be riding with me."

One of the knights broke the uncomfortable silence, "With all due respect, my Lord,"

He asked what was on everyone's mind, "Why is a slave joining us? At best she will hinder us."

Rowan's eyes shot to the knight sending a cold glare his way. "You say 'with due respect' but to me, it seems like you're questioning my commands."

The knight knew he was pushing his boundaries. He straightened up, "I apologize, my Lord. I did not mean to question you."

"Good, we're leaving." He commanded in annoyance.

Alec looked up to Mariann, "where are you going?"

The young Lord waved his hand using the contract to make both of the slaves silent. He could not show kindness to them in front of his men, it would make him seem weak.

They already seemed to question him and he did not have time to waste.

He made Alec step to the side while willing Mariann to the horse they had ridden before. Internally cussing she hated being silenced.