Chapter 32

When Jacqueline had awoken, the next day, she had been extremely surprised. She had woken up with Dominic stroking her hair, staring into her face. Her heart had fluttered and her palms had turned nervous until he had brought wine to her lips, laced with powder she had fallen asleep again. It smelt sweet and tasted warm but her mind was too hazy to speak.

She had woken up later and he had fed her a small pottage. He had been slow and delicate in his movements, he had finished feeding her the large bowl before she had fell asleep again.

She had tried to speak to him, but he hadn't. He took deep breaths and gave her a strong tasting liquid before he played with her hair again. His fingers felt relaxing on her weak, sore body but she didn't want this from him. The man who didn't love her, need her and only wanted her for the producing of heirs. She hadn't been able to struggle because her body felt weak. She had closed her eyes, and fallen asleep.

She would inquire of his kindness when she had the strength to stay awake again. But for now she succumbed to her body's weakness...

Jacqueline pressed the ice to her ankle again. She hissed but she wouldn't let him do it. He had left her! She couldn't scream and had to weakly though the wine glass onto the floor. A maid had come in and she had later brought food, wine and ice.

Dominic had not returned that night and the day after, and after. It had been three days since she had saw her husband and she cursed the very ground he walked on. Deciding she would try and walk, she swung out of bed. She was sick of being dependent on the bastard anyway.

Gently holding onto the sides of the bed, she tried to balance on her feet. The broken ankle's pain shot through her, the pain almost threw her back into bed. Instead she screamed and put more weight onto her other foot.

The door flung open. Dominic. He stood outside the door and walked in. This was the first time he had seen him in his 'working clothes'.

In his hand was a helmet but the rest of his body was covered in armour. His blond hair clung to his forehead, less than the armour on his body. Some of it bloodied it was mainly a sliver metallic material, which with his blond hair touching it made him seem ever more the fighter. The clanking of the metal was even more apparent as he strode to her beside and towered above her.

"Why were you trying to rise Jacqueline?" Her name sounded softer than the rest of his sentence but she was still pissed off.

"You had left me."

"I made sure there was a maid to attend to you." He looked outside as his men ran around the castle grounds. His punishment for their idleness, an apology was never enough in his eyes. Focusing back to the issued, he called out."Who was suppose to attend to my wife?"

A maid who was suppose to attend to the countess. She was clealy a nurse, a book in her hand and a bowl of port for the patient, was now on her lips. came in view and curtised."Me, my lord. Faren."

Dominic looked at her with distaste."You think your name means anything to me?" He paused thinking of her punishment."You will work till tomorrow dawn. No sleep, no food. I want to see you work until your sorry behind has made up for neglecting my wife. Unless you want to return to your family on foot?"

"Y-Yes, my lord." Dominic knew which option she had taken, there was nothing else, but he had no time to think of her health whilst his wife was still unstable.

"Get out!" She curtsied and nervously scurried away.

Jacqueline's mind still dawned on the past."You left me in here."

"I have duties, I am no wife or nurse whose job it is to attend to her superiors." She lay quietly and didn't speak after that. He was an ass. An utter utter ass. He didn't care for her. Only for the part of the body he needed the most, the womb.

She looked away from him and fingered the soft glove of her cloth. Waiting for Dominic to leave. Dominic looked at her impatiently and knew she was upset but he had no strength to fight her without lashing out.

He called for Dermont, and then slammed the door, and sat at the chair opposite her. He removed his boots and dashed them across the room. The afternoon sun streamed into the room as Dominic waited for Dermont to enter.

He entered with a page who began removing his clothing."I will bathe later, after the tournament."

"Yes, my lord." Dermont looked at the weakening countess and found pity in his heart. He then looked at his master and knew he had overstayed his welcome."Is there anything you require, my lord?"

Dominic shook his head and Dermont and the page left the room. Dominic sat in a light sticky white shirt and a black hose. Dominic got up and stood above her."You will not leave this bed until you have recovered." He ordered.

"And why not? I need to walk if I am able to use my legs after this. It is a broken ankle, nothing more."

"You will not leave this room, this bed. I have guards stationed above this room, below this room and outside this room. I will not hesitate to put some inside as well."

"I do not need so much protection."

"But you do. From yourself, lady wife." He took a deep breath and looked at her."I will finally be in control. I am sick of you disgracing me." He hated himself. But she needed this, she was too stubborn for her own damn good. She could of died, or paralysed herself. And Dominic couldn't live with that.

"You WILL be chaperoned by me at all times. I cannot trust anyone else, it seems. Emily will give you horse riding lessons and you will listen to everything she says and go everywhere she demands and will not object."

"You smell foul." She coughed as Dominic stepped closer, his warm perfume of oak, hitting her in the face. She loved the scent, but he wouldn't hear that from her lips."You are foul, no good in you whatsoever. You seem to treat me like a wife, someone special. But then you treat me like this, a child."

"I felt your kindness, I thought there was something there. But I was wrong. All my life I've been told to serve men as they please, and the one time he serves me it's for the most selfish reasons. Oh well, I've had enough. Do what you want. I have nothing, want nothing, feel nothing until the good Lord takes me off this earth."

He turned around, confused. When had she become so bitter? Selfish reasons? He supposed it was selfish, he wanted her to live, to be happy because he was lonely.

He knelt down and touched her leg. She flinched but she could do nothing more, and he continued. He made sure the stitches were still tightly done up, and the blood hadn't begun to leak again. He brushed the dry flakes of blood on her and smiled as he saw no trace of infection.

He wanted her to live because he had grown to want her, to see what she wore in the mornings, or to hear her voice. He looked at her tired face and not being able to take it he slammed the door departing the room. He ran downstairs ignoring the ogling girls.

He walked into the swords room. The tournament was today. He would fight anyone to get his overworked mind clear again."My lord, you seem more vexed than I,"

Smith growled."I have had the most unfortunate move. My supposedly wife has been romping in the hay."

Dominic bit his plump red lips, to refrain from laughing. This man was a slow as a peasant walking."Well we fight? Before you punish her."

Smith motioned for his servant to bring him his foil and he slapped his opponent, Dominic."I accept your challenge monsieur,"

"Then let us begin," Smith spoke. The men began to parry.

Dominic fought easily with his opponent. Smith was skilled, poised and graceful. He blocked Dominic's angry and weaker moves easily, but that was all. When it came to Dominic attacking, once his mind was clear. There was no doubt in the winner. Dominic bowed to his opponent, as he struck down the foil in his hand by hitting his wrist, a painful blow and lost the game. Lord Smith smiled kindly, Dominic was known for the foil and it had helped him think of his next move. Which would involve Dominic.

"Your next loser is coming up," Smith whispered in his ear.

Dominic nodded and watched as a young fencer came towards him. He had an entourage of men and a finely jewelled foil. Dominic chuckled. No man could save you when you played against him. But he allowed him his entourage."Are you ready?"

"Yes, my lord." The boy repiled. He got into the standard stance and then they began to play...

"I am most gracious to your majesty," Dominic knelt on one knee and waited as the king placed the victor's ribbon on his flag.

The emerald green of the DeFleur household mixed well with the gold of the winners battle. It fluttered in the wind softly, gently and it relaxed Dominic. After the fight won Dominic needed all the peace he could get. He looked at Lord Wintherthorn who was hobbling to the doctor's tent and Dominic felt a wash of contempt.

"I am most upset that the countess could not do this. She would most delightful in the moss green gown I bought for her. The jewels that come with it would set off her eyes. If would please you."

"She is ailing sir, the doctor has demanded bed rest." Dominic said. Ignoring his king's comment. The last thing he needed was a guilt trip.

He had already felt like a cad. The behaviour of Lord Smith, so kind and gentle even though he knew Amelia Smith had rejected him for another. The wallowing of his friend, James Wilson whose wife had left him for another. Yet, he owned one of the most wanted woman in the lands and she lay asleep in her bed.

"We will pray for her recovery," Francis allowed him up and Dominic bowed low."Your prowess was always on the field."

"I am grateful for my lord's forgiveness." Dominic answered.

"Dominic, I have not said that." Dominic nodded and bowed low.

The courtiers stood watched as Dominic accepted a glass of wine. Francis dismissed everyone to allow them to refresh themselves before the meal. The two men walked towards the stairs and Dominic went to change quickly. Changing in his spare parlour he waited for a moment and stared at his reflection.

After wining the fencing tournament with only a slash on his chest he felt impowered. The ladies looked at him with such awe. They fluttered their hands and gave him their best wishes. He had been called a knight in shining armour. Compared to the great Henry VIII on horseback, in fencing, was an honour indeed

The men shot looks of envy. Apart from a couple, including Lord Smith who advised him on his skills. Domino had thanked the army general and left to fight. He had played against Stephen and several other men.

Dominic returned back outside. He walked through the gardens, picking a pretty white tulip on his way. He liked the flower, it reminded him of someone. He continued walking through the garden, till he reached where the people were.

He bowed to Francis and then he looked around for Wilson but he could not see him. He looked around the feast that was being prepared. The meal being taken outside the roast meats were being brought out by the servants as he looked around the area.

"My lord, a word?"

Dominic turned around and looked at Smith. He had a menacing twinkle in his eye and a crooked smile. What was he up to?"Of course,"

The two men began walking away from the crowd. Dominic listened, very interested, to Smith's proposal. He looked around the gardens whilst he listened.

His eyes locked on the priest who was riding and stopped his horse to meet Dominic's glare. He got off his horse and a black boy took the horse with a flourishing bow. William patted his head kindly before he bowed again and took the horse away.

Smith knowing his plan was being put into action, walked away. Dominic watched as William strode up to him. "My lord," William bowed low and stepped closer to Dominic.

"Father DeFleur," Dominic said crisply.

Dominic swallowed his breath and stepped closer."How have you been?"

"Where is my sister? Your wife. There is no time for pleasantries." Dominic turned around from him and William grabbed sharply, his arm.

He had been sick of his brother in law's uselessness. He had yet to contact him and he had barely seen his sister at court. William was unsure if he was staying at James' town residence or if he was in court. The guards would tell him nothing and they only offered Amelia a romp. She had shoved them off and William had no time to ask the Marquis or Lady Russell for that matter. They had done enough damage to their souls.

"My wife, is well. She is where she rightly belongs."

"With a husband who hurts her. Locks her up. Your servants are loyal to their master, they would not tell anything." William looked up, blue eyes blazing."But I will find out where my sister is. I will have the king divorce your marriage. She is not happy and neither am I."

"You will do no such thing!" Dominic cried out.

"And why not?" William said coldly.

Dominic shot a look to Amelia who was sitting patiently in modest garbs waiting for William to return. She was sewing and quietly singing to herself. A simple cream dress covered her body, her hair decently covered in a fashionable brown cap. A chain hung on her neck, as simple as her clothes but made from gold. A gift from the king. Her red slik hung in a bun and several strands touched it at the back.

"Lord Smith. My good friend, was engaged to your lovely betrothed. A match made by the king himself, but it's been ignored. I and his lordship will certainly bring it up, and kick up a fuss, if you do not do as I say. Francis, no matter how he cannot admit it, would never let our happiness over yours. We are the army general of the country, personal swordsman to the king: teacher and guardsman. As well as the head of security for the King's castles. And you are a peasant priest. Francis knows where his loyalty lies."

William was utterly lost to Amelia. But what Dominic said was valid, even if not polite. Amelia- She was made for him and he made for her. William turned around and faced him."You wouldn't want anything to happen to your wife?" He spat.

Williams fist clenched. Dominic tousled his hair."Brother," He smirked wider as Edmund Smith stepped closer with his friends."Your sister is well in my arms. Trust me."

William was about to retort when Dominic interrupted him."You need to anyway. There is no other option."

William knew this was going and unclenched his fists."Good man." He looked down at William's simple golden cross that hung from his chest and slowly played with it in his finger tips."I hope your marriage will be a happy one."

Dominic glanced at Francis who was speaking to a woman, he was occupied for now."The lady Amelia Smith, a peasant. Disowned by her brother's. Personally I could help you secure your marriage, the same surname and the fact I know Smith disowned Amelia could be a great help to you. Huh... She will be your wife if you be good. Then you'll have your stolen servant too. Your life would be complete, but only if I wish it."

William stepped back, his eyes fell to his shoes. Bastard."My lord,"

Dominic felt his power increasing. He held all the cards here, he wouldn't mind giving one away."I will let you see my wife." Dominic almost laughed at the expression of puzzlement and gracefulness in this man's movements. He thanked him."You will not say anything... Stupid."

William allowed him to walk in front of him, listening to Amelia's call him the background."I will see you later William."

He nodded and waved as he walked quickly to chase Dominic. Dominic led him through the castle he walked past the guards and each door with ease.

+++

Jacqueline lay quietly. Her eyes darting between the door and the silk sheets of the cover. She had not risen from her bed and she listened to the speech of the servants for an occupation. Her ankle was better, but she felt drugged, her body was weak. Everywhere felt numb.

She listened in to a conversation.

They say the master has won the lists. There will be a great feast in his honour. I saw him as he rode ever so magnificently.

Jacqueline snorted at their mindless chatter but was in the mood for something to listen to. Her thoughts were boring her. She listened some more as the girls giggled, their conversation either on the lord or their duties they had been yet to perform. They said they needed to tend to her.

There was a gentle whisper and Jacqueline had taken a deep breath.

She closed her eyes and heard the door disengage. There was a quiet whisper and one girl mentioned that the countess was a boring wife, no wonder the lord was always away. Jacqueline wanted to scream at them to have the bastard, but instead- continued to pretend to sleep.

They opened her windows and cleaned the room before placing something on the beside table and leaving the room. They did this hourly, at Dominic's request most likely and then left the room. Continuing with their never ending chatter.

She listened for a moment. Footsteps. And the slience. The door disengaged again, what did they want? Jacqueline thought.

Two people entered and Jacqueline kept her eyes shut still."Ma soeur!" William's voice made her want to open her eyes but she was unsure if it was a dream and kept them closed.

"What is wrong with her?" William's voice was raised and Jacqueline opened her eyes and groaned in pain.

"Ma soeur! Jacqueline you have scared me. I have missed you Ma petite!" He laughed and lunged next to her. He hugged her fiercely, rapidly speaking french.

He laughed and kissed her cheek and kept her body to his chest until she hit him on the back."Desole! Desole! Ma Soeur,"

"William, I am well." She replied. Then she looked into her brothers eyes and she knew she could not lie."William please take me home,"

"You are home," Dominic's voice wobbled.

"Shut up!" Jacqueline seized her chance to leave this horrid man and grasped her brother's hand."Please William, petition to Francis. Take me home, I'll work for you as a chamber maid. I-I don't want a husband again, I'll obey you as a husband but I'll never be in you and Amelia's way."

Dominic growled but let her continue."I don't want this man. I-Im tired William and the marriage has not been consummated. Marry me to no one, anyone. I'll marry a villager! A peasant if he is better than this man "

Dominic's patience had run out."I think this visit has been long enough. I will call the doctor to check you over, my lady."

"Father?" William looked up and touched her arm gently before swallowing his pride and leaving his sister.

Dominic shut the door and looked at her with an icy stare.

He had tried hadn't he? But now she had just thrown it in his face. Laughed at his kind gestures, she wanted to return home and live like a peasant. She needed to be corrected, he could beat her till she stopped her childish behaviour. A day in the stocks, a night on the floor. He could work her like a peasant, as she wanted. But he couldn't do that.

He knew deep down he couldn't do that anymore. He wanted to change, to not be that person anymore. But he was exhausted. Forgiveness was a pretty thing, and he hoped he had shown her a reason for her forgiveness. That he was capable of being good. But he hadn't done enough. She wanted just to be rid of him.

He was bored of it. He was tired from all of it. He was sick of it. He took a deep breath with one last look at her face.

"Do what you want Jacqueline, I don't care anymore."