The Unfortunate, стр. 22

“Well this is a pleasant surprise.”

She recognized the guard’s voice immediately. The gruffness with a hint of desire was unmistakable. But it was not only the man’s tone. Even in the dimness of the passage, Jenn could detect the man’s lustful smirk, and her body instantly tensed.

“You should not be wandering the corridors alone, especially at this late hour.”

“Queen Marlisa calls me. I cannot linger.” Her tone had been one of heightened urgency, and she immediately realized it had likely made the situation worse.

“There is no need for harshness,” he cooed and advanced. “Why not come to the walls? There are plenty of us who require care.”

Jenn found the comment and the actions it suggested to be repulsive. The thought nauseated her, but she somehow maintained her composure. Only Fate knows how.

The guard continued to move closer. “I desire only your company. We never see one another. A shame is not it?”

No, if anything it is a blessing. Despite the thought she remained calm and eventually replied, “Let me pass or you shall …” The handmaiden paused when she bumped against the wall, but she was quick to add, “Or you shall have to explain yourself to the queen.”

Rather than heed the warning, the guard raised his hand and slowly stroked her cheek. “Your beauty must be the envy of every woman and the desire of every man.” He chuckled with satisfaction as if he had achieved a monumental feat before moving his hand to her shoulder. Using only his index finger, he followed the neckline of the woman’s dress.

She remained calm, but all the while, she pondered what was occurring and what she would do if the situation escalated. Jenn immediately thought about the hairpin Banan had given her, not because she planned to use it, but because she had forgotten it in her room. Although she had worn it that day, she had left in such a hurry, it had slipped her mind. Even so she had not expected it would have been needed.

“Yes, you were truly blessed,” the man commented.

The words caused Jenn to cease her thoughts and look back. Not surprisingly she discovered the guard gazing at the curvature of her bosom.

“Indeed.” He licked his lips and continued to stare as intently as a hunter studies his prey.

For the first time since the encounter, she felt flustered. It aggravated her to know the guard was obtaining pleasure. Since it was not the first time the man’s eyes had wandered, however, she held her tongue. What good would it do to offer criticism? Especially now.

The guard continued to follow the neckline on the front of the garment, but he suddenly lowered his hand to her breasts.

Jenn immediately jerked away, but she moved only a few steps before bumping into the wall. She was trapped, but no matter what happened, she would not be overcome without a fight. She did her best to indicate such to the guard by glaring at him like a she-wolf defending her young.

Despite the anger-filled, disapproving expression, however, the man returned a lust-filled gaze and smiled again with satisfaction. “My apologies. I meant no offense.”

Sure the filthy swine had not. Does he think I do not know exactly what he was doing? She had wanted to make some reply to the guard’s comment but instead kept the words to herself. Again … what purpose would it serve?

“I would never hurt you.” The guard lowered his arm and clasped the woman’s hand in his own.

That caused her to flinch slightly.

“Do you understand?”

Enough not to be fooled. She was not blind to his intentions, but Jenn eventually nodded only to acknowledge she had heard, not that she agreed. She actually sensed little truth in the guard’s words.

“I would see that you are loved.” He raised Jenn’s hand to his lips and offered a gentle kiss. “I shall protect you. Whatever you need I shall be there for you.”

When the guard again kissed her fingers, she wanted to pull them away or even to slap the man, but her body would not heed the suggestions that her mind was spawning. For a second time, she was not able to move. All Jenn could do was wait for the guard to again speak or perhaps even attempt to finish what he had started. Only silence lingered, however, with a heaviness that was not only unnerving but also suffocating. Any moment Jenn expected someone, even if it were the king, to come through the passage to interfere.

But it was not to be.

After a duration that had slowed, causing it to feel closer to twice or even threefold the actual time, the guard finally released his grip and smiled. But that was all. He did not offer any indication of leaving.

Why will he not leave?

The man remained still. The only change was the broadening of his smile.

Why will he not leave?

The guard finally offered a slight bow and walked back down the corridor and into the shadows like the creature he was.

For a second time, the inevitable had been delayed once again.

✽ ✽ ✽

When Jenn arrived at Queen Marlisa’s chambers, she did not hesitate to make her presence known. Given the darkness of the corridor, an uncertainty lingered—a fear that the guard had followed her and that he would emerge from the abyss, drag her back against all will, and do as he wished to satisfy his needs. No.

The handmaiden did her best to clear the thoughts by turning to another matter of importance, how the queen would react to the lateness. Jenn had never known Queen Marlisa to strike a servant, even those who were least obedient. She knew their punishment had been dismissal from the queen’s service. Some had even been banished from Caberton Keep. Not wanting either of those to occur, Jenn continued to consider how she would answer if the queen inquired about her lateness. What she would not do, unless faced with the possibility of