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I was sitting at my desk writing in my journal. I was furious. I did not want a governess nor did I want to learn the ways of Dragonspire. I wanted to go home. Of course, I had learned that wasn't going to happen. My family would never be looking for me. And of course, as long as I stayed, they were safe. I also knew, due to the growing bond with the rings, that Nathan would honor that promise. He did not make promises lightly.
A tear drop escaped and plopped onto the paper, causing the ink to smudge. The day that Nathan had told me about his trip to London, and tricked me into agreeing to the wedding rings of doom, I had missed one very important detail in our heated discussion. My brothers had been devastated by my unfortunate accident. I had assumed it was the ruse that I had fallen and broken my leg. Of course, they'd be upset to hear that.
Yet, that isn't what Edward and James had been told. Somehow, through that magical mind control, Adelaide and Nathan had given Aunt Pen a false memory. I had gone riding, and the horse I was on got spooked. I had been thrown and trampled to death. She had represented my family at my funeral.
Nathan had told me it was best this way, they would get some sense of closure. They would cease looking for a way to bring me back home. What was even more tragic to me, though, was now I would not even be able to exchange letters with them.
The door to my room slid open, and Nathan walked in. "It's almost time for me to depart."
"Good," I muttered. "I hope you don't come back."
"What was that, dearest wife?" Nathan asked as he came to stand behind me, and ran his hand over my thick braid.
"I hope you have a safe trip." I tried to smile but failed.
"Don't lie, Elizabeth." He sighed. "You know I can tell through the ring."
"Just lovely, that ring of doom," I replied as I looked at the black onyx ring circling my third finger.
"Must you call it that?" Nathan asked, a sad look flitting briefly across his face.
"What else would I call it?"
Instead of answering right away, Nathan put my braid to his cheek and held it there a moment.
"Do put your hair up," Nathan instructed, releasing my braid. "I don't want any tongues wagging about you."
I dutifully took out the hair sticks from George and secured my long braid up. Arguing got me nowhere, and so far, Nathan had kept true to his word. He had not once touched me. The black ring of doom not included.
***
Once the Throckmorten's had left to hire my governess, I went to the kitchen and packed a basket of food. I intended to go find the family of the boy that had been beaten because of me. I was going to ask them for forgiveness.
Finding them was not difficult. Without Nathan and his entourage, the local people were actually helpful. When I explained that I had a basket for the family, and how I felt, not only was I was able to secure some medicines, they gave me directions. I knocked on the door to the little hut and the young girl greeted me.
"Mirilla, who's at the door?" a woman's voice called.
"It's the Lady Elizabeth!" Mirilla answered, as her mother rushed to the door.
"Do come in, Lady Elizabeth," she answered ushering me in.
"I've brought some food for you," I said as I showed her the basket. "As well as some medicines. I wanted to apologize for what happened the other day."
"Oh, no no. It was my son's fault, Lady Elizabeth," the mother answered, sending Mirilla to put the basket I had brought into their kitchen.
The little hut had two rooms, and a small alcove that had a small stove and a sink. The back room must serve as their bedroom.
"It wasn't his fault," I answered. "I know I don't understand the ways here, but what happened was inexcusable. I'm very sorry."
There were two younger voices talking hushed for a moment.
"Mother, I'd like to see Lady Elizabeth," a tired-sounding voice called.
"Ani, she brought you medicine."
"Come this way, Lady Elizabeth," the mother answered as she let me go back.
I wasn't prepared for how the boy would look, and tears escaped before I could stop them.
"You can call me Elizabeth," I smiled as I knelt by the boy's bed. He was bruised pretty badly from where Nathan's foot had kicked him. He had bandages on his arms and legs.
"They whipped Ani on the back of his legs," Mirilla cried.
"I can't apologize enough." I sniffed and wiped a tear away.
"Don't apologize, Lady Elizabeth," the boy I thought was named Ani answered. "I was running on an errand; I should have been watching."
"I'm just Elizabeth," I said. "Is your name Ani?"
Mirilla giggled in response.
"I'm Kyung," Kyung answered with pride.
"But I thought your sister called you Ani?"
That was greeted with more laughter.
"He is Ani!" Mirilla giggled.
"Ani is how a younger sibling addresses their older brother."
"Oh," I said. "I just called my older brothers by their first names."
"What are their names?" Mirilla asked.
"Edward is my oldest brother, and then there is James. Would I call them both Ani?"
"You could," Mirilla smiled. "I would call them Ani, and Ani Jay."
"I'll have to remember that should I ever see them again."
"You might not see them again?" Kyung asked.
"I'm afraid not," I answered quickly wiping another tear away.
"Don't give up hope," Kyung told me.
I decided right there that I liked him. I felt a tug on my sleeve. I turned to look at the little girl as she tugged.
"What is it, Mirilla?"
"Ani lost his job!"
"Is that so?" I had a sudden thought. "You know, I could use a protector. One that I can trust and count on. Would either of you know of such a noble bodyguard?"
"I want to do it. I want to be your bodyguard," Kyung said.
"Then, Kyung, let's talk to your mother."
And so, when Nathan returned, standing beside me was Kyung.
Nathan's eyes narrowed. "Elizabeth, a word with you in private."
I nodded, and Kyung moved to follow me. "It's all right," I said.
Kyung nodded.
I followed Nathan and closed the door behind us. I could sense his confusion and anger through the ring. I absently rubbed it.
"Who is that?"
"His name is Kyung. I hired him as my bodyguard."
"I would have given you any of my men as a bodyguard," Nathan said.
"I wanted to make my own decision. Please respect that." I wasn't going to back down.
Nathan purposely strode towards me, I knew he was angry, and I flinched.
Nathan paused. "Why that boy? He can't be more than sixteen."
"He's 17, he's just malnourished. I've also awarded his family a weekly payment." I held my chin up.
"You did what?" Nathan pinched the bridge of his nose. "Were you feeling that unsafe? Get rid of him. I'll assign Marek to you as a personal bodyguard."
"I don't want Marek, or any of your men as my bodyguard. I want one that is sworn solely to protect me. Picked by me. Kyung is that man!"
"We will talk about this later, wife," Nathan said as he turned to leave his room.
I moved quickly and grabbed his arm. I really wanted this. I needed to win this. I had no family, and I wanted Kyung and even Mirilla to fill that void.
"Give me this one thing. I've had no real decisions of my own since I've been here. Please." I could sense he was wavering. Surely if he cared for me, he’d give me this. "Nathan, please."
He gave one curt nod and left, slamming the sliding door.
Kyung came in after that. "Are you all right?"
"Yes," I nodded, as I watched the door for a moment, a torrent of emotions in the back of my head.
Thank you, Nathan.
***
Over the next couple of months, Kyung ate well and trained with the men, and it showed. He had a natural talent with the bow and arrow and was quick to learn with the sword.
"I underestimated you, wife," Nathan said one afternoon as we watched the men practice.
"Thank you.” I smiled appreciatively.
"I understand from your governess that your studies are coming along well."
"They are." I studied hard. I found the legends interesting, and that helped.
"I have something for you since you've been working so hard.” Nathan smiled and I could sense the excitement. "You mentioned once that you wanted to learn ceramics."
"You remember me saying that?" I was surprised. I did want to learn, although at the time it was a flippant answer.
"Are you surprised, Elizabeth?"
"A little, I admit."
"You can go to the old potter's hut to learn starting tomorrow after your lessons. Kyung knows the way."
I then surprised not only myself, but Nathan, when I gave him a genuine hug.
***