Betrayals: A Witch's Coven Novel, #2

Chapter 1

I worked hard all through the day, and an annoying thought stayed with me. I had forgotten something important, but I could not place it. I went through my friends’ birthdays, the anniversary of the start of the war and of my first day at my house lord’s home, but none of the dates matched up. But still, an elusive memory hung with me that resembled a feeling of déjà vu. I had been through this day before, and a change had occurred, yet I could not place what was different.

I blocked out the thought and focused on my work. Toward the end of the day, I stopped in the kitchen by the fire and sat down on a chair. The kitchen staff scrambled all around me and Mary came to sit next to me. You look tired. Do you feel unwell?

I shook my head and wanted to stand up, but thought a few minutes off my feet would be helpful. I am tired, but am not sick. I’ll get back to work.

I stood up but Mary blocked my path. A storm is coming tonight. I can feel it in my bones. She rubbed her right hip. Maybe that is what you feel.

Maybe that is so, but I think I just need to get some sleep tonight.

There will not be much sleep tonight. The party will not start until late. You’re still coming, aren’t you?

My stare of confusion gave away my ignorance.

Before I could say a word, Mary said, You do remember, don’t you? We’re throwing a welcoming party for Alessia joining the staff. I told you yesterday. Though you were running around after that Stephen of yours, so maybe you didn’t hear me.

He is not ‘mine.’ We’re good friends and there’s nothing going on between us.

I spoke the truth, but Mary looked at me askance. I was born forty winters ago and can see through your little charade. You like him.

I like his friend, Charles.

Denise hugged me from behind and put her chin on my shoulder. I’d take them both, if I were in your shoes.

At hearing her voice, a great joy broke over me as though I had not seen her in a long, long time, even though we had seen each other just yesterday, I laughed and pulled her around to give her a hug. You would like two men and leave none for me. How selfish of you!

Mary glanced away for a moment and then nudged me. Our house lord is trolling the grounds to check up on us. Let’s get back to work.

Renewed at seeing my dear friend Denise, I grabbed a basket of bread and headed upstairs. I knew guests were coming to visit tonight, and with the storm coming, they would need to stay the night. I’ll see you tonight after dinner.

We’re going to practice for the show, or do you think we should skip tonight and enjoy all the fun? Her voice trailed off as she headed toward the exit.

Let’s skip tonight. Maybe we should enjoy ourselves a bit.

That’s fine with me. She waved and headed out of the kitchen.

I finished my tasks for the day and headed back to my room. I ate little, not feeling at my best, and decided to just lie down for a moment. Outside the wind blew and I heard the storm. At first I could hear the soft sound of snow landing on the bushes outside my window, but as the wind picked up, the snow came down faster and blanketed everything in sight. I went to get up but fell back in bed and closed my eyes. Tired and drained from the long day at work, I awoke later. Laughter from down below startled me and I stretched and yawned. I dreamed of sipping some hot chocolate that Mary had given me. She had sprinkled a bit of nutmeg on top and I sat by the fire in the kitchen sipping my drink.

After another bout of laughter, I sat up in bed and shook my head. I felt groggy and did not know what time it was, but the wind still howled outside. A knock on my door startled me, and I quickly got up and went to the door.

Denise had a cap on her head and I could tell she had been drinking. What are you doing up here in your bedroom? You’re missing the party!

I fell asleep for a bit. What time is it?

It’s after midnight. She pulled me out of my room and down the hall. You have to at least welcome the new girl Alessia.

Who is that cackling down there? I heard the loud laugh again and didn’t recognize it.

I don’t know her name, but she came over from one of the other great houses. She’s a maid, I think. Denise skipped down the hall and pulled me along and it was good to see her happy.

When we entered the kitchen, the party was not as boisterous as it had sounded while in my room. I saw Tom laughing with Henry and then a cluster of people in a circle around the fire. In the center, looking a bit out of place, the new girl was the center of attention.

There she is over there. Denise skipped past the tables and stopped. We didn’t get you a drink.

I shook my head. I’m fine. I can get one later. I pulled Denise in the opposite direction and we came up to the rest of the staff.

Denise put her hands up in the air and shouted, Our lady of the rags has deigned to make an appearance with us this evening.

Mary, off in the far end of the circle, clapped her hands, and Henry made his way over to join us along with Tom.

We thought you had gone to sleep! Michael said. He had cleaned up nicely for tonight’s festive party and had even slicked his hair back. Always out to help me, he smiled good-naturedly at me and bowed his head.

Well, I did fall asleep.

Everyone laughed at me, and Sally came up to me and put her arm around me. On all the days, where he gives us a night off for some fun, you fall asleep?

But I’m here now. I glanced over at the new girl and said, Welcome to our not so quiet and joyous home!

Mary pointed at her. She’s your Stephen’s cousin and came from up north. She’s from Isil.

Someone had pushed Alessia into the mix of people and she stood in front of me, shy and unsure of what to say.

I think she looks more like you than Stephen. Sally grabbed Alessia’s arm and held it up to me. Look at her complexion. It’s not olive like his.

I took pity on her and could see that she did not like being the center of attention. I welcome you to our great house. May you find good work here, a restful bed and friends to last a lifetime. I reached out my hands to take hers in greeting, and when we touched a shock went through me.

Thank you. I could see the surprise on her face and knew that she had felt the shock as well. Stephen has raved about what a great friend you have been to him over the last several months.

I smiled. He is a good friend to me as well.

A loud noise distracted us and I could see that the games had begun. Jack had Sarah on his back and they were racing another couple I did not know down the length of the kitchen. Alessia slipped back and away and I didn’t blame her. Being the center of attention in such a ruckus crowd wasn’t easy. The two couples raced to see who could make it from one end of the room, turn around, and then come back to the start. Jack held Sarah tightly on his back and she clung to him as he ran as best he could. Average in height and build, he started off slow, but gained speed. The other couple was a bit younger with the man more like a boy. The girl on his back bounced and she trilled and waved her handkerchief in the air like a flag.

The couples reached the turnaround point at nearly the same time, but on the turn, the younger couple stumbled and fell onto the table. They regrouped quickly, but Jack and Sarah took the lead. Everyone cheered them on, yelling, laughing and waving them to the finish line. Only a few feet separated them, but Jack lunged forward and crossed the imaginary finish line first. A great cheer went up and cups were filled with whiskey and wine. Denise passed me a cup and I took a sip and saw one of the house lord’s personal guards walk into the room.

I knew that we had been too loud, and now the party would be cut short, and I had slept through most of it. Dressed in a dark uniform, he smiled at the revelry, and as he came farther into the room, the noise died down. Denise quieted and held my arm. He stopped in front of me and addressed the room. Our house lord gives you leave to have fun this evening. I’ve been told that anything broken will come out of your wages, but you are to enjoy yourselves without fear this evening.

The room erupted in a cheer and the guard smiled and leaned in close to me and said, You are to come with me now. Our house lord wishes to see you immediately.

He stood back, and I detached myself from Denise. I thought he was joking earlier, but he truly wishes to see me this evening.

Jack saw me walking off with the guard and whistled and hollered in my direction. Tell our master that we thank him!

A few whistles and suggestive remarks were shouted my way. Getting called to see the house lord near midnight during a holiday did not leave many things left to the imagination. I would need to prepare myself. House lords were men too. There could be only one reason why he would want to see me, and I had been preparing for it all through the day. I had avoided his attention for months now, but it seemed that he had taken a fancy to me and, if I wanted to stay in his great house, then I would need to pay his piper. All of the young and attractive women in a house knew this. It didn’t make it right, but it was what we lived with. He had taken to Ada a few months back. Shy and demure, yet witty and smart once she trusted you, I was surprised that our house lord had tired of her so quickly. He had stayed attached to the last girl before Ada for years until she had decided to leave the house to go back home to care for her ailing mother.

Why now he wanted to see me intrigued and concerned me. I had heard from Ada that he was a kind and gentle lover, but she had censored herself. I could tell from the way she held back from us. If I were being brought up to replace Ada, I would have to decide quickly if I wanted to play that role or to decline. If I declined, I expected I would be sent on my way, and with nowhere to go, I would have to beg Stephen or Charles for help. Yet if I agreed to be with the house lord, then I would need to face Ada and her disappointment and eventual resentment. A great house had many secrets with so many living within, and we had all heard stories of fights and revenge dramas that played out under their surface.

All these thoughts went through my head as the guard walked me up to our house lord’s private level. I could hear that laughter from down below, but as we walked up the stairs, the noise died down and eventually faded to a dull roar. When we arrived at the top level, the guard led me down the hall and stopped in front of a closed door to a room.

We will wait here until our lord is ready. The guard turned away from me and gave three knocks on the door and then stood at attention.

Will he be long? I turned back to listen in on the laughter and shouts from downstairs.

Breaking his concentration, the guard shrugged. I don’t know. When he’s ready for you, he’ll open the door. In the meantime, I’d recommend that you get comfortable.

I leaned against the wall and then slid down to the ground. I couldn’t hear the storm outside, but expected that it still snowed heavily. Do you bring many girls up here? I tried to think of a way to start a conversation, and maybe that wasn’t the best opener.

Breaking from his militaristic stance, he relaxed a bit. No, our house lord isn’t like that. He shook his head. I’ve heard all the rumors you and the other girls have started, and they’re not true.

I raised an eyebrow at him. Really? I know for a fact that two girls have been his special friend.

Is that what they call it these days? He shook his head and laughed. I respect our lord too much to be speaking about his personal life behind his back.

But you don’t deny it that he has girls up here for his private pleasure? Saying the words out loud gave me pause. I tried to hide my shiver of fear that coursed through me. At times, I could still hear the yells from the men who tried to rape me last summer. I shook my head to clear my thoughts and focused on the tassel that dangled from the guard’s hat.

Do you want me to make up some wild stories of debauchery that takes place up here? I can’t do that because it doesn’t happen. He crossed his arms over his chest and waited for me to challenge him.

But what about … I started to speak but the door behind the guard unexpectedly opened and a young girl, covered in a sheet, ran out of the room. She wore no other clothes and giggled as she passed us. Right after her, a man wearing a bear’s mask pushed past the guard and ran naked down the hall. I caught a glimpse of his long but flaccid penis as it flopped around as he chased after the girl. She stopped to see if he followed her and cried out in an excited giggle, running faster.

I glanced back to the guard and asked, Well, what was that?

Our house lord opened the door all the way and preempted the guard’s befuddled response. Sabrina, I’m ready to see you now.

He wore a long cream-colored robe embroidered with golden swirling patterns. I quickly rushed to my feet and bowed. Yes, my lord.

He moved away from the doorway and I rushed past the guard, but not before I made a face at him. The guard’s surprised expression did not change and he turned away and stood again at attention.

Make sure no one disturbs us for the rest of the evening. Our house lord shut the door and ushered me over to a sofa. He did not touch me but came close by guiding me with one hand directing in front, pointing in the direction he wanted me to go, and the other nearly touching my elbow.

I felt small in his presence.

Please, sit.

I obeyed and sat back in the large sofa and sank back into its cushions. The room was filled with bookshelves. Row upon row of books. A large desk with a lit oil lamp was off to my left. He stood watching me and did not say a word.

What would you like to see me about?

A second door on the far side of the room opened and Ada walked out. She had her head turned away from us, putting her hair up in a towel and was naked as the day she was born. Would you like me to get you some grapes to eat? I feel like a small snack before bed. She finished putting her hair up and turned back around to see me on the sofa. She froze, unsure of what she had walked into, and her expression turned dark.

Our house lord motioned to me on the sofa. Ada, we have a guest.

What is she doing here? Her small breasts were perky and could fit in the palm of my hand.

I have business to deal with her tonight. He walked over and wrapped his arms around her and tried to kiss her on the head, but she pulled away.

But you promised that …

He put his finger on her mouth to quiet her and she stopped talking. You have nothing to fear. I love you and only you. He put his hands on the sides of her face and kissed her forehead.

She started to say more but chose to remain quiet.

I need some time to talk with her before I come to bed. He let her go and turned away. Please, go warm our bed, and I’ll be there to sleep with you soon. I won’t be long.

Ada eyed me coldly as she walked by, but she did not say another word, and I watched her strut past me. The shy girl I knew did not exist here. Her buttocks jiggled as she walked by us, and she exited through a third door off on the far side of the room. Halfway out the room, she glanced back and gave me a hard, jealous look.

She shut the door behind her and I took a moment to breathe. What business would you like to discuss with me? I folded my hands in my lap and wished I could be gone from here soon.

He ignored my question and asked, Would you like a drink?

No, thank you.

With his floor-length robe, I could not see his feet as he appeared to glide across the room to his desk and pour himself a glass of whiskey. The golden, brown liquid filled half his glass, and he took a deep sip. Why do you think you are here?

I thought you invited me here to explore your carnal pleasures. I forced myself to look at him and refused to turn away.

Even at such a young age, you hold such great defiance. He gave a chuckle and then took another deep sip from his glass.

I have seen much in my time and understand that you are my house lord. I am yours to command. I bowed my head to him, but then looked up and added, Within reason.

He pointed at me with his glass of whiskey. And that is always the risk, isn’t it? To find that balance between reason and beyond?

I did not know how to answer him so I stayed quiet and glanced down at my hands. They were chapped and red from all the work I had done today.

I see that I am frightening you, and that is not why I brought you here. I came to ask you a question and I should get right to it. He took a seat in a chair across from me. I could see the golden slippers that he wore. Are you a witch?

The question surprised me and dozens of answers swirled around in my head. If I told him the truth, what would he do? If I lied, then what? I laughed and went with the best answer I could. I don’t know what you’re talking about. I clean your house and serve food throughout. Why would you think that I’m a witch?

He rubbed his hand on the back of his bald head, deep in thought. Something is changing, and I don’t know why. He talked to himself and looked away. I expected her to do something different, but she did not. I am not seeing something here. I am missing something. Something important.

My heart beat fast and I clamped down, as best I could, all fear. I could feel a tingling in my left hand and I needed to distract myself and him. Are you well this evening? Should I go call Ada?

His focus turned back to me and he shook his head slowly. No, I am fine. But you … He pointed at me and kept the glass of whiskey balanced on his lap. You are not supposed to be here now. I saw you differently, but now we’re talking, and that intrigues me.

I glanced to the left and tried to count the distance. How fast could I spring from the sofa and rush to the door? Would he be able to catch me? It had taken him a good amount of time to lower himself into his seat. But even if I got away, where would I be and could I escape his influence?

Sabrina, look at me. His command forced me back to focus on him. I am going to tell you a secret that you must promise me you will not share with others. Will you promise that?

How can I promise you something if I don’t know what you will be telling me?

I need you to promise and swear that you will hold this secret close in your heart. Will you swear it? He held his hand up to hold off my response. But be careful with your answer, because I will hold you to your promise if you swear it.

Then I cannot make that promise. First, tell me what you want me to know and then I will decide. I glanced again at the door but then quickly looked away.

The corner of his mouth turned up and he smiled at me with wicked intent. I will not tell you. I’ll show you.

He moved his glass to the table next to him and then, quicker than a fox, he ripped open his robe and a stream of colors came spraying out. Red violet, sea green, yellow pearl and blue green. The colors came at me, swept me up, and the fragrance of an exotic incense filled the room. And in that moment, a sound came up on me that spoke to me an intimate phrase of earth, birth and life. But just as the colors began, they vanished and all went dark.

Out of the blackness, I heard his voice, changed and deep. Now we will begin.

***

Alessia sneaked out of the kitchen and rushed down the hall to the back door. No one guarded it or could be found. When she touched the lock, the cold from the outside nipped at her fingers. She pulled the locking bar back and pushed the door open. A swirl of snow blew in and the wind howled. The height of the storm had reached the city and she could not see far outside. Stephen?

Her call went out into the storm but did not go far. She could make the bushes out in the backyard, but could see no farther than that.

She heard a crash from the room down the hall and pulled the door shut and locked it. A second crash quickly followed. She rushed to the door and put her ear against it.

A loud thump and the sound of books falling off a table followed by someone cursing startled her. Alessia opened the door and found Stephen, covered in snow, trying to pick himself up off the floor. The window behind him was open and snow blew in wild and in swirls.

Are you hurt? She rushed forward to help him off the ground and he brushed her off.

I’m fine. Close the window. He stood up and then bent himself over, shaking the snow out of his hair.

Alessia secured the window and glanced around at the mess he had made. I tried to get to the back door as soon as I could.

With his nose and ears bright red from the cold, Stephen shook off the rest of the snow from his clothes and said, I was freezing out there waiting for you so I needed to find another way in. I wasn’t as graceful as I would have liked.

I can get you something hot to drink. Are you hungry?

Some soup right now would be great. He hugged himself and then jumped up and down to warm himself up.

I have an idea. She reached out