Page 35 of Bold Angel
“Justice often differs,” she said softly. “’Tis seen quite opposite by the man who prescribes it and the one upon whom it is heaped.”
A cornerof his mouth curved up. “That is true. But as I recall, ’twas you who agreed to accept a portion of the young lad’s sentence.”
“You would have me work with him in the kitchen?”
“I told you before, I do not wish it said I am married to a scullery maid.”
“Then… then what is your wish, my lord?”
“Since your arrival in the castle, too often you have behaved as a man—riding off into danger, speaking out when you should hold your tongue. As the notion holds such an appeal, I will give you the chance to play the part in earnest.”
She eyed him warily, but could not read his expression.
“Tomorrow we hunt,” he said. “I would have you act as my page.”
Caryn just stared at him, certain he was speaking in jest, but there was no hint of amusement on his face. She smiled once more, this time even brighter. “Your page, my lord? Do you mean it? In truth, you would let me go with you?”
Ral’s brow went up in amazement. “You would enjoy this? You would be pleased?”
“But of course, my lord.”
Ral slammed his fist against the bedpost. “God’s wounds!” His scowl could have rivaled the devil himself. “You are like no woman I have ever known. ’Twas supposed to serve as punishment, yet you look at me as though I’ve gifted you with the moon.”
“’Twould be wonderful, my lord, to ride through the forests in search of game. I am a fair shot with a bow—should you allow me to carry one—though it has been some time since I have drawn one. ’Twas taught me by a bowman who served my father.”
“A fair shot with—” Ral swore an oath beneath his breath. During the long uncomfortable moments whenhe said nothing more, Caryn found herself wishing she had somehow disguised her pleasure.
“I am sorry, my lord. I did not mean to upset you.” Still he said nothing. “I am really not all that good a shot. Surely nowhere near as skilled as your archers. The joy came only in the learning.”
“And now,” he grumbled, “you would enjoy the chance to learn the duties of a page.”
“If that is your wish, my lord.”
He watched her a moment more, then a hard smile curved his lips. “Since you find the notion so pleasing, ’twould seem needless to wait for the morrow. ’Tis better we begin your duties here.”
“Here, my lord?”
“My muscles are tense with the hours I have spent in the hall. I have ordered a bath brought up. As my page, you will tend me in that as well.”
“A bath, my lord? That is all?”
His hands balled into fists. “Would you be better served with a beating?”
“N-No, of course not. But you could have commanded that of me even as your wife.”
“You are not my wife. Should you be my wife in truth, you would find yourself spread upon my bed, the penalty for your boldness a night of being ridden hard beneath me.” Caryn’s cheeks flushed crimson. “Since you are naught but a little imposter, you will make amends in the way I’ve commanded.”
Caryn thought no response was the best to make in this. In silence she waited for the servants to arrive. When at last they came and Ral granted them entrance, the door swung wide, and a wooden curvell of water was carried in. The two young pages left them, and Ral sat down on the edge of his wide carved bed.
“You may start with my boots.”
Caryn smiled. “As you wish, my lord.” She knelt to do his bidding, feeling fortunate she would pay for herbrashness in such a small way. At least it seemed so, until he ordered her to strip off his tunic and the chainse he wore beneath. She did so with some reluctance, climbing atop the big bed to accomplish the feat since he was so tall. When she had finished, he stood in front of her nearly naked, looking down at his chausses as if he would have her strip them off, too. She knew her cheeks were flaming, but the sight of his powerful body filled her vision and she could not look away.
“You are staring at me as if you’ve seen naught of a man before.”
“Of-Of course, I have. I have bathed my father and uncle.” But never had she seen them fully naked. Even if she had, ’twas certain the men would have looked nothing like the tall powerfully built Norman.
“No other?”
