Chapter 16: Chapter 16

WRONG FIRST IMPRESSION

I watched what the servants did for a while after they cleared up breakfast, forced down the rest of my bread and wandered back to Arin's room.

Since Arin was probably still asleep, I had no idea what else to do with myself. When I hurriedly combed my hair earlier, I didn't realize how strongly the room smelled of him. Especially his bed.

His small vanity already had a thick layer of dust, a chest under the window had a rusty lock and the floor creaked with every step. As a matter of course I wiped the table clean, took the china bowl and its pitcher into the kitchen and brought wood to the small fireplace.

After that I still felt useless. When I went to Arin, the word was that Eric was just telling him Avan's decision on how long Arin would have to stay locked up. I would be called. They didn't. So I curled up in Arin's cold bed and fell asleep...

After what felt like an eternity, two warm hands turned me onto my back, grabbed my thighs and ran under my skirt along them until they reached the top.

The hot tugging in my stomach jerked me out of my sleep. Before I could even open my eyes, I felt two soft lips on my earlobe.

"Hello..." Arin purred.

As his teeth found my earlobe, I found myself pressing against him.

Arin.

I ran my fingers through his hair and pressed my cheek against his. He had a small beard.

Still too tired and so excited again that I didn't care how he got here.

"Shall I wake you up first?" He laughed and tugged at my laces.

A few seconds later I lay naked under him. By now all my senses were heightened. I didn't even know how much I missed that. It wasn't that long ago, but long enough.

I swung my legs around his waist, took off his shirt and savored every part of his chest. Or his strong arms that could be so tender.

"Oh Arin..." He drew in a sharp breath and spread my legs.

I already felt him, as deeply as no one had ever touched me before. As Arin moved, I lost almost every clear thought. He growled softly at my neck, grabbed my waist and drove me insane...

As fit as ever, I lay on Arin's outstretched arm and stretched my limbs. What on earth just happened to me? That was wonderful!

Arin sighed like he was about to sleep.

"How did you get out?"

He answered in a hoarse and tired voice. "Eric brought me Avan's Resolution for me to read more carefully. My brother is a bastard."

"What did it say?"

Now he opened his eyes to a slit and rolled onto his side and smiled lewdly.

"That I don't have to be in prison, but I can't leave the castle."

"He couldn't tell you that?"

"Let's not talk about my brothers. Let's not talk at all..." he buried his face in my neck and sucked lightly on my shoulder.

"When can we finally go?"

"Now it's all about coming..."

I loved his suggestive manner.

Arin and I slept until noon. We got dressed and then went into the lion's den.

In the Great Hall sat all the brothers of Arin, with their wives and children on their knees. Two women held babies in their arms and laughed together. The mood was loud and cheerful. Not at all like my first impression of the White Knight.

As Arin led me to a gap on the long bench, we were seated and greeted. Kora waved from the other end of the table. A young lady with wild red hair followed his gaze silently. When he looked at her she started to smile.

"Have more." Arin challenged me and poured us wine.

Bowls of meat and steaming bread were passed around, potatoes with salt were placed in front of my nose, and a brown gravy was distributed.

To my surprise, no one particularly moved when Avan walked into the room with a little girl on her arm. He sat down somewhere at the table and kept bending his face to the little child.

"This is Helena. Avan's daughter. Just five years old, but Avan lies at her feet." Explained Arin. He must have been watching Avan the same way I was.

"Avan has a wife?"

"Indeed. She's not here at the moment though. She's visiting her sister in the West."

Helena gave a loud squeak and caught our attention. "Arin!"

Arin smiled tentatively and nodded at her.

"She still recognizes you? After two years?"

Arin smiled wolfishly in my direction. "Nobody argued with her as much as I did."

"Is that why Avan is so upset?"

Arin shook his head as he swallowed a bite. "He's just a pig. I used to take Syman and her with me when I took the foals out to pasture. He wouldn't have allowed it if he didn't trust me. Helena is his everything."

Actually, it surprised me that Avan was capable of such deep feelings. Deep enough to have a wife and a child.

A small boy who looked exactly like Syman ran to the woman next to me and squeezed between us. With two missing teeth, he turned to us with a grin and waved.

"Hello Arin! Father told me you were there! Are you fighting me again?"

Arin nodded to him. "Hello Michael."

"Don't disturb him!" Mumbled the mother and smiled at us. "Michel, sends his regards."

Ari smiled. "Michel is my brother." He explained and continued eating.

After the meal, to celebrate Arin's return, two cakes were cut and placed on the board. The children became more exuberant, the men louder and the women more interested in us. I felt like I was standing naked on a stage.

"Arin!" Helena forced herself onto the bench between us and turned her back on me. "Where have you been so long?"

She twisted her tiny foot on the bench, leaning against Arin. Avan looked across the table at us. Arin was still chewing, but Helena had another new question.

"Why were you in the dungeon? Will you come outside with me then? Have you talked to father?"

Arin put a hand on her back and lifted her off the bench. "Ask Syman."

She wore the same cheeky look as her father. I stopped spitting. So these genes are passed on...

"But I'm asking you." Arin glared at Helena just as badly.

"Go to your father, child."

She stalked away offended. Again, I was surprised when Avan cut her off when she tried to complain. She angrily flopped down on the ground behind Avan and pouted.

He hadn't done it in so long. Well, after almost five years he was back in his workshop and banging on red-hot iron.

Elain stood by the door and watched him. He was surprised that every move was still there. It was still routine.

For years he had forged the weapons and hooves for the white knight. Today he did it for Poket. Four brand new hooves, he would also make some for Syman's horse.

Sweat dripped from his forehead as he pushed the iron into the water trough. The hissing sounded loud, then stopped.

"So you were a blacksmith?" Elain sounded excited.

"Indeed. I started when I was ten. At fifteen I dedicated myself to the stables. At twenty I started schooling my nephews and Syman."

She nodded admiringly. "Why so much confusion?"

"I'd get bored doing just one thing at a time. That's how I mixed it. When horses needed re-shoeing, I usually did it. My brothers' weapons were exclusively made by me. Bottom line, this is where I stayed most of the time."

"Who put you in school?"

"Eric." There was still bitterness in his voice.

He still felt offended, even though Avan had made fun of it. Arin felt exposed, almost used. Even the thought of how Eric had trained him didn't make him happy.

Elain had noticed that Arin was getting angry. She put a hand on his shoulder and smiled charmingly.

"Can you show me how to help you?" She looked at the blazing fire and started to grin slyly.

The look in her eyes showed fierce love, it wasn't going to end well. Possibly on a pile of ashes.

He handed Elain a heavy apron and gloves. "You could put the iron out of the fire into the water."

Elain was actually interested and enlisted help lifting the piece of iron out of the fire with long tongs and moving her to the water trough.

She was thrilled when the water hissed into steam.

"Now I want to try it alone!"

"Oh no!" Arin laughed and already saw the small wooden hut burn down.

"Please Arin." Again she smiled so enchantingly that he almost gave in.

"Arin!" Suddenly Taran was standing in the hut. Without looking at them both closely, he pointed behind him. "Come to the gate with Elain."

"May we go already?" Elain didn't sound convinced herself.

Arin threw his gloves onto a pile of straw by the door with a growl, then did the same with Elain's apron and gloves.

I followed Arin to the main gate and tried to think straight. Seeing him shirtless, sweating and muscular made my head spin.

Arin was a perfect match for blazing fires and hard work. That was over in an instant when I heard an overexcited, high-pitched voice. The hairs on the back of my neck suddenly stood up.

Florence.

"Elaine!" exclaimed my Birth Mother upon spotting me. Looking happy, she spread her arms and threw herself at my neck. "You didn't even write me! You know I'm worried!"

"Since when?" I stammered, taken by surprise, but she left me alone.

Florence forced herself between me and Arin, pressing her body against his side. "The Black Knight, Arin! We didn't know you were going back to your brother!"

"We?" Arin and I stammered in unison. Then I saw him.

Duke Eberhart. Behind him Ben, who eyed the whole thing sullenly.

What do they both want? I immediately thought. They must have hatched another sick plan. Especially since they acted like they cared about me.

Eberhart probably thought he owned the farm. Puffed up and hunkered down, he surveyed the castle and the people. Arin's jaw was tight and Florence was still clinging to him. "What do you want here?" His voice sounded like a growl.

Eberhart didn't look at him. "I wanted to speak to the lord of the castle."

Ava! Had he invited the two? Yesterday he called me the bastard from Florence. Had he already written to you?

Ben stepped between Arin and Eberhart. "Do you have an invitation?"

Eberhart looked as if he had stepped on dog poop. "May I ask what's your business? At your post, security guard!"

Ben didn't change his face. He just grabbed Eberhart by the collar and lifted him a few inches off the ground. Eberhart began to curse and kick wildly.

"How do you guys talk to the Campbells' third-born son?" Ben spoke without much effort or fuss. He stayed as calm as ever.

"You are Sir Ben Campbell?" Something sparkled in Florence's gaze. Despite this, she was still attached to my husband. And I wouldn't forgive him for that. Nor will I prevent him or her from doing anything. I was too proud for that.

Eberhart immediately fell silent and looked back and forth between Ben and Arin. "Sorry."

Ben dropped it, causing the duke to stagger. "So I ask again, why are you here?"

The duke cleared his throat and composed himself. "Because of my wife's bastard."

Suddenly Florence stumbled against me and Arin stepped closer to the Duke. But before he could say anything, Ben raised an annoyed hand. Arin remained silent, but his ears seemed to be steaming.

Fine, so now he remembered he was married...

"Follow me. And if I may say so, think before you open your mouth to the lord of the castle."

Eberhart looked as if Ben had slapped his fingers. Arin smiled gleefully and looked after the two.

"Aha..." Florence murmured. "You seem to have my genes after all. Going straight to the most important castle in the country." Being like her almost made me choke. "If you were really smart, you'd step up from youngest to oldest."

touch up? Was she serious? "Please do not mention anywhere that we are related."

Florence burst out laughing and leaned back a bit. She was a truly beautiful woman, but only when she wasn't speaking.

Arin stepped next to me and that was my cue. I turned around and just let him be. He just let the woman next to me rub against him, pushing me away. Maybe I exaggerated. But nothing was worse for me than being at the mercy of Florence.

And just as he'd let her rub against him like that, I felt damned exposed and betrayed.

laughing at Florence still ringed in my ears.

Should he do what he couldn't resist.

"I wonder what he wants from you?" Syman had reappeared and was walking alongside me.

I was on my way to Avan's study. He had called me when I had just arrived at the smithy.

Arin had been on my heels, so for a moment I was even grateful that his messenger, one of his nephews, caught me.

I couldn't forget Florence, who was attached to Arin. And that he hadn't done anything about it.

"I dont know. Possibly dig into my wounds..."

"What do you mean?" Syman frowned, still trying to keep up with me.

Didn't he really notice anything?

"I do not want to talk about it."

He stayed quiet for a moment, but then changed his mind. "Why are you so mad? Don't you feel comfortable here? Did I make you angry?"

I tried to smile, but my day was really going too dark for me to do that.

So I only managed to stroke his head and shake his head. He grabbed my wrist and held me against his shoulder.

"You did not do anything."

"Are you sure?" he got very sad. "Because I was gone the whole time?"

In fact, it cheered me up to see how busy he was with my mood. I guess I caught sight of one of the Campbells from time to time.

"Syman, you are at home here. If you were with me all the time, it wouldn't be normal."

He smiled tentatively and let go of my hand. Without saying another word, we walked on.

I had to wait outside the door, Syman was sent away. After what felt like hours, the door opened and I was waved in. To be honest, I was quite surprised by the bright room and the many windows. I rather saw Avan in a dark, smoky library with frightened servants and guards standing to attention.

I never expected this inviting picture. Not even with Florenz and Eberhart sitting on chairs in front of the white desk. Avan looked blankly between the two. But something about the mood in the room told me he must be incredibly annoyed.

I was guided behind the chairs and then ignored again. Once again. And that once again a beaten eternity.

"Elain, you look upset." Avan actually spoke to me. I had given up hope. "Aren't you happy to see your mother again?"

Florence huffed and raised her hand over her shoulder. She wiggled her fingers to show me to hold her hand. But I was never the person to do what was asked for. I wouldn't do that, especially today.

She realized that I wasn't going into it and dropped her hand in her pride.

Avan raised an eyebrow, unperturbed. "What a surprise. So you're not just so charming to me?"

I put on a fake smile. "I'm particularly friendly to you."

Even out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Florence stiffen. I was probably her worst student. Yay...

Avan smiled again like at breakfast. So round two. could he have. My mood was perfect for it.

"Same goes for me."

I kept my angry smile without saying anything.

My smile challenged Avan. He literally grew in his chair. All his glee was in his eyes. He had probably already chosen the crushing blow.

"I'd like to prove that as well by confiding in you something really important." Florence was probably just trying to figure out how to use the following to her advantage. Eberhart? If he was awake at all, he probably wasn't actually there. " I now entrust my distinguished guests to you. I hope you will not slander the name of this castle. After all, you are a Campbell too."

That mischievous twinkle in Avan's eyes lit up. Oh, he knew he had won! How am I supposed to get my head out of this loop again?

If I tried to refuse, I would take a step back and at the same time show that I was not up to the task. And that, I would only do over my dead body.

On the other hand, it was about the duke and Florence. Two of the most unpleasant people in the world. People who avoid even the unpleasant people.

Well, Avan was good. He knew exactly how to assess me. And after such a short time. I must have underestimated him a bit.

Still, I wouldn't let myself down in front of him.

"I am honored." I almost choked on the words. "Thank you, my lord."

Avan's brilliant white teeth showed.

"You definitely deserve it."

Avan sighed loudly as the chairs were carried away again and the doors closed. Thank God those incredibly annoying people were gone.

"So she's still in the running?" Not so... Taran stalked across the room towards him and bit into an apple. "And if you bring out such artillery, I'd say you're under pressure."

"What do you want here? Get to work or I'll find someone else to do it." Avan growled. He wanted quiet. Peaceful solitude. So quiet you could hear the grass growing. Was that really too much to ask? Taran leaned against the desk next to him and chewed simply continue unaffected.

Was there a single man in all the land less impressed by Avan than Taran? Just his little brother? He must have done something wrong...

Taran smiled, one cheek stuffed. "Don't look so angry Avi, you love me."

avi. He raised his index finger threateningly. "I'll beat you up if you ever call me that again."

"It didn't bother you then." Laughed the nerve saw.

"You were small and cute then. You're not even amusing today."

Playing offended, Taran clutched his chest.

"It hurts when you take your mood out on me."

"Then go away."

Taran waved in the air between them as if the lord of the castle hadn't just ordered something here. Now he was sure. He shouldn't have helped Taran down the tree back then. Maybe he would still be up there today and not here.

"Are you impressed with Elain, aren't you?"

Did that never end? He pushed Taran off his desk and organized his documents. "Why do you ask? So you can tell her everything?"

In fact, the guy was silent. His voice was hoarse as he said something again. "You haven't spoken to me since."

"About what?"

"Give it a rest..."

Avan sat back and saw how contrite Taran looked. The only one of nine Campbell brothers who actually couldn't hide how he felt. "What do you want, Taran? Shall I take your sword and your horse and forbid you to flirt with the maids?"

"You've done far more for far less."

"It wasn't about one of our brothers either. I wasn't thrilled that you couldn't, or can't, stand up to Elain. But I would never ask anyone in their family to choose a side they want to take. These are little things. You knew Arin would want to see her. It was decided before Elain asked you."

"You mean the whole thing really has no aftertaste?"

Suddenly he had such a headache and got so tired. "Taran, how old do you have to be before you realize that the bill for your behavior comes from life and not from me?"

"I will when you stop messing with life." Taran bit into his apple again and grinned.

He was right. Avan would never stop being the big brother. How was he supposed to go from the great hero you always listened to, who always protected you, to suddenly a drinking buddy who didn't care? You probably could, but not him. The role had become too much of a part of his flesh and blood for that.

Still, he knew his brothers were grown. Surely he wouldn't try to punish a grown man for his free will.

Though he wanted to smash his teeth in when he saw why Taran had acted against him. Elain.

"I don't want you to think I'm going with the wind."

"I know that. If anyone in this castle doesn't, it's you."

Although Avan was really tired and certainly didn't sound friendly, Taran stayed with him for two hours and watched him work. As if he hadn't repeatedly told him to go back to work himself!