AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Crossing to the mullioned window which she discovered was ajar, she leaned out and gazed over verdant green lawns that stretched into dense woodland beyond. Movement caught her eye and she saw that guard dogs patrolled the grounds. Glancing downward, she noted the aged stonework of the building. Was this a castle?
Withdrawing into the room, she looked beyond the tasteful décor, realizing she was indeed in some ancient building. There were three identical-looking doors one set into each of the other three walls, which she ventured to explore. One was a huge closet where she discovered her clothes from yesterday were hung. The next proved to be very well-appointed bathroom complete with bidet. Trying the third, she discovered it led out into a rose-carpeted corridor. Well, at least she wasn’t being held captive. Closing the door, she opted to use the bathroom and take a shower.
Dressed in yesterday’s clothing, she slipped from the room and moved tentatively down the passage until she came to a narrow stairway which spiraled both upwards and down. She headed down.
The stairs ended on the ground floor, opening into a huge baronial space, dominated by an enormous fireplace in which what appeared to be half a tree trunk smoldered away sulkily. A coat of arms had been carved into the area above the ancient mantel piece. Her eyes were caught by a beautifully embroidered tapestry which decorated one wall. Opposite from where she stood, an arched vestibule led to an imposing set of studded double-wooden doors presumably leading outside. Noticing a passage to her left, she headed that way. Hearing the low rumble of male voices, she reached the entrance to a surprisingly large and well-appointed kitchen in time to hear her name mentioned. Halting, she drew back to listen.
“What if she decides to run?”
She didn’t recognize the man’s voice.
“I hope she does.”
That was Rolf.
“Why?”
She wondered the exact same thing.
“I can chase her,” Rolf said.
Selene gasped.
“Did you hear something?”
“It’s Selene, she’s listening in the passageway—Come in and join us,” Rolf called.
Eyes wide, she hesitated.
“Selene, it’s okay; come and have some breakfast and meet my cousins.”
Taking a deep breath, she walked into the room. Three men were seated at a long refectory table, tucking into large plates brimming with bacon, sausages, eggs and tomatoes. Toast and croissants, pots of tea and coffee adorned the table. Her stomach rumbled.
“Come, sit by me.” Rolf patted the seat of the chair next to him. “You were out for the count last night, so I wasn’t able to introduce you to my cousins when we arrived. Meet Caden and Fergal.”
She nodded at the two burley fellows seated together on Rolf’s left, giving them an unsure half smile. They beamed back and mumbled friendly greetings as she took the chair to Rolf’s right. He was sitting at the head of the table.
“I have driving lessons booked, Rolf, I have to get home,” she said.
“Don’t worry your appointments have all been cancelled—”
“What? How?” she interrupted.
“I have my ways. Why don’t you have some breakfast, it’ll help soak up the alcohol from yesterday. We can rearrange our plans after we’ve eaten,” he replied.
She frowned. Had she really had that much to drink? Uncomfortable and more than a little suspicious, she reached for a slice of toast and proceeded to butter it while she contemplated her options.
“Marmalade or jam?” Rolf asked, placing a tray of breakfast conserves in front of her.
Murmuring her thanks, she reached for the plum jam. If she needed to escape, she needed to keep her wits about her which meant not expiring from hunger. Besides, she was ravenous.
“Tea? Coffee?” Rolf enquired, holding up a teapot in one hand and a cafetière in the other.
“Tea please.” She ate her toast and then a croissant while sipping her tea. Rolf automatically refilled her cup when she drained it. Listening to the men talk about mundane day- to- day things, she became more and more convinced something was seriously “off”. The conversation seemed forced somehow with an unspoken undercurrent she felt certain was to do with her.
Finishing her breakfast, she set her teacup firmly down in its saucer and rose determinedly to her feet. “I am ready to leave now,” she stated.
Conversation halted as the men looked at her. Rolf pushed back his chair and stood. “Excuse us, gentleman.”
