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Chapter Thirty-Nine - Rescue Mission
Last Updated:
2022-08-12 16:55:28
Lady JasThank you for reading.
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The Conqueror's Royal Slave Chapter Forty - Choices
Isabel was dismayed to see the two piece costume which Queen Clara had ordered to be stitched specially for them to wear at the next gladiator contest. The top was designed to come away without too much trouble in a style called, “à la Rouen”.“It won’t make you a beauty,” the Dowager Queen had told her, rudely. “But then, nobody will be looking at your face.”As usual Ava leapt to her defence.“That was a mean thing to say, Your Majesty.”“One more word from you girl and you will be flogged beside Eithne. Where is my disgusting daughter these days? Whoring around, no doubt.”The two princesses exchanged worried glances. Megan seemed at a loss and so it was Becca who provided the distraction.“Yellow is such an ugly colour. I’m not wearing it, and that’s final.”“Very well, my dear. Do without. I’m sure a nubile young nude like you will raise many a staff.”“You must concede,” Isabel urged. “A horrible garment is better than nothing.”“Horrible, you say? Someone else appears to be itc
Last Updated : 2022-08-12The Conqueror's Royal Slave Chapter Forty-One - Rowanne
Eithne supposed it could have been worse. They were still alive and down in the dungeon now. Guisset had been removed a short time ago and they could hear his agonised screams which soon stopped. When he returned, bloody and barely able to stand, even she felt pity for the state of his poor feet.“They call it the bastinado,” he told her in his broken Ormondian.“Speak Frankish, if it helps,” she urged. “I understand both.”“Yes, don’t mind me.”How could she have forgotten about her companion?“Sorry, Rowanne.”“Now, if it were Norse, I could just about get by. Let me examine that head wound.”But the mercenary brushed her aside.“I bleed easily. It’s worse than it looks.”The Princess interpreted his words for their companion’s benefit. That was when Eithne realised her time of the month had come and gone without even a trickle. She gasped aloud, feeling slightly sick.“Stay strong,” Rowanne said, eyeing her with sympathy. Let them think her squeamish. It was better than the alterna
Last Updated : 2022-08-13The Conqueror's Royal Slave Chapter Forty-Two - Taking Sides
There was to be an unscheduled match between Brutus and a new gladiator, Augustus. Eithne was dismayed to hear it would result in the death of one of them. Isabel was behaving strangely, unable to keep still. She kept glancing at Augustus as if she couldn’t believe her eyes.When Megan enlightened her as to the reason for the contest, the Princess swayed on her feet.“An additional incentive, gladiators,” Clara proclaimed, lifting her eyes heavenwards. “The winner can look forward to not just one woman, but three. The virgin, the whore and the warrior. Step forward Eithne and – Claudia, why are you wearing that hideous outfit? Go below and change.”“Into a man’s harness and leather skirt, Your Majesty?”“The looser the fit, the better, eh boys? I take it there are some spares? Good. My daughter will wear the same thing. We may even have a curtain-raiser.” She tittered. “You can never have enough feminine flesh on display.”That was when Eithne followed the direction of Clara’s specula
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Eithne was trembling as she watched Brutus go toe to toe with Augustus. Even though the newcomer had managed to convince her mother they needn’t fight to the death, she had never witnessed bloodshed other than on the day of the invasion. And Clara was prone to sudden whims which could change their supposed fate at the drop of a hat. Or, in her mother's case, her drawers.She didn’t know where the thought had come from but it made her want to laugh, in spite of everything. That wouldn’t be prudent right now.Both gladiators appeared to be skilful, if wary of losing, and each blow was successfully parried, making her mother yawn. Eithne wondered where Ephron had disappeared to: was he in the tower in her place, keeping Edgar company? She had to keep reminding herself that wasn’t her brother.Did the Queen want no rival, imposter or not? Or perhaps she had her eye on one of the fresh batch of fighters.“Ulf could take both of these,” Rowanne muttered.“They’re trying not to lose,” she po
Last Updated : 2022-08-14The Conqueror's Royal Slave Chapter Forty-Four - Xander
“Any more illuminating insights for me?”Jocasta fetched him a clout which stung, as well as being embarrassing. He had assumed his reflexes were up there with the best.“Keep your eyes on the road ahead,” she said. “Miscreants abound this time of night.”“Will’s ugly mug’s enough to frighten anyone.”“I heard that.”He was riding in the back of the cart, weapons to hand, though everything was still and largely silent beneath a gibbous moon. The hay was making him sneeze every bit as Xander had hoped. So what, he was spiteful. Drago was sometimes in need of a comeuppance.“Has anyone bothered Princess Eithne?”“Will it ease your mind if I say it?”Xander stared at his boots. Why was she being so difficult? If he didn’t know better he would think they were an unlikely trio who were each out to torment the other. A rare circle of mischief-making that would be, if his fellow mercenary would only play ball and taunt Jocasta.Of course, then he would have to kill him, before Iain did. That
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The three of them headed for Iain’s quarters and were admitted by an anxious-looking young woman who began to complain loudly that she’d been neglected. Xander raised an ironic brow but it seemed to be all part of an act designed to fool the neighbouring new recruits.“We can’t be sure who’s with us and who might report back to Clara,” the gladiator explained.“Hopefully, that will not be anything to worry about soon,” Drago said.Xander eyed him with disdain. “Losing faith in me, Will?”“Flora has been teaching me that it’s not good to tempt Fate.”“I see. Thinking of retiring to the countryside and devoting all your time to the Lord of the Rainbow instead of your commander?”“You know about the old ways?” Iain asked.“I make it my business to know as much as I can about each province. Where’s Eithne?”“First things first, Xander. You can’t just go wandering the corridors. People will recognise you and Will from before. But Flavius and his assigned woman can pay a visit to the new ch
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Because she had been charged with taking care of the Princess of Ormond, Ava had no alternative other than to give chase. Xander wasn’t a man to cross, but that wasn’t why she was the quickest to react. She felt only sympathy for her fellow royal, even if the man from Frankia meant her no ill.It was hard not to compare him with Finn, though the circumstances were hardly the same. The commander of mercenaries and whatever else he was had at least come back for Eithne. Granted, he probably wanted to drive Clara from the castle. But that could only be a good thing.“Eithne, stop,” she urged, her voice little above a whisper.She managed to grab her kirtle but the girl twisted away. You tended to forget she was so young. Her ways were those of a caring mother, even though she had yet to reach nineteen years.“I won’t be used,” she said. “Not by him, or anyone.”“Princess, it’s not like that now.”The deep voice shocked them both. Turning, Ava saw what Eithne had already seen: the Command
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“I vote we stay here for a bit while Xander takes Eithne down to Jocasta.”“Your sister’s here? Oh, how is she?”“A pain,” her captor said.“Why won’t you let go of my arm, messire?”“Because I don’t trust you.”“Don’t look so worried, Ava. We’ll make our escape in good time.”The girl shook her head. “It has to be now, Iain. I have a bad feeling.”But the conqueror wouldn't listen.Eithne suggested they enlist the help of some of the gladiators friendly to the cause. In truth, she was wondering about Becca and if she needed female companionship.That was how they ended up in Carl’s room. Oddly, Nero didn’t have a symbol on his door, though there were signs that something had been scratched out. It looked like a dagger. If that were her, she would have been incensed, too.Ava spoke then about what it was like to await a horrible fate, reinforcing what all of them already knew: they had to get away. She was open and frank, and Eithne admired her courage. Xander was philosophical about
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The Conqueror's Royal Slave Chapter Eighty-Five - Peekaboo
One Year LaterHe had been looking forward to this moment for a while, this private time alone with his new family. Drago had sent word via various couriers who had since gone on to do other, possibly more worthy, things.If he had a sense of shame it was in having left them, after all, to pursue his long held dreams. Had it been worth the possible cost? Did she have another in her bed?The evidence was there in front of his eyes. He could scarcely take it in.This lad was very young and without beard. That would come in time.He watched, fascinated, as they rolled together and she tickled his sides making him laugh. It was an infectious sound, soon echoed by the other person present: a girl.Xander knew the imposter had once stood here watching him and Eithne. This act was far different but maybe no less unworthy. He should have announced his presence straight away.Having heard she was back in her old bedchamber he had been curious as to the reason why. Well, now he knew.She was we
The Conqueror's Royal Slave Chapter Eighty-Four - A Royal Wedding
On the day itself, Eithne was sick several times. If only she could hide behind a veil. But there was nothing else for it, however pasty she looked, this was the happiest day in her young life.She hadn’t anticipated she would be staying in Ormond when she wed and, mere months ago, it had seemed as if this day would never come. Slavery had taught her that some people had cruel natures and some did not. Eithne was only grateful it had been Xander who turned up that day, otherwise Clara might well have made the rest of her short life a living hell.Lysette had been found eventually by a dogged Hengest and was now detained at King Ephron’s pleasure. His sister sighed. She hoped he would become immune to her obvious charms and not be tempted to release her from the dungeon anytime soon.He kept saying no harm had been done, but it might well have been.There had been no compromise and she was suffering the kind of endless ceremony she had dreaded. Illness was one way of gaining respite, a
The Conqueror's Royal Slave Chapter Eighty-Three - New Beginnings
Eithne could hide nothing from Xander, nor did she want to, and especially not when it came to her condition. He was delighted and swept her off her feet, though with caution, adding after several kisses that they really ought to conclude their arrangement.Procrastination shouldn’t become a habit.She puzzled for a time until she translated that to mean wed sooner rather than later. Illegitimacy remained unspoken between them. While he had so often flaunted his, she knew it rankled more than he let on.They were still arguing about what form it should take and where. Ephron had disclosed that Genevieve was seeking an alliance for purposes of trade and defence. It seemed she had approached Louis, but he wasn’t interested in Beeveland, just its Queen. And marriage was definitely off the table as far as she was concerned.Eithne knew that didn’t mean there was hope for her brother. Or any man, including Halfdan who was probably unaware how she felt.But Xander’s sister was due for a st
The Conqueror's Royal Slave Chapter Eighty-Two - Unworthy
Xander said nothing to anyone, though he was beginning to feel he couldn’t hold a candle to the two remaining women in his life. Genevieve had taken over the reins from Henri with aplomb and was ruling magnificently, while Eithne had been through so much and was still prepared to sacrifice herself for him of all people when he knew how much she loved the realm of Ormond.Still, perhaps the castle wasn’t the best place for her to reside any more. If need be, he would tear it down and rebuild it with his own hands just to prove how much he cared about her. But he wasn’t the ruler, not even the self-styled conqueror these days, just a man with wanderlust in his head and a selfless princess in his heart.There was something he could do for her, at least until King Ephron was settled with a worthy consort, and that was to postpone his plans to leave. It didn’t mean never and, with time, his priorities might change. Children did not need an absent father, at any age.That night, in her bedc
The Conqueror's Royal Slave Chapter Eighty-One - Beeveland
The pastures were endless here and probably more fertile. Eithne bit her lip. She hoped she was with child, though it was too soon to tell.Each province had its own dialect so that her correct Frankish wasn’t always enough for her to make herself understood. But she seemed to charm all she met. Was that because Princess Genevieve was by her side, waving to the people from the litter? It was quite obvious Xander wasn’t so popular.He probably didn’t care, but she did. If they were going to rule here, they had to command respect from their subjects.“What happened?” she asked him that night as they lay beside each other in bed.She was still his betrothed as the priest had been stricken with something and it had seemed churlish to postpone their trip.“You mean, how did they get rid of me before? I walked,” he said.Her forehead puckered.“I don’t understand.”“The people kept on and on asking me about Genevieve until I couldn’t take it any more.”“So you deposed yourself? If such a th
The Conqueror's Royal Slave Chapter Eighty - Repercussions
The lightning strike had done all the damage, and now Prince Connor Mac Neill lay dying in tremendous pain, one of his legs crushed beneath a fall of rocks. Despite what he had done, turning on them like that, Eithne saw to his comfort, staying with him until the end.Finn was devastated and Ava was nestled in his arms, sobbing openly. That was what death did, it made you remember the good times. In most cases.Though she tried her best, she could not find it in her to mourn her mother, the despised lover and the fake brother.It was an act of God. She would see to it they had a decent burial and that was all.King Ephron seemed to be recovering, as if disaster was making a man of him whereas the ability to do as he pleased had not. Genevieve may have had something to do with that. If he was enamoured that was his affair. Eithne knew Xander’s sister would never consent to be his.They were for Beeveland soon and she was looking forward to seeing the country of his birth. The conqueror
The Conqueror's Royal Slave Chapter Seventy-Nine - Divided Loyalties
There was a new hazard to be overcome once they were close to the fresh air. Xander pulled Eithne back just as she was on the point of exposing herself to the men surrounding the small boat.That gave him an idea. He knew she wouldn’t like it.“I’m afraid I’m going to have to ask you how much you love the realm,” he said, in a low voice which sounded mock serious even to his own ears.“I don’t understand.”“Trust me, you will. Well?”“It is my solemn duty to do anything to help the kingdom of Ormond.”“Thank the good Lord, I was hoping you would say that. You didn’t swear?”“Unlike the royal heir, it was enough that I made a promise to my father, the late King.”“I see. Now, I want you to do exactly as I say. Strip!”Her eyes widened.“Here? Now? But I thought – ”“As I suspected. A most disloyal subject,” he said. “Must I do everything myself, including undressing you?”“You failed before,” she pointed out, her violet eyes stormy.“This is a needs must situation,” he said, spinning h
The Conqueror's Royal Slave Chapter Seventy-Eight - Commitment
It wasn’t the most romantic of proposals yet it set her heart aflutter. Eithne gulped.“I will need to change my gown,” she said.“Princess, I didn’t mean now.”“Oh. Forget it then,” she snapped, and had to ask herself why.“I have no intention of doing so. In fact, letting you out of my sight is not an option either.” Xander took her hand. “Come with me to Beeveland,” he coaxed.“Now? Why?”“Not now. Once the affairs of Ormond are sorted.”“I fear that will never happen. Still, it would be good to get away and probably best for Genevieve if we do.”“What do you mean?”“Nothing,” she said, hastily.That crush on one of the Danes, blurted out impulsively after an excess of good local mead, needed nipping in the bud in her opinion. Halfdan was leaving anyway. She hadn’t meant to let the cat out of the bag, but Xander was nothing if not persistent in his questioning.“Genevieve has no sense of propriety,” he fumed.That was rich coming from him, a self-styled conqueror and enslaver. Eith
The Conqueror's Royal Slave Chapter Seventy-Seven - Duped
Xander hadn’t sued for peace so much as cheated in its name. He would do the same again, twice over, if it meant avoiding war. His betrothed had been taken aback by his tactics but he couldn’t afford to let her in on it; her surprise would go a long way to convincing this new enemy whose ego was legendary.Maybe some flowers would mollify her. He had treated her like a pawn and she was still sulking.Encountering his sister in the corridor he enlisted her help.Genevieve’s eyes danced with amusement.“Just be yourself. Spend some time with her. It’s all a girl ever wants. Gifts only make us think you want to atone.”But I do, he thought. For the way it all began.The Danes were preparing to depart, while Finn was now in charge of his brother’s forces.“Stay awhile,” he’d encouraged both the group of Norsemen and those loyal to a different Mac Neill.“Tell him,” Ava urged, nudging Connor’s brother.She was seldom far from his side these days.“We’d like to settle here permanently,” he
