A wiser man would have refused. A foolish man would have offered her another escort so that she could leave and execute the plan she had designed.
But he was neither wise nor a fool. All he knew was the touch of flesh on flesh. And her touch was making him dull.
"A walk to get apples?" he laughed, trying to hide his rising heartbeat under that laughter. "Is that all you can think of to convince me to spare the life of your husband?" he mocked, waiting for her to fume and leave his room.
The air felt scarce in her presence. His lungs are fighting for an extra breath.
"It is not an excuse." she repeated in a sharp voice. "It is an offer, and you shall take it." There was something dark and sinning the way she announced his authority over him. John moved in the shadows, appalled that she had dared to challenge him.
Why did he not feel the fury though? She had lied to him, betrayed him yet.. When he saw, he saw the woman he once loved with every call of his body.
As if she owed him his life. The thought made no sense. He might be going insane.
"My lady, I apologize but.." he paused when her feet moved under the table. He felt their touch on his skin. She drew a help sign on his pants from her toe.
His eyes narrowed at once and looked at her again, she was biting her lips and looking nervous as if his reply would decide her life.
His face went grim at once. The presence of people in the room suddenly felt heavier.
"Fine! I will meet you in an hour." He replied, earning a gasp from many. They all looked at her as if he had promised his soul to her.
The seductress dared to smile at that. As if she knew what thought crossed his mind or others. They had told him that her wits had faded after her marriage. But it did not seem to be the case.
He saw her moving, the way her hips moved when she walked and the curling of her lips. He looked away. He was not that foolish young man anymore.
He only accepted the offer because her life could be in danger and as a man of duty, he would protect everyone. Even if it was his enemy.
"My lord.." John had said nothing yet, Still Lenhart knew what was to come. He raised his hand high enough.
"We need to win the heart of the lady. Only when she believes that we are puppets in her hands will she make the mistake of contacting her husband. Stay on alert but do not follow me closely." the man shut his mouth at once. His eyes filled with admiration once again as he quickly bowed and retreated.
What a foolish idea it was yet completely acceptable to those who wanted to stain the floor with the blood. Alas! He was one of them.
—----
Polly was waiting outside the room when Elara came out of the sturdy room that belonged to her husband yet a stranger was holding it. There was a winning smile on her face that irked Polly at once.
She had spent two hours with that foolish servant in the basement. Her knees still feel weak and her waist burnt with the marks that foolish man had left. Yet this woman was enjoying it with a higher official. She should have been burnt already.
"My lady, I should urgently help you in dressing up." She came to her feet at once. Her eyes were aware of the men watching her from the darkness. She did not dare to insult Elara in front of everyone.
She felt like they had returned to the days when she was only a maid in this place.
"I do not need help." Elara looked away and started walking. She had to plan so many things. Perhaps Lenhart would ask for proof. She needs some. And then he could ask her about details too. Her own foolish mistakes that had brought her here.
No matter what, she had to convince him. She held her dress and walked in a hurried manner when Polly followed her with her eyes narrowed.
"My lady, you could not be serious." she gasped as she finally blocked Elara from leaving.
Elara's eyes narrowed. Even when this woman was protected by her husband, she had never felt fear from this foolish arrogant woman.
"Why? I have never been more serious in my life. Now leave my way." Elara was surprised when the tone of command came naturally to her as if she had never stopped giving commands.
But the result looked more shocking on Polly's face. As if she had been slapped in public.
Her lips parted and eyes full of disbelief. Rage came to her at once but she did not dare to show it.
"I mean, your look. If you are going for a walk with the lord, at least you must be presentable." Polly applied a softer approach this time. She would deal with this stubborn woman later and teach her a lesson.
But for now, fulfilling the task Philip had left for them holds utmost importance.
Elara paused. She knew she looked like a fool by the way men looked at her. But taking Polly to her room could be risky. What if this girl noticed the small tricks she was going to play.
But if she refused again, what if she found it strange and complained about it to Philip. Elara felt like she was walking on the double edged sword. When she noticed Polly looking skeptical, she sighed.
"The lord had told me to give up on my luxuries. So I was learning to dress myself. But if you are concerned, you may come with me. But the lord had already decided new duties for you later, if you did not join them, he would dismiss you too."