Valeria's heart raced in her chest as she stared at the man before her. Something about him unnerved her deeply.
"Are you hurt, my lady?" His deep voice rumbled, sending a shiver down her spine.
Valeria stiffened. She was wearing simple, inconspicuous clothes. How did he know she was noble? Had he seen the wanted posters?
Quickly, she pushed against his chest, but the man didn't let go. Instead, he tightened his arm around her waist, pulling her closer. Valeria's breath hitched as his mismatched eyes bore into hers.
"I am not a lady. Now let me go," she demanded, her voice sharp despite the tremor she felt.
His grin widened, infuriating her further. "Oh, pardon me. You're so beautiful, I thought you must be a lady… perhaps even a queen."
Valeria's jaw clenched. "Now that we've cleared up the misunderstanding, let me go," she said firmly, trying to keep the panic out of her voice.
The man didn't release her right away. Instead, his eyes locked onto hers with a playful glint. "I will… if you tell me your name."
Valeria's mind raced. She had to get away from him, but giving him her real name was too dangerous. Katherine stood frozen a few steps behind, clearly frightened. If this man realized who Valeria was or maybe recognized herself it would be fatal. She was scared to say or do anything to attract the man's attention and make him suspicious.
"My name is Alicia Ruhn," Valeria said through gritted teeth. "Now let me go."
True to his word, the man released her. She quickly stepped back, putting as much distance between them as possible. He bowed dramatically, a smirk tugging at his lips.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Alicia. I hope we meet again soon," he said, then turned and walked away as if nothing had happened.
Valeria stared after him, her heart pounding. "What was that?" Katherine asked, her voice trembling.
"I don't know," Valeria replied, still shaken. "But we need to get back to the cottage. Now."
The two women hurried back, holding hands like frightened children. Neither spoke of the encounter, as if pretending it hadn't happened would make it easier to forget. But when they arrived at the cottage, the furious faces of Asher and Elias were waiting for them.
Valeria had never seen Elias look so angry before. Asher's brooding rage, on the other hand, was something she'd grown used to.
"We can explain," Katherine blurted out, but Asher cut her off with a furious glare.
"You two idiotic, irresponsible noble ladies! Inside. Now!" he barked.
Knowing they were guilty, Valeria and Katherine entered the cottage with their heads lowered.
"Do you have any idea how dangerous that was?!" Asher hissed, his voice trembling with rage. "What if someone saw you? Do you want to get yourselves killed?!"
Elias looked like he could strangle them. He wanted to throw something at their heads, and for the first time in a long while, he felt the frustration of being mute resurface. But Asher was handling the yelling and scolding well enough on his own. Brooding and anger were some of Asher's strongest suits.
"We're sorry, okay?" Valeria said, her voice uncharacteristically quiet.
"I just wanted Valeria to get some fresh air. Nothing happened," Katherine added quickly.
They didn't mention the stranger, they both knew Asher would lose his mind if he found out.
"Sorry doesn't cut it!" Asher snapped. "That was dangerous and selfish! We'll have to stay another night now to make sure no one tries to kill or kidnap you tonight, you reckless fools!"
Both women bit their tongues, resisting the urge to lash back. They were well aware of their mistake now. Their good intentions had been foolish, and they had no defense against Asher's anger.
"You will sit here and not move a single inch from our sight," Asher growled.
Valeria barely resisted the urge to roll her eyes. "Yes, Sir Asher," she muttered sarcastically.
Immediately, he was in her face. "Don't get sassy with me," he snapped. "I understand you wanted fresh air, but at what cost? Do you want the king to find you and drag you back to the castle?"
Valeria looked away, refusing to meet his gaze, but Asher wasn't having it. He grabbed her chin and forced her to look at him. Elias silently stepped forward, his frustration evident as he gently but firmly grabbed Katherine by the arm. Without a word, he led her to the bedroom, giving Valeria and Asher the space to hash things out privately.
"Why so quiet now?" Asher hissed. "You always have something to say. Or did the thought of being dragged back to the castle to breed the king's heirs finally get through to you?"
Before she could stop herself, Valeria slapped him. Asher now looked truly furious as he grabbed her jaw and pulled her face closer.
"You don't know anything!" she snapped, her voice trembling with fury. "I'm trying to do the right thing! I'm only human! Is it so wrong to want some fresh air after being locked in this cottage for months? Do you think I don't know how dangerous it was?! You treat me like I'm some stupid girl, but you don't know what I've been through. You make assumptions and act like a prick!"
Asher let out a harsh, mocking laugh. "Oh, the poor little lady went through so much. She had to marry the king and become the queen of the empire. Boohoo."
Valeria's blood boiled. How dare he mock her suffering like that? He didn't know anything about what she had endured, and she refused to justify herself to him. With a glare, she slapped his hand away from her chin.
"Think what you want," she said coldly. "I don't care. But you don't have the right to talk to me like that. You're a mere knight. Don't forget your place."
It was a low blow, but Asher had pushed her too far. If he wanted to act like a bastard, then she would sink to his level.
"So that's how it is?" Asher sneered. "You feel cornered, so you pull the noble card? Pathetic. Do whatever you want. See if I care when the king comes to get you, my lady."
With that, he stormed out of the cottage, slamming the door behind him.
Tears of frustration and anger welled in Valeria's eyes. That infuriating man! She should have slapped him a second time, he deserved it.
Katherine approached her cautiously and wrapped her arms around her from behind. "I'm sorry. It's my fault we went out. I'll talk to him," she said softly.
Valeria shook her head, brushing away a tear. "No. Save your breath. He's already made up his mind about me, and nothing will change it."