The Convenient Companion

My mouth dropped open as soon as I comprehended what Damien said which took a fair amount of time. Did he even realise what he was doing? Bless the stars, this man was going to make the both of us live in sin.

“But, I-” I protested.

“Are you going to refuse?,” his tone was venomous.

“No, I cannot, but you should-”

“Then be quiet,” he cut me off yet again.

He bent and retrieved the long-forgotten broth and handed it to me. It had gotten a little cold.

“I shall discuss things with you later,” Damien said decisively, “Not a soul should find out that we are not actually married.”

“Yes,” I nodded demurely.

“Eat,” was all he said as he strode out of the room.

I sighed as I picked at the broth. This was, by far, the worst mess I had been in. If I had not been absolutely ravenous, I am quite certain I would not have even thought about food, given the situation we were in. There was nowhere Troy and I could escape. Anybody could guess that I was an aristocrat, one of the first things all children learn is the difference between the rich and the commoners. Either the assassins would get us or Damien would hear about us and hand us over to them. On the other hand, I had to act like the wife of the most dangerous man these times have known, with perfect conviction. If I slipped up, I would be publicly shamed, tainted and my honour would be destroyed. The most precious things of a woman are her dignity, honour and morality. Was I ready for such a huge risk? Was I even capable of commiting such an indecent act?

Mathilda bounded in with more energy than I thought possible. She looked bright and cheery.

“So, the beautiful troubled maiden and her compassionate handsome rescuer are in love,” she said joyously.

I nearly choked on my broth. Compassion and Damien could not possibly go together. I wondered what sort of plausible explanation he had concoted that had so convinced her.

“It is so sweet,” Mathilda was smiling, “you are blushing.”

“May I see Troy now?” I asked.

“Oh,” Mathilda sobered, “he has a fever, the poor lad. Only six winters but he has seen too much of life too soon.”

“How bad is he?” I was anxious.

“Shall we go see him?” the gentleness was back in her voice.

She cleared away the broth and slowly helped me stand. I was feeling much better now that I had eaten. Mathilda led me to the next room.

“The sword wound will leave a scar,” she said, “I do not think it will heal cleanly.”

His cheek was bandaged and he was shivering in his sleep. The thick blankets covering him did not seem to help much.

Troy. The only living member of my family.

I sat on the bed and took his hand in mine. He looked so fragile. Mathilda placed a damp cloth on his forehead. I would do anything for Troy. For his safety, I could even sacrifice my dignity. My beloved mother had passed away to bring him into this world. Now, he was my world. Damien had offered to train Troy. I decided to comply with whatever Damien wished, even if it meant getting tainted.

“You should rest as well,” Mathilda said.

I wordlessly followed her back to the room I was in before. She almost ran out when she saw Damien waiting there.

“I suggest you lay down,” Damien ran a hand through his hair, somewhat distracted, “I want you to recover well.”

I rested my back on the thinpillows. I was sitting up and Damien sat down on the bed as well. I shrank away, panic gripping me. Never had an unrelated man been so close to me before.

“You will have to get used to this,” he said dryly, “I told the seamstress that we are already physically married.”

I stared as if he had grown another head. So this was what he had told the gullible Mathilda.I hope such a terrible lie can ever be forgiven.