The Wait

Contrary to what Lucas assumed, Johanna spent all day in the same room. Her desperation for escape left her with the news of contact with the Williams. For hours, she just sat on the bed and gazed longingly out the window, chewing absent mindedly on her lower lip. She seemed neither sad nor glad at their coming trip where she would potentially get to go home to her fiancé. She didn’t smile or weep or say a word at all… she just stared out the window. Looked at the trees dancing light- heartedly in the early spring breeze. The wild flowers just starting to bloom in bright pinks and violets. The sky a calm blue.

Lucas continued to watch Johanna in wonder. Her deep eyes thick with a mix of relief, fear and confliction. She appeared to be deep in thought. Normally, a day spent indoors would be unbearable for Lucas, but he found himself lost in trying to understand this unusual and

mesmerizing girl…

Eventually, he thought he would go mad if she just sat there any longer, so her cleared his throat. She jumped a little, and her eyes focused, though she didn’t face him.

“Are you anxious to get back to your Anthony, lady Johanna?”

She looked down and stayed silent for a few long seconds before answering. “I would like to go home.” Johanna said, stressing the last word.

Lucas pondered over her odd response. She did not seem like she wanted to go back to her home. “You seem hesitant… are you worried that Lord Williams will not be able to pay your ransom? He is a very wealthy man, m’lady.”

A peculiar smile toughed the edge of her lips. “No that is not my concern. I know he has money.” She laughed a little and glanced at the ceiling, remembering when she first saw the Williams’ castle. The high, stone walls covered in forest green flags. The gown she was presented with had been the finest one she had ever seen. It was a dark ivory dress that slimed her waist with a tight corset. It covered her skin with the softest of silks. Subtle vine designs accented the curves in her torso. The bed she slept in had been a feather filled mattress covered with thick, warm, wool blankets. There was no question in her mind that the Williams’ had money.

“Then what is it?” Lucas asked, eyes piercing Johanna’s for knowledge, “Why are you not beside yourself with joy. Finally you’ll be out of here, back in your intended’s castle, soon to be married! Why does that kill your rebellious spirit, yet make you almost… sad?”

Johanna stiffened, suddenly feeling defensive. “Why do you care?” She bit out, finally rising from her perch by the window. How dare he. How dare he pry into her feelings when he had so recently abused her. She pushed angrily passed him and made her way toward the door.

Lucas grabbed her arm, but she shook him off in irritation. “I do not intend to try and run away.” Johanna grunted. Claustrophobia wound its suffocating fingers around her throat. Desperately, she pushed out of the room, taking several deep breaths. Quickly, she treaded down the long hall, her knight on her heels. All eyes were on her as she started running, thin night gown flowing out behind her bare feet. Escape was not her intent, she just wanted to be alone for an hour or two. After a while she left Lucas’ line of sight.

Johanna went so fast that she ran into a new knight. He turned angrily, then gave her a wolfish smile.

“Well, well, well…” He said, circling Johanna, “What have we here?” He eyes her night gown that hung slightly off of her shoulders. “Seems m’lord has brought home spoils of war.” The men near him chuckled as he roughly wrapped his arm around the curve of Johanna’s waist. She tried to jerk away, but the man held her fast, spinning her about to the amusement of the many onlookers.

Furious, Johanna slapped him hard across the face. The shocked man gave her a look that could kill. “Why you little wench!” He spit out at her, raising a hand to strike her. But Lucas approached then and caught the man’s wrist, pinning it behind his back. He cried out.

“Sir Michael,” Lucas growled, “Lady Barns has been put in my charge. I shall decide how to handle her. Understood?” Michael winced and nodded. Lucas pushed him away and grabbed Johanna’s arm. The went behind a large column, giving them relative privacy.

“What were you thinking?” Lucas hissed. “Can you not stay calm for three more days? You are only bringing more harm upon yourself.”

Johanna shook her head, frustrated, “He cannot treat me like I am some loose women.”

Lucas waved his hands toward her, “Then do not prance into the courtyard dressed as such!” He sighed, “M’lady please, might we go back to your quarters for a bit of peace.”

“Shall I be quarantined like a prisoner?” She groaned in exasperation. “Might I not find something out side of those dull walls to capture my interest?” After a day of being confined in her room, Johanna could not tolerate the idea of spending another 3 days there.

Lucas eyed her wearily, then shrugged. “At least let me get you a proper dress first…”

* * *

The next day Johanna woke up alone in her room. She stretched slowly and looked around, confused. On Lucas’ look out chair, she spied a note.

Lady Johanna, it read,

There is a dress waiting on your bed. Please let us not have anyone thinking that you are a common wench, it would make both of out lives easier. I am right outside so do not try to run. Come out when you feel ready.

- Lucas

A slight smile touched her lips and she read the note. This man was full of surprises. Maybe not everyone at this castle wanted to hurt her. She shook her head at the though. Remember who the enemy is Johanna. Trust no one but yourself here! Just two more days, then you make your move.

She looked at the dress. It was a simple red gown with black lace on the bodice and sleeves that flowed out from the elbows. Johanna ran her fingers lovingly down the soft, crimson fabric. It was the most beautiful thing she’d ever laid her eyes on. Much more her taste than all the extravagance that lord Williams thrust upon her. She slipped it over her head quickly, combed her hair out and tied it into a messy bun. She need not look her best for her captors.

Taking a deep breath, Johanna opened the door. Lucas turned around to face her. He had to stifle a gasp. Her loose hair was falling out, letting a soft coil curl perfectly around her cheek. The dress he had snuck for her hugged her waist beautifully. Her violet eyes sparkled in the bright, morning sun.

“M’lady, you look fetching.” Lucas said coolly.

Johanna blushed. “Th-thank you for the dress.” she mumbled.

“You’re very welcome. It looks lovely on you. Shall we go to the kitchen for some breakfast. Maybe this time without the daggers and attempted murder?” He teased, elbowing her playfully.

She gave him a small smile. “Alright. We shall.”

prev chapter