FORTY-FOUR
Ursula made her way up the steps to the battlements. No one heard her over the sounds of battle below.
Four men, and Bernard.
She heard the words that could only have come from Lord Vauquelin, and her heart broke for Bernard. His own father had sold him to a cruel king, and now Bernard was old enough and man enough to object, the heartless lord intended to kill him.
Whatever his faults, Bernard was hers now. Hers to defend, or kill, as the desire took her.
"Harm him, and you won't leave this valley alive," Ursula said, stepping forward.
One of the knights laughed. "Oh, look, it's the boy's w***e. The kitchenmaid who sucked his c**k, hoping he might make her a lady for it. He lied to you, s**t – the only inheritance his father will ever give him is a quick death. I tol
