The Unchosen Path

ADA

We all must have slept longer than expected that night because when I awoke, the sun was shining brightly through the window downstairs.

I peered up at Cayden, who was still asleep, lying naked on his stomach. Scared that another man would see my eyes linger too long on him, I quietly took my washing items and headed downstairs.

I walked readily toward the river, observing that the other two men were still asleep in the stable. There was a chill in the air, meaning autumn was settling in.

It would be painful to bathe in the cold river this day, but not as painful as it would be in the coming months when winter came.

Upon reaching the edge of the river, I looked around to make sure none of them had followed me. I undressed, placing my dress on top of a bush, and made my way into the water.

As cold as it was, it felt refreshing to bathe and be alone for the time being. I sunk my body deeper into the water and laid my head back to stare up at the sky.

“Do not stay in there too long, you might catch a cold.”

I was startled by the voice and looked around to see Cayden crouched down by the edge of the water. He was smiling at the sight of me in the water. I turned around so all he could see was the back of my head.

“What are you doing here? Am I not allowed to bathe?”

“No, by all means, you are welcome to bathe.” I could hear his smile widening.

“I came to warn you that Caxton and Egil will soon be coming to bathe. They are finishing their meal as we speak. Unless you prefer the company…then I shall join as well.”

“I do not! Thank you for the warning, but you will need to leave so I can get out.” He did not respond, nor did I hear him move at all.

I slightly turned my head, and out of the corner of my eye, I could see him in the same position. “My lord…please.”

“All right. I’ll turn around and keep watch for the other two. Also, you may call me Cayden here. Anywhere else, you will call me lord.” He turned around and started walking up the trail.

I turned to make sure he had left as promised and got out of the river. Never had I put my clothes on as fast as in that moment. I twisted my hair around and wrung out whatever water I could.

When it was tucked and tied neatly, I found my veil and placed it back on my head.

“What shall you require me to do today?” I asked, walking up to Cayden. In the sunlight, I had my first true look at his face and felt my heart flutter.

There were two small scars on one side of his cheek, and he had a strong jaw with minimal facial hair. His eye color was the same as his hair, which in the sunlight showed as brownish-red.

He was staring at me with such intensity, and I could see the curiosity in his eyes as he continued to study my face as well.

Cayden took his hand and began to trace the outline of my right cheek. It was a gentle stroke, and I was unnerved by my desire for it not to end.

“Why do you wear that veil around your head? If your eyes are telling of your other features, I do not see why you are ashamed to show them.”

“It is not that I am ashamed…”

“Then why?”

“For years, I watched my mother be punished for her beauty. It was a burden to her, and she shielded me from that life. This is the only way I know how to protect myself.”

“So, you shall wear that veil forever?”

“I don’t know. At least for now, until I know it is safe.”

He dropped his hand at the sound of Padriac calling for him. His friend appeared at the top of the hill dressed in the clothes I had washed last night.

Now that he had bathed, his appearance was also agreeable. Padriac’s hair was much lighter than Cayden’s, and his other features followed suit. He scratched his beard as we met him.

It was fuller than Cayden’s and gathered mainly around his chin.

“There is a man here stating he has paid for the slave’s hand in marriage.” I felt my stomach turn as Padriac said these words.

My eyes began to water and I grabbed onto Cayden’s arm. He seemed surprised by my actions, and Padriac’s hand automatically hovered over the handle of his sword.

“Please, please! You cannot let this man take me. You gave me your word to protect me.”

He pushed my hand off his arm, taking me by the shoulders. The change in his voice and force of his hands awakened me from my hysteria.

“Put yourself together. Not another word or I will happily give you to him.”

He let go and I followed the two men back to the house. Cayden seemed to be asking Padriac details of the man’s arrival. The only words I could make out were “obese” and “pig-like.”

My worst fears were about to come true.