Chapter 7 Chapter Six
With one hand on his back, Alex slowly sat down on the grassy slope beside the road, smiled gratefully at Joss, and took a glass of cold spring from him.
"We'll spend the night here tonight." He looked at the tiredness on her face.
"No, we've got to sing tonight—we need money."
"You need more rest!" He snorted and sat down beside her. "You win, you always win. Are you hungry?"
Alex's expression made him laugh, and he glanced at her protruding belly.The sweltering summer heat and non-stop hiking made Alex miserable.They have hardly stopped in the four months since they left the forest.At first they were healthy, strong and popular, so it wasn't hard.But after a month on the road, Alex suddenly fell ill.She vomited all day so that people were afraid to walk with them for fear that the boy was sick, and day after day Alex was so weak that he could hardly walk.
They stayed in the small village for a week, and Joss made money by singing and singing at the city gate.Until one day when Alex delivered food for him, he looked at her from a long distance and found that she had changed a lot since leaving the forest.Not only did her walking posture change, but her posture also became more feminine.Despite her illness, she gained weight.
Suddenly Joss understood what was wrong with her.She was pregnant with Rain's child.When she came to him, he couldn't straighten up with laughter.If it wasn't for the public, he would have picked her up and circled her long ago.
"I will be your burden," she said, but her eyes were full of fantasy, "Do you think he will be like Ryan? If I pray that the child has a pair of dimples, shouldn't it be?"
"Let's pray and try to get you some women's clothes quickly. If I walk with a pregnant man, I probably won't live long."
"By the way! Clothes." Alex smiled.She hadn't worn women's clothes for a long time.
Once it was confirmed that she was not suffering from any fatal disease, Joss also safely allowed her to move among the noble castles.Alex found that she had not completely lost Rain, and her spirits were much better.She talked about the child all day long, guessing what it looked like, imagining what Ren's facial features would look like if it were transferred to a girl's face, and she also hoped that the child would not look as big as his father.Alex also laughed at himself for never being normal.Not only was she convulsed for three months, she was also convulsed for three months longer than ordinary people.
Joss listened patiently to her babble, thankful that she was no longer taciturn and lifeless.At night they stayed in the castle where they performed, and he would often hear her weeping to herself, but during the day she never spoke of her sorrow again.
Once again when they performed at Rain's cousin's house, Alex fell silent again, but he could almost sense her urgency to hear something.So he hinted at the mistress, and she gave them all the latest news.Wren was still in the forest, and King Henry, mourning the death of his eldest son, had almost forgotten the criminal nobles.However, he did not pursue Roger Chotels, thinking that he had just raped Mary Montgomery, and it was her own business to commit suicide, so there was no reason for Chotels to be responsible.
News came in July, Judith.Montgomery had a strong boy, and Brynway McAaron had a son a little later in August.A Montgomery male, Steve is still angered by his adoption of a Scottish surname and lifestyle.
Alex was always absorbed in every piece of news he reported to her.Sometimes she would be glad to have left him, otherwise she would never be able to hold her head up before the ladies in his family.Although Joss repeatedly analyzed that the difference between a lady and a lady is only in clothing, she refused to believe it.He found that she cared more and more about the world around her, and gradually began to participate. She would often leave practice and go to help others, and once gave her food to a toothless old beggar who was traveling with her.Another time she took the initiative to arrange meals for the man whose wife was giving birth to the eighth child in the tree break.People smile at them gratefully; no matter where they travel, they always make friends quickly.
After walking on the road for several months, Alex mentioned Rosamund to him more than once, advising him not to close his own world any more, to accept the fact that Frederique Constant was dead, and to get back up and live the rest of his life.Every time he retreated, he attacked her in turn, asking her to marry a businessman who could provide food and clothing for her and her children.In fact, in the past few months, whenever he dreamed back at midnight, what he recalled was Rosamund's quiet face, not Frederique Constant.
They came to an old castle, and after being allowed to enter, Jos put his arm around Alex's shoulders and led her through the hundreds of guests who had come to the wedding.
"Are you bards?" A tall woman asked Alex.Alex nodded to her, shocked by her meticulous hair style and gorgeous clothes, "Come with me."
Alex and Joss followed the woman cautiously, up the narrow winding stone steps to the circular room on the top floor of the tower.There were several well-dressed women pacing anxiously, and a young woman in the middle of the room was wailing.
"She is coming."
Alex looked up and saw an angelic face, brilliant blond hair, blue eyes, and a touching smile, "I'm Elizabeth Chotels." Alex's eyes widened when he first heard the name, but Without saying a word, "Our little bride is terrified," she said in disgust. "Is there anything you can do to calm her so we can take her downstairs?"
"I'll try my best."
"If I can't help it, I'll just give her a slap and see if that kind of music can quiet her down."
Alex couldn't help laughing.This sweet-looking woman had nothing sweet to say, "What is she afraid of?" She had to decide which music to use.
"Life, man, who knows? We both just left the convent, and Isabella seemed to think she was going to die."
"Perhaps she married someone—"
"He is very docile," Elizabeth responded casually, and turned to look at Joss who was sizing her up openly. "You are quite handsome, probably not enough to scare that little white rabbit." Isabella burst into tears again Shouting, she immediately rushed over to appease.
"Man, I can't believe I've ever met someone like her."
"Hopefully not ever," Joss said. "She's calling us. God help whoever defies her, though . . . "
Alex looked up and saw his piercing eyes, "If you dare to defy her, she will pull out your hair."
"It's not my hair she wants to pull out. I'm afraid I won't refuse her." Before she could answer, Joss pushed her towards the weeping little bride.
It took them an hour to calm the woman down.During this period, Elizabeth has been walking around, squinting and staring at Isabella from time to time. She wanted to say something several times, but they were suppressed by the sudden loudness of Alex and Joss. A half-day effort wasted.
After Isabella was ready to follow the maid downstairs, only Joss, Alex, and Elizabeth Choate were left in the room.
"That's right," Elizabeth said, "You all have loud and unique singing voices. If I'm not mistaken, you must have been well trained."
"I have studied with many teachers." Alex said modestly.
Elizabeth stared at Joss sharply, "I've seen you. Where?"
"I know your sister-in-law Alice," he said softly.
Elizabeth's gaze hardened. "By the way," she boldly looked Joss up and down, "You are exactly the type she likes. Maybe as long as there is a man who can please her, she will not refuse any man."
Joss' expression stunned Alex, hoping he would stop talking.After all, he had killed Edmer Chottles, Elizabeth's brother.
"How are your brothers?" he asked, challenging in his voice.
Elizabeth stared at Joss for a long time, and Alex held his breath nervously, hoping that Elizabeth would not know who he was.
"My brother Bligh has left home and we don't know where he is. Rumor has it he's being held hostage by someone from the dastardly Montgomery family."
Joss pressed Alex's shoulder tightly, "Where's Rogier?"
"Rogier—has changed too. That's enough! If you finish talking about my family, you can go down." After speaking, she rushed out.
"Despicable!" Alex yelled before the door was closed, "Her brother killed my sister Ryan, and she dared to call us despicable!"
"Calm down, Alex. You can't attack a woman like her. She'll eat you alive. You don't know where she was raised. Edmer is a vile, vicious little fellow, and I've seen her many times in Rome. When Jill backed down, she stood up to Edmer. She always loved her brother Bligh. She would be filled with hatred if she believed it was Montgomery who made him run away from home."
"She has no reason to hate! It's all Chottles' fault."
"Quiet! Let's go downstairs." He looked at her sharply, "You are not allowed to write words to attack the enemy. Do you hear me?"
She nodded, but in her heart she was unwilling to make this promise.
It was late at night, and most of the guests were either drunk and fell asleep on the ground, or slumped on the table and pretended to be crazy.At this time, a maid went over and whispered to a man sitting in a corner.He smiled when he heard this, got up and went out to meet the new guests. "You'd never believe who's here," the man said to the man who had just dismounted. "What? What kind of welcome is that?" he countered sarcastically. "Don't care about my safety at all? Come on, John, you're grinning again." "I've been waiting for you to tell you the good news. You should be grateful." "What a sacrifice." He handed the reins to the servant. "What is so important that you can't wait for me to have a drink first?" "Oh! Pinel, you're so impatient. Remember that little thrush last winter? The one who hit you with the sap?" Pioneer froze, glaring at John, and it was with great difficulty that he kept his hand from touching the hideous scar on his forehead.Since that night, he has been suffering from headaches.Although he tortured some of her town to death, no one told him of her whereabouts.Whenever he had a splitting headache, he vowed to burn her alive to vent his hatred, "Where is she?" John smiled smugly, "It's inside, and she has a big belly. She travels with a little boy and sings, and they sing really well. Come on, everyone is asleep. I paid special attention to where they lay .” Pinel stood motionless for a moment, contemplating his next move.Last time when he and his friends attacked Alex at night, they were already drunk, and this time he didn't make that mistake anymore, "If she yells, will someone come over to help?" "Most people are so drunk that no one can hear the thunder." Pinel looked around, "Is there a dungeon in this place where criminals are temporarily held?" "What? We're going to drag her out and roast her now." "Someone will object, the king is in a bad mood now, who knows how he'll react? We're going to do it legally. I have a relative who presides around here. Lock her up until I get back from talking to my uncle. We'll judge her again. Then we'll see her burn alive. Now take me to where she sleeps." Alex was restless in sleep, trying to accommodate her big belly when the whispers sounded in her ears.That sound was something she would never forget, it made her back tingle and her whole body tense. "If you want the little bastard in your stomach to live, keep quiet." A sharp dagger was pressed against her throat.Without opening her eyes, Pinel's face appeared in front of her eyes.That ferocious face had haunted her in her dreams for several months. "Thought me, sweetheart?" he whispered, his face very, very close to hers.His hands caressed her firm belly, "You refused to give yourself to me, but gave it to others casually. Huh, you have to pay for your life." "No," the cold knife pressed harder. "Are you going to follow me obediently, or do you want me to stab him in the heart?" She knew exactly what he meant.Joss was sleeping next to her, his breathing steady and deep, oblivious that her life was in danger. "I'll let you go." She choked up.
She didn't know how long time had passed, but the darkness and boundless fear had captured her whole mind. Although she repeatedly reminded herself to be calm, her fate was still unknown.It was cold and damp in this small, invisible stone room. Fortunately, there was a long bench for her to rest on. According to her groping, she estimated that the small room had neither windows nor any weak points, and there was no way out except the heavy wooden door. When the wooden door swung open, the candlelight that flooded the room nearly blinded her. "So you are here." From the voice she knew it was Elizabeth Chotels. Alex completely forgot his identity, rushed over and hugged her tightly, "I'm so happy to see you. How did you find me?" Elizabeth put her arms around Alex, "Joss came to me. That idiot sent Neil to do something good? That guy is a scum, and his life is a waste. Come on, hurry up and leave before that trash comes back." "It's too late," said a half-amusing, half-angry male voice at the door, "you haven't changed much, Elizabeth, you still love to order everyone." "And you, Pinel, still plucking the wings of a butterfly? What's wrong with this one? Because she rejects you like all women?" "Don't be so harsh, Elizabeth. If I have time, I will teach you what it means to be gentle." "How many other men have you been with?" Elizabeth spat. "You're scared to death just because I'm telling the truth. Get out of the way, we're not interested in playing silly games with you. Find someone else to play." .This child is under my protection, so don't provoke her." He blocked the doorman without giving in. "You are too much!" Elizabeth scolded, "You are not threatening a helpless maid now. If you dare to touch a single hair of my hair, my brother will take your head off." "Rogier was so busy with Montgomery that he didn't have time for anyone else. He got drunk every day after Blaine the cripple ran away from home." Alex didn't see Elizabeth leaning over to draw the scabbard, but Pinel did.He stepped aside, grabbed her arm and twisted it, and brought her over, "I want to taste what it's like for you to lie under me. Are you as hot as you are when you go to bed?" Alex realized that this was her chance.On the wall opposite the chamber to the left hangs a large bunch of keys.With one quick movement she slipped through, took the bunch of keys, and smashed Pioneer on the head, right to his temple.He let go of Elizabeth and staggered back a step, raised his head and touched the wound, staring blankly at the blood on his hands, and when he recovered, Elizabeth and Alex had already rushed up the stone steps. Pinel chased after her and tugged at Elizabeth's skirt, causing her to fall back into his arms, "Oh, my dear Elizabeth," he whispered next to her, with one arm around her waist and the other reaching towards her. Her full breasts, "I've been dreaming of this moment for a long time." Alex Feng could take the opportunity to slip away, but she couldn't just sit back and watch Penier insult the noble woman.With no other choice, she could only fly towards them.Pioneer still held Elizabeth staggering back, while Alex rolled his hands to protect his stomach.Elizabeth took advantage of the confusion and slapped Penier's ribs with one hand, causing him to cry out in pain.He hurriedly grabbed a small wooden barrel and smashed it down on Pinel's head with all his strength. The oak barrel burst in response, and the crimson wine dripped from his face and stained his clothes. After looking at them in amazement, he fell to the ground and lost consciousness. "It's a pity that a barrel of good wine was wasted," Elizabeth said, looking at Alex. "You didn't hurt your baby, did you?" "No, he's safe." "Thank you. You could have escaped, but you stayed and helped me. How can I repay you?" "Let me interrupt," said a male voice from the stairwell.They looked back and saw the tall, dark man pointing at them with a sword, "I really don't want to disturb, but unless you wake up my friend as soon as possible, I'd be happy to kill you." Elizabeth acted first, leaping over Pinnell and running to the man's left-hand side. "Go to the other side, Alex," she commanded. "He can't hit us both at the same time." Alex immediately did as he was told, and the man stared blankly back and forth between the two of them, and looked up at Pinel when he heard the groan.Alex immediately rushed towards him, but he had retreated to the stairs to guard the side road. "Damn it!" Pinel cursed, shaking his head to clear his eyes. "You'll regret it, Elizabeth," he moaned. "Look at them, John. Keep them out. They're not human. Women were created That day, the man will be unlucky." "You don't know what a woman is," Elizabeth spat. "No woman in her right mind will let you approach her." Pinel stood up tremblingly, looking at the wine-stained clothes with disgust.Suddenly, he raised his head and smiled maliciously at Elizabeth, "I went into the city last night and saw Miles Montgomery's camp." When Elizabeth froze, he opened his mouth wider, "No Knowing whether Miles likes uninvited guests or not, I heard that he was mad because of his sister's death, and his brother was afraid that he would declare war on the Chottles family, so he had to send him to relatives in Ireland." "My brother's going to kill him, none of the Montgomery-" "Forget it, Elizabeth, I just heard that Rogier attacked Steve Montgomery from behind," Elizabeth threw her hands at him, but was caught by him, "I also heard that Miles was a Great public lover, already has many bastards. Do you want to get involved too, little virgin Baozhu?" "I'd rather die first," she spat bitterly. "Maybe, I'll leave it to Pierce to make a decision. I'll settle the score with that one first, and then I'll deal with you myself." He pointed to Alex.She stood motionless, John's sword against her back. "How are you going to get me out of here?" Elizabeth asked, "Do you think no one will interfere when you get me out of the hall?" Pinel looked at the dark room, and seemed to really consider this question, "Do you think Miles would like to play Caesar?" Elizabeth was confused and didn't know what to do. Pinel twisted her arm behind her back. "John, you watch that while I take on this. I have a terrible headache and I can't fight them two anymore." "If you dare to hurt me, it will not only hurt your head." "Leave that to Miles to worry about. Those boys in Montgomery are too arrogant. I would like to see them collapsed and the land divided up." "Dreaming!" Alex roared, "You kind of bastard can't take down Montgomery at all." Alex's high-pitched voice shocked everyone.Elizabeth stopped struggling and looked at Alex carefully.Pinel's expression was also calculating. John hit Alex with a sword, "I heard that Ryan Montgomery is hiding in a forest somewhere, and he is king among a group of criminals." "It's worth looking into. But let's settle that first." Pinel dragged Elizabeth, picked up a roll of leather rope from a wine barrel, and tied her hands behind her back. "I advise you to think twice. After all, I'm not a—" "Shut up!" Penel ordered, punching her on the shoulder, then pushed her down to the ground and tied her ankles, then cut a small strip of red silk cloth from her clothes with a knife, "give me a Kiss, Elizabeth?" he teased, holding the strip of cloth to her mouth, "don't give it all to Miles Montgomery." "I'll see you go to hell first." "Don't worry, you'll be there with me. There will always be men who can't stand your mouth." Before she could speak, he tied her mouth tightly with a cloth strip, "You look so attractive." "What are you going to do with her now?" John asked. "We can't carry her out of the hall like this." Pioneer grabbed a dirty canvas that was gnawed with holes by mice from a corner of the cellar, shaken off the dust and laid it flat at Elizabeth's feet, "Let's roll her up here without anyone noticing." Send her out." Alex looked at Elizabeth, who was now wide-eyed in fear, and the only thing she could think of was that Elizabeth and Miles were safer than anyone else. "You will be safe with Miles." She tried to reassure Elizabeth.Pinel roughly pushed Elizabeth to the ground with his hands and feet, wrapping her whole body. "Can she breathe like this?" Alex asked. "Who cares? She can't lie when she's dead. It looks like she won't even remember me after Miles finishes her off." "Miles would never hurt her," Alex said sharply. "He was kind and friendly, just like her brother." Pioneer burst out laughing, "Miles has a temper like no one else. When he finds out she's from the Chottles—oh, I'm almost envious of him, but I'm not like Miles." Silly. He didn't pay attention to Rogier at all. When Rogier knows what Miles is doing to his precious sister-the king will reward all the land of Montgomery to whoever helps him. Then I will wait Go get the reward." "Pig! You are nothing but scum." Penier slapped her mercilessly and almost knocked off Alex's head, "I don't need advice from people of your class. Did Ryan Montgomery teach you So presumptuous? The guy thinks he can fix England with his old sense of honor and nobility, hiding in the woods and abetting you bastards—" Alex wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, "Ren is worth a hundred times more than you." "Ren, huh? Not Sir Wren? The bastard in your belly is his? That's why you dare to be so arrogant and think you're great? When the tongue of fire eats your leg, let's see if you still put Monte Gurley's name to God. John! Take Elizabeth and send him to Miles Montgoley to see what he will do with her. And," he warned, "Elizabeth's virginity is known In fact, I want her delivered to Miles whole and intact. Let Roger Chottles turn his grievances on Montgomery, not me. Do you hear me?" John gave him a contemptuous look, and dropped Elizabeth on his shoulders. "Montgoli will receive her whole." "See if there is a way to arrange her clothes so that Miles doesn't know that she is of noble origin." John grinned and left. "What are you going to do with me?" Alex retreated again and again under his approach. "I'm not sorry for you." He glared angrily at her swollen belly, "You gave what belonged to me to another man." He grabbed her arm and pressed a sharp dagger against her ribs, "Go upstairs to the stables obediently , don’t make a sound, otherwise you won’t see tomorrow.” Alex had no choice but to follow him obediently holding his breath, the hall was noisy but no one paid attention to the two of them.Alex wanted to find Joss but couldn't find him.Every time she turned her head, Pinel's dagger was pressed harder against her and looked straight ahead.Maybe Joss didn't know she was in trouble.Maybe he was with some woman and didn't realize she was missing.Even though they are very close, they still respect each other's privacy, and often don't see each other for a day, and never talk about it afterwards. After leaving the hall, Pi Neil pushed her to the stable, and immediately threw her on the horse's back after the horse was ready, and rushed out of this ancient castle at full speed.It was not until sunset that they arrived at the stone building on the edge of a small village. A short, fat, bald man was waiting for them in the house, "Why are you moving so slowly. What important things have me waiting for you so late?" "Here," Pinel pushed her into a large dark room, "go over," Pinel ordered, pushing her toward the table, "say one word and I'll slit your throat." Already too tired to resist, Alex obediently went over and collapsed on the ground in front of the empty fireplace. "Explain," said the fat man to Pinell. A short, fat, bald man was waiting for them in the house, "Why are you moving so slowly. What important things have me waiting for you so late?" "Here," Pinel pushed her into a large dark room, "go over," Pinel ordered, pushing her toward the table, "say one word and I'll slit your throat." Already too tired to resist, Alex obediently went over and collapsed on the ground in front of the empty fireplace. "Explain," said the fat man to Pinell. "Why, uncle, there is no welcome, and no wine reception?" "If your news is good enough, I will feed you." Pinel sat down at the table and stared at the sparkling candle.His uncle was not poor enough to use such inferior goods, but for the past three years he had only been waiting to die. "How do you feel about Rain Montgomery?" Pioneer watched with interest as his uncle's face turned from white to red and then to maroon. "How dare you mention that guy's name in my house?" he raged.Three years ago, in a jousting match, Rain Montgomery had killed Robert Tigou's only son.Regardless of whether his son not only tried to dismount Wren but also tried to kill him, or his son had already killed one man and seriously wounded another, it was Wren's spear that killed his son. "I knew you wouldn't let him go," Pinel smiled, "Now I have a way to deal with him." "What can you do? He is hiding in the forest, and not even the king can find him." "But our king does not hold the bait for him like I do." "No!" Alex yelled, struggling to his feet. "Look, she's trying to protect that guy with every breath she takes. Be honest with me, whose bastard is in your stomach?" Alex gave him a stubborn look.If he hadn't wanted to assure Elizabeth that the men in Montgomery were good people, Pioneer wouldn't have known about her relationship with Ryan, but Elizabeth had helped her. "Pineil," ordered Robert, "tell me all about it." Pinel gave a rough account of how he and Alex had gotten into trouble, and showed his uncle the scar on his head, "How could she have got a scar like that without the devil's help?" Robert laughed contemptuously, "I think she outwitted you." "I told you she was a witch." Robert waved his hand impatiently, "All women are somewhat weird. What is the relationship between this girl and Ryan Montgomery?" "I believe she was in his camp for a few months, and she was carrying his child. If we spread the word out that we were going to burn her as a witch, he would come to save her. We'll just wait until he comes from Cast the net. When the time comes, he will give it to you, and we will share the king's reward together." "Wait a minute, son," interrupted Robert, "look at her! You're counting on her as bait? Rain Montgomery isn't so blind. Maybe she's carrying his child, but why would he want to?" Risking your life for something like her? Why do you spend so much time searching for this plain-looking woman with no breasts or butt?" Pinel glanced at his uncle angrily, then turned to Alex, "Sing?" "Dreaming," she said decisively, "you're going to murder me anyway, so why should I obey you?" "You're doomed," he said grimly. "The question is to burn you before or after the child is born. If you don't obey me, I'll let the child die with you. Now die for your child, that dog." Sing!" Alex immediately acted according to his words, holding his belly in both hands protectively, and raised his voice to beg God to give her child life.After she finished singing, the room fell silent, and both men watched her intently. Robert wiped away the chill from his arms, and spoke first, "Montegoly will definitely come to rescue her." He said firmly. Pinel smiled with satisfaction, glad that his uncle could understand why he spent so much time looking for this girl, "We will have a trial tomorrow morning, and after she is convicted, we will tie her to the stake and wait for Monte Gurley came from throwing a trap." "How can you be sure that he will get the news in time? Even if someone else does come, are you sure you can take him down?" "I've put a little note in the dungeon to let the boy with her know she's in my hands. He's been on the run since he got the news, and I bet he's headed south to Montgomery Hidden forest. We don't have to worry about him bringing anyone, he doesn't have time to call when he can be useful, and none of the criminals who follow him can ride a horse, let alone hold a sword." Alex bit his lip, restraining himself from speaking in defense of Ryan.It's best to make Pi Neil think that Ren is powerless to fight back, maybe he will just find someone to catch Ren. What is she thinking?She hurt him like that, Ryan would never come to save her.She doubted even more that he would be willing to speak to Joss.Whenever outsiders approach, the guards in the forest will report to Ren, and he only needs to refuse to let Joss in - and he will definitely do so.If Joss wanted to sneak in, he could order the guards to kill him.No!Ryan wouldn't do such a thing, would he?However, even if Joss was able to get close to Ren, would he trust Joss?Would he care what happened to her? "He's bound to come," repeated Pioneer, "and we'll just wait for him to deliver himself."
It was late at night, and most of the guests were either drunk and fell asleep on the ground, or slumped on the table and pretended to be crazy.At this time, a maid went over and whispered to a man sitting in a corner.He smiled when he heard this, got up and went out to meet the new guests. "You'd never believe who's here," the man said to the man who had just dismounted. "What? What kind of welcome is that?" he countered sarcastically. "Don't care about my safety at all? Come on, John, you're grinning again." "I've been waiting for you to tell you the good news. You should be grateful." "What a sacrifice." He handed the reins to the servant. "What is so important that you can't wait for me to have a drink first?" "Oh! Pinel, you're so impatient. Remember that little thrush last winter? The one who hit you with the sap?" Pioneer froze, glaring at John, and it was with great difficulty that he kept his hand from touching the hideous scar on his forehead.Since that night, he has been suffering from headaches.Although he tortured some of her town to death, no one told him of her whereabouts.Whenever he had a splitting headache, he vowed to burn her alive to vent his hatred, "Where is she?" John smiled smugly, "It's inside, and she has a big belly. She travels with a little boy and sings, and they sing really well. Come on, everyone is asleep. I paid special attention to where they lay .” Pinel stood motionless for a moment, contemplating his next move.Last time when he and his friends attacked Alex at night, they were already drunk, and this time he didn't make that mistake anymore, "If she yells, will someone come over to help?" "Most people are so drunk that no one can hear the thunder." Pinel looked around, "Is there a dungeon in this place where criminals are temporarily held?" "What? We're going to drag her out and roast her now." "Someone will object, the king is in a bad mood now, who knows how he'll react? We're going to do it legally. I have a relative who presides around here. Lock her up until I get back from talking to my uncle. We'll judge her again. Then we'll see her burn alive. Now take me to where she sleeps." Alex was restless in sleep, trying to accommodate her big belly when the whispers sounded in her ears.That sound was something she would never forget, it made her back tingle and her whole body tense. "If you want the little bastard in your stomach to live, keep quiet." A sharp dagger was pressed against her throat.Without opening her eyes, Pinel's face appeared in front of her eyes.That ferocious face had haunted her in her dreams for several months. "Thought me, sweetheart?" he whispered, his face very, very close to hers.His hands caressed her firm belly, "You refused to give yourself to me, but gave it to others casually. Huh, you have to pay for your life." "No," the cold knife pressed harder. "Are you going to follow me obediently, or do you want me to stab him in the heart?" She knew exactly what he meant.Joss was sleeping next to her, his breathing steady and deep, oblivious that her life was in danger. "I'll let you go." She choked up.
She didn't know how long time had passed, but the darkness and boundless fear had captured her whole mind. Although she repeatedly reminded herself to be calm, her fate was still unknown.It was cold and damp in this small, invisible stone room. Fortunately, there was a long bench for her to rest on. According to her groping, she estimated that the small room had neither windows nor any weak points, and there was no way out except the heavy wooden door. When the wooden door swung open, the candlelight that flooded the room nearly blinded her. "So you are here." From the voice she knew it was Elizabeth Chotels. Alex completely forgot his identity, rushed over and hugged her tightly, "I'm so happy to see you. How did you find me?" Elizabeth put her arms around Alex, "Joss came to me. That idiot sent Neil to do something good? That guy is a scum, and his life is a waste. Come on, hurry up and leave before that trash comes back." "It's too late," said a half-amusing, half-angry male voice at the door, "you haven't changed much, Elizabeth, you still love to order everyone." "And you, Pinel, still plucking the wings of a butterfly? What's wrong with this one? Because she rejects you like all women?" "Don't be so harsh, Elizabeth. If I have time, I will teach you what it means to be gentle." "How many other men have you been with?" Elizabeth spat. "You're scared to death just because I'm telling the truth. Get out of the way, we're not interested in playing silly games with you. Find someone else to play." .This child is under my protection, so don't provoke her." He blocked the doorman without giving in. "You are too much!" Elizabeth scolded, "You are not threatening a helpless maid now. If you dare to touch a single hair of my hair, my brother will take your head off." "Rogier was so busy with Montgomery that he didn't have time for anyone else. He got drunk every day after Blaine the cripple ran away from home." Alex didn't see Elizabeth leaning over to draw the scabbard, but Pinel did.He stepped aside, grabbed her arm and twisted it, and brought her over, "I want to taste what it's like for you to lie under me. Are you as hot as you are when you go to bed?" Alex realized that this was her chance.On the wall opposite the chamber to the left hangs a large bunch of keys.With one quick movement she slipped through, took the bunch of keys, and smashed Pioneer on the head, right to his temple.He let go of Elizabeth and staggered back a step, raised his head and touched the wound, staring blankly at the blood on his hands, and when he recovered, Elizabeth and Alex had already rushed up the stone steps. Pinel chased after her and tugged at Elizabeth's skirt, causing her to fall back into his arms, "Oh, my dear Elizabeth," he whispered next to her, with one arm around her waist and the other reaching towards her. Her full breasts, "I've been dreaming of this moment for a long time." Alex Feng could take the opportunity to slip away, but she couldn't just sit back and watch Penier insult the noble woman.With no other choice, she could only fly towards them.Pioneer still held Elizabeth staggering back, while Alex rolled his hands to protect his stomach.Elizabeth took advantage of the confusion and slapped Penier's ribs with one hand, causing him to cry out in pain.He hurriedly grabbed a small wooden barrel and smashed it down on Pinel's head with all his strength. The oak barrel burst in response, and the crimson wine dripped from his face and stained his clothes. After looking at them in amazement, he fell to the ground and lost consciousness. "It's a pity that a barrel of good wine was wasted," Elizabeth said, looking at Alex. "You didn't hurt your baby, did you?" "No, he's safe." "Thank you. You could have escaped, but you stayed and helped me. How can I repay you?" "Let me interrupt," said a male voice from the stairwell.They looked back and saw the tall, dark man pointing at them with a sword, "I really don't want to disturb, but unless you wake up my friend as soon as possible, I'd be happy to kill you." Elizabeth acted first, leaping over Pinnell and running to the man's left-hand side. "Go to the other side, Alex," she commanded. "He can't hit us both at the same time." Alex immediately did as he was told, and the man stared blankly back and forth between the two of them, and looked up at Pinel when he heard the groan.Alex immediately rushed towards him, but he had retreated to the stairs to guard the side road. "Damn it!" Pinel cursed, shaking his head to clear his eyes. "You'll regret it, Elizabeth," he moaned. "Look at them, John. Keep them out. They're not human. Women were created That day, the man will be unlucky." "You don't know what a woman is," Elizabeth spat. "No woman in her right mind will let you approach her." Pinel stood up tremblingly, looking at the wine-stained clothes with disgust.Suddenly, he raised his head and smiled maliciously at Elizabeth, "I went into the city last night and saw Miles Montgomery's camp." When Elizabeth froze, he opened his mouth wider, "No Knowing whether Miles likes uninvited guests or not, I heard that he was mad because of his sister's death, and his brother was afraid that he would declare war on the Chottles family, so he had to send him to relatives in Ireland." "My brother's going to kill him, none of the Montgomery-" "Forget it, Elizabeth, I just heard that Rogier attacked Steve Montgomery from behind," Elizabeth threw her hands at him, but was caught by him, "I also heard that Miles was a Great public lover, already has many bastards. Do you want to get involved too, little virgin Baozhu?" "I'd rather die first," she spat bitterly. "Maybe, I'll leave it to Pierce to make a decision. I'll settle the score with that one first, and then I'll deal with you myself." He pointed to Alex.She stood motionless, John's sword against her back. "How are you going to get me out of here?" Elizabeth asked, "Do you think no one will interfere when you get me out of the hall?" Pinel looked at the dark room, and seemed to really consider this question, "Do you think Miles would like to play Caesar?" Elizabeth was confused and didn't know what to do. Pinel twisted her arm behind her back. "John, you watch that while I take on this. I have a terrible headache and I can't fight them two anymore." "If you dare to hurt me, it will not only hurt your head." "Leave that to Miles to worry about. Those boys in Montgomery are too arrogant. I would like to see them collapsed and the land divided up." "Dreaming!" Alex roared, "You kind of bastard can't take down Montgomery at all." Alex's high-pitched voice shocked everyone.Elizabeth stopped struggling and looked at Alex carefully.Pinel's expression was also calculating. John hit Alex with a sword, "I heard that Ryan Montgomery is hiding in a forest somewhere, and he is king among a group of criminals." "It's worth looking into. But let's settle that first." Pinel dragged Elizabeth, picked up a roll of leather rope from a wine barrel, and tied her hands behind her back. "I advise you to think twice. After all, I'm not a—" "Shut up!" Penel ordered, punching her on the shoulder, then pushed her down to the ground and tied her ankles, then cut a small strip of red silk cloth from her clothes with a knife, "give me a Kiss, Elizabeth?" he teased, holding the strip of cloth to her mouth, "don't give it all to Miles Montgomery." "I'll see you go to hell first." "Don't worry, you'll be there with me. There will always be men who can't stand your mouth." Before she could speak, he tied her mouth tightly with a cloth strip, "You look so attractive." "What are you going to do with her now?" John asked. "We can't carry her out of the hall like this." Pioneer grabbed a dirty canvas that was gnawed with holes by mice from a corner of the cellar, shaken off the dust and laid it flat at Elizabeth's feet, "Let's roll her up here without anyone noticing." Send her out." Alex looked at Elizabeth, who was now wide-eyed in fear, and the only thing she could think of was that Elizabeth and Miles were safer than anyone else. "You will be safe with Miles." She tried to reassure Elizabeth.Pinel roughly pushed Elizabeth to the ground with his hands and feet, wrapping her whole body. "Can she breathe like this?" Alex asked. "Who cares? She can't lie when she's dead. It looks like she won't even remember me after Miles finishes her off." "Miles would never hurt her," Alex said sharply. "He was kind and friendly, just like her brother." Pioneer burst out laughing, "Miles has a temper like no one else. When he finds out she's from the Chottles—oh, I'm almost envious of him, but I'm not like Miles." Silly. He didn't pay attention to Rogier at all. When Rogier knows what Miles is doing to his precious sister-the king will reward all the land of Montgomery to whoever helps him. Then I will wait Go get the reward." "Pig! You are nothing but scum." Penier slapped her mercilessly and almost knocked off Alex's head, "I don't need advice from people of your class. Did Ryan Montgomery teach you So presumptuous? The guy thinks he can fix England with his old sense of honor and nobility, hiding in the woods and abetting you bastards—" Alex wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, "Ren is worth a hundred times more than you." "Ren, huh? Not Sir Wren? The bastard in your belly is his? That's why you dare to be so arrogant and think you're great? When the tongue of fire eats your leg, let's see if you still put Monte Gurley's name to God. John! Take Elizabeth and send him to Miles Montgoley to see what he will do with her. And," he warned, "Elizabeth's virginity is known In fact, I want her delivered to Miles whole and intact. Let Roger Chottles turn his grievances on Montgomery, not me. Do you hear me?" John gave him a contemptuous look, and dropped Elizabeth on his shoulders. "Montgoli will receive her whole." "See if there is a way to arrange her clothes so that Miles doesn't know that she is of noble origin." John grinned and left. "What are you going to do with me?" Alex retreated again and again under his approach. "I'm not sorry for you." He glared angrily at her swollen belly, "You gave what belonged to me to another man." He grabbed her arm and pressed a sharp dagger against her ribs, "Go upstairs to the stables obediently , don’t make a sound, otherwise you won’t see tomorrow.” Alex had no choice but to follow him obediently holding his breath, the hall was noisy but no one paid attention to the two of them.Alex wanted to find Joss but couldn't find him.Every time she turned her head, Pinel's dagger was pressed harder against her and looked straight ahead.Maybe Joss didn't know she was in trouble.Maybe he was with some woman and didn't realize she was missing.Even though they are very close, they still respect each other's privacy, and often don't see each other for a day, and never talk about it afterwards. After leaving the hall, Pi Neil pushed her to the stable, and immediately threw her on the horse's back after the horse was ready, and rushed out of this ancient castle at full speed.It was not until sunset that they arrived at the stone building on the edge of a small village. A short, fat, bald man was waiting for them in the house, "Why are you moving so slowly. What important things have me waiting for you so late?" "Here," Pinel pushed her into a large dark room, "go over," Pinel ordered, pushing her toward the table, "say one word and I'll slit your throat." Already too tired to resist, Alex obediently went over and collapsed on the ground in front of the empty fireplace. "Explain," said the fat man to Pinell. A short, fat, bald man was waiting for them in the house, "Why are you moving so slowly. What important things have me waiting for you so late?" "Here," Pinel pushed her into a large dark room, "go over," Pinel ordered, pushing her toward the table, "say one word and I'll slit your throat." Already too tired to resist, Alex obediently went over and collapsed on the ground in front of the empty fireplace. "Explain," said the fat man to Pinell. "Why, uncle, there is no welcome, and no wine reception?" "If your news is good enough, I will feed you." Pinel sat down at the table and stared at the sparkling candle.His uncle was not poor enough to use such inferior goods, but for the past three years he had only been waiting to die. "How do you feel about Rain Montgomery?" Pioneer watched with interest as his uncle's face turned from white to red and then to maroon. "How dare you mention that guy's name in my house?" he raged.Three years ago, in a jousting match, Rain Montgomery had killed Robert Tigou's only son.Regardless of whether his son not only tried to dismount Wren but also tried to kill him, or his son had already killed one man and seriously wounded another, it was Wren's spear that killed his son. "I knew you wouldn't let him go," Pinel smiled, "Now I have a way to deal with him." "What can you do? He is hiding in the forest, and not even the king can find him." "But our king does not hold the bait for him like I do." "No!" Alex yelled, struggling to his feet. "Look, she's trying to protect that guy with every breath she takes. Be honest with me, whose bastard is in your stomach?" Alex gave him a stubborn look.If he hadn't wanted to assure Elizabeth that the men in Montgomery were good people, Pioneer wouldn't have known about her relationship with Ryan, but Elizabeth had helped her. "Pineil," ordered Robert, "tell me all about it." Pinel gave a rough account of how he and Alex had gotten into trouble, and showed his uncle the scar on his head, "How could she have got a scar like that without the devil's help?" Robert laughed contemptuously, "I think she outwitted you." "I told you she was a witch." Robert waved his hand impatiently, "All women are somewhat weird. What is the relationship between this girl and Ryan Montgomery?" "I believe she was in his camp for a few months, and she was carrying his child. If we spread the word out that we were going to burn her as a witch, he would come to save her. We'll just wait until he comes from Cast the net. When the time comes, he will give it to you, and we will share the king's reward together." "Wait a minute, son," interrupted Robert, "look at her! You're counting on her as bait? Rain Montgomery isn't so blind. Maybe she's carrying his child, but why would he want to?" Risking your life for something like her? Why do you spend so much time searching for this plain-looking woman with no breasts or butt?" Pinel glanced at his uncle angrily, then turned to Alex, "Sing?" "Dreaming," she said decisively, "you're going to murder me anyway, so why should I obey you?" "You're doomed," he said grimly. "The question is to burn you before or after the child is born. If you don't obey me, I'll let the child die with you. Now die for your child, that dog." Sing!" Alex immediately acted according to his words, holding his belly in both hands protectively, and raised his voice to beg God to give her child life.After she finished singing, the room fell silent, and both men watched her intently. Robert wiped away the chill from his arms, and spoke first, "Montegoly will definitely come to rescue her." He said firmly. Pinel smiled with satisfaction, glad that his uncle could understand why he spent so much time looking for this girl, "We will have a trial tomorrow morning, and after she is convicted, we will tie her to the stake and wait for Monte Gurley came from throwing a trap." "How can you be sure that he will get the news in time? Even if someone else does come, are you sure you can take him down?" "I've put a little note in the dungeon to let the boy with her know she's in my hands. He's been on the run since he got the news, and I bet he's headed south to Montgomery Hidden forest. We don't have to worry about him bringing anyone, he doesn't have time to call when he can be useful, and none of the criminals who follow him can ride a horse, let alone hold a sword." Alex bit his lip, restraining himself from speaking in defense of Ryan.It's best to make Pi Neil think that Ren is powerless to fight back, maybe he will just find someone to catch Ren. What is she thinking?She hurt him like that, Ryan would never come to save her.She doubted even more that he would be willing to speak to Joss.Whenever outsiders approach, the guards in the forest will report to Ren, and he only needs to refuse to let Joss in - and he will definitely do so.If Joss wanted to sneak in, he could order the guards to kill him.No!Ryan wouldn't do such a thing, would he?However, even if Joss was able to get close to Ren, would he trust Joss?Would he care what happened to her? "He's bound to come," repeated Pioneer, "and we'll just wait for him to deliver himself."