Chapter 10 Chapter nine
But Ryan returned Alex's letter intact. Since he has no entourage now, Judith had to carefully choose a messenger who could read and write to read the letter to him. Although he listened to Judith's explanation, There was no word in the letter sent back.
On the surface, although Alex bears everything stoically, her eyes are always red every morning and her appetite is completely lost. When Gavin returns from Scotland, he is surprised to see Alex who is skinny but has a big belly.
"Any news?" Judith asked before he could criticize Alex's appearance.
"We held Chotels in custody for a while when we found him, but he escaped."
"You didn't hurt him, did you?" Judith asked.
"I didn't even touch him!" Gavin snorted. "We rushed to Scotland after he escaped, but we didn't see him. I guess he went to find King Henry."
"Have you seen Miles?"
Pa Wen nodded in frustration, "He has always been stubborn, but this time it has become even worse. He refused to release Elizabeth, and no one can persuade him."
"What about Elizabeth?"
"She attacks him as usual, and sometimes they're so bored that they argue about the color of the sky, but sometimes I see her look at him with something other than hate. Oh! How's Alex?"
"Rain returned her letter intact. Although he would listen to my letter, the messenger said he ordered everything about Alex to be ignored."
Pawen frowned, "He can forgive a murderer, but he can't tolerate damage to his own honor. I wrote to him and told him about Alex's situation. When is the due date?"
"In a few weeks."
According to the information, Ryan also ignored Gavin's letter about Alex.
In November, Alex gave birth to a healthy and fat baby girl. She would smile as soon as she landed, revealing the same charming dimples as her father, "Catherine." Alex said softly as he fell into a deep sleep.
But the next few weeks, the child was not so happy, and Catherine was always crying.
"She wants to find Dad," Alex's bleak tone made Judith want to shake her.
"I thought she was hungry," said Judith, and she was quite right, for Catherine was quiet when the nurse came.
"What's the use of me?" Alex complained to himself.
This time Judith shook her, "Listen, you have to think about the baby, maybe you can't feed her, but there are other things you can do for her, if the baby is not enough for you, then I can find It's up to you to do things."
Alex nodded numbly, but she didn't know why, so she took over a lot of work that Judith gave her. Alex really didn't know that there were so many jobs in the world. She had to keep accounts, manage and record the grain harvest , cleaning warehouses, taking care of meals and hundreds of people.
Alex had helped in the hospital for two weeks and knew that he was good at comforting patients. Although Judith was very satisfied with her musical talent, she didn't think she should waste all her time in music, so Alex learned to use it. In every spare moment, compose music while bandaging the wounded, or riding a horse to inspect the village.
She was surprised that neither Judith nor Gavin were afraid of her talents. They had their own unique talents, but they didn't forget to eat and sleep or neglect other tasks.Alex doesn't know exactly when she began to realize how selfish her past life was, how she alienated people because of her personal talent, and everyone took her with reservations, and she decided to hate all nobles because there was no one before. , but in fact she is jealous, she always thinks she is equal to everyone, but what has she paid for others?Or, is her music actually satisfying herself?
She found that Gavin's retainers and servants treated her kindly only because of her relationship with Ren, and she was determined to learn to give herself.
She set up a school for the children in the castle and taught them to read.She would often have the idea of giving up, but she still gritted her teeth and persevered, and sometimes she was rewarded with joy when the child learned a new word.
Every afternoon she was busy in the hospital. Once a man's leg was smashed to pieces by a wine barrel and had to be amputated. Alex held his head in both hands and used the training he had received to integrate all his emotions into his singing. He hypnotized her, and she cried alone for hours afterwards.
"It's painful to be emotionally invested," she told Judith. "I had a lovely student who fell off the wall yesterday and died in my arms. I don't want love. Music is much safer."
Judith hugged her reassuringly, and the two had a long talk, and Alex went back to school the next morning, and the man who lost a leg came to Alex later, thanking her for her help with tears in his eyes.
Judith was standing right behind her, "Are you going to use your God-given talents to help those who need you, or stay to please the well-dressed people in the church?"
At Christmas, Judith's mother came to visit.Helen Bassed was too young to be like a mother, and John Bassed was even more contented. The whole family laughed a lot at their eleven-month-old daughter's strange appearance as a toddler.
Judith's son was half a year old, and Alex's daughter was two months old. Everyone tried their best to maintain a happy atmosphere, and no one mentioned who was missing in the family.
And Ren still has no news.
In January, things seem to come together.Roger Chotels really went to find King Henry—but he didn't go alone. I don't know whether it was a coincidence or an accomplice, and Pi Neil also appeared at the same time.
Rozier said that Miles imprisoned his sister in Scotland. Pioneer said he had evidence. Not only was it true that Wren trained civilians to fight like noble warriors, but now he deliberately gathers people to overthrow the king. King Henry said He hated the enmity between the Montgoley and Chotels families, so he ordered Elizabeth to be released. If Miles dared not obey, he would be demoted as a traitor, and all the land would be confiscated as state-owned. As for Wren, if he If you dare to hand over those weapons to those lawless people, the king will order the forest to be burned and wiped out in one fell swoop.
Pawen immediately sent a messenger to Scotland, begging Steve to force Miles to obey the imperial decree no matter what. Yan was even more enraged, and added to the long list of crimes.
"He wants us to have things for centuries," Gavin said. "The previous ones have tried and failed, and this one will be no exception." He took off the token on the wall, "Steve Can't convince Miles, I can."
An hour later, he set off again for Scotland. . "What about Ren?" Alex whispered while hugging Catherine, "Who will warn him of the king's threat?"
"King Henry wouldn't really set fire to the forest," Judith said in a matter-of-fact way. "The existing forests are limited. Wren wouldn't really lead the mob to overthrow the king, would he?"
"Maybe, if Renn sees injustice, he will dare to do anything. If he believes that his brother is in danger, no one can predict what action he will take."
"Miles will listen to Gavin this time—I hope," Judith said, "Rogier will get his sister back, and all will be well."
They looked at each other for a long time, and neither of them really believed Judith's words.
"I'll go find Ren." Alex decided.
"Will he let you into the woods? Well, Alex, I don't know if you should, the Montgomery man is unreasonably angry."
"No matter how angry Gavin is, will you not do what you have to do because of it? If Gavin is in danger, will you hesitate to try your best to save him?"
Judith was silent for a while, "I once led Gavin's people to fight against his captors."
"I just went into the forest, can you take care of Catherine for me for a while? She is too young, I can't take her along, and it's very cold in the forest."
"Alex, are you really going to do this?"
"I have to do this." She stood up, hugging her baby tightly, "I have to get ready, I need to bring a tent, and nine times out of ten, Ryan will not want to share his tent with me .”
"Maybe he'll forgive you as soon as he sees you." Judith's eyes flickered slyly.
"Forgive me!" Alex yelled, and soon realized she was teasing her, "I'll make him regret accusing me of treachery. By the way, I need to bring some medicine. I owe them a debt of gratitude to the people in the camp. They helped me and I never helped them, and I want to take this opportunity to make it up to them."
"When are you planning to leave?"
"It must be before Gavin returns, otherwise we may be in big trouble. How long will it take to get ready?"
"If you rush, it will be done in a day."
"Judith," Alex said, "you're an angel."
"Maybe I just want my family to be safe. Let's go, we have work to do."
Alex moaned silently. Ryan once said that Judith's daily workload was twice that of ordinary people, but in her opinion it was three times. She quickly handed Catherine to the maid, followed her sister-in-law and left quickly.
"I don't like this place," Joanne rode beside Alex. "It's dark and dark. Are you sure Master Ren really lives in this kind of place?" Alex didn't bother to talk to her at all. Judith said that her maid would not only dress her up so that Ryan couldn't ignore her, but she was also the best at sniffing out information.Judith had also warned her that Joanne tended to get carried away by being overly involved and had to be reminded of her role from time to time. "Hello." Alex greeted a tree. Joanne looked at her in astonishment, "Will that tree answer you?" After Alex glanced sideways at her, she added, "Ma'am." A man jumped down from the big tree suddenly, and Joanne was dumbfounded by his handsome appearance. "Joss!" Alex yelled, before he got off his horse, he was grabbed by Joss' waist and dragged into his arms. They smiled and hugged for a while, and then Alex quietly pushed him away to take a closer look, "You have changed. Look, your mouth Fluttering red." Joanne coughed loudly, "Maybe this gentleman hopes that the red place is not his mouth." "Joanne!" Alex warned, "If you don't behave properly, I will let you spend the night alone in this forest." "Is this the tone of command?" Joss asked, holding her hands. "You are so different. I have never seen such a lovely lady. Come, walk with me, let's have a good chat." .” After being confused with Joanne and the hunchbacked horse, he asked again, “Has the child been born?” "I had a daughter with Rayne's dimples and my eyes and she was sweet and flawless in every way. How is he?" Joss knew who she was referring to. "It's not good. Wait! He's in good health, but depressed, never smiles, and gets angry for days every time the messenger comes." He paused, "You guys What happened after you got married?" She told him briefly about Roger Chottles, "so you left the baby and came back to Rain." "No doubt he will welcome me with open arms," she grimaced. "There are many reasons why I came back. I owe so much to the people here. They—how many people died because of saving me?" "Three died at that time, and one died of serious injuries later on." She grabbed Jos's arm tightly, "The hatred between these two families has made the king increasingly angry. Gavin has already gone to Scotland to find the youngest to make an argument, and I can only deal with Ryan." "Did you know he didn't let the messenger read any news about you?" "I expected, damn Ryan and his sense of honor, if he is willing to listen, he will know that I have not betrayed him. I can't let him kill Chotels to make a big mistake, so I only have to disturb him Attention, alas, if the 'little brother' was not a notorious female killer, this storm would not have evolved into what it is today. Montgomery's brothers have always been united. If one of them is in danger, the others will never Will sit back and watch, I'm afraid they're going to bring down the building." "Disturbing his attention?" Joss smiled. "I think you will succeed. Do you know how cute you look? Your violet dress makes your eyes shine brightly." "Speaking of female killers," she looked him up and down teasingly, "I wanted to wear clothes suitable for the forest, but Judith insisted that I dress up so that Ryan couldn't ignore me, do you think I really changed? " "Yes, a completely changed person, a great beauty, now tell me, who is that greedy maid who came with you?" Alex looked at him for a while, knowing him for so long, she had never seen him so cheerful, "How is Rosamund?" She asked tentatively. Joss looked up and laughed, "You are so smart, she is getting cuter and cuter, come on, let's go to the camp. No matter what Ryan will say, he will be very happy to see you." Although Alex was mentally prepared, he was still taken aback when he first saw Ryan. He had lost a lot of weight, and his muscle texture was sharp. He was standing by the campfire, listening to the two men talking. Feng Fudong stood there staring at him for a while, recalling his every movement, longing to fall into his arms and feel his welcome. When he turned around, she gasped in astonishment, she could cope with his hatred, but there was a dead silence in his eyes, cold and cold, which made her shudder, there was no appreciation, let alone welcome in his eyes. Alex stood still, watching Ren turning his back on her and heading towards the training ground. "Still angry, aren't you?" Joanne said behind her. "These Montgomery men are really tempered. Did I tell you that Miss Judith climbed into the dungeon to save Master Gavin, any woman As long as you are sane, you will risk everything for a man like Master Gavin, and so will Miles. But I have never slept with Master Ryan, is he not bad?" "You're too much!" Alex snorted and turned away. Joanne snickered like a cat, "At least I've made you stop feeling sorry for yourself. Well, where are you going to set up your tent? You decide, and I'll grab a few men to help." She slipped into the crowd that was coming towards Alex and the four horses that were laden with loads. "It seems that you haven't been burned." A man looked her up and down intently. "A real witch can't be burned," said a woman. "Beautiful clothes," said another, "who did you sleep with?" Alex proudly raised his chin, "I want to thank you all for coming to my rescue when I needed help. I believe that I don't deserve your kindness, but I still thank you." These words seemed to temporarily restrain everyone. "If it weren't for Sir Wren's sake, no one would want to help you," said a scarred woman. "Now he looks like he wants us to burn you alive." This remark caused the crowd to burst into laughter, shaking their heads and hitting their backs, the crowd dispersed and went back to work, leaving Alex alone on the spot. "Want to cry?" Joanne whispered next to her, "That's what they want. Come on, let's see what I find." Taking a deep breath, Alex turned and walked away. Did she expect them to understand that she had changed?She looked up at Joanne, who was busy commanding four handsome men. "They will help us set up camp." Joanne teased, holding a man's arm in each hand. Alex couldn't help smiling at the contented Joanne. Judith once said that Joanne was a cat that shuttled between each bed. Alex watched in amazement as she instructed these young men to work and stroked them from time to time. , She even looked up and winked at Alex, shameless!Alex thought to himself, turning his face away to hide his smile. Joanne directed them to set up camp quickly, unloaded their bags and built a warm campfire. Although Ren never showed up again, Yeli and Li slept very soundly. A stone's throw away. When Alex woke up the next morning, she was alone in the tent, so she picked out a piece of emerald green wool trimmed with gold to change into. As soon as she got out of the tent, she saw Joanne sitting limply on a tree stump.Her hair was disheveled behind her, her clothes were torn at the shoulders, and there was a bruise on her neck. She looked up at Alex, but her eyes were extremely happy, "They are all very energetic." Seeing her weak but distorted look, Alex almost burst out laughing. "Go in and rest," Alex snapped. "We'll discuss your behavior after you wake up." Joanne stood up tiredly, and shuffled towards the tent. Alex grabbed the maid's arm, "The four of them?" She asked curiously. Joanne just nodded, her eyelids almost completely closed. Alex couldn't help but fell into deep thought—to deal with four big men at the same time? —Ren appeared in front of her at this moment, glaring at her angrily. "Mor-morning," she stammered. "Good morning, hell!" he growled. "That little bitch you brought, exhausted four of my men, and was useless this morning, and couldn't even raise a sword. I don't Knowing what you came for, now you can go back." She gave him a sweet smile, "Yo, that's a very fancy way of welcoming you, and I apologize for Joanne, and you'll have to forgive me for not knowing how to control people. We're not all high-born, no, as for me The reason is that I came back to pay off the debt.” "You owe me nothing." "You," she forced herself to calm down and forced a smile, "Maybe I owe you a little, but I owe these people more." "When did you care again?" He narrowed his eyes at her. "Since they risked their lives to save me," she said calmly, "would you be honored to dine with me? I'll treat you to a cold pie." He hesitated to speak, turned around and walked away. Alex continued to smile and watched him go. "What's so fun?" Joss asked behind her. Alex laughed out loud, "I'm so easy to see through? Rain Montgomery is a pompous man, isn't he? He thinks I'm here alone because of him." "Isn't it?" "I'm going to drive him crazy," Alexis said earnestly. "Would you like something to eat, and time to sit with me and answer a few questions?" Alex asked questions about the people in the camp, living with them for months, questions that she should have known but didn't know, and she really felt like an outsider. "It's really hard to win them over," Joss said. "Blanky did a lot of damage, and most of them already have a bad opinion of you." "Brangey!" Alex sat up straight suddenly, and his doubts finally took shape, "Brangey was responsible for Frederique Constant's death, otherwise how would she know about Edmer Chottles' death?" You must hate her to the bone." "I don't hate anyone now," he stood up. "Want to meet Rosamund? If you want to help these people she can show you how to get started." It took Alexa a week to convince Rosamund that she was serious, during which time she did everything from morning till night, washing and bandaging festering sores, delivering a deformed child, When the baby died, she did the burying because no one would touch the poor little thing, and she sang for an old woman who screamed all the time. Every night when she returned to the account, she had a splitting headache due to the noise and stench of the day. The work made her sick but she had to grit her teeth to hold on. Healthy people ignored her, and Ryan seldom showed up, but she still had to hang on. "Are you here to win Ryan back, or those strange diseases?" Joanne often asked her like this. "Ren." Alex always rubbed his temples and replied weakly. Now that the tent was empty, Joanne had obviously slept in another bed.Alex was not used to being served by servants, and he couldn't control Joanne. Seeing that the bucket was empty, she grabbed it and walked towards the river. Bin stared at her own reflection on the bank, looking at the shimmering river, her thoughts flew away.The abnormal noise made her turn her head, and when she saw Ren Muyue's tall body, her heart beat to her throat. "Have you got the proof you want?" He asked calmly, his voice as cold as steel, "You think that after a few wounds are bandaged, people will be grateful to you. These people have better judgment than me." "What does that mean?" she asked in horror. "You're a good actor. I believed in you—honest, but I've learned my lesson. I just hope they don't get stuck in the mud like I did." She stood up and clenched her fists close to her side. "Don't feel sorry for yourself," she said through gritted teeth. "Poor Sir Wren fell in love with a commoner woman. When she tried her best to save his fate, he thought she trampled on his dignity," she raised her voice, "you hear me clearly, Rain Montgomery. It doesn't matter if these people hate me or not, that's what I deserve, and I don't expect them to. Give me all my respects, at least they are honest, but you are arrogant, you don't want to listen to anyone, you prefer to believe your mistakes, and you think you are the only one with a sense of honor." "What sense of honor do you know as a woman?" He said contemptuously. "I don't know much. In fact, I don't know much except music. I at least dare to admit that I have faults. I have wronged these people. Today I try to correct my mistakes. And you, I am noble Your noble lord, not only treated me wrong, but also didn’t even ask a question about your own daughter.” "I heard about her." He said in a choked voice. "Damn you!" she spat sharply, "the great Sir Wren, the king of the forest, the head of the wild people, even listened to his own daughter." She suddenly lowered her voice and said calmly, " I came to win you back, and now I'm not sure I want you. Get away from me and go to bed with your cold sense of honor." "Some women are willing to share my bed." He said stubbornly. "Then I can only sympathize with them." Alex said stiffly, "I would rather have a man who is not so cold and has a good temper." She didn't see him stretching out his arm suddenly, he was always faster and stronger than she remembered, his strong fingers pinched her waist, when the four days were close, he smiled and pulled her slowly past. With his head down, his lips hung just above hers, "It's stiff and cold, isn't it?" His cold tone sent hairs down her spine. He wants to teach her a lesson, doesn't he——she thought, standing on tiptoe and wrapping his neck around his neck. When their lips met, both of them gasped, and suddenly pushed each other away. Immediately afterwards, Ren grabbed her lips hungrily like dying.He straightened up, wrapped his arms around her body tightly and lifted her off the ground, turned her head sideways with one hand, and the slippery tip of his tongue invaded her mouth, igniting a raging fire in her body.Her body became limp and boneless, and it was up to him to support her weight. They both desperately wanted to get closer to each other. Alex raised his legs around his waist, entangled and twisted his tongue, and they couldn't help themselves, but the sudden sound of approaching horseshoes awakened Ren's sense of danger.He reluctantly pulled himself back from the vortex of desire, and angrily and roughly pushed Alex away. For a moment, his expression softened, and then he put on the mask covered with frost again, "You want to lure me back to your side?" He asked softly, "Did you use this weapon to deal with Chotels as well? " Alex was stunned for a while before realizing, "You are a fool. Ryan Montgomery," she said softly, "Has your hatred blinded your love?" After she finished speaking, she lifted her skirt and ignored her feet She went straight back to the camp with the bucket, and she heard Ren talking to the knights behind him, with unnecessary anger in his voice.
"Fortunately, these people are not so angry with you anymore," Joanne said while combing Alex's hair, but there was no congratulations in her voice, "When will you stop wasting time and concentrate on hunting down Sir Wren? We all come After two weeks and he still just stares at you, you should strip off and climb into his bed." "Then he's happy. He said so many nasty things to me, I don't want him to win so easily." Joanne laughed when she heard the words: "What does it matter what a man 'says'? They only know how to kill each other. Give him a sword and he will be happy. Women have to try to teach them that there are other things in life besides war. Things exist." "Maybe you're right. Ren is only worried about whether I betrayed him. He never thought how lonely his child would be without his mother. Maybe I should accompany Catherine and let her father fend for himself." "You know what? He hasn't slept with another woman since he came back from the castle." Alex smiled slightly, and then smiled. "He loves you, Alex," Joanne said softly. "Then why doesn't he show it! Why does he keep grinning at me so fiercely? Every time I'm with Rosamund, I look up and see him looking at me coldly. I really feel as if I've been splashed." A bucket of cold water." Joanne giggled, "He just doesn't care - what do you think of him - apologize?" Thinking of this, Joanne almost laughed out of breath, "God made women strong just to tolerate men's cowardice, you You said that you mistreated these people in the past, and now you want to make up for that mistake, but do you think men will be so strong?" "Raine accuses me of being a traitor," Alex said stubbornly. "The king also said he was a traitor. The king was wrong too, but did he admit it? Your husband won't be ashamed to admit his mistake to you." "I don't like it," Alex bit his lower lip. "I'm not sorry Ryan. Roger Chotels—" "Fuck his Chotels!" Joanne snorted, "Ren's dignity has been hurt. You stand on the other side, how can he bear it if you don't turn to your husband? You know, what a man prays for is blind loyalty. " "I'm faithful, yes—" Joss interrupted, panting, rushing into the tent. "Come on," Joss said to Alex, "maybe you can prevent a bloody death." "Who is going to die?" Alex immediately got up and walked out. "Blay Chotels asked to enter the camp just now, and Ren is putting on his armor, ready to go out fully armed to meet him." "But Judith said that Bly loved Mary, and he brought her body back himself." "Perhaps it's because his last name is Chotels. That name alone is enough to make him very angry." Joss pulled Alex on the horse and galloped quickly, dodging branches all the way.When he finally stopped the horse, Alex was surprised by the sight in front of him.On that small open space bathed in the morning light, there was a young man.His body was slender and almost delicate, but his features bore a resemblance to Roger Chotellus.If he met this half-grown boy elsewhere, Alex would guess that he was Rogier's son. Alex got off the horse first, "May I welcome you?" She stepped towards him, "I am Alexandre Montgomery, the wife of Sir Wren, and I once had a relationship with your brother .” Bly drew himself as straight as he could. "I don't have a brother," he said in a surprisingly masculine voice. "I've come to join Sir Wren in avenging his sister's death." "My God," exclaimed Alex, "I was hoping you'd sort of defuse some hate." "We hope so too." A voice sounded from above Alex's head. She looked up but saw nothing, "Yeah! You're not Ryan's guard." "Oh, I am, are you really Ryan's wife?" Alex listened carefully to the voice, convinced that he had never heard it before, but there was something familiar in it, and just by hearing the voice, he knew that he was humorous.She glanced at Bly and Joss, Bly's expressionless face, far too distant for a boy his age, and Joss' shoulders just shrugging. Her attention suddenly turned to Ren's attire. He was sitting on the back of a majestic war horse. He was covered from head to toe with all kinds of weapons. The boy didn't flinch at all, and Ren just punched him and he fell to the ground. "Are you going to hide behind my wife's skirt?" Ren asked in a low voice, "She is famous for protecting Chotels." Alex squeezed between the two of them, "What, you want to start a war on the child?" She straightened her neck and yelled at him, "Can't you listen to him? Are you too stupid to give this child a chance?" Ren never had a chance to refute, because the burst of laughter from the thick shadows above his head stopped him. Alex gaped as she watched a man leap to the ground in the most outlandish outfit she had ever seen before. He was wearing a bright blue tartan blanket over a bright blue tartan blanket that formed a short skirt at the waist and was turned upside down at one end. At one shoulder, fastened in the middle by a wide belt, his knees are exposed, his calves are wrapped in woolen socks, and he wears platform shoes. "Steve." Ren exclaimed, his eyes softened instantly. "That's right, it's me," the man in strange clothes replied, he was tall and thin, with dark blond hair, and a very handsome face, "I specially sent this kid to you, and he insisted on going into exile with you and learning from you Wu." "He's from Chotels," Ren's gaze hardened again. "Yeah," said Alex, "so you didn't forgive him for killing him, did you? No doubt you hated him for bringing him here. You go," she said to Steve, "he This man doesn't make sense, he's full of sawdust." Surprisingly, Steve laughed back. "Oh, Ryan," he yelled, slamming his palm on Ryan's shoulder, making the metal armor clank. "Gavin and I are praying for this day. Boy, you also fell in love with a man who is always in love with you." The woman you fought with? Gavin also wrote us a letter telling us how cute our new sister-in-law is." He turned to Alex, "It's true that Judith said you have a big voice, and I almost uttered it just now. Didn't knock me off the tree." "You're Steve Montgomery," Alex said curiously. He was indeed a bit like Gavin, but he was dressed in a weird way, and he even spoke in a weird way. "McAaron," he corrected her with a smile, "I married McAaron, so I changed my surname to hers. Now, can you give me a kiss? Or would you rather continue fighting with my brother?" "Oh, I'm too lazy to talk to him!" Alex's eagerness made Steve laugh for a long time, and then he took her into his arms. His kiss was not brotherly at all, "Can you help me?" Shall I talk about him?" she whispered, "he hates Chotel to the point of obsession." Steve winked at her before letting her go.Turning to Ren again, "I came all the way, brother, why don't you even serve me a glass of water?" "What about him?" Ren pointed to Bligh. "Come on," Steve laughed. "He can help me unpack, and you, Alex, come along?" "If someone invites me." She looked directly at Ren. "I invite you," Steve said, stepping forward with his arms around her shoulders, "follow us, Bligh," he called back. "Have you always been this bold?" Steve's expression turned serious. "How long has he been like this?" "I do not quite understand you." "It's not like Ryan not to smile, to be angry, to be glaring at everyone." She thought for a moment. "He's been like this since Mary died." Steve nodded, "Ren will not accept his fate easily, which is one of the reasons why I brought Bryant here, he is very similar. Bryant was also tortured by the hatred for his brother and became a different person , how are you? Did my brother's low mood scare you?" "He thinks I've betrayed him." "Gavin and Judith told me." Her voice became louder, "He didn't listen to my explanation at all. I wrote him a letter and he returned it intact. He didn't even listen to Gavin's words." Steve squeezed her shoulders, "Gavin still treats him and Miles as children to this day. It's a miracle that Ryan and Gavin stay in the same room for two minutes without arguing. Follow me , I'll see if I can convince him." Alex smiled at him, which made Steve laugh, "If you continue to look at me like this, my Brianna will dig out your heart and put it on the plate. You can really do what Judith said singing?" "It's only going to get better," she said confidently, making Steve laugh again. They stopped outside Ryan's tent, and Steve muttered something she didn't understand about wasting money, and Ryan followed them in silently like a retching little boy, staring sullenly at them. After glancing at Alex, he turned to Steve, "What made you come all the way south? Did you get kicked out by those Scots?" "You don't need to ask, of course I'm here to meet my new sister-in-law." "She'd rather you were a Chottles." Steve paused, holding Rain's helmet in his hand, "I won't allow you to say that," he said quietly, "don't make us quarrel. I'll bring a Chotels to your camp, Are you planning to deny me even?" "You are my brother." Ren said flatly. "Does that mean you trust me?" There was a smile in his voice. "Tell me, young man, is it your wife talking to Chotels that bothers you more than anything else, or is she brave enough to talk to any handsome man?" "Jotels," Ryan said aloud, glancing at Alex, who was studying her nails with her head down. "Did I tell you about Hugo Casco's fucking with me?" Steve knelt down to remove Ryan's leggings. While Steve was telling the long and absurd story, Alex secretly looked at Ryan.过了一会儿，她开始了解史蒂夫的用意，史蒂夫曾经对他妻子存有成见，而这份不信任的结果使他差点失去了她。 “亚历，”史蒂夫突然转向她，“你爱罗吉尔。乔特耳斯吗？你是否情愿离开雷恩去找他？” 这话荒谬得令她爆笑出声——直到望见雷恩眼中食人的怒火，“罗吉尔应该为玛丽之死偿命但不值得由我丈夫来动手，他更不值得雷恩因杀他而问吊。” 有那么一刹那亚历以为雷恩相信她，可是那瞬间迅速闪过，他在床边径自取下护垫，“哪个女人不是伶牙俐齿，会说话得很——”他喃喃自语着。 史蒂夫瞥向亚历，见她双眸中冒火，“我准你劈他一斧，”他和蔼可亲地说，“亚历，麻烦你替我们弄点食物来好吗？再不填点东西，我恐怕很快就要饿死了。” 亚历一走，雷恩便转向他哥哥：“你来干什么？不可能只是想干预我跟我老婆的争执。” “总有人来管呀，”史蒂夫嗤以之鼻，“她的心就写在眼中，你就不能原谅她吗？她不懂我们的方式，女人对荣誉感有另一种看法，听说你还没有见过你女儿。嘿，她长得可真像你。” 雷恩拒绝转开话题，“你干嘛带乔特耳斯来？” “我说过啦，他坚持要跟你习武，国王可不会喜欢你训练一个贵族去找另一个，我怎么听说你想率领这群非法之徒推翻国王？” 雷恩咆哮起来，“哪个骗子跟你说这种话的？” “派尼尔·韦登汉就是这么告诉亨利王的。你没听说？我还以为亚历是来警告你这事的，现在亨利王耳里听到的尽是不利于蒙特格利的谎言。” “亚历根本没跟我提过。” “你何不坐下来好好问她，为什么抛下孩子和盖文舒适的房子，跑到这阴冷的森林来住在你隔壁。” “我不需要也不要你来干预我的生活。” 史蒂夫耸耸肩，“还记得每回布莲薇跟我吵架，总会被她狠心地踢好几下。” “现在她可对你好得很了，是不？”雷恩微挑着眉。 史蒂夫清清喉咙，“我们偶尔……呃……还会有点小争执，不过她大致被驯服了。” “我倒想听听布莲薇怎么说，”雷恩道，“你见过迈尔斯吗？” 史蒂夫正要开口又被挥手制止，亚历和乔安妮分别端了些食物进帐，史蒂夫实在不想告诉雷恩，其实他跟女人的麻烦足堪与迈尔斯匹敌，亚历一发觉乔安妮又要在史蒂夫面前卖弄风骚，立即遣她出帐，这一餐乃亚历回森林后头一次与雷恩共餐，整个气氛僵滞，大部分都是史蒂夫在说话，讲些苏格兰的故事娱乐他们。 “你们真该去看看我儿子，”史蒂夫自吹自擂着，“他还不太会坐，塔恩就已经开始教他骑马了，我们两个都是会走路了才上马背，你女儿怎么样，亚历？” 两个礼拜来，亚历头一次让思绪完全集中于女儿身上，“她很壮，”她梦呓般说道，“个子不大，很健康，只有嗓门奇大，每回她一哭就会把茱蒂丝的儿子也惹哭。” “显然想保护他的小堂妹，”史蒂夫道，“她有你的眼睛。” “你见过她了，”亚历跃起身，“什么时候，她还健康吧？有没有长大一点？” “我怀疑她会有多少改变，不过我同意她的嗓门的确吓人，你想她长大后也能唱歌吗？”他转向雷恩，“她还有妈妈遗传给你的酒窝。” “我得去巡夜了，”雷恩倏然起身，差点没撞翻一桌食物，他二话不说快步离帐。 “他会回心转意的，”史蒂夫信心十足地说，对泪眼汪汪的亚历一笑。
亚历尽力不去想雷恩持续不断的怒气，把精神全放在布莱·乔特耳斯身上，他是个忧郁的男孩，眼中含恨，从来不笑，性情沈郁寡欢，亚历根本无法引他说话或对她倾诉心事，她再三追问玛丽死后这几个月他都躲到哪里去了，而每回遇上的总是沉默。 有一阵子亚历只有放弃他，任他去和训练场的人相处，至于雷恩，他既不看也不跟那男孩说话，大多数时间都跟史蒂夫在一起。 史蒂夫来了二天后，乔安妮突然跑来找亚历。 “我想他们好像在打架。”乔安妮激动的说。 “谁，该不会是雷恩和布莱吧？” 乔安妮不耐烦了，“怎么可能，雷恩少爷和史蒂夫少爷到森林里面去了，一名警卫回来报告说那里传来很大的声音，大家都准备赶过去看。” “你不许去！”亚历说着冲出营帐，“乔斯，”她看也不看就先喊，“快去阻止他们。把雷恩带到隐密的地方，至于你，”她转向乔安妮，“去帮忙把人留在营里，随便用什么手段，但绝不能下流。”她回头叫道，脚步不停地往前冲。 他们合力让营中人远离史蒂夫和雷恩“私下讨论”之处，虽然做起来不容易，但他们还是做到了。 “他们现在只是坐在那里。”一名刚换班回来的守卫道。 亚历起身踱开，不想再听任何消息，雷恩比他哥哥壮那么多，显然也较强壮有力，史蒂夫不可能会打得过他，亚历只祈望雷恩别出手太重，真的伤了他瘦削的哥哥。 日落时亚历藉去河边提水的机会，躲开营中人的窃窃私语，他们全部都聚集在营火边，聆听警卫的描述。 她一动不动地立于河畔，正庆幸能享有片刻宁静之际，忽闻脚步传来，她转身就看见雷恩有气无力地朝她走来。 也许她该听听人们的闲语，那样她起码还会有点心理准备，他左半边脸肿胀得泛紫，下颚上瘀伤累累，眼睛也黑了一只。 “雷恩，”她轻呼，他抬首瞥她一眼，又扭头踱到远处在岸边跪下，她霎时忘了彼此的争执，冲过去跪在他身旁，“让我看看。” 他温驯地把脸转向她，任她冰凉的手指在脸上抚摸，未发一言。她径自撩起裙子撕下一截亚麻布衬裙，沾了冰凉的河水为他擦拭。 “从头到尾告诉我，”她半是命令地说，“史蒂夫用哪种棍子把你脸打成这个样子？” 棒了好半天雷恩才开口，“他的拳头。” 亚历的手停了停，“可是武士不——”她听雷恩吼过数百次，男子汉不用拳头揍人，许多有荣誉感的人宁死也不肯动拳头。 “史蒂夫在苏格兰学了些怪花招，”雷恩道，“他说打架的方式不只一种。” “毫无疑问，你就呆呆地站在那里任他打你，也不肯打回去，是不是？” “我试过！”雷恩委屈地大叫，牵动了他嘴巴肿痛的肌肉，“可是他像女人一样跳来跳。” “不要侮辱我的性别。你的脸可不是女人打的。” “亚历，”他一把抓住她的手腕，“你对我一点感情都没有吗？你是不是永远都要帮着别人跟我作对？” 她温柔地捧住他的脸，目光搜索着他的，“我第一眼看见你便爱上你了，虽然那时我决心要恨你，却仍忍不住受你吸引，我根本无法控制自己对你的感情。你可明白我永远是支持你的？逛市集那天你若杀了罗吉尔，你势必会问吊，我假装和乔斯相好，也是为了不让你离开安全的森林，我还能怎么做才能证明我的忠诚和爱呢？” 他抽身离开她，“也许我无法接受的是你的表现方式，你为什么不直接告诉我呢？为什么非得每次都跟我作对不可？” “我只有那样才能使你听我的，”她恼怒地说，“我跟你说过你不能出森林，可是你死也不听，我叫你不要杀罗吉尔，你却像头愤怒的公牛似的站在那里直喷气。”她的声音愈来愈大。 “我真不知道是我哥哥还是你，最使我没男子气慨。”他的口气像个小孩子，充满自怜之情，令亚历差点失笑。 “你跟史蒂夫在吵些什么？” 雷恩揉着下颚，“史蒂夫建议我考虑，也许你救乔特耳斯一条狗命时，并没有对我不忠。”雷恩转向她，“我错了吗？我真的对你很坏吗？你心里还有一点点爱留给我吗？” 她挥手轻触他的面颊，“我永远爱你，有时我觉得自己生来就是爱你的。” 他脸上出现一个酒窝，她立即屏息等着他揽她入怀，可是他却探手入紧身内衣，在衣袋中摸索，“也许我能买你一、两个笑容。”他说着拉出金狮腰带在她眼前晃动。 “我的腰带！”她惊呼，“你怎么找到的？我还以为永远看不见它了。喔，雷恩！”她激动地圈住他的颈项，在他脸上印上雨点般的吻，虽然弄痛了他但他不在乎。 “你是世界上最棒的丈夫，”她亲吻着他的颈项，“喔，雷恩，我好想好想你。” 她没有机会继续下文，因为他的双手已没入她发间将她的头往后拉，嘴唇重重的攫住她，亚历只觉得自己随时会爆裂成千万碎片，她把全部体重全交给雷恩承担，由于他的姿势小稳以致往后倒去。他索性拉着亚历倒下，四唇胶着着翻滚，最后滚进寒冷的河水中，而亚腔被压在下面。 “雷恩！”亚历痛得嘶声大叫，因为她一条手臂被他沉重的身子压在石块上，“你要压断我的手啦！”她的牙齿已经开始打颤了。 “这是给你点小教训，”他躺在水中，彷佛躺在羽毛上般惬意，“遇见你之前，我的生命是平静安详，而今居然连我的亲哥哥也动手打我。” “你活该讨打！”她啐道，“谁教你这个猪脑袋非得人动粗，才肯听人说话，快让我起来弄干身子，否则我要冷死了。” “我有个办法可以使你保持温暖。”他开始吮吸她的颈项。 “你这个猪脑袋，”她对着他耳朵大叫，使他移开寸许，拚命摇头想摇掉耳鸣，“我又湿又冷，你要是再不让我起来，我可要把全营人都叫来喽。” “你以为他们会救你，还是站在我这边？” 她使尽力气仍无法推动他分毫，“你的脸肿成这个样子，谁会认得你。” 他咯咯直笑，终于翻身离开她，“你真漂亮，亚历。”他色迷迷地打量她裹在湿衣服内的身躯。 亚历想撑起身子却发现一身湿衣服异常沉重，雷恩又笑了起来，起身抱着她朝森林最黑暗的部分行去。 “营区在那里。”她指出。 “亚历，真该有人教教你不要总是下命令，你有时候是对的，但大部分时候你应该只听，让男人来下命令。” “我必须做正确的事，如果你昏了头要毁灭自己，我总不能坐视不管呀。” “你这是存心讨打——我真怀疑是否有人教训过你，教你音乐的那个牧师应该偶尔揍你几下，起码你也许还会学点谦逊。” “我们根本是半斤八两，你也好不到那里去。”她定定地凝视着他，“如果你在做傻事，我是否应该坐在一旁冷眼旁观，连说话也不能大声一点？” “亚历，别太过分。”他警告。 “你打算怎么惩罚我说实话？” “你绝不会喜欢的。” “我处处为你着想，你还威胁我？我把你从罗吉尔·乔特耳斯手中救下来。因为审判官觊觎你的土地，我差点被活活烧死。为了让你安全地留在森林里，我和乔斯出去流浪。” 雷恩一把扣住她的肩，硬将她举离地，他一半脸肿得发紫，另一半则气得涨红。“你太过分了！”他咬牙切齿道。 亚历还不及喘气，雷恩便跌坐在一截树桩上，将她按在膝上，一把撩起她的裙子罩住头，扬手就用力给了她屁股一掌。 “你被判为女巫又不是因为我，”他说，“早在认识我之前，你就跟派尼尔结下了梁了。” 亚历尚不及回话，雷恩的第二掌又落了下来。 “没错，我是气昏了头，也许我不该下令杀了乔特耳斯，但我们若不乱跑照计划行事，谁又会知道跑去跟国王通风报信？我也没你想象的那么笨，就算宰了那小子，我也不会把尸体丢弃在我哥哥的财产附近。” 他的巨掌再次落下，“我不喜欢有人违抗我的命令，尤其是当着我手下的面前，听清楚没有？”他再补上一掌强调他的话。 亚历含着眼泪，默不吭声地直点头。 “很好，现在——至于你和乔斯，我不喜欢被人当猴耍。眼见你和别的男人亲热真不是人受的罪，稍后知道那全是作戏，是在玩弄我，我真恨不得杀了你。你还蠢得在外头流浪，拿我宝贝女儿的性命开玩笑。” 这回他打得特别重，“以后不许再这样了，听见没有，亚历？”他又重重地给了她一巴掌，“你是我老婆，最好表现得像个为人妻的样子。” 再用力赏她一巴掌后，他把她推下大腿，臀部触及地面时她差点没掉眼泪，她眼中泪水弥漫，模糊得什么都看不清。 雷恩站起身，居高临下地瞧着她，“哭够了就回帐里去，”他硬帮帮地命令道，“我要跟你做爱，整得你忘了自己是谁。”说完他便大步离去。 亚历傻愣愣盯着他逐渐远去的背影，好半晌后才闭上嘴巴站起身，哭死了也不愿意错失和他做爱的机会，在两条僵硬的腿所能容许的范围之内，她尽可能地跑步追向雷恩。
"I don't like this place," Joanne rode beside Alex. "It's dark and dark. Are you sure Master Ren really lives in this kind of place?" Alex didn't bother to talk to her at all. Judith said that her maid would not only dress her up so that Ryan couldn't ignore her, but she was also the best at sniffing out information.Judith had also warned her that Joanne tended to get carried away by being overly involved and had to be reminded of her role from time to time. "Hello." Alex greeted a tree. Joanne looked at her in astonishment, "Will that tree answer you?" After Alex glanced sideways at her, she added, "Ma'am." A man jumped down from the big tree suddenly, and Joanne was dumbfounded by his handsome appearance. "Joss!" Alex yelled, before he got off his horse, he was grabbed by Joss' waist and dragged into his arms. They smiled and hugged for a while, and then Alex quietly pushed him away to take a closer look, "You have changed. Look, your mouth Fluttering red." Joanne coughed loudly, "Maybe this gentleman hopes that the red place is not his mouth." "Joanne!" Alex warned, "If you don't behave properly, I will let you spend the night alone in this forest." "Is this the tone of command?" Joss asked, holding her hands. "You are so different. I have never seen such a lovely lady. Come, walk with me, let's have a good chat." .” After being confused with Joanne and the hunchbacked horse, he asked again, “Has the child been born?” "I had a daughter with Rayne's dimples and my eyes and she was sweet and flawless in every way. How is he?" Joss knew who she was referring to. "It's not good. Wait! He's in good health, but depressed, never smiles, and gets angry for days every time the messenger comes." He paused, "You guys What happened after you got married?" She told him briefly about Roger Chottles, "so you left the baby and came back to Rain." "No doubt he will welcome me with open arms," she grimaced. "There are many reasons why I came back. I owe so much to the people here. They—how many people died because of saving me?" "Three died at that time, and one died of serious injuries later on." She grabbed Jos's arm tightly, "The hatred between these two families has made the king increasingly angry. Gavin has already gone to Scotland to find the youngest to make an argument, and I can only deal with Ryan." "Did you know he didn't let the messenger read any news about you?" "I expected, damn Ryan and his sense of honor, if he is willing to listen, he will know that I have not betrayed him. I can't let him kill Chotels to make a big mistake, so I only have to disturb him Attention, alas, if the 'little brother' was not a notorious female killer, this storm would not have evolved into what it is today. Montgomery's brothers have always been united. If one of them is in danger, the others will never Will sit back and watch, I'm afraid they're going to bring down the building." "Disturbing his attention?" Joss smiled. "I think you will succeed. Do you know how cute you look? Your violet dress makes your eyes shine brightly." "Speaking of female killers," she looked him up and down teasingly, "I wanted to wear clothes suitable for the forest, but Judith insisted that I dress up so that Ryan couldn't ignore me, do you think I really changed? " "Yes, a completely changed person, a great beauty, now tell me, who is that greedy maid who came with you?" Alex looked at him for a while, knowing him for so long, she had never seen him so cheerful, "How is Rosamund?" She asked tentatively. Joss looked up and laughed, "You are so smart, she is getting cuter and cuter, come on, let's go to the camp. No matter what Ryan will say, he will be very happy to see you." Although Alex was mentally prepared, he was still taken aback when he first saw Ryan. He had lost a lot of weight, and his muscle texture was sharp. He was standing by the campfire, listening to the two men talking. Feng Fudong stood there staring at him for a while, recalling his every movement, longing to fall into his arms and feel his welcome. When he turned around, she gasped in astonishment, she could cope with his hatred, but there was a dead silence in his eyes, cold and cold, which made her shudder, there was no appreciation, let alone welcome in his eyes. Alex stood still, watching Ren turning his back on her and heading towards the training ground. "Still angry, aren't you?" Joanne said behind her. "These Montgomery men are really tempered. Did I tell you that Miss Judith climbed into the dungeon to save Master Gavin, any woman As long as you are sane, you will risk everything for a man like Master Gavin, and so will Miles. But I have never slept with Master Ryan, is he not bad?" "You're too much!" Alex snorted and turned away. Joanne snickered like a cat, "At least I've made you stop feeling sorry for yourself. Well, where are you going to set up your tent? You decide, and I'll grab a few men to help." She slipped into the crowd that was coming towards Alex and the four horses that were laden with loads. "It seems that you haven't been burned." A man looked her up and down intently. "A real witch can't be burned," said a woman. "Beautiful clothes," said another, "who did you sleep with?" Alex proudly raised his chin, "I want to thank you all for coming to my rescue when I needed help. I believe that I don't deserve your kindness, but I still thank you." These words seemed to temporarily restrain everyone. "If it weren't for Sir Wren's sake, no one would want to help you," said a scarred woman. "Now he looks like he wants us to burn you alive." This remark caused the crowd to burst into laughter, shaking their heads and hitting their backs, the crowd dispersed and went back to work, leaving Alex alone on the spot. "Want to cry?" Joanne whispered next to her, "That's what they want. Come on, let's see what I find." Taking a deep breath, Alex turned and walked away. Did she expect them to understand that she had changed?She looked up at Joanne, who was busy commanding four handsome men. "They will help us set up camp." Joanne teased, holding a man's arm in each hand. Alex couldn't help smiling at the contented Joanne. Judith once said that Joanne was a cat that shuttled between each bed. Alex watched in amazement as she instructed these young men to work and stroked them from time to time. , She even looked up and winked at Alex, shameless!Alex thought to himself, turning his face away to hide his smile. Joanne directed them to set up camp quickly, unloaded their bags and built a warm campfire. Although Ren never showed up again, Yeli and Li slept very soundly. A stone's throw away. When Alex woke up the next morning, she was alone in the tent, so she picked out a piece of emerald green wool trimmed with gold to change into. As soon as she got out of the tent, she saw Joanne sitting limply on a tree stump.Her hair was disheveled behind her, her clothes were torn at the shoulders, and there was a bruise on her neck. She looked up at Alex, but her eyes were extremely happy, "They are all very energetic." Seeing her weak but distorted look, Alex almost burst out laughing. "Go in and rest," Alex snapped. "We'll discuss your behavior after you wake up." Joanne stood up tiredly, and shuffled towards the tent. Alex grabbed the maid's arm, "The four of them?" She asked curiously. Joanne just nodded, her eyelids almost completely closed. Alex couldn't help but fell into deep thought—to deal with four big men at the same time? —Ren appeared in front of her at this moment, glaring at her angrily. "Mor-morning," she stammered. "Good morning, hell!" he growled. "That little bitch you brought, exhausted four of my men, and was useless this morning, and couldn't even raise a sword. I don't Knowing what you came for, now you can go back." She gave him a sweet smile, "Yo, that's a very fancy way of welcoming you, and I apologize for Joanne, and you'll have to forgive me for not knowing how to control people. We're not all high-born, no, as for me The reason is that I came back to pay off the debt.” "You owe me nothing." "You," she forced herself to calm down and forced a smile, "Maybe I owe you a little, but I owe these people more." "When did you care again?" He narrowed his eyes at her. "Since they risked their lives to save me," she said calmly, "would you be honored to dine with me? I'll treat you to a cold pie." He hesitated to speak, turned around and walked away. Alex continued to smile and watched him go. "What's so fun?" Joss asked behind her. Alex laughed out loud, "I'm so easy to see through? Rain Montgomery is a pompous man, isn't he? He thinks I'm here alone because of him." "Isn't it?" "I'm going to drive him crazy," Alexis said earnestly. "Would you like something to eat, and time to sit with me and answer a few questions?" Alex asked questions about the people in the camp, living with them for months, questions that she should have known but didn't know, and she really felt like an outsider. "It's really hard to win them over," Joss said. "Blanky did a lot of damage, and most of them already have a bad opinion of you." "Brangey!" Alex sat up straight suddenly, and his doubts finally took shape, "Brangey was responsible for Frederique Constant's death, otherwise how would she know about Edmer Chottles' death?" You must hate her to the bone." "I don't hate anyone now," he stood up. "Want to meet Rosamund? If you want to help these people she can show you how to get started." It took Alexa a week to convince Rosamund that she was serious, during which time she did everything from morning till night, washing and bandaging festering sores, delivering a deformed child, When the baby died, she did the burying because no one would touch the poor little thing, and she sang for an old woman who screamed all the time. Every night when she returned to the account, she had a splitting headache due to the noise and stench of the day. The work made her sick but she had to grit her teeth to hold on. Healthy people ignored her, and Ryan seldom showed up, but she still had to hang on. "Are you here to win Ryan back, or those strange diseases?" Joanne often asked her like this. "Ren." Alex always rubbed his temples and replied weakly. Now that the tent was empty, Joanne had obviously slept in another bed.Alex was not used to being served by servants, and he couldn't control Joanne. Seeing that the bucket was empty, she grabbed it and walked towards the river. Bin stared at her own reflection on the bank, looking at the shimmering river, her thoughts flew away.The abnormal noise made her turn her head, and when she saw Ren Muyue's tall body, her heart beat to her throat. "Have you got the proof you want?" He asked calmly, his voice as cold as steel, "You think that after a few wounds are bandaged, people will be grateful to you. These people have better judgment than me." "What does that mean?" she asked in horror. "You're a good actor. I believed in you—honest, but I've learned my lesson. I just hope they don't get stuck in the mud like I did." She stood up and clenched her fists close to her side. "Don't feel sorry for yourself," she said through gritted teeth. "Poor Sir Wren fell in love with a commoner woman. When she tried her best to save his fate, he thought she trampled on his dignity," she raised her voice, "you hear me clearly, Rain Montgomery. It doesn't matter if these people hate me or not, that's what I deserve, and I don't expect them to. Give me all my respects, at least they are honest, but you are arrogant, you don't want to listen to anyone, you prefer to believe your mistakes, and you think you are the only one with a sense of honor." "What sense of honor do you know as a woman?" He said contemptuously. "I don't know much. In fact, I don't know much except music. I at least dare to admit that I have faults. I have wronged these people. Today I try to correct my mistakes. And you, I am noble Your noble lord, not only treated me wrong, but also didn’t even ask a question about your own daughter.” "I heard about her." He said in a choked voice. "Damn you!" she spat sharply, "the great Sir Wren, the king of the forest, the head of the wild people, even listened to his own daughter." She suddenly lowered her voice and said calmly, " I came to win you back, and now I'm not sure I want you. Get away from me and go to bed with your cold sense of honor." "Some women are willing to share my bed." He said stubbornly. "Then I can only sympathize with them." Alex said stiffly, "I would rather have a man who is not so cold and has a good temper." She didn't see him stretching out his arm suddenly, he was always faster and stronger than she remembered, his strong fingers pinched her waist, when the four days were close, he smiled and pulled her slowly past. With his head down, his lips hung just above hers, "It's stiff and cold, isn't it?" His cold tone sent hairs down her spine. He wants to teach her a lesson, doesn't he——she thought, standing on tiptoe and wrapping his neck around his neck. When their lips met, both of them gasped, and suddenly pushed each other away. Immediately afterwards, Ren grabbed her lips hungrily like dying.He straightened up, wrapped his arms around her body tightly and lifted her off the ground, turned her head sideways with one hand, and the slippery tip of his tongue invaded her mouth, igniting a raging fire in her body.Her body became limp and boneless, and it was up to him to support her weight. They both desperately wanted to get closer to each other. Alex raised his legs around his waist, entangled and twisted his tongue, and they couldn't help themselves, but the sudden sound of approaching horseshoes awakened Ren's sense of danger.He reluctantly pulled himself back from the vortex of desire, and angrily and roughly pushed Alex away. For a moment, his expression softened, and then he put on the mask covered with frost again, "You want to lure me back to your side?" He asked softly, "Did you use this weapon to deal with Chotels as well? " Alex was stunned for a while before realizing, "You are a fool. Ryan Montgomery," she said softly, "Has your hatred blinded your love?" After she finished speaking, she lifted her skirt and ignored her feet She went straight back to the camp with the bucket, and she heard Ren talking to the knights behind him, with unnecessary anger in his voice.
"Fortunately, these people are not so angry with you anymore," Joanne said while combing Alex's hair, but there was no congratulations in her voice, "When will you stop wasting time and concentrate on hunting down Sir Wren? We all come After two weeks and he still just stares at you, you should strip off and climb into his bed." "Then he's happy. He said so many nasty things to me, I don't want him to win so easily." Joanne laughed when she heard the words: "What does it matter what a man 'says'? They only know how to kill each other. Give him a sword and he will be happy. Women have to try to teach them that there are other things in life besides war. Things exist." "Maybe you're right. Ren is only worried about whether I betrayed him. He never thought how lonely his child would be without his mother. Maybe I should accompany Catherine and let her father fend for himself." "You know what? He hasn't slept with another woman since he came back from the castle." Alex smiled slightly, and then smiled. "He loves you, Alex," Joanne said softly. "Then why doesn't he show it! Why does he keep grinning at me so fiercely? Every time I'm with Rosamund, I look up and see him looking at me coldly. I really feel as if I've been splashed." A bucket of cold water." Joanne giggled, "He just doesn't care - what do you think of him - apologize?" Thinking of this, Joanne almost laughed out of breath, "God made women strong just to tolerate men's cowardice, you You said that you mistreated these people in the past, and now you want to make up for that mistake, but do you think men will be so strong?" "Raine accuses me of being a traitor," Alex said stubbornly. "The king also said he was a traitor. The king was wrong too, but did he admit it? Your husband won't be ashamed to admit his mistake to you." "I don't like it," Alex bit his lower lip. "I'm not sorry Ryan. Roger Chotels—" "Fuck his Chotels!" Joanne snorted, "Ren's dignity has been hurt. You stand on the other side, how can he bear it if you don't turn to your husband? You know, what a man prays for is blind loyalty. " "I'm faithful, yes—" Joss interrupted, panting, rushing into the tent. "Come on," Joss said to Alex, "maybe you can prevent a bloody death." "Who is going to die?" Alex immediately got up and walked out. "Blay Chotels asked to enter the camp just now, and Ren is putting on his armor, ready to go out fully armed to meet him." "But Judith said that Bly loved Mary, and he brought her body back himself." "Perhaps it's because his last name is Chotels. That name alone is enough to make him very angry." Joss pulled Alex on the horse and galloped quickly, dodging branches all the way.When he finally stopped the horse, Alex was surprised by the sight in front of him.On that small open space bathed in the morning light, there was a young man.His body was slender and almost delicate, but his features bore a resemblance to Roger Chotellus.If he met this half-grown boy elsewhere, Alex would guess that he was Rogier's son. Alex got off the horse first, "May I welcome you?" She stepped towards him, "I am Alexandre Montgomery, the wife of Sir Wren, and I once had a relationship with your brother .” Bly drew himself as straight as he could. "I don't have a brother," he said in a surprisingly masculine voice. "I've come to join Sir Wren in avenging his sister's death." "My God," exclaimed Alex, "I was hoping you'd sort of defuse some hate." "We hope so too." A voice sounded from above Alex's head. She looked up but saw nothing, "Yeah! You're not Ryan's guard." "Oh, I am, are you really Ryan's wife?" Alex listened carefully to the voice, convinced that he had never heard it before, but there was something familiar in it, and just by hearing the voice, he knew that he was humorous.She glanced at Bly and Joss, Bly's expressionless face, far too distant for a boy his age, and Joss' shoulders just shrugging. Her attention suddenly turned to Ren's attire. He was sitting on the back of a majestic war horse. He was covered from head to toe with all kinds of weapons. The boy didn't flinch at all, and Ren just punched him and he fell to the ground. "Are you going to hide behind my wife's skirt?" Ren asked in a low voice, "She is famous for protecting Chotels." Alex squeezed between the two of them, "What, you want to start a war on the child?" She straightened her neck and yelled at him, "Can't you listen to him? Are you too stupid to give this child a chance?" Ren never had a chance to refute, because the burst of laughter from the thick shadows above his head stopped him. Alex gaped as she watched a man leap to the ground in the most outlandish outfit she had ever seen before. He was wearing a bright blue tartan blanket over a bright blue tartan blanket that formed a short skirt at the waist and was turned upside down at one end. At one shoulder, fastened in the middle by a wide belt, his knees are exposed, his calves are wrapped in woolen socks, and he wears platform shoes. "Steve." Ren exclaimed, his eyes softened instantly. "That's right, it's me," the man in strange clothes replied, he was tall and thin, with dark blond hair, and a very handsome face, "I specially sent this kid to you, and he insisted on going into exile with you and learning from you Wu." "He's from Chotels," Ren's gaze hardened again. "Yeah," said Alex, "so you didn't forgive him for killing him, did you? No doubt you hated him for bringing him here. You go," she said to Steve, "he This man doesn't make sense, he's full of sawdust." Surprisingly, Steve laughed back. "Oh, Ryan," he yelled, slamming his palm on Ryan's shoulder, making the metal armor clank. "Gavin and I are praying for this day. Boy, you also fell in love with a man who is always in love with you." The woman you fought with? Gavin also wrote us a letter telling us how cute our new sister-in-law is." He turned to Alex, "It's true that Judith said you have a big voice, and I almost uttered it just now. Didn't knock me off the tree." "You're Steve Montgomery," Alex said curiously. He was indeed a bit like Gavin, but he was dressed in a weird way, and he even spoke in a weird way. "McAaron," he corrected her with a smile, "I married McAaron, so I changed my surname to hers. Now, can you give me a kiss? Or would you rather continue fighting with my brother?" "Oh, I'm too lazy to talk to him!" Alex's eagerness made Steve laugh for a long time, and then he took her into his arms. His kiss was not brotherly at all, "Can you help me?" Shall I talk about him?" she whispered, "he hates Chotel to the point of obsession." Steve winked at her before letting her go.Turning to Ren again, "I came all the way, brother, why don't you even serve me a glass of water?" "What about him?" Ren pointed to Bligh. "Come on," Steve laughed. "He can help me unpack, and you, Alex, come along?" "If someone invites me." She looked directly at Ren. "I invite you," Steve said, stepping forward with his arms around her shoulders, "follow us, Bligh," he called back. "Have you always been this bold?" Steve's expression turned serious. "How long has he been like this?" "I do not quite understand you." "It's not like Ryan not to smile, to be angry, to be glaring at everyone." She thought for a moment. "He's been like this since Mary died." Steve nodded, "Ren will not accept his fate easily, which is one of the reasons why I brought Bryant here, he is very similar. Bryant was also tortured by the hatred for his brother and became a different person , how are you? Did my brother's low mood scare you?" "He thinks I've betrayed him." "Gavin and Judith told me." Her voice became louder, "He didn't listen to my explanation at all. I wrote him a letter and he returned it intact. He didn't even listen to Gavin's words." Steve squeezed her shoulders, "Gavin still treats him and Miles as children to this day. It's a miracle that Ryan and Gavin stay in the same room for two minutes without arguing. Follow me , I'll see if I can convince him." Alex smiled at him, which made Steve laugh, "If you continue to look at me like this, my Brianna will dig out your heart and put it on the plate. You can really do what Judith said singing?" "It's only going to get better," she said confidently, making Steve laugh again. They stopped outside Ryan's tent, and Steve muttered something she didn't understand about wasting money, and Ryan followed them in silently like a retching little boy, staring sullenly at them. After glancing at Alex, he turned to Steve, "What made you come all the way south? Did you get kicked out by those Scots?" "You don't need to ask, of course I'm here to meet my new sister-in-law." "She'd rather you were a Chottles." Steve paused, holding Rain's helmet in his hand, "I won't allow you to say that," he said quietly, "don't make us quarrel. I'll bring a Chotels to your camp, Are you planning to deny me even?" "You are my brother." Ren said flatly. "Does that mean you trust me?" There was a smile in his voice. "Tell me, young man, is it your wife talking to Chotels that bothers you more than anything else, or is she brave enough to talk to any handsome man?" "Jotels," Ryan said aloud, glancing at Alex, who was studying her nails with her head down. "Did I tell you about Hugo Casco's fucking with me?" Steve knelt down to remove Ryan's leggings. While Steve was telling the long and absurd story, Alex secretly looked at Ryan.过了一会儿，她开始了解史蒂夫的用意，史蒂夫曾经对他妻子存有成见，而这份不信任的结果使他差点失去了她。 “亚历，”史蒂夫突然转向她，“你爱罗吉尔。乔特耳斯吗？你是否情愿离开雷恩去找他？” 这话荒谬得令她爆笑出声——直到望见雷恩眼中食人的怒火，“罗吉尔应该为玛丽之死偿命但不值得由我丈夫来动手，他更不值得雷恩因杀他而问吊。” 有那么一刹那亚历以为雷恩相信她，可是那瞬间迅速闪过，他在床边径自取下护垫，“哪个女人不是伶牙俐齿，会说话得很——”他喃喃自语着。 史蒂夫瞥向亚历，见她双眸中冒火，“我准你劈他一斧，”他和蔼可亲地说，“亚历，麻烦你替我们弄点食物来好吗？再不填点东西，我恐怕很快就要饿死了。” 亚历一走，雷恩便转向他哥哥：“你来干什么？不可能只是想干预我跟我老婆的争执。” “总有人来管呀，”史蒂夫嗤以之鼻，“她的心就写在眼中，你就不能原谅她吗？她不懂我们的方式，女人对荣誉感有另一种看法，听说你还没有见过你女儿。嘿，她长得可真像你。” 雷恩拒绝转开话题，“你干嘛带乔特耳斯来？” “我说过啦，他坚持要跟你习武，国王可不会喜欢你训练一个贵族去找另一个，我怎么听说你想率领这群非法之徒推翻国王？” 雷恩咆哮起来，“哪个骗子跟你说这种话的？” “派尼尔·韦登汉就是这么告诉亨利王的。你没听说？我还以为亚历是来警告你这事的，现在亨利王耳里听到的尽是不利于蒙特格利的谎言。” “亚历根本没跟我提过。” “你何不坐下来好好问她，为什么抛下孩子和盖文舒适的房子，跑到这阴冷的森林来住在你隔壁。” “我不需要也不要你来干预我的生活。” 史蒂夫耸耸肩，“还记得每回布莲薇跟我吵架，总会被她狠心地踢好几下。” “现在她可对你好得很了，是不？”雷恩微挑着眉。 史蒂夫清清喉咙，“我们偶尔……呃……还会有点小争执，不过她大致被驯服了。” “我倒想听听布莲薇怎么说，”雷恩道，“你见过迈尔斯吗？” 史蒂夫正要开口又被挥手制止，亚历和乔安妮分别端了些食物进帐，史蒂夫实在不想告诉雷恩，其实他跟女人的麻烦足堪与迈尔斯匹敌，亚历一发觉乔安妮又要在史蒂夫面前卖弄风骚，立即遣她出帐，这一餐乃亚历回森林后头一次与雷恩共餐，整个气氛僵滞，大部分都是史蒂夫在说话，讲些苏格兰的故事娱乐他们。 “你们真该去看看我儿子，”史蒂夫自吹自擂着，“他还不太会坐，塔恩就已经开始教他骑马了，我们两个都是会走路了才上马背，你女儿怎么样，亚历？” 两个礼拜来，亚历头一次让思绪完全集中于女儿身上，“她很壮，”她梦呓般说道，“个子不大，很健康，只有嗓门奇大，每回她一哭就会把茱蒂丝的儿子也惹哭。” “显然想保护他的小堂妹，”史蒂夫道，“她有你的眼睛。” “你见过她了，”亚历跃起身，“什么时候，她还健康吧？有没有长大一点？” “我怀疑她会有多少改变，不过我同意她的嗓门的确吓人，你想她长大后也能唱歌吗？”他转向雷恩，“她还有妈妈遗传给你的酒窝。” “我得去巡夜了，”雷恩倏然起身，差点没撞翻一桌食物，他二话不说快步离帐。 “他会回心转意的，”史蒂夫信心十足地说，对泪眼汪汪的亚历一笑。
亚历尽力不去想雷恩持续不断的怒气，把精神全放在布莱·乔特耳斯身上，他是个忧郁的男孩，眼中含恨，从来不笑，性情沈郁寡欢，亚历根本无法引他说话或对她倾诉心事，她再三追问玛丽死后这几个月他都躲到哪里去了，而每回遇上的总是沉默。 有一阵子亚历只有放弃他，任他去和训练场的人相处，至于雷恩，他既不看也不跟那男孩说话，大多数时间都跟史蒂夫在一起。 史蒂夫来了二天后，乔安妮突然跑来找亚历。 “我想他们好像在打架。”乔安妮激动的说。 “谁，该不会是雷恩和布莱吧？” 乔安妮不耐烦了，“怎么可能，雷恩少爷和史蒂夫少爷到森林里面去了，一名警卫回来报告说那里传来很大的声音，大家都准备赶过去看。” “你不许去！”亚历说着冲出营帐，“乔斯，”她看也不看就先喊，“快去阻止他们。把雷恩带到隐密的地方，至于你，”她转向乔安妮，“去帮忙把人留在营里，随便用什么手段，但绝不能下流。”她回头叫道，脚步不停地往前冲。 他们合力让营中人远离史蒂夫和雷恩“私下讨论”之处，虽然做起来不容易，但他们还是做到了。 “他们现在只是坐在那里。”一名刚换班回来的守卫道。 亚历起身踱开，不想再听任何消息，雷恩比他哥哥壮那么多，显然也较强壮有力，史蒂夫不可能会打得过他，亚历只祈望雷恩别出手太重，真的伤了他瘦削的哥哥。 日落时亚历藉去河边提水的机会，躲开营中人的窃窃私语，他们全部都聚集在营火边，聆听警卫的描述。 她一动不动地立于河畔，正庆幸能享有片刻宁静之际，忽闻脚步传来，她转身就看见雷恩有气无力地朝她走来。 也许她该听听人们的闲语，那样她起码还会有点心理准备，他左半边脸肿胀得泛紫，下颚上瘀伤累累，眼睛也黑了一只。 “雷恩，”她轻呼，他抬首瞥她一眼，又扭头踱到远处在岸边跪下，她霎时忘了彼此的争执，冲过去跪在他身旁，“让我看看。” 他温驯地把脸转向她，任她冰凉的手指在脸上抚摸，未发一言。她径自撩起裙子撕下一截亚麻布衬裙，沾了冰凉的河水为他擦拭。 “从头到尾告诉我，”她半是命令地说，“史蒂夫用哪种棍子把你脸打成这个样子？” 棒了好半天雷恩才开口，“他的拳头。” 亚历的手停了停，“可是武士不——”她听雷恩吼过数百次，男子汉不用拳头揍人，许多有荣誉感的人宁死也不肯动拳头。 “史蒂夫在苏格兰学了些怪花招，”雷恩道，“他说打架的方式不只一种。” “毫无疑问，你就呆呆地站在那里任他打你，也不肯打回去，是不是？” “我试过！”雷恩委屈地大叫，牵动了他嘴巴肿痛的肌肉，“可是他像女人一样跳来跳。” “不要侮辱我的性别。你的脸可不是女人打的。” “亚历，”他一把抓住她的手腕，“你对我一点感情都没有吗？你是不是永远都要帮着别人跟我作对？” 她温柔地捧住他的脸，目光搜索着他的，“我第一眼看见你便爱上你了，虽然那时我决心要恨你，却仍忍不住受你吸引，我根本无法控制自己对你的感情。你可明白我永远是支持你的？逛市集那天你若杀了罗吉尔，你势必会问吊，我假装和乔斯相好，也是为了不让你离开安全的森林，我还能怎么做才能证明我的忠诚和爱呢？” 他抽身离开她，“也许我无法接受的是你的表现方式，你为什么不直接告诉我呢？为什么非得每次都跟我作对不可？” “我只有那样才能使你听我的，”她恼怒地说，“我跟你说过你不能出森林，可是你死也不听，我叫你不要杀罗吉尔，你却像头愤怒的公牛似的站在那里直喷气。”她的声音愈来愈大。 “我真不知道是我哥哥还是你，最使我没男子气慨。”他的口气像个小孩子，充满自怜之情，令亚历差点失笑。 “你跟史蒂夫在吵些什么？” 雷恩揉着下颚，“史蒂夫建议我考虑，也许你救乔特耳斯一条狗命时，并没有对我不忠。”雷恩转向她，“我错了吗？我真的对你很坏吗？你心里还有一点点爱留给我吗？” 她挥手轻触他的面颊，“我永远爱你，有时我觉得自己生来就是爱你的。” 他脸上出现一个酒窝，她立即屏息等着他揽她入怀，可是他却探手入紧身内衣，在衣袋中摸索，“也许我能买你一、两个笑容。”他说着拉出金狮腰带在她眼前晃动。 “我的腰带！”她惊呼，“你怎么找到的？我还以为永远看不见它了。喔，雷恩！”她激动地圈住他的颈项，在他脸上印上雨点般的吻，虽然弄痛了他但他不在乎。 “你是世界上最棒的丈夫，”她亲吻着他的颈项，“喔，雷恩，我好想好想你。” 她没有机会继续下文，因为他的双手已没入她发间将她的头往后拉，嘴唇重重的攫住她，亚历只觉得自己随时会爆裂成千万碎片，她把全部体重全交给雷恩承担，由于他的姿势小稳以致往后倒去。他索性拉着亚历倒下，四唇胶着着翻滚，最后滚进寒冷的河水中，而亚腔被压在下面。 “雷恩！”亚历痛得嘶声大叫，因为她一条手臂被他沉重的身子压在石块上，“你要压断我的手啦！”她的牙齿已经开始打颤了。 “这是给你点小教训，”他躺在水中，彷佛躺在羽毛上般惬意，“遇见你之前，我的生命是平静安详，而今居然连我的亲哥哥也动手打我。” “你活该讨打！”她啐道，“谁教你这个猪脑袋非得人动粗，才肯听人说话，快让我起来弄干身子，否则我要冷死了。” “我有个办法可以使你保持温暖。”他开始吮吸她的颈项。 “你这个猪脑袋，”她对着他耳朵大叫，使他移开寸许，拚命摇头想摇掉耳鸣，“我又湿又冷，你要是再不让我起来，我可要把全营人都叫来喽。” “你以为他们会救你，还是站在我这边？” 她使尽力气仍无法推动他分毫，“你的脸肿成这个样子，谁会认得你。” 他咯咯直笑，终于翻身离开她，“你真漂亮，亚历。”他色迷迷地打量她裹在湿衣服内的身躯。 亚历想撑起身子却发现一身湿衣服异常沉重，雷恩又笑了起来，起身抱着她朝森林最黑暗的部分行去。 “营区在那里。”她指出。 “亚历，真该有人教教你不要总是下命令，你有时候是对的，但大部分时候你应该只听，让男人来下命令。” “我必须做正确的事，如果你昏了头要毁灭自己，我总不能坐视不管呀。” “你这是存心讨打——我真怀疑是否有人教训过你，教你音乐的那个牧师应该偶尔揍你几下，起码你也许还会学点谦逊。” “我们根本是半斤八两，你也好不到那里去。”她定定地凝视着他，“如果你在做傻事，我是否应该坐在一旁冷眼旁观，连说话也不能大声一点？” “亚历，别太过分。”他警告。 “你打算怎么惩罚我说实话？” “你绝不会喜欢的。” “我处处为你着想，你还威胁我？我把你从罗吉尔·乔特耳斯手中救下来。因为审判官觊觎你的土地，我差点被活活烧死。为了让你安全地留在森林里，我和乔斯出去流浪。” 雷恩一把扣住她的肩，硬将她举离地，他一半脸肿得发紫，另一半则气得涨红。“你太过分了！”他咬牙切齿道。 亚历还不及喘气，雷恩便跌坐在一截树桩上，将她按在膝上，一把撩起她的裙子罩住头，扬手就用力给了她屁股一掌。 “你被判为女巫又不是因为我，”他说，“早在认识我之前，你就跟派尼尔结下了梁了。” 亚历尚不及回话，雷恩的第二掌又落了下来。 “没错，我是气昏了头，也许我不该下令杀了乔特耳斯，但我们若不乱跑照计划行事，谁又会知道跑去跟国王通风报信？我也没你想象的那么笨，就算宰了那小子，我也不会把尸体丢弃在我哥哥的财产附近。” 他的巨掌再次落下，“我不喜欢有人违抗我的命令，尤其是当着我手下的面前，听清楚没有？”他再补上一掌强调他的话。 亚历含着眼泪，默不吭声地直点头。 “很好，现在——至于你和乔斯，我不喜欢被人当猴耍。眼见你和别的男人亲热真不是人受的罪，稍后知道那全是作戏，是在玩弄我，我真恨不得杀了你。你还蠢得在外头流浪，拿我宝贝女儿的性命开玩笑。” 这回他打得特别重，“以后不许再这样了，听见没有，亚历？”他又重重地给了她一巴掌，“你是我老婆，最好表现得像个为人妻的样子。” 再用力赏她一巴掌后，他把她推下大腿，臀部触及地面时她差点没掉眼泪，她眼中泪水弥漫，模糊得什么都看不清。 雷恩站起身，居高临下地瞧着她，“哭够了就回帐里去，”他硬帮帮地命令道，“我要跟你做爱，整得你忘了自己是谁。”说完他便大步离去。 亚历傻愣愣盯着他逐渐远去的背影，好半晌后才闭上嘴巴站起身，哭死了也不愿意错失和他做爱的机会，在两条僵硬的腿所能容许的范围之内，她尽可能地跑步追向雷恩。