The Duke's Bride

[Countess Elaina Moorwood]

"Siegfried the bone is pressing agents your skin if we don't fix it now you won't walk again! You need you legs more than I need a few crowns. We're going to a doctor and that's an order from your lady!"

[Siegfried]

Siefgried winces. "It is not your responsibility, lady..."

[Countess Elaina Moorwood]

" nonsense you are my responsibility Siegfried and on top of that you are the closest thing to a friend I have here. You're seeing the doctor even if I have to carry you down this mountain myself. Now do I have to carry you on my back like the child you're acting like or shall I ride to town after putting you to bed?"

[Siegfried]

"Closest thing-- we just met this afternoon, my lady! I am only a servant here, not a confidant. But I shall acquiesce." He winces, struggling to get up onto his good foot. 

[Countess Elaina Moorwood]

I smile helping him to his cot. I wonder if he's forgotten, I suppose he has, though I hadn't taken a name yet so he may not know the girl who used to bake tea cakes and sing to him grew into a countess. Still even if he is just a servant he will be my friend. Anyone who had put up with lance for six years disperses a medal!

I find two horses in the stable and saddle one before riding into the gathering dark to find a doctor.
"Doctor come quickly. We need you at once. My husband is ill and his butler has broken his leg. There's gold if you come now." The doctor nods and collects his things.

The clocks tricks eight as we renter the castle. "Forgive the mess we've only just come back to it" I lie.  I lead him first to Siegfried. "He's in here." I weight nervously outside until he comes back out. "How is he"
"He will need to keep off it for a two months and then light duty until he feels well enough to walk on it." I nodd and lead him up satires.
"Now doctor my husband dose not know I've called you. He's been lost to grief for years now and well... I was hoping you might be able to help" I look at him pleadingly "I will try my lad" he says

I take a breath and nock on lances door. "My love the doctors here. Siegfried has been hurt, he'd like to talk to you about his condition.

[Lance Roidmet]

The door pushes open under her hand, giving her her first glimpse of Lance as an adult. 

The first thing she notices is the massive set of four scars across his back; they shine in the light, destroying the otherwise pleasingly clean lines of his frame. His back muscles are clearly defined, and as he does a pull-up with his back to the door, she can see his arms are likewise clearly defined with muscle. He's wearing only linen trousers, his feet bare, as he exercises, seemingly oblivious to her entrance. His red hair hangs long and wild down his back, giving him an untamed, wild look to him even from behind. 

Then he hears the doctor clear his throat. He drops to the ground and turns, in a crouch, startled and wary. When his eyes fall upon the doctor and his lady, he straightens, his eyes narrowing in anger. "Leave," he says, his voice cold, dark. "Leave me to my privacy. You are not welcome here."

[Countess Elaina Moorwood]

"Lance Siegfried has been injured the doctor need to speak with you on his condition." I say gently "I know you don't like to be disturbed while training but this is important. Please doctor tell us of his condition" I stare down my husband daring him to challenge me.

[Lance Roidmet]

As the doctor begins to speak, Lance cuts him off with a gesture, then points a large hand at Elaine. "You are not welcome here. Leave my chambers at once."

[Countess Elaina Moorwood]

"I'll wait outside then." I say curtsying slightly before showing myself out.

[Doctor jones]

I nod as the lady leaves what a truly strange cupple.
"Now my lord, your man had broken his ankle. He will be off it for six months. It has been splinted and with luck he will walk normally once it's healed. Her lady ship refused amputation opting for modern medicine. Should you wish the more traditional rout that can still be done. The choice is yours my lord."

[Lance Roidmet]

"I perfer him able to walk," says Lance with a scowl. What the hell has that man gotten himself in to? No matter. It seems to be resolved. So why is he bothering me? Oh. 

"He will pay you on your way out."

[Doctor jones]

"I am not concerned with that my lord" I say giving a small bow, "I am however concerned for my second patent." I take a breath to steady myself, "my lord your wife..... what can you tell me of her?"

[Doctor jones]

It's a cheep bluff but I can't help but hope that with it he will speak to me allowing me a chance to better assess him

[Lance Roidmet]

"Nothing. I have no wife." Lance's voice is cold and stern. "This woman appeared today demanding entry to my home."

[Doctor jones]

"My lord I am firmilar with both your families please do not insult my intellect. Sir she is unwell, it is her worry over you that worsens her condition. Please my lord I beg you to find some kindness for her lest she take ill again!l