Chapter 32: A Baron Spurned

“Wassa,” Saffron said and took a small step back, surprised to see her guardian here. Wassa rarely stepped into the apothecary. “How did you know…”
Wassa waved her hand, cutting off Saffron’s question. “I was alerted by a guard that someone was breaking into my property,” she replied with a sneer. Her face would be pretty if it didn’t have a perpetual scowl, Saffron thought as she stared at her. “So, I came to see. I figured it would have to be you. Who else would break in here?” she glared around the small room.
“I just came for a few supplies and now I will be on my way,” Saffron replied and tried to walk past Wassa, who gripped her elbow as she passed.
“Tread carefully. The Baron is none too pleased that you ran away from your marriage. It would be a pity if someone told him that you were back.” Wassa hissed.
Saffron’s stomach filled with ice. “You wouldn’t.”
“Oh, I would. You made me look like a fool! I had arranged that marriage to improve both of our stations and yet you run off with some vagabond!”
Saffron snorted. “Is that what the Baron said?”
Her brown eyes were suspicious as they studied Saffron’s face. “He did. Who else would run off with you?” she asked, her voice dripping with condescension. Saffron smirked.
“Prince Elric of Runswick, actually. He’s not in line for the crown but certainly a step above vagabond, I would say,” she retorted and enjoyed watching the disbelief and anger war across Wassa’s pinched visage.
“No, you’re lying,” she spat, her fingers still dug into Saffron’s arm.
“Believe what you’d like. I need to go to the market before I leave. I will excuse myself,” Saffron said and ripped her arm from Wassa’s grip and stalked out of the shop, not sparing the building a backward glance.
####
Elric watched as Saffron stormed from the apothecary and angrily jumped astride her horse. Knowing she was safe, he melted back into the trees and watched as she continued into the center of the town.
####
People had begun to filter into the street as the market opened its stall doors. Saffron wandered amongst the townspeople, her cloak pulled over her head to shield her face. No one paid her any mind. They were too busy with their own purchases. The bag of gold clinked against her waist as she purchased a variety of vegetables and bread. She was debating between two different cuts of meat when a hand clamped on her wrist.
She looked up into the eyes of Abbington Holt. “Hello, darling,” he said with a wicked sneer. His fingers dug into her shoulder as he hauled her from the market. Her bag fell to the ground, its contents tumbling across the dirt.
####
Elric knew something bad would happen to her. She drew danger to her as honey did flies. He cursed that he hadn’t his sword with him. Instead, he only had the makeshift cane Saffron had made him. It would have to do, he thought as he hefted its weight in his hand and followed her as she was dragged from the marketplace.
####
Saffron squirmed in his iron fist but he held fast. She knew she would be bruised but she had a feeling that a bruise was going to be the least of her worries. She wished she could reach her dagger but Abbington had her arm twisted painfully behind her back. He was apparently no longer worried about leaving marks. She wondered what horrors he could have in store for her as he marched her towards the barn.
####
Elric stalked behind the party, his aches and pains forgotten as his anger grew watching the Baron shove Saffron towards the barn. Elric had seen what the Baron had planned on doing to Saffron before. He would not let him get nearly that close this time. With the crutch gripped tightly in his hand, he approached the barn.
####
“So, grow tired of your useless prince already?” Abbington spat as he tossed Saffron to the ground. She stumbled and hit her back against the whipping pole with a sickening crack. The room swam before her eyes. She looked up as Abbington crouched before her.
“It was very rude of you to leave just a mere week before our wedding. I was none too happy to have that royal brat step into something that was none of his concern. What I do with my property is my business and mine alone,” he said and reached out to caress her face, his hand lowering to her neck. She cowered away from his revolting touch. He sneered at her disgust.
“Well he isn’t here now, is he? But do you know who is here, darling? I am. Your rightful husband.”
“I’ll never marry you!” Saffron yelled and glared at him, her vision still swimming. He chuckled loudly.
“I don’t see that you have a choice. We will be married tomorrow! I think some time here will help improve your mood for the ceremony tomorrow,” he replied quietly, an evil smile snaking across his face.
“Close the door. I’m going to spend some time with my soon to be bride,” Abbington commanded to his men. As the doors closed, sealing off sunlight, Saffron screamed.