CHAPTER EIGHTY NINE

Before I can continue, I need a few moments to collect my thoughts and proceed.

I was finally allowed to talk to Lady Leanor when I told her that Lord Lothaire had brought me here and that he had made me one of his slaves.

"Did he cause you any pain?

"Aric's mother questioned with sadness and anxiety on her face.

I could not stop the tears from falling as I said, "Yes, ma'am," but "in ways, I wish I could forget."

Lady Leanor groaned as she took another sip from her cup and remarked, "He was a dreadful beast."

I nodded in agreement as I wiped my cheeks and said, "Yes, he was."

When I looked up, I sniffed and said, "You know, I always wondered how a guy as violent as your father could have a kid as great as Aric, and I think I know the answer."

"He had you," I said as I stood up and maneuvered my way across the cramped room to embrace the other woman. "Thank you."

She was perplexed as she questioned, "For what?"

I conveyed it to her while gazing down at her and saying, "for your compas