Abigail couldn't contain the hurt and anger she felt. She hardly slept that night. The image of that woman wrapped around Mikhail in such a loving embrace haunted her dreams. Haunted her thoughts as she prepared herself for the morning.
It still amazed her that although the buildings were very Tudor like, the clothing was definitely medieval. Smiling to herself she touched the vial that held the feathers.
Why had he given this to her if he was in love with someone else. She still didn't know the identity of the woman, but she was also an angel, though her wings were not as large and extravagant as Mikhail's. A soft knock sounded on the door. She turned to see Peter standing in a beautiful yellow tunic, highlighting the darkness of his hair, and black breeches. He smiled shyly and presented his arm to Abigail.
"It is time to break your fast Abby." Abigail hugged the small boy to her. Peter seemed even livelier than usual; perhaps it was because he had returned to his home, she couldn't help but feel jealousy at how easily he fit in. They descended the stairs, and arrived at the dining hall. Many of the maids were still scurrying around bringing dishes upon dishes of food.
"Presenting Princess Abigail." A large boisterous man announced. Everyone paused, and turned to the young woman before them. Dressed in a royal blue bliaut, that hugged her curves, and thin gold belt that fell on her hips. Although she was not beautiful, there was a alluring aura that surrounded her.
The women curtsied and the men bowed as Peter led her to a chair.
"Lord Mikhail will be down soon." Peter whispered, also seating himself. Abigail felt her chest tighten as the woman from yesterday appeared. Dressed once again in breeches and a tunic.
Instead of the welcoming she would have thought for a noble, no one seemed to pay her any heed, in fact many skittered away as if in fear. A young maid, almost tripped over her own feet as the woman approached the table. The woman unfazed blew her a kiss and gave her a wink.
"Good morning Abigail." The voice was warm, and strangely erotic. Quite deep, it seemed to vibrate though Abigail's body.
"Good morning...umm." Abigail clamoured for a name.
"Please call me Gabby." The woman giggled, helping herself to the bread on the table. Her wings continually beating the air, as if impatient to get away.
"Presenting Prince Mikhail." The hall hushed as Mikhail arrived in the hall. He seemed tired and worn, yet cracked a smile as every one stiffly bowed.
"Please, Thomas, there is no need for announcements, I believe many people do not want to be reminded of my presence." Although he laughed at his own words. Abigail could see the sadness in his eyes.
Instead of seating himself near her, he reached for a piece of fruit, gave her a nod of acknowledgment and moved to where Gabby sat. Their heads bowed in deep conversation. Many times during that long agonising breakfast, she caught Gabby's eye, or her hand resting on Mikhail's.
She had never felt so alone in her life, and a part of her wanted to leave this place, to go home where there was some semblance of warmth.
"Milady." Abigail jumped, she hadn't even realised that she had been sitting there lost in space. Hamlet stood beside her, sending dirty looks towards the blonde haired goddess.
"There is someone to see you milady, your own personal guard." Abigail gave Hamlet a slight nod and excused herself from the table. Though no-one even seemed to realise her departure. ...
"This is Jonas, my son." Abigail stared at the six foot eight man in wonder. Dark hair highlighted by brown brushed his shoulders, and light blue eyes assessed his new charge.
"Milady." He growled taking her hand and kissing it. Abigail blushed. she rarely got any attention from the opposite sex, and with Mikhail being so cold towards her, she relished the attention.
"I didn't realise I needed a personal guard." Abigail confessed, as Hamlet and Jonas walked her around the grounds of the castle.
"Until you find a husband then you will. Jonas is here to protect you. Kryta is a very prosperous kingdom; many would want to conquer it." Abigail nodded her head in understanding.
As for her cousin Jibril she was yet to see him, and believed that he had left the kingdom upon hearing of her arrival, yet she would have loved to meet him.
"I think I will allow you to get better acquainted." Hamlet smiled before leaving them. They walked slowly and talked about trivial things, until Jonas pointed out the chain around her neck.
"You are promised to an angel I see." Abigail's head snapped up, she had been watching the interaction between Gabby and Mikhail who were in the doorway discussing something, and many times she could see Mikhail trying to pull away.
"How do you know this?" Abigail asked, walking to a small grove of trees, hoping to hide herself. Jonas pulled back his shirt and revealed what seemed to be an intricate tattoo over his heart.
"This is the binding mark. Once you and your angel mate, you receive this. When it disappears." His face fell, the thought troubled him some, and she could tell that he must love his partner very much.
"God would regret taking Misha from me; Misha and my daughters mean everything to me." Abigail was shocked by the love she saw in his eyes. She wished Mikhail would look upon her like that.
Abigail took out the necklace for Jonas to inspect.
"By the heavens, you are Mikhail's mate." His tanned skin paled at the thought.
