by Olivia Rae
A Life Redeemed
Secrets of the Queens
Book 2
Olivia Rae
A Life Redeemed
© Copyright 2021 by Denise Cychosz
ISBN: 978-1-7320457-6-7
All rights reserved. Published by HopeKnight Press
No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission except in case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.
Please Note
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental.
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Table of Contents
A LIFE REDEEMED
Copyright
About the Book
Books by Olivia Rae
Author Note
Acknowledgements
Dedication
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Epilogue
Author Note
Dear Reader
Excerpt from A LIFE RECLAIMED
About the Author
About
A Life Redeemed
Secrets of the Queens, Book 2
When everyone has a different goal, can anyone be trusted?
Upon Queen Elizabeth’s order, Audrey Hayes travels to the lowlands of Scotland to learn where the fierce Laird Armstrong’s loyalties lie. Is he aligned with his mother’s Protestant English roots in support of the queen, or does he hold with the beliefs of his Catholic father, who wishes to see Mary of Scots on the English throne? The fate of Audrey’s family rests on her success in finding the answer.
After losing his lands in a wager, betrayed at every turn, Gavin Armstrong entered a loveless marriage to obtain the funds to buy back his family home, Warring Tower. Now a widower, struggling against countless border wars, he is on the verge of losing his home and lands again. With few resources, he reluctantly makes another risky wager, one he cannot hope to win without trusting the mysterious Audrey Hayes, a woman he suspects is more than she pretends to be.
As the two work together, their attraction to one another grows. But when Audrey finally gains the information she seeks, she realizes that the only way she can save her family is to betray the man she loves.
Books by Olivia Rae
The Sword and the Cross Chronicles
Salvation
Revelation
Redemption
Resurrection
Adoration
Devotion
Contemporary Inspirational
Joshua’s Prayer
Secrets of the Queens
A Life Renewed
A life Redeemed
Coming Soon!
A Life Reclaimed
(Book 3, Secrets of the Queens)
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Author Note
Researching for a historical novel is always a challenge. What one historian may believe to be historical fact another might not. In A Life Redeemed, I used the term Moss-troopers. Though historical records show the term did not appear in print until the mid-17th century, it was in fact, like many words, used verbally well before it was written. I have it on good authority that many 16th century reivers were indeed called Moss-troopers. Thus is why I chose to use the term in my book.
The borderlands were very lawless during this historical period. Often goods and livestock were stolen from one border family to feed another. This was most common among English and Scottish families. As the situation became worse, wardens, deputies, keepers, captains, land sergeants, and troopers on both sides instituted Truce Days. On these days English and Scots would come together in order to ‘keep the wild people of the Marches in order.’ These days were originally made to bring about peace between the English and the Scots, but in time they became days of rowdy fun. Though they did not have such organized feats as I have in A Life Redeemed, they did have wrestling matches and other feats of strength. I recommend The Border Reivers by Keith Durham, if you would like to learn more.
Finally, any other historical inaccuracies are mine alone. They were used to give flavor and dimension to the story, and are not meant to give offense.
Acknowledgements
Special thanks goes to Jody Allen, Scottish historical expert extraordinaire. All your historical knowledge has made this a far better book. Words cannot express my gratitude for the hours you spent educating me on all things Scottish. You are like an angel sent from heaven.
For Yutong,
Welcome to the family. You are deeply loved.
And to the glory of God
Chapter One
March 1559
Outside of London
The crisp spring air entered Audrey’s lungs and lifted her spirits. So fresh compared to the foul stench found in London. Even the brown earth had given up its winter chill; delicate wildflowers were starting to dot the meadows. She chuckled as birds flitted and fluttered from tree to tree and branch to branch. Now she was like them, free from the bonds of Queen Mary’s court. Thankfully, the new Queen Elizabeth did not want Mary’s ladies tending to her needs. God had been merciful and returned her to her family.
Her family. That wasn’t exactly true. A tinge of sadness entered her heart and troubled her thoughts, chasing away her jolly mood. Her mother was here, but her father had died over a year ago. Born a merchant, he could not fathom working the land; nevertheless, that became his life since his release from debtors’ prison. Now he was gone and her brother Asher, who had bought the land and built this fine cottage, was living somewhere in a distant eastern country with his wife. Though he promised to return someday, Audrey knew she would never see him again. She shook off the melancholy thought; he deserved to be happy for he had paid his dues to Queen Mary, and now he too was free of her. Audrey pulled a shawl tight around her shoulders to ward off the morning’s brisk wind before she picked up the basket at her feet. She strode down the hill to where her stepfather and stepbrother had begun to plow the fields. Neither stopped to give her a look, so intent they were at their task. “’Bout time ye got here, girl,” her stepfather chided. “Place the basket on yonder rock and we will eat when this row is done.”
Her stepbrother Jacob gazed longingly at the basket but did not gainsay his father. At six and ten, you would think he would have grown a backbone, but no, he wa
s as weak as the rest living at the cottage.
“What ye standin’ like a limp saplin’? Do as I say and then fetch us a cool drink from the river.” Her stepfather spat on the ground before putting his shoulder to the plow.
Audrey shook her head and stared at his round back as he struggled on. The man never had a pleasant word. Truly, what prompted her mother to marry such a person? Leaving the basket, Audrey picked up the empty jug her stepfather and Jacob had discarded. What freedom was this, doing the same thing over and over every morn? ’Twas not much different than attending to Queen Mary’s needs.
With a heavy sigh, Audrey made her way to the river. Her brooding would serve no purpose. She had a roof over her head and food in her belly, what matter if the tasks were mundane and the company chafed? Things could be far worse. “At least I am far away from the deadly games of the court.”
“Agreed. They can be bad.” A crow cawed and flew away when a woman wearing a black cloak and heavily veiled stepped out of the foliage.
The hairs on Audrey’s neck rose as a band of men dressed like peasants but carrying swords common with the royal guard circled around her. She straightened her spine. “What do you want? I have no coin or goods except this empty jug. If you think it is of worth, then it is yours.” Her heart racing, Audrey hefted the jug above her head and threw it at the woman, who deftly stepped out of the way. The jug hit a rock, fracturing into pieces, shattering her confidence as well. The guard charged forward while Audrey dodged left, desperately seeking an escape route.
“Stop.” The cloaked woman waved a dark-gloved hand in the air. “Cannot you see? You are scaring the girl.”
The men halted, not taking a step closer nor retreating. Audrey’s feet stalled. How fast would it take Jacob to come if she called out? But what would his presence do against these armed men?
The veiled woman moved to the edge of the circle and held out her hand. “Come walk with me. I promise no harm will befall you.”
Audrey folded her arms across her chest. “Nay. I shall not. You wish me ill. There is nothing I can give you. Leave me be.”
The woman huffed. “Good heavens. If I wanted you dead, you would not be drawing breath. I just wish to have a private word with you.”
This woman was not a leader of a band of thieves. No indeed. Her speech was that of a lady’s. Her gait and straight back bespoke of noble breeding. There had been many such women at court. Why this one would create such an elaborate disguise was a bafflement. Unfortunately, the curse of being curious was starting to get the better of Audrey. “What do we have to talk about?”
“Why, your family, of course.”
The lady knew how to set a hook. “My past family or my present one?”
The woman laughed. “Come walk with me and find out. The others will stay here.”
One of the men rushed forward, clutching his sword in a tight fist. “But my—”
“Stay here and say not another word.” The woman then motioned to Audrey. “There is a smooth path up ahead. Let us take a stroll.”
A circle of men formed around her. What choice did she really have? The woman was going to have her way. Besides, it would be easier to escape one female than a band of armed cutthroats. Audrey acquiesced with a quick nod.
Her mind racing, she walked on in silence surveying the woods around her, wondering if there were other hidden attackers. Her feet stomped on the dirt path. Could she strike the woman before she alerted her men?
“So, tell me, have you heard much from your brother recently?” The woman did not break her stride and carried on as if they had been acquaintances for some time.
Audrey’s stomach toppled and rolled over. This was about Asher. Being a spy for the late Queen Mary, who else lived a life of such intrigue? To steady her jumbled thoughts, Audrey took a deep breath. “Mistress, I have not seen my brother in years, and I rarely receive word from him. I cannot help you find him for I know not where he is.”
The path widened to a small opening; rays of sunlight filtered through the leafy canopy. Hardy wildflowers peeked between the lush green foliage. The woman stopped and sat down on a large boulder that graced the side of the path. “Where he is does not concern me. That is not why I have sought you out.”
With slim hands, the woman raised her veil. ’Twas a face Audrey had seen only once before she left court. Her blood turned to ice. She curtsied deep and reverently. “Your Majesty.”
A layer of fine sweat rested on Queen Elizabeth’s pronounced cheekbones. A brightness shone in her brilliant brown eyes. She seemed so much wiser than a woman of five and twenty. “Hush. Do not use such titles here. And do stand up straight. Do you wish to alert the whole of England where I am?”
They were alone on a forest path with no one present except for a few twittering birds and a rabbit or two. “Your…um… What could you possibly want with me, if not to seek out my brother?” Audrey wiped her sweaty hands on her skirt, knowing her bold words might send her to the Tower.
“I know you were one of my sister’s ladies. And I know you were one of the first to leave court after she died. So eager you were to return to your family. But what I do not know is are you as astute as your brother?”
A small creature rustled in the thickness of last year’s leaves that covered the forest floor. Perspiration slithered down Audrey’s back. Oh, how she wished she could as easily slip away. “I do not know what you mean.”
“Come, come. We both know he was a spy who helped my sister root out Protestants. I hear he was considerably sneaky and crafty, but all that changed a few years back. He just up and left with my sister’s blessing. I thought nothing of it until I came across some of Mary’s scribblings. My, my, they were a busy pair—my sister and your brother.”
What she spoke of was a mystery to Audrey. Uneasiness knotted her shoulders. One thing she did learn at court: If a royal fumed, best to keep silent. She dropped her gaze to her feet and clenched her jaw.
“But none of that matters now. What I want to know is do you have the same talents as he?”
“Talents? What talents do you mean?”
Queen Elizabeth rose and put her hands on her hips. “Are you dull, or are you being shrewd?”
Audrey’s hands curled into fists, and she fought not to glare at her queen.
“I think you are the latter. Do not think I hold that against you. Before I became queen, there was many a time I had to hold my tongue and play the dull maid in order to keep my head upon my neck.”
Audrey lifted her chin and saw a merry twinkle in the queen’s eye. The royal just nodded.
“You and I are not that different. Our survival is due to our wits.” The queen circled the clearing and seemed to be distracted by a wren’s sweet song. But then she leveled Audrey with a sharp eye. “Are you happy here, living as a peasant?”
A wave of wariness weaved through Audrey’s chest. Surely she was not being summoned back to court? “This is where my family lives.”
Queen Elizabeth sniffed. “Not true.”
“My mother needs me,” Audrey snapped.
“Does she? She has a new husband and three new children. Must be crowded in that little cottage, especially since you are used to the comforts at court.”
A cool breeze swept up Audrey’s back, sending a shiver to her spine. The queen must have had her spies about to know so much. Whatever she wanted, Audrey refused to be trapped in a royal cage again. “What would a Protestant queen want with a maid of the True Faith at court?”
“Shush, girl. Keep your voice down.” Queen Elizabeth’s gaze darted around the forest. “Good heavens, the last thing I want is a papist around me. I have enough of those lurking about already.”
The unease that had whirled around Audrey’s insides receded like a wave at low tide. “Then why do you seek me out?”
The queen let out a heavy sigh and sat upon the boulder once again. She glanced upward as if contemplating how to proceed. Settling on her course, she stared at Aud
rey. “I told you of my sister’s writings. They were most disturbing. One in particular. There is a lord, near the northern English border, who seems to be quite aggressive in his thinking. His English wife has just recently passed away, leaving him with two sons and an aging mother.”
Aggressive? Disquiet began to creep up Audrey’s spine once again. The intrigue and lies of court began to suffocate again. “If all of this just happened, then how could this information be in Queen Mary’s writings? She has been dead for some time.”
Queen Elizabeth glared. “Do not contradict me. Just listen.”
Audrey rolled her tongue in her mouth and tightened her lips. She was never good at being silent before her betters. “Forgive me, Your—”
The queen cleared her throat. “This man, Gavin Armstrong of Warring, a lesser laird, has an interesting heritage. He has an English mother who clings to the Reformed Faith and a Scottish father who, when he was alive, claimed to accept of his wife’s beliefs.” The queen’s skeptical tone relayed a different thinking. She rose and strolled around the boulder. “I came to the throne with the goal to be tolerant of those who practiced the Roman faith, but there are some who still do not view me as a legitimate queen and the head of England.”