by Alexa Aston
Michael gazed at the broken woman on the ground. Her lips moved, but no words came out. Their eyes met. In them, he saw relief. Michael realized she would be glad to escape her marriage to this monster and the frequent punishments he doled out for imagined offenses.
As their eyes remained locked, Michael hoped his mother understood what was in his heart. That he loved her. That no matter what his father said, her son would someday find her.
And when he became the Earl of Sandbourne, Michael would bring her home and reinstate her to the position of honor she so richly deserved after all of her suffering.
Michael ran and kissed her swelling cheek before the earl could stop him. He then drew himself up and latched on to Tempest’s mane. He willed himself to leap upon the horse bareback and surprised himself when he realized he sat atop the beast.
Looking down at his father, he declared, “You are a stranger to me and no longer my father. You’ve never called me by name. I have no love for you. I will never forgive you for what you’ve done this day. I’ll never set foot on Sandbourne land again until your body lies cold and rotting in the ground.”
Before the earl could stop him, Michael spurred Tempest on with a swift kick. The Earl of Sandbourne jumped aside. Michael hung on for dear life as he steered the horse out of the stables and galloped away from his home.
To a new future.
Chapter 1
Kinwick Castle—1365
Merryn de Montfort took her fifteen-month-old son from Tilda and smiled as he babbled some nonsense. Knowing he had her attention, Hal then blew a bubble and laughed heartily. He was a sunny child and reminded her of how Geoffrey had been as a young boy, full of good cheer and light.
“He looks more like your brother, Hugh, every day, my lady,” the servant said. “I should know. I cared for Hugh from the day he arrived.” She paused and grinned at the babe. “I do see a bit of you in Hal, as well. You and Master Hugh looked fairly alike till you turned two. Then you went your own separate ways in your looks.”
Merryn laughed. “That’s nonsense, Tilda. Hal resembles his father. Look around his eyes. And his mouth. He is Geoffrey made over, from his coloring to his dark hair.”
The woman shook her head sagely in disagreement. “The little lord has the Mantel family mouth, my lady. Of that, I’m certain.”
Merryn bounced Hal slightly, causing his eyes to go wide before he giggled. No matter what her longtime servant said, she believed her boy would grow up to look like his father. Already, Hal reminded her of Ancel at that age. At almost eight years of age now, Ancel strongly favored Geoffrey.
She was happy Ancel would soon come home for his summer visit. Even though he fostered at Winterbourne, the adjoining estate to Kinwick, Merryn missed seeing her eldest son on a daily basis. She was grateful she and Geoffrey often received invitations from Hardie and Johamma to visit Winterbourne and catch a glimpse of Ancel performing his duties as a page to the earl. Even so, it surprised Merryn how much her sweet boy had grown in the past year.
“My lady! They’ve been sighted. They’re coming through the gate,” a servant informed her.
Joy filled Merryn’s heart as she hurried from the solar and down the staircase. She took care not to jostle Hal too much. While she missed Ancel, as any mother would, she ached every day from the pain brought by the separation from her daughter, Alys, who fostered with the queen at the royal court. For the first seven years of life, her oldest child had been her mother’s shadow. Alys aided Merryn in growing and picking herbs and had all the makings of a future healer. In fact, the girl proved more knowledgeable than Merryn at the same age. Since Alys lived in London, Merryn hadn’t seen her only daughter since the Christmas season. The bond between them was strong and she missed Alys more than words could explain.
Now, her daughter would remain at Kinwick for a longer period since she was not expected at her young age to go with the royal court on its entire summer progress. Merryn couldn’t wait for Alys to see how much Hal had changed in the last few months.
Catching sight of Geoffrey astride Mystery, peace washed over Merryn. Her husband was the best part of her world. She was happy to have Geoffrey home after he’d been on the road this past week. He’d been back at Kinwick two years now after their long separation and she loved him more with each passing day. He galloped across the inner bailey, a broad smile on his face as he spotted her. She blew him a kiss—and couldn’t wait for his lips to be against hers in a real one.
Other knights in the escort party followed closely behind him. Merryn spied Alys, sitting in front of Sir Michael Devereux. The knight had only been at Kinwick a year now, but he proved to be one of her favorites. His loyalty was beyond question and he had a way with all of the children on the estate. Hal seemed drawn to Michael like a moth to a flame and she had watched the two playing in front of the fire in the great hall many nights. Merryn wished that Michael would find a wife, for he would make a perfect father. Mayhap, she should begin to think of a woman to place in his path that would suit him.
She raised a hand in greeting, catching her daughter’s eye.
“Mother!” Alys cried, waving her dainty hand back and forth.
She smiled as Michael lowered her daughter to the ground. Alys took off running up the stone stairs leading up to the keep. Merryn watched her approach and returned the girl’s smile. Merryn could already see the budding beauty within Alys. One day she would steal men’s hearts.
Alys reached the top of the stairs and clung to her mother for a moment. They both shed tears of happiness at being together again. Hal began squirming in her arms, trying to get a glimpse of his sister.
“Oh, Mother.” Alys stroked the babe’s cheek. “He has grown into a little man.”
Merryn laughed. “He was barely toddling about when you were here at Christmas time. And now we have to watch him every minute of the day. He is faster than a comet streaking across the night sky.”
Alys held out her arms. “Hello, little brother.” She took the child and ruffled his dark hair. “Do you remember me? I’m your sister. The eldest child. Never forget that.”
Merryn laughed. “’Tis a good thing Ancel is not here. He hates it when you mention that. He should return from Winterbourne in time for the noon meal tomorrow.”
The girl sniffed. “Well, I am the firstborn. I arrived a good minute before Ancel did. I’ll always be the oldest de Montfort child.” Her eyes twinkled. “And I shall never let either brother forget it.”
Merryn found herself spun around and in Geoffrey’s arms. He pressed his mouth to hers in a lingering kiss. As always, just a simple touch from her husband melted her bones to liquid. Breaking the kiss, he gazed at her with love before brushing his lips tenderly against her forehead. Her husband always made her feel treasured.
Then he reached and snatched Hal from Alys’ arms. “How’s my boy?” He tossed the babe into the air and caught him. Hal squealed in delight. Geoffrey repeated the gesture several times before setting Hal on his feet. Hal bolted toward the doors where Tilda stood with a slice of cheese, his current favorite food.
Geoffrey put an arm about Merryn and Alys and drew them close. “I’m glad to be at Kinwick, once again, with my two girls.”
“I’m a young lady, Father,” Alys sternly reminded him. “The queen says so.”
He laughed. “Far be it from me to disregard what Queen Philippa has said.” Geoffrey squeezed both of them again. “Come, let’s go inside. I know your mother wants to hear all about your time at court.”
They bypassed the great hall and headed upstairs. Alys stopped at her bedchamber to wash and change her clothes, promising she would hurry. Merryn and Geoffrey continued on to the solar, where he did the same. Though she couldn’t wait to hear what news Alys brought, Merryn felt a pang of regret as her husband doffed his clothes and changed into new ones. She wished they had some time to themselves.
“I see how you’re looking at me, Wife,” Geoffrey teased. He pulled his gypon
over his head and laced it before drawing the rust cotehardie over it. “You wish to worship my body.”
Merryn placed her palm on his chest and felt his heart jump. “Mayhap you can worship mine later this evening, my lord,” she said saucily.
He yanked her close for a searing, possessive kiss. Much too short but ever so sweet. Then released her.
“Alys already chides us for all the kissing we do. I suppose we’ll need to behave ourselves.” He winked. “At least for now.”
The door flew open at that moment. Alys entered with a parchment in her hand.
“A missive has come. Tilda said the messenger was given something to eat. He told Tilda that he’s to wait for a reply.” Alys handed it to her father, curiosity written across her face.
“Hmm. ’Tis addressed to Lord and Lady de Montfort in a hand I don’t recognize.” Geoffrey seated himself at the table and broke the seal.
Merryn came and placed her hands on his shoulders and peeked at the writing. She read:
To my dearest brother Geoffrey and his wife, Merryn –
It’s been far too long since we have seen one another, Brother. I know being a dozen years older than you meant that we never spent much time together, yet I still remember your sweet, mischievous face to this day. Having lived far in the north till a year ago has made us strangers in this life, but I wish to remedy that.
I have remarried at the king’s command and now reside at Hopeston Castle, only two days’ ride from Kinwick. My fondest desire is for you to come and meet your nieces, Elysande and Avelyn. Elysande, my older girl, is to be married in a week’s time. I hope you’ll choose to attend so she can meet her uncle and aunt and her cousins—if you’ve been blessed with children.
Please come as soon as you can, Geoffrey. I’m sorry we lost touch for so many years. I would have us spend some time together as a family before the wedding. Elysande, as I was, will become a bride to a man from the north. This might be the only chance for you to meet her.
I pray I’ll see you soon, Geoffrey. My best to you and yours.
Love,
Your sister, Mary
“This is a surprise,” Geoffrey said, looking over his shoulder at Merryn. “I haven’t seen Mary since she married many years ago. When I left to foster with Sir Lovel, she also left home to marry. My other sister, Eloisa, married and went to live in Wales the following year.” He paused, a thoughtful look on his face. “And to think Mary is now close to us.” He rested a hand atop Merryn’s. “What do you say, my love? Shall we attend my niece’s wedding and bring all our children with us so they may discover their cousins?”
“I am anxious to visit Mary.” Merryn grinned. “Who knows? She might have some wonderful stories to share about her baby brother.”
Her husband stroked her hand with his thumb for a moment before he rose. He brought her hand to his lips and kissed it tenderly. “You and Alys should pack, my love. I’m off to let Gilbert know what we’re up to and choose a group of soldiers to accompany us to Hopeston.”
Geoffrey left the solar and hurried down to the training yard, a spring in his step. The thought of reuniting with his older sister after so long a time and introducing Mary to his family brought him a great deal of happiness. His family meant everything to him.
Especially after the long years apart from them.
He reached the yard where soldiers dueled in pairs, his captain of the guard watching them compete with a careful eye. Geoffrey joined Gilbert and stood observing silently for a few minutes. It didn’t surprise him to see that Michael Devereux had already joined in the exercises, despite their long trip from London. Michael proved to be one of the most eager knights that had sworn fealty to the de Montforts, and Geoffrey was happy to have the knight’s service for as long as possible.
Michael fought against Hammond, another loyal knight who had been Kinwick’s most talented swordsmen—until a year ago.
Michael Devereux’s arrival had changed that.
Geoffrey watched the men battle one another. Stripped to the waist, the soldiers’ muscles flexed as they waged war. Though both proved swift on their feet, Michael’s movements were a shy more fluid. That gave him the advantage, which he now used to best Hammond. Applause broke out among the soldiers. Many of the pairs had stopped to watch the duel between Kinwick’s best.
“I wish I had a score of men with half their talent,” muttered Gilbert.
Geoffrey smiled at his captain. “You are a master swordsman yourself, Gilbert. You know how I value you and your way of teaching the men.”
Gilbert nodded at the compliment. “Thank you, my lord,” he said gruffly.
“I’ll need ten of the men to accompany me tomorrow for a visit to my sister’s. My niece is to wed in a week’s time, and we’ve been invited to the wedding.”
“Shall I choose which soldiers will make up the escort party?”
“Nay. I will do so myself. Carry on.”
Geoffrey walked toward Michael. Hammond had already gone to the trough and dunked his head in, shaking his hair out.
“Michael? A word?”
The young knight’s laughter stopped as he turned away from his companion’s antics. Seeing his liege lord addressed him, he stood tall. “Aye, my lord?”
“I know we only just arrived from London, but I would like you to lead an escort party to my sister’s home.”
Michael didn’t hide his delight in being asked to be in charge of the guard. He flashed a broad smile. “Of course, Lord Geoffrey. When would you like us to leave? And which knights will go?”
Geoffrey thought a moment. “I have great trust in you, Michael. I will allow you to select the men. Including yourself, I would like a guard of ten to bring myself and my family to Hopeston Castle, which we can reach in two days.”
“When do we leave, my lord?”
“After we break our fast tomorrow.”
Michael grew serious. “Then I will speak to the men at once and make the preparations for our journey.” He paused. “Thank you, my lord, for having faith in my abilities.”
Geoffrey gave the younger knight a fond smile. “You have come a long way since yours days as a page, Michael.”
Michael broke out in a grin. “I have, indeed, my lord. If you’ll excuse me?”
“Of course.”
Geoffrey watched the soldier make his way toward Hammond. After a moment’s conversation, Hammond eagerly nodded in agreement. The two men slapped each other on the back, and Michael went to speak to another knight. Satisfied, Geoffrey turned back toward the keep, ready to spend time in private with his wife.
Chapter 2
Hopeston Castle
“The only explanation I can think of is that you’ve gone mad.” Avelyn fell back onto the bed dramatically, her arms spread wide.
Elysande shook her head at her younger sister’s behavior and sat in a chair next to the bed. She took Avelyn’s hand in hers, knowing their time together drew to a close. She couldn’t imagine a life without her sister in it. They had been as thick as thieves growing up and loved each other as sisters—but more importantly—as friends. Elysande’s head ached thinking she would no longer be able to share everything with Avelyn on a daily basis.
Avelyn sat up. “This is your chance to escape living with the tyrant,” she said, her eyes large. “You cannot stand Lord Holger. You wished Mother had never married him.”
“But she had to,” Elysande pointed out. “King Edward requested the match. No matter how you feel, you don’t say no to the king. Mother had no choice but to marry Lord Holger and bring us south with her.”
“Well, I think you’re lucky. You’ll get away from this dreary place and all of Lord Holger’s bluster. He’s nothing but a fool.” Avelyn sighed. “I wish Papa would have betrothed me to someone as he did you.”
Elysande stroked her sister’s cheek. “He planned to do so. He told me as much. Father worked to have my betrothal contract signed first since I am two years older, and then he wanted to
concentrate on finding a husband for you.” She paused. “He didn’t know how sick he would become or how fast death would occur.”
Avelyn sat up and gave her a hug. “I know. I miss him so very much. He was a good father, but he was also a good man.”
Elysande brushed aside a tear before it fell. “He was, indeed.” She stood and restlessly began to pace their bedchamber. “But as much as I wish to escape from Hopeston, I don’t want to leave you behind.”
“Or the horses.”
Elysande nodded. “Or the horses. Morningstar is due to foal soon. How can I miss that? And yet, in her condition, I can’t take her with me.” She continued roaming aimlessly about the room. “Do you think my new husband will even care? Will he allow me to send for Morningstar and her foal? Or will he allow me to dress like this?”
She glanced down at her man’s clothing, which she wore far more than her smock and kirtle. Then she collapsed upon the bed. “I don’t like to do anything that’s ladylike in nature. I’m going to make a terrible wife.”
Avelyn flopped beside Elysande, her hand resting under her head as she lay on her side. “Maybe Hendry will fall so in love with you that he’ll allow you to dress as a boy. Or should I say a man? You are twenty now.”
Elysande rolled over to her side and faced Avelyn. “I wish I could be feminine like you are. You love pretty clothes. You look good in anything you wear. You enjoy sewing tapestries and mending tunics. I’ve never been good at the womanly arts.”
Avelyn sighed. “I’m still jealous of you. Except for the part where you’ll have to move north to live. I much prefer the milder weather in the south. ’Tis the only good thing that has come from Mother’s new marriage. I wonder when Lord Holger will get around to finding me a husband. Not that he even knows my name. He never calls either of us by name, Elysande. That’s wrong. It’s as if he doesn’t acknowledge that we even exist.”
“Lord Holger is an idiot. He probably can’t remember our names. But Mother will see that he does his duty. She will insist that he find a husband for you.”