by Alexa Aston
Doria went to stand on the opposite side of the bed from the priest. Kenric remained at the foot as Father John opened the vial of consecrated oil. Though Roland’s eyes burned brightly with fever, he said nothing.
“I have come to give you extreme unction, my lord. Through this holy sacrament, the gift of the Holy Spirit is given to you in grace. ’Twill renew your faith in God and give you the strength, peace, and courage to endure these last minutes as death approaches.”
Roland merely glared at the man of God—and then turned his angry gaze upon Kenric.
In that moment, as their eyes met, Kenric absorbed all of the hate his brother hurled at him. Kenric realized that Roland, knowing he was the second born son, had never believed himself worthy or adequate of the role Gussalen thrust him into on the night of the brothers’ birth. Roland had tried to play a part for which he wasn’t destined and still clung to it now, even as he stood at Death’s door.
A peace descended upon Kenric. Roland had merely been a child when Gussalen divulged her dirty secret to him. His twin was a pawn in the game perpetuated by that evil woman. Kenric knew that, despite being denied his birthright, he’d already lived a full, interesting life, one of no regrets and great adventure.
And soon to be one filled with love—with Avelyn.
Father John continued now in Latin. Kenric translated the words in his head as the priest anointed the seven parts of Roland’s body as he spoke.
“Through this holy unction and His own most tender mercy, may the Lord pardon thee whatever sins or faults thou hast committed by sight, by hearing, by smell, by taste, by touch, by walking, by carnal delectation.”
The priest resealed the vial of consecrated oil and set it aside. He placed a hand over Roland’s and said in English, “As a Christian, you must die confessed so that you are absolved of your sins. Ease your burden, my lord, and speak of your sins.”
His twin ignored the priest and focused on Kenric. “You know,” he croaked, his voice sounding rusty with disuse.
“Aye,” Kenric replied.
Roland glanced to Doria, a sneer on his face. “So much for trusting you, my lady.”
“Your sins, my lord,” Father John prompted again. “You go soon to Paradise. Shrug off the mantle of sin and arrive at the gates of Heaven—”
“I’ll never enter those gates, Father,” Roland wheezed. “I’ve lived a life of sin and taken pride in it.”
“But your Heavenly Father forgives all of that, my lord. You have only to admit to wrongdoing and He will welcome you into His loving arms.”
Roland coughed violently. Blood dribbled down his chin, mixed with a black mucus.
Kenric knew that Roland would never admit to the truth. And if he didn’t, Wymund—his son by law—would become the next Earl of Shadowfaire.
He saw the crooked smile cross his brother’s face and knew his guess proved correct. Even as he hovered between life and death, Roland would best him.
The trio hovered over the bed as Roland’s labored breathing finally ceased minutes later. Kenric turned away in disgust and disappointment. He left the bedchamber, frustrated and angry that his brother had the last word.
Doria and Father John joined him. She took Wymund and sat, silently weeping. Avelyn came and wrapped her arms about Kenric.
The priest looked at Doria, shaking his head sadly. “I only worry about my lady and her reputation, not to mention the cloud young Wymund will grow up under, being called a bastard—or worse.”
“If I may speak, Father?” Lord Geoffrey said, turning to Doria. “My lady, I know you don’t wish to stay at Shadowfaire.”
“Nay, my lord. I would be most uncomfortable living here.”
“Then may I offer a suggestion? I’m always in need of good men. I would offer you and Sir Heymon a home at Kinwick. It’s a wonderful place to raise a child. Unless you prefer—”
“Thank you most kindly, Lord Geoffrey. I would speak to Heymon of it, but he will do whatever it takes to make me happy.” She paused. “But how am I to leave Shadowfaire when my son is now its heir and the new earl? I fear I’m forever trapped.”
Geoffrey raised a hand. “I’m sorry to inform you that your infant son caught the same fever your husband had and that neither of them survived. Being heartbroken at these deaths, you have decided to enter a convent. Immediately.”
Kenric understood what Geoffrey de Montfort suggested. He watched understanding dawn on Doria’s face.
“So I would leave Shadowfaire and let its people think I go to a convent—when, instead, I would come to live at Kinwick with my new husband and son?” Her smile lit up the room.
Geoffrey glanced to Kenric. “Is that a suitable plan, my lord?” he asked.
Kenric turned to the priest. “Only if Father John agrees.”
The priest nodded. “I see no harm in this. Lord Kenric is the true Earl of Shadowfaire. This will allow Lady Doria to marry her child’s father and escape to a new life.”
“Then we have much planning to do,” Kenric said, taking charge. He glanced down at Avelyn, his arms still about her. “And my bride-to-be will be my first and best adviser.”
Chapter 27
They arrived in London a day behind schedule due to their sojourn at Shadowfaire. Avelyn tried to calm her nerves, knowing that, in a short while, they would be before the queen. The first person they saw inside the palace was Lord Sewell Talbot, who greeted them with a surprised glance as he gazed at Kenric.
“I didn’t expect to see you here, Sir Kenric. How did my son fare on the road?”
Kenric said, “Drew made the trip an interesting one, my lord. He’s quite a talkative lad. Before I departed Sandbourne, he’d already made a few friends.”
Geoffrey added, “We called at Shadowfaire on our way to London. The earl passed away from a fever and Sir Kenric is now Lord Kenric—the new earl.”
Lord Sewell offered Kenric his hand. “My congratulations.” He glanced over at Avelyn. “Something tells me you will soon have a new countess by your side.”
Avelyn’s cheeks grew warm at his gaze. “If the queen releases me from her service and allows the betrothal, you will be correct, my lord. We have an appointment with her this afternoon.”
“She and the king came back in the best of moods. All went well on their summer progress, especially at the last estate they called upon.” Sewell looked to Geoffrey. “In fact, it was your cousin they visited at Ashcroft, Lord Raynor and his lovely wife, Lady Beatrice.”
Geoffrey laughed. “I knew they planned to stop there. Raynor rode to Kinwick a month before the royal visit and pumped Merryn for information. What their favorite dishes were. The way the king liked his mattress stuffed. I’m glad that Raynor absorbed the cost of a royal stay. I’ve done so multiple times.”
“I wish you good luck in your conversation with the queen,” Sewell told them. “And do not worry. I took care of the other matter.”
Avelyn and Alys returned to the chamber they’d shared during her time at court. Alys called for hot water and helped Avelyn lay out the kirtle and cotehardie she wanted to wear for her audience with the queen. Both were of a dark blue with slashes of lighter blue that brought out the color in Avelyn’s eyes.
She glanced at her bed. Despite Lord Sewell’s assurances, she decided to check for herself. Avelyn ran a hand under the mattress and then lifted it to assure herself the queen’s stolen necklace was no longer in her possession. She also checked her drawers, looking for anything that Sela might have placed in them. Thankfully, she found only her own belongings.
Avelyn washed away the stains of the travel and then Alys helped her to dress. She allowed the girl to brush her hair till it shone and then let her plait it, weaving blue ribbons through it before tying one at the end of the long braid.
“I’m happy you finally found out Lady Sela was up to no good,” her cousin said as she embraced her. “I wouldn’t worry about the queen. She adores Mother and Father.”
Avelyn nodde
d and ventured to the queen’s rooms. During her long walk, she thought how well everything had turned out. They’d stayed for Lord Roland’s funeral mass. The people of Shadowfaire believed his young son buried in his father’s arms, but the healer who had aided Lady Doria had been privy to their plans. She awaited them, along with Sir Heymon, a half-hour from Shadowfaire, tiny Wymund in a basket. The healer returned to the estate, while Heymon and Doria took their young son to Kinwick.
They’d all met with Merryn, sharing the complicated tale with her. She was delighted to take the new family under her wing and sent immediately for Father Dannet. The priest married the couple that very day. Avelyn remembered the love reflected on Heymon’s and Doria’s faces as they waved goodbye to the escort party bound for London. It brought Avelyn a sense of peace.
She arrived and found her uncle and Kenric in conversation with Lady Agnes, the queen’s head lady-in-waiting. Both men had changed clothes, Geoffrey to hunter green and Kenric to dark brown. His hazel eyes appeared greener as he gazed at her in admiration.
“Greetings, Lady Avelyn,” Agnes said. “I was telling your uncle that the queen has decided to take a turn in her gardens. She missed them, as usual, and asked for you to meet her there.”
“I can show you the way,” she told Kenric and Geoffrey, leading them through the Palace of Westminster until they reached the outside.
They continued on to the gardens. Avelyn’s heart began pounding when she spied Queen Philippa seated on a bench, basking in the warm sun.
Geoffrey said to Kenric, “Stay here, my lord. We will call you over if it’s necessary.”
Kenric looked at her and Avelyn’s confidence soared. He winked at her, causing her heart to skip a beat.
“Are you ready?” Geoffrey offered her his arm and they went to meet the queen.
It surprised Avelyn that she sat alone. Usually, many ladies-in-waiting hovered nearby. They approached her and Geoffrey discreetly cleared his throat.
The queen opened her eyes and awarded them with a gracious smile. Geoffrey bowed to her while Avelyn made her curtsey.
“Rise. Take a seat. Lady Avelyn, sit next to me. Lord Geoffrey, you may sit there.” She indicated another bench to her right.
They did as she requested.
“I must say you look younger than when I last saw you, your highness. The country air has done you good this summer.”
Philippa bit back a smile. “You’ve never been a flatterer, Geoffrey de Montfort. It’s one of the reasons I actually like you.”
Geoffrey smiled. “I only tell the truth, your grace.”
“And I shall do the same.” She turned to Avelyn. “Did your sister have her child?”
“Aye, a fine boy named David, your grace. Everyone at Sandbourne has fallen madly in love with him.”
The queen smiled. “Children have a way of doing so. Did you enjoy your visit? You seem older to me. More confident.”
Avelyn swallowed. “While I enjoyed being in your service, I’ve realized how much I love the country.”
“You’ve fallen in love, I’d daresay.” The queen studied her. “I know that glow.” She looked around. “I suppose that handsome young nobleman standing over there is the reason for it?”
“Aye, your grace,” Avelyn admitted. “He is Lord Kenric Fairfax, Earl of Shadowfaire.”
“Hmm.” Philippa eyed Kenric carefully and then motioned him over.
Avelyn watched Kenric come toward them and her heart almost burst with love.
He bowed low to the queen.
“Have a seat, young man,” she ordered brusquely.
Kenric sat next to Geoffrey.
“So, Lord Geoffrey, I believe you’re here to tell me I no longer have to hunt for the perfect match for your niece.”
“That’s correct, your majesty.”
“Even though I thought I’d found the ideal man for Lady Avelyn.”
Panic swelled through her. Her nails dug into her palms.
The queen laid a hand atop Avelyn’s. “Never fear, my dear. No contract has been drawn up. I haven’t even spoken to this man. If you remember, I told you we’d speak again when you returned to court.” She looked from Avelyn to Kenric and back again.
“Lord Geoffrey, as head of the de Montfort family, you have the final decision in the suitability of this match. I yield to any decision you make.”
Her uncle smiled. “I believe that Lord Kenric and Lady Avelyn are meant to wed,” he explained. “They are a love match.”
The queen’s eyebrows rose. She looked at Avelyn. “You told me this was the practice in your family. I’ve seen it with your uncle and Lady Merryn. And I visited with Lord Geoffrey’s cousin, Raynor, and his wife, Beatrice, recently.”
“And my sister Elysande and Lord Michael are also a love match, your grace,” Avelyn added. She shrugged sheepishly. “I suppose it runs in our family.”
The queen looked to Geoffrey. “Lady Merryn also approves of this coupling?”
“Wholeheartedly, your grace.”
“Then I suppose we cannot stand in the way of true love.” She rose and the three of them followed suit. “I offer my congratulations to this happiest of couples, for I see in your eyes a love that shines. May you enjoy as many years together as the king and I have, and may your union be blessed with many, many children.”
They thanked the queen, who then said, “Lord Geoffrey, the king asked that I bring you to his chambers when we finished our conversation.”
“That would be most agreeable, your grace,” Geoffrey said.
“And you two—you may remain in my gardens till Lord Geoffrey returns for you.”
Philippa stepped away, keeping a fast pace for a woman of her age, allowing Geoffrey to guide her from the gardens. They watched until the pair turned and were gone from sight.
Avelyn found herself enveloped in Kenric’s arms.
“She quite frightened me,” he admitted to her.
“She has that effect on most people, but the queen has the kindest of hearts.”
He gazed down at her in love. “So where shall we marry, now that the queen has granted us permission? At Sandbourne, where your mother married? Or Shadowfaire, your new home?”
Avelyn thought a moment. “I believe we should wed at Kinwick. ’Tis where Elysande and Michael made their vows. And without Uncle Geoffrey’s quick thinking, Lady Doria would have been stuck at Shadowfaire, raising Wymund as the earl when you were the rightful owner.”
Kenric cupped her face tenderly. “I look at Lord Geoffrey and Lady Merryn and see their lives are full of love. I would have us be as they are—deeper in love with each passing day. Here’s to a lifetime of happiness, my love.”
His mouth captured hers in a kiss that signaled a new beginning. They had started their journey to love here in London and now they’d come full circle. As Avelyn returned Kenric’s kiss, she looked forward to all of their tomorrows.
Epilogue
Kenric rushed Avelyn into the de Montfort’s solar and closed the door. A fire burned in the hearth, bringing warmth to the room. He took her in his arms for a lingering kiss. As he pulled away, he stared at her, drinking in her beauty.
“I cannot quite believe you are mine.”
She teased, “You are stuck with me, my lord. For now—and till the end of time.”
He cupped her face in his hands. “’Twill never be enough for me. I could love you from now through eternity and ’twould never be long enough for me.”
Kenric bent and kissed her then, a gentle, reverent kiss that spoke of his great love for her. He would never be able to get enough of the woman before him. His wife. His life.
Avelyn broke the kiss. “I have something for you. A wedding present of sorts.”
“You do?” Curiosity caused him to scan the room. He spied a small bundle on the table, something wrapped in a linen handkerchief that stood next to a carafe of wine and two goblets.
“I hope it will please you.” She moved toward the table
and poured both of them some wine. She handed him his goblet and took her own before tapping it gently against his. “To our life together.”
“Together. Forever.” He downed the wine and placed the goblet back on the table.
She sipped at hers before setting it down and picking up the wrapped cloth in both her hands.
“I had this made for you. Ancel helped with it. He is quite talented with engraving. I hope you will wear them with pride.”
Avelyn handed it to him. It was heavy, which only raised his interest. He placed the cloth in his left hand and unwrapped it with his right.
Lying in his hand, he discovered a pair of silver spurs, finely etched. Tears stung his eyes as he stared at them.
She wrapped her arms about him. “I know you kept the spurs that you hacked off, but they could never be attached to your boots again. I thought, since we were starting a new life together, you could begin again with a different pair of spurs.”
His throat grew thick. “Thank you, sweetheart.”
Avelyn squeezed him affectionately. “You are the most honorable man I know, Kenric Fairfax. I thought it only fitting that your long journey to honor should be recognized. And rewarded. I give you these silver spurs as a sign of my love and to confirm my belief in you as a man, a knight, and loving husband.”
Kenric’s arms encircled her. “I will wear these every day of my life, my love, and think of you each time I see them. You helped me find things in myself that I had forgotten. I know you will help me discover things I have never known.”
He kissed her long and hard and then swept her up into his arms and carried her to the bed. They would discover even more of themselves in the coming hours, days, and years.