by Jody Hedlund
“That’s what they said.”
“Then you have seen them?”
She nodded, her eyes alight with happiness. “I spent the afternoon with them.”
“They are faring well?”
“Now that we’re together again, they’re well, and so am I.”
“Good.”
“Bede found me on the ride back from the Highlands. I’ve brought him here, and Ruby has adopted the fox as a brother.”
At the mention of the puppy, my gaze snagged upon her ruby ring. She was willingly wearing the jewel I’d given her. My pulse sped with a desire for her that wouldn’t go away, even though I’d tried so hard to reject it.
Holding out her hand, she gave me a full view of the ring. Then she smiled at me shyly, her head tilted just slightly, her eyes so inviting. “On our wedding day you said this ring signified your heart, and that I’d have it forever.”
The guard discreetly backed away from the door but left it open. Emmeline started toward me with slow, timid steps.
I swallowed hard. I should call the guard back. But as she stopped in front of me and lifted her hand so that the ring sparkled a bright red, I couldn’t tear my eyes from hers.
“Do I still have your heart?”
I had to resist her. Had to resist. Had to—“Yes.” My answer was breathless as I took her hand and lifted it to my lips.
At the touch of my kiss, desire filled her eyes—so deep and consuming that my own need for her flamed to life unbidden. “Rex,” she said just as breathlessly. “You have my heart too.”
I lifted my other hand to her hair, to the glorious dark waves. As I brushed my fingers into the thick strands, I told myself this was the last time I’d touch her. I wouldn’t do it again, for it would make our parting too difficult.
She tilted her face up, whether an invitation to kiss her or not, I did not know. Nor did it matter. I wanted to kiss her again. But the ache inside—the one that had been growing since I’d ridden away from her—pushed up hard and swift.
“Emmeline,” I whispered, tearing myself from her and pacing to the table. “I will always love you.”
Her warm brown eyes chased after me, beckoning, pleading me to come back to her.
I shook my head. “But I cannot relegate you to a life with a prisoner like me.”
“I don’t care—”
“This is no way to live.”
“I want to be with you, even here.”
“No.” I wanted more for Emmeline, more than I could give. “Besides, the queen will never allow us to be together.”
“Then we’ll run away.” She jutted her chin stubbornly.
I could be more stubborn. “There is no place to hide that your sister would not be able to find us.”
“The cottage in Inglewood Forest,” she whispered with a glance to the open doorway.
“That is likely the first place she would look.”
She studied my face, her lips pursed with determination. “So you would give up on us so easily?”
“I would set you free to live as you never have before.”
“The only life I want is with you, no matter what it is like.”
It was the only life I wanted, too, but I couldn’t say it. I’d already revealed too much. If only I’d been cold and aloof instead of melting under her smile.
She waited for a long moment, then stalked across the room to the door. “I won’t let you push me out of your life.” She paused. “For good or bad, we’re bound together until death separates us.”
As she exited and the tap of her footsteps on the tower stairway grew faint, I lowered myself to the bed. Father Patrick had said the same thing. Had it only been that morning when the priest had told me I needed to honor the commitment I’d made to Emmeline, even in the worst of circumstances?
But how could I honor our marriage vows now? I’d lost everything—my home, my land, my people, my loyal friends, and my freedom. I had nothing to offer her . . . except for my love.
But was love enough?
Over the next few days, I waited for Emmeline to return. With every set of footsteps ascending the stone stairway, I longed for them to be hers. But she didn’t come again.
Maribel visited several times each day to apply salve and ointments to my wounds. The Earl of Langley also came to question me on affairs of the kingdom. I gave him all the information he required, holding nothing back. I wanted Queen Adelaide Constance to be successful, and to do so, she needed to have my fullest cooperation.
He also questioned me extensively on the labyrinth and the treasure. I had no doubt Emmeline had already given him a great deal of information, so I relayed everything I knew and cautioned them against returning.
“If the queen decides to seek more of the treasure,” I said, “I beg you to take me instead of Emmeline. Even if she insists, I would ask that you allow me to go in her place and spare her the danger.”
The earl had looked at me long and hard. No doubt he knew by now how valuable Emmeline’s knowledge of the labyrinth was, that it was only because of her we’d been able to reach the center.
“The queen has decided we have all the treasure we need,” he’d finally said. “She is filling the labyrinth with rubble and then sealing the entrances.”
I’d released a relieved breath. “All I want is for Emmeline to be safe and happy.”
“Then you truly love her?”
“More than my life.”
With each passing day of my confinement, I only loved her more. By the fifth day, at the clatter of boots on the stairway, I bolted up from the chair where I’d been reading the small history book that had been among the contents of the pouch I’d taken from Emmeline when I’d first met her. Though I knew I ought to give the book back, it was the only thing I had that would forever remind me of her.
When the door opened, I wasn’t surprised to see half a dozen of the queen’s toughest soldiers. “Your Highness.” The largest knight bowed. As he lifted his head, I recognized him and tried to place his name. He’d once belonged to the elite guard under Captain Theobald and had been one of the first to rally to the queen’s rebellion. In some ways, I hadn’t blamed Captain Theobald’s men for defecting. In the short time I’d known Theobald, I’d never liked him or his methods.
“Firmin?” I asked.
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“I believe you chose your leader wisely.”
His eyes rounded. “Thank you, Your Highness.”
The other soldiers waited behind him. And suddenly, I knew they’d come to take me away. I glanced around the tower room, seeing nothing there I needed. I wore the clean garments my servants had brought me earlier in the day. They’d assisted me in bathing and grooming and dressing so that at the very least I could leave with dignity.
Leave for where, I didn’t know. But I guessed the queen would have me taken to a secure fortress in a remote area where I would remain heavily guarded for the rest of my life. That is, if she allowed me to live.
She could very well be putting me to death today in front of all my people in a display of authority. But while that was something my father might have done, I suspected the queen had different plans. She’d already proven herself to be not only a wise and just queen but also a compassionate one. Her greatest act of compassion had been in burying the king rather than taking revenge for the lack of respect he’d shown her parents so long ago. Though I hadn’t been allowed to attend the burial, I’d heard it had been respectful and simple with my mother at the graveside.
Firmin didn’t need to say anything else. After stowing away my few belongings, I held out my hands and allowed him to shackle me. Then, with his guards surrounding me, we descended and left the keep by way of a side door. We mounted steeds, and they led me through the gatehouse and into the city.
I’d steeled myself for the sight of the queen’s flag of Mercia waving from the turrets all around the town wall. But I wasn’t prepared for the people who lined the streets, sta
ring at me silently as I passed by. I couldn’t keep from remembering those same people on my public wedding day, their smiles and cheering as I’d ridden through with Emmeline.
My chest ached at the reminder of losing her. If only I’d figured out a way to be with her . . .
Even as the weight on my heart settled heavier, I held my chin and head high. Over the past few days of contemplating everything that had happened, I’d realized that while I had plenty of regrets in how I’d used Emmeline, I had no regrets in handing the kingdom over to the queen.
Like great King Alfred the Peacemaker, who divided the kingdom for peace, I’d opted for peace, as well, even if I had to give up my own rights. Perhaps I was a soft man, as my father had claimed, but I wasn’t weak. The very act of bowing my knee in submission to the queen had taken more strength than fighting her. My entire body had protested that bended knee. But I’d forced myself to do it. For the people and for peace.
When we passed through the city gates and Firmin directed me to the waterfront, I realized I was being taken to a ship. Was the queen sending me to an island, perhaps a place where I’d be isolated and alone?
So be it. Wherever she chose would be an act of compassion I didn’t deserve, especially in light of the way my father had treated her and her family.
The crowds only increased as we drew nearer the waterfront until Firmin shouted for the people to make way. As they moved back and we finished the final distance to the shore, I caught sight of the harbor. One of the ships wasn’t flying the flag of Bryttania or Mercia. Rather, the old flag of Warwick fluttered in the wind—two leaping golden lions against a black background.
How long had it been since I’d seen such a flag?
I didn’t have time to contemplate the meaning. My attention shifted to a gathering of people on the wharf. Queen Adelaide Constance stood at the center attired in a regal gown rather than her usual chain mail. She wore the ancient queen’s crown, the one that had belonged to her mother. The two original rubies that had been taken out so long ago had been restored to their rightful place within the crown.
The Earl of Langley waited next to the queen with Lord Chambers and Maribel, as well as a host of other nobility.
But I wasn’t interested in any of them. Instead, my attention locked in on Emmeline, who was standing slightly away from her sisters at the edge near a longboat that was no doubt there to row me out to my ship. She, too, was dressed as fashionably as the queen, except that with her dark beauty she was more captivating than I could put into words.
She’d come to say good-bye.
As I slid from my mount, I didn’t wait for Firmin or anyone else to direct me. I strode to her, fully intending to push aside anyone who tried to stop me. Thankfully, no one did.
She watched me expectantly, but I couldn’t read her expression, nor did I care to. Instead, I grabbed her, bent down, and covered her mouth with mine. With my shackled hands, I couldn’t wrap my arms around her the way I wanted, but I pulled her tight nonetheless. And I kissed her deeply, letting my love and passion say what I couldn’t with words.
She responded by wrapping her arms around me, rising on her toes, and meeting my passion with her own.
I angled in and let my lips fuse with hers more firmly. If this was to be our last kiss, our final good-bye, I didn’t care that I was taking my time and making everyone wait.
But Emmeline broke away and put a body’s length of distance between us, her cheeks flushed and her smile radiating her pleasure.
She took hold of my wrist manacles, lifted a key, and unlocked first one and then the next. They fell to the wharf with a clank. I started to pull her to me again, but she stepped out of my grasp. “No more now,” she whispered with a breathless laugh. “We shall have plenty of time later.”
Plenty of time later? I searched her face for an answer. But truthfully, I didn’t need one. Though I’d wanted to spare Emmeline the life of isolation and deprivation that I’d endure, Father Patrick’s admonishment had circulated through me countless times. You must honor the commitment you made, even in the worst of circumstances.
Emmeline had come to me wearing the ring I’d given her and had told me the only life she wanted was with me, regardless of what it was like. If she could commit to me even now, then I couldn’t leave without her. I had to honor our marriage vows no matter where we were, no matter what life might bring, no matter the hardships.
She glanced to the queen, who’d stepped toward us. Though Queen Adelaide Constance didn’t smile, I could see from the light in her eyes that she approved of my display of affection toward the princess.
My heart gave a strange leap. It was too much to expect the queen to allow Emmeline to be with me, wasn’t it? Even so, I would plead for her.
“Your Majesty.” I lowered myself to one knee and bowed my head just as I had that day in the bailey. “I do not deserve anything but your wrath and justice for my many misdeeds as well as those of my father. Nevertheless, I beg you for one thing.”
She didn’t immediately deny me, so I continued with my head still bowed. “I beg you for my wife. Princess Emmeline means more to me than anything else. She is all I need and all I ask for.”
Next to me, Emmeline placed a trembling hand upon my shoulder, one that told me she supported me and still wanted to be with me.
Silence hung over the shoreline, broken by the lap of the waves. Though overcast, the summer morning was warm and the damp air laden with rain. There would be storms ahead, but I could face anything with Emmeline by my side.
My muscles tensed. What else could I say to make my case to have her? I didn’t deserve her, but I wanted to spend my life cherishing her and making myself worthy.
“Rise, King Ethelrex,” the queen finally said in a loud voice that carried over the gathering.
I stood, confused that she’d addressed me as king. Emmeline took my hand and smiled up at me with an excitement and joy I didn’t understand.
“Since you acknowledged me as the true queen and rightful heir of Mercia,” the queen continued solemnly, “I am fulfilling my promise to show you mercy and kindness.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
She held my gaze levelly. “You have proven yourself worthy of being a king. Therefore, I restore unto you the lands of Warwick and all its holdings so long as you promise to treat the people there with as much compassion as you have shown here.”
For a moment, I couldn’t find the words to respond. I couldn’t think, couldn’t speak, couldn’t move. In my wildest dreams, I’d never imagined the queen would give me Warwick. Why was she showing such great consideration?
“Warwick needs a king who cares enough to rebuild and restore the kingdom,” she said, as if sensing my question. “Someone with strength and courage to meet the many challenges there. I believe you are suited to that task.”
“You are equally suited.”
The queen didn’t waver. “I have challenges enough here in Mercia. Moreover, Warwick will fare better under a ruler who resides there, knows the struggles, and is vested in rebuilding.”
Everything she said made perfect sense. And I relished the challenge of returning to my native country and helping to invest in the people and land. However . . .
I laced my fingers through Emmeline’s and drew her closer. “I am grateful for your trust in me. But you must know, I would give up my kingdom and power if it meant I could be with my wife.”
Finally, the queen’s lips curved into a semblance of a smile. “Your wife has done nothing for the past several days but plead with me to allow her to go with you. In fact, she has made all the travel arrangements herself.”
Emmeline squeezed my hand, her eyes full of life and love. And suddenly, I understood the magnitude of the gift the queen had given me. Not only was she bestowing upon me the chance to rule as a wise and compassionate king, but she’d also given me Emmeline.
“I allowed your followers a choice to leave with you,” the queen said. “A
nd they are already waiting for you on your ship.”
I followed her gaze to the vessel flying Warwick’s flag. On the deck, I glimpsed my mother, Father Patrick, Dante, and the remainder of my loyal men.
“Although I gave Magnus one more chance at peace, he chose the way of strife and is therefore sentenced to spend his days in solitary confinement.”
“You offered him more than he deserved, Your Majesty.”
“God oft gives us more than we deserve. I can do no less for others.”
I nodded my acknowledgment of her wisdom.
She motioned to a nearby squire who came forward holding a tasseled pillow of bright ruby red. On the top lay the onyx signet ring belonging to the royal family of Warwick. It sparkled brilliantly, obviously having been polished and cleaned to perfection.
As the squire bowed before me and held the pillow out, I shook my head. “I regret that I must decline your gift, Your Majesty. But I have no wish to be anything like my father, not even in the ring I wear.”
“’Tis only what you do with what you are given that counts.”
I sensed this was her admonition to take the freedom and new life she was offering and to be different than my father. I could do nothing less. Without another moment of hesitation, I took the ring and slipped it on, vowing I would live and die only for peace.
“I have also bestowed to Emmeline her dowry,” the queen continued. “I am giving her a portion of the treasure you recovered. I pray you will find it useful in the restoration of Warwick.”
A lump formed in my throat, and I struggled to speak past it. “You are more than generous, Your Majesty. I fear I cannot find the words to thank you for the kindness you have shown me.”
“You can thank me by loving Emmeline and making her happy.”
I glanced down at Emmeline’s upturned face. “Rest assured, Your Majesty, I would have done so regardless. And now, I shall do so doubly.”
At my declaration, the queen smiled her satisfaction.