“Forgive me lass,” Albin called, bounding the rest of the way up the steps.
Passing Gervase outside Fulke’s chamber, Albin brushed past him.
Fulke looked up in surprise from doffing his boots as he rushed in, closing the door behind him. “What is it Albin? Something amiss with the plan?”
He stared at Fulke, speechless. He had just come close to seducing the wife of a dying man. Seeing Fulke’s look of concern, he weakly replied, “All is well.” Crossing to the fire, he stood staring into the flames.
Fulke spoke to his back. “Truth be told, you have done your own fair share of listening over the years. If something is troubling you, perhaps I can help. What say you to a few ales in the tavern?”
Spinning around, he asked, “In the tavern? Ah, I think I will stay here while my room is readied.”
“Albin, what in the devil is wrong with you?” Fulke demanded.
Pulling at the collar of his tunic, he crossed to the door. “It is stifling in here. I need some fresh air.” Cracking the door, he peered into the passage before stepping out.
* * * *
Reina was sitting beside the king when there was a commotion by the doors. The crowd parted as the Empress Matilda swept into the room with her entourage of ladies.
Stalking towards them, she glared down her nose at the gathered nobles. “All of you out, now,” she snapped.
Reina sat frozen, unsure of what to do. About to rise, the king held up a hand to stay her.
Halting before them, Matilda directed a scathing glance at Reina, before addressing her father. “I will not accept that arrogant child you would have me wed.”
Henry’s eyes narrowed to slits. “The choice is not yours to make, daughter. I find myself forced to mollycoddle the barons on your behalf. There is no need to remind you it is not something I do willingly.”
Sharing her father’s temper, Matilda refused to back down. “Both English and Norman houses despise him. What use is the pompous fool to my ambitions?”
“Your very question answers you, daughter. Your ignorance proves those opposed to your ascension, correct.” He leaned forward. “Would you have me name Stephen heir in your stead? Even as we speak, he is courting the barons’ favor to place himself before you.”
“Stephen would not dare oppose me,” she fumed.
“Your pride will be your downfall, Matilda.”
“I am no more proud than that sniveling churl you would have me wed.”
“Enough!” Henry shouted. “I grow weary of your incessant screeching.”
“You have never loved me,” she accused.
“What I know of you, I do not even like,” Henry coldly replied.
Pursing her lips, she whirled around. Bumping into one of her ladies, she viciously slapped her. “Get thee gone from my sight, dim-wit.”
His lips pressed into a tight line, Henry stared after her. Running a hand down the length of his beard, he appeared older than his years.
Settling back in his chair, he caught Reina’s sympathetic gaze. “Hold no kindness in your heart for me, your ladyship, I am well deserving of the trouble I now find myself in.”
With an imperious wave of the hand, the doors were once again opened. Skimming through the returning crowd, Reina paused on a group of young noblewomen discussing the recently arrived, Sir Gervase.
She fidgeted anxiously for the king to release her, hoping Gervase carried word from Fulke. After what seemed like an eternity of muddling through the business of the kingdom, he tipped his head in her direction.
With a quick curtsey, she hurried through the hall, only slowing when she encountered Reynold standing between her and the exit, conversing with a group of men. Her heart racing, she glanced back the way she had come, pondering another means of departure.
King’s Henry’s curious gaze from the dais settled it for her. She felt an unfamiliar surge of anger take hold of her as she squared her shoulders. Imagining Fulke walking beside her, she bravely approached the doors as Reynold interrupted his conversation to leer at her. Staring pointedly at his blackened eyes, she glared her loathing before stepping into the passage.
From his place beside Talan, Gervase stepped forward to greet her. “It is a pleasure to see you looking so well, my lady.”
Emboldened by her show of courage, she beamed her response, accepting his proffered arm.
Ladies hoping to speak with the handsome knight, glowered at her in envy. Seeing Talan scowl at the women, she linked her free arm through his, pulling him along.
Reaching the privacy of her chamber, she whirled to him. “Does Gervase bring word from Fulke?”
Talan relayed her question, before Gervase turned to her with a gallant smile. Sweeping the package from under his arm, he presented it to her. “My liege said to tell you he has hopes of giving you the real thing, come the spring, my lady.”
Taking the package, she turned to Talan. “Would you both please excuse me?”
Gervase wrapped an arm around Talan's shoulders. “We shall be catching up on old times in the barracks should you have need of us, my lady.”
“Oh, joy,” Talan muttered. “I shall return for you before supper, my lady.”
Alone, Reina climbed into the window-niche with her gift from Fulke. Untying the twine, she withdrew a beautifully detailed stained glass. In the air above a bright blue stream bordered by wildflowers, two black and gold butterflies frolicked on currents of air.
The scene looked so real, she imagined the warm breeze caressing her face. Lightly running her fingertips over the scene of spring renewal, it finally occurred to her why she had been feeling so out of sorts. For some time, the signs had been there, yet she had been under too much stress to see them.
She was carrying Fulke’s child. Tears of joy spilled free with the knowledge she carried part of her beloved within her. Holding the glass in her arms, she prayed the spring would find them together at home.
* * * *
That evening when she opened her door, she graced Talan with a radiant smile. “Good eve to you, Talan.”
Returning her smile, he asked, “Am I to assume you liked your gift, my lady?”
She gazed up at the knight who had become her dearest friend. “You would assume correctly.”
Taking his extended arm, she almost danced down the passage.
For the first time since arriving, she filled her plate, eating until she could hold no more.
The king quirked a suspicious brow at her newfound appetite and leaned into comment, only to draw up when a passing platter of lamprey distracted him. Without giving her another thought, he returned to his overflowing plate.
After the king had finished gorging himself, he stood. The music stopped and the hall gradually fell silent. Surveying the hall, he announced, “The court is preparing its move to Windsor to enjoy the twelve days of Christmastide.” He tilted his head to acknowledge Geoffrey. “I say for all, we look forward to you joining us, count.”
Without rising from his chair, Geoffrey lifted his goblet.
A chorus of whispers started racing through the hall at the obvious snub to the king.
Seated beside Geoffrey, Reina caught Matilda’s smirk.
Henry reseated himself without comment, signaling to the minstrels for more music.
Couples began to dance the intricate dance steps of the latest quadrille when the king touched Reina’s sleeve, beckoning her to follow him. Rising from her seat, she felt the heat of a number of gazes, relieved not to see the crude comments that went with them.
As soon as they were alone, the king handed her a heavy leather pouch. “On the morrow you may have a day of leisure to explore the city.” Gesturing towards the pouch, he said, “I believe that to be sufficient coin.”
Surprised by his generosity, Reina curtseyed.
He stared at her in response, his look inscrutable. After a long tense moment, he gave her a slight nod before returning to the hall.
Overjoyed by the thoug
ht of escaping the Hall for a full day, she rushed from the room through a side door.
Surprise lit Talan’s features when she exited from a side door. Scanning her face, he asked, “Is there aught amiss, my lady?”
Pulling him into an alcove, she forced herself to speak slowly. “On the morrow, the king has granted us a full day to explore the city.” She showed him the bag of coins. “Talan, we get to go shopping.”
He replied with a wry smile, “I shall inform Gervase, my lady. He will be overjoyed to hear the news.”
Reaching her door, she beamed up at him. “I shall be ready first thing in the morn.”
“Then we shall be here to escort you, my lady.”
* * * *
Entering the barracks, Gervase was surprised to find Talan waiting for him. Greeting a few of the knights he recognized, he poured himself an ale.
Sliding on the bench across from Talan, he downed half the tankard, before setting it down. “It is no secret that I have often wondered why you never took more of an interest in the court ladies, Talan,” he began.
Talan raised a brow. “And?”
“I think I finally understand,” he sighed.
“What is it that you finally understand, Gervase?”
“That every bleeding last one of them is as shallow as the next.”
Talan’s brows shot up. “You are just realizing that now? We have been coming to court with Fulke for years.”
“I never before had to seduce more than one woman at a time. How was I to know?” he sulked.
“Did you not hold a conversation with the ladies you seduced in the past?” Talan pressed.
Puzzled, he asked, “about what?”
Talan shook his head, muttering, “I swear Gervase, if I did not see you in battle, I would wonder how you know which end of a sword to hold.”
Mindful of the men crowded around them, he spoke low, “I will not fail in my duty to Fulke.”
“I know this well.” Talan blew out a breath. “I fear the whole situation puts me on edge. I apologize if I offended you.”
Gervase shrugged. “I am not offended. I myself wish to see an end to the matter.” Brightening, he said, “There is one encouraging aspect to the whole experience.”
“What would that be?” Talan asked doubtfully.
“No longer shall I think you daft for snubbing court ladies.”
Talan laughed. “I believe there to be hope for you yet.”
“High time you realized it,” he huffed, before continuing, “No offense, but you are not usually one to chat over ale. Was there a reason why you were waiting for me?”
“Aye, we escort our lady into the city on the morrow.” Talan paused. “To shop.”
Gervase hung his head, groaning. “It is a sad day indeed when I look forward to a day of shopping.”
Talan gripped his shoulder. “Look on the bright side, it will give you a break from the ladies.”
Finishing his ale, Gervase set his tankard down. “This reminds me, I am overdue for my liaison with Lady Peronell. Rumor has it she is Reynold’s latest conquest.” Swinging his long legs over the bench, he stood to leave. “I shall meet you outside our lady’s chamber first thing in the morn.”
“Have a care, my friend.”
With a solemn nod, Gervase trudged from the room.
Making his way through the darkened passages, he lightly rapped on a door.
He plastered a smile on his face by the time Lady Peronell opened the door, wearing only a smile. “I thought you had forgotten me,” she pouted.
Gervase swept the reed-thin woman into his arms, gazing into her dull brown eyes with feigned desire. “Impossible. I would sooner forget to breath, my beauty.”
Blowing out the lone candle, he proceeded to make love to Peronell, as she lay as unmoving as a stick beneath him. Having trouble rising to the occasion, he closed his eyes to envision a fair country maid, losing himself with gusto to the illusion.
Curled against him afterwards, Gervase nudged the conversation. “I am to escort her ladyship into the city on the morrow.”
“It must be horrid for you to serve someone impaired,” Peronell sniped. “If she were not the king’s whore, the mute would never be tolerated at court.” She stroked the lines of his muscular chest. “How do you manage it, love?”
Enraged by the harsh words spoken against his lady, Gervase nevertheless played his part.
“Now that you mention it,” he feigned puzzlement, “she seems to have no difficulty understanding at all. I often find the lady watching my lips in the most peculiar way.”
Peronell stroked her hand lower. “She would do well to leave your lips alone.” Wrapping her fingers around the girth of his shaft, she began to caress him. “Do you think she can understand what you are saying?”
Inwardly cursing as his traitorous body responded to her experienced touch, he shrugged. “I fear I do not know, my lady. Since you suggest it, I shall pay closer attention in the future,” he moaned.
Peronell stroked faster. “I shall also have to watch her. The mute would do well to stay away from what is mine.”
“Oh?” he gasped. “From what I hear, Baron Reynold has caught your eye.” He bucked unwillingly against her hand.
Pleased by his jealous tone, she shrugged. “Reynold seeks pleasure, naught else. He is too rough for most.”
“But, not for you?” he asked in surprise.
She clenched her hand, forcing him to wheeze in pain. “It is the only thing that excites me, love.”
* * * *
Early the next morning, Talan was waiting by Reina’s door when Gervase walked stiffly down the passage.
About to question him, Gervase held a hand up. “Do not even ask.”
Talan noted the dark shadows beneath his eyes. “You did not return to the barracks?”
“Lady Peronell had me tied up for most of the night,” he replied dryly.
“I fear you take too much on yourself, Gervase.”
“You doubt my prowess?” There was a hint of a smirk beneath his weary expression.
“Never,” Talan responded lightly. “I know you too well.”
“Then fear not on my account.”
“Still. I despise saying it more than most, I suppose. Yet, should you have need, I shall endeavor to do what I must.”
Gervase grinned. “Are you offering to seduce a woman for me, Talan?
“Aye, I guess I am” Talan smirked.
“That is the nicest thing you have ever said to me.”
Reina opened her door to find them both laughing. Stepping out, she smiled. “Are you ready to explore all the city has to offer, dear sirs?”
Willing martyrs, they turned to her with a bow. “We are, my lady.”
FIFTEEN
Reina relished the freedom of being outside. Clear and cold, the sachet she brought to combat the smell remained unused. The frozen ground did wonders to dampen the stench.
She took more of an interest in the city than when she first arrived. Excited to have coins for Epiphany gifts, she could not decide which shop to visit first.
They entered a cutler’s shop where she had Talan ask the man to display his solid silver dinner knives.
Boldly staring at her, the merchant slipped through a curtained doorway leading to the back of the shop. Returning with a wide bolt of black velvet cloth, he unrolled it on the wood plank counter. Over a dozen knives gleamed in the filtered light coming from the shutters.
Perusing the detailed handy-work of the blades, she turned to Talan. “If you were to choose, which one would it be?”
He picked up a knife to balance the weight. “This is a fine blade, my lady.”
Brushing him aside, Gervase laughed. “Have a liking for the scrollwork lass, I mean lad?” He held up a knife with a broader handle. “This speaks of being a man’s knife.”
“Please wait outside while I decide for myself,” she said, feigning frustration.
With a meaningful frown dir
ected at the merchant, Talan shoved Gervase out the door ahead of him.
She set the two aside, selecting five more for the rest of the men. Examining the display of hair ornaments, she chose a pair of ornate silver clips for Hylda.
Wrapping her purchases, the merchant averted his eyes each time she looked at him. Paying with silver deniers, she smiled her thanks before turning away with a sigh. Some things never changed.
Determined to enjoy the day, she visited several more shops. Asking Talan to stay with her, she purchased Fulke and Warin both a pair of soft black leather gloves.
Enthralled by the selection at the mercer’s, she purchased bolt after bolt of vibrant colored silk, along with a huge selection of silk thread for Hylda.
At the linen-draper’s, she purchased bolts of sheer linen to be stitched into chemises.
Finding a nedeller, she purchased an assortment of sewing needles.
Marveling at the delicate lace at the pointers, she purchased several patterns for embellishments.
In the harberdasher’s, she purchased a new cloak for Fulke as well as one for Warin. Glancing at the worn condition of Gervase and Talan’s, she added two more.
In a tapicer shop, she purchased a tapestry with a castle in the background, a field of wildflowers in the foreground. Reminding her of Castell Maen, she planned to display it beside the glass Fulke had gifted her with to remind her of home.
She paused at a cart display where she purchased scented bath oils and soaps from Spain as a luxurious gift for herself.
To the relief of the two knights, the malemaker sold ironbound chests. Purchasing one, Reina withheld two cloaks, having the rest of her purchases stowed within. After Talan left instructions to have it delivered to the Hall, they stepped outside with their arms considerably lighter.
With a smile, she presented each with a costly gray woolen cloak, lined in soft vair fur. “I thank you both for your escort this day.”
“I have never possessed one finer. Thank you, my lady.” Gervase grinned. Flinging off his worn cloak.
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