Royce could see through Bryce’s armor. “I remember, but you have not answered my question.” He studied his brother closely.
“Aye, I grew to love her.” His words caught in his throat.
Royce wanted to comfort him, but what he must tell him would only add to his grieving spirit. ’Twould be easier if Bryce had not loved her. “I do not think it was just the shock of seeing you that caused her to fall, although that was a great one.” Grief rose afresh on his brother’s face, and he wished there were a less painful way to tell him. “Marjory and I had just discovered Clarice was poisoning Brithwin, and I confronted her. She fled the room and that is when she saw you.”
Royce could see the disbelief in his brother’s eyes. “Who are Marjory and Brithwin? And why would Clarice try to poison anyone?”
Royce pushed himself out of the chair and paced. “Brithwin is my wife.” He suddenly realized his brother knew nothing of his new life. “She was given to me in marriage by the king. I received the missive as I left for the north to put down the rebellion. She is the heir of Hawkwood. Marjory is the healer there.” He paused and turned.
Bryce stood and folded his arms in front of him. “Why would Clarice try to kill her?”
“She wanted to be lady of Rosen Craig. I am sure this is hard to believe—her a murderer. I think she felt Rosen Craig was rightfully hers.” Royce stopped and took a deep breath, trying to give his brother time to absorb what he was hearing. “I wish I did not have such grievous news for you—”
Bryce raised his hands to stop him from speaking. “I cannot believe this. Clarice is not like that.”
“Truthfully, I did not believe she harbored any ill will toward my wife until today. She did not deny it when I confronted her. She ran.”
Bryce rubbed his hand over his short beard. “’Tis hard to take in.”
Royce met his brother’s troubled gaze. “I will give you time alone. I need to be up with my wife. She is not faring well.”
Giving his brother privacy to come to terms with Clarice’s betrayal, Royce returned to his chamber. Brithwin slept but Marjory clutched her belly and moaned.
“I hate to disturb you, Marjory, but I must know something. Will Brithwin live? For she no longer takes the poison.”
“She is weak, my lord. I cannot tell you that answer. Only God knows whether your wife will survive.”
Royce called Jarren and had him take Marjory to another room so she could rest without being disturbed. He sat on the bed next to Brithwin. Right now, he wanted to be alone with his wife. If this was to be her last day, he didn’t want to share it with anyone. He pushed her hair away so he could better see her face and stroked the side of her cheek. Even in sickness, her skin was as soft as a rose petal.
Putting his trust in God proved hard at a time like this. To believe whatever God chose was for the best—and to accept it—he questioned that he had strong enough faith.
He leaned over and kissed each of Brithwin’s eyelids. “You must get well, love, and teach me how to have a stronger faith. I do not wish to do this alone.”
Royce climbed onto the bed and encompassed her in his arms, the same as he had done every day. He buried his head into her hair and beckoned sleep to take him.
†††
Over a fortnight had passed since Brithwin fell ill, and three days since she had drank her last dose of foxglove. Marjory sat in the chair next to Royce—her face etched in worry.
Royce wanted some sort of explanation he could understand. “You have been well for two days. Why does she not come around?”
“Truth to tell, I do not know. I would say it is all her body has gone through. She had much more poison in her than I did along with the fever. She lost much blood from the wound and she also lost the babe. She has been through much.”
“But she will live.”
“As I said, she was wounded, poisoned, then lost a babe. ’Tis a miracle she is still alive, milord.”
“How much longer, do you think?” He left the question open to her interpretation.
Marjory glanced at her folded hands and then at Royce. “If she does not come out of it soon, I am concerned she never will. She weakens daily without more nourishment than broth.”
She left the room, and Royce slid to his knees and prayed. He prayed through the noon and evening meals, stopping only to see to Brithwin’s needs. He lit several candles around the room and returned to his vigil. The candles burned to mere nubs, and he continued to beseech the Lord to spare Brithwin’s life.
†††
Brithwin opened her eyes to find Royce kneeling on the floor with red-rimmed eyes, his voice so full of pain—she shut her eyes and opened them again. Did she dream? He remained on his knees. Praying. He prayed, and for her. She tried to swallow, but her parched throat would not allow it.
She lifted her hand—so heavy—it took all her strength to raise it. She let it fall on Royce’s shoulder. His muscle tightened under her palm. He raised his head, his eyes full of uncertainty.
She smiled at him. “Water.” Her voice came out barely a rasp. How long had she slept?
“Thank you, Lord!” Royce wrapped his arms around her and kissed her tenderly. “I thought I would lose you. There was precious little hope.”
“Water.” If she did not get water soon, she surely would die.
Royce grabbed the goblet from the table and helped her drink from it. “Slowly, you do not want to make yourself sick.”
The cool liquid running down her throat was pure delight. She lifted her eyes, looking over the goblet at a man at peace.
She took another swallow and pushed the goblet away. “You have changed.”
A smile spread across his face and his eyes twinkled. “Aye, I have found forgiveness.”
She tried to smile and winced as her lips cracked. “’Tis a glorious thing, forgiveness.”
Royce’s smile faded, and he gazed on her with longing. “I love you. When I thought you would die, I had a glimpse of how empty my life would be without you.”
She touched a tear as it slid down his face. “You do not know how I have longed to hear those words come from your lips.”
He laughed, and a mischievous gleam shone in his eyes. “I think I fell in love with you the day you walked in on me while I took a bath.”
Brithwin licked her lips and smiled at the memory. “You mean, while you were taking my bath,” she whispered.
Royce threw his head back and laughed. “’Twas your bath. Aye.”
“I am glad you admit that now.”
“And you, my lady…when did you know?”
“When Guy, Murielle, and Malcolm were murdered and you held me. ’Twas then I knew, but I think I began to fall in love with you when you gave Lucas a home instead of punishment.”
Royce ran his hand across his chin. “Hmm, that reminds me. I need to talk to the boy. I would like to know what he was doing out in the woods alone, and with a horse at that.”
Her eyes grew heavy and she gave in to a yawn. There were so many questions she had, but she was so tired. “Do not deal with him too harshly.” Her words faded.
Royce chuckled. “You know not what I speak of and you defend the lad. But I will keep in mind had he not known where you were taken, it is hard to say what might have happened.”
Lifting heavy lids, she glimpsed his smile.
“You need to rest and get well.” He brushed his lips over hers.
Her eyes popped open. “Royce, I need to tell you about Lyndle and Clarice.”
“Not now. When you are well, there will be plenty of time for that. Lyndle is locked up, and Clarice is dead. You have been delirious for nigh on ten days now. If you are stronger on the morrow, I will tell you all that has transpired. But for now, rest, my love, you are safe.”
†††
Brithwin was pleased that Royce finally allowed her to sit in the solar with him and his brother. She had not the strength to walk unassisted, even though three days had pass
ed since she woke. Royce cheerfully carried her everywhere, claiming he didn’t want to take a chance on her falling. She smiled. God had a sense of humor. All these years worrying about being strong, now here she was, weak as a babe. And this man became only more tender to her in her weakness.
Her smile faded as her hand went to her belly. “Why the sad face, love?” Royce’s voice held concern.
Brithwin sighed and glanced at her belly. “I was thinking about the babe.”
His eyes softened, giving her comfort. She was not alone.
“It was a sad day when we lost our child, but I thank God he spared you.” He brushed the back of his finger tenderly over her cheek. “We must trust God that He knows what is best for us.”
Bryce coughed. “So, Royce, why did you remain at Hawkwood after you married? I would have thought you would want to be here, where you grew up.”
Royce turned his attention to his brother. “The memories were more than I cared to confront. ’Twas painful to be here and know I would never see any of you again.” He winked. “And I had a wife I needed to tame.”
Brithwin harrumphed.
Royce chuckled.
“Looks like you did a good job.” Bryce grinned.
Brithwin shifted in her chair, uncomfortable with the attention on her. And furthermore, since she had lost so much weight, prolonged sitting became difficult. “Did you talk to Lucas and find out why he was in the woods?”
Royce stretched out and crossed his ankles. “Thomas had sent him to the village to bring back one of our horses. You could say he took the long way back to the castle once he found himself on a horse. ’Tis hard to get angry with the lad when I think from what he may have saved you.”
Bryce leaned back. “Who would have thought our own uncle would betray us? I would like to know what he intended to do with Clarice, had his plan succeeded.”
“I think your death addled Clarice’s brain. She could not accept you were gone and that her hopes and dreams of becoming Lady of Rosen Craig and escaping her brother’s cruelty had disappeared. I can understand that.” Brithwin shivered.
“What of Edmond?” Bryce asked.
“He intended to betray Lyndle. Originally, he had planned to let Lyndle have Brithwin. But when Montfort escaped, he told Edmond what he had heard when we believed he was unconscious.” Royce’s gaze caught Brithwin’s. “I am sorry. I was the reason they kidnapped your father. I spoke with Jarren and mentioned he had been a follower of Wycliffe. Edmond had wanted to get in the king’s good graces and get Rosen Craig. He thought to do that by giving the king a Lollard. He abducted Pater and then planned on marrying Brithwin to insure Rosen Craig went to him.” Royce shook his head. “There is no honor among thieves. They both planned to betray the other.”
Bryce held the goblet in his hand and swirled the liquid in it. “They have changed our lives forever with their wickedness. I have trained my whole life to rule Rosen Craig, but I never believed I would have to do it so early.”
Royce chuckled. “Can you imagine how I felt when I suddenly had two fortresses to run? You will do well. Trust in God. He will see you through.”
Bryce shifted and broke his eye contact with Royce. “It will be a lonely place when you two are gone.” Bryce tipped the goblet and took a swallow.
“Then come see us.” Royce pushed himself up. “But now I need to put my wife to bed before she falls asleep and slides off her chair.”
Royce walked over, scooped Brithwin into his arms, and strode to their chamber.
†††
Two weeks later, Royce sat on Shadowmere as they readied to leave Rosen Craig.
Bryce handed Brithwin up to sit in front of him. “You take care traveling to Hawkwood.”
“I will see this trip is as easy as possible on her.” He shifted Brithwin to make her more comfortable. “We will be lucky to reach there before darkness falls.”
Royce gazed at his brother—his friend. He had healed—at least physically. Clarice’s betrayal had hit him hard. God alone knew how long it would take him to be able to trust again. How he wished Bryce would open up to God’s love. He could only lead Bryce to God. His brother would have to choose for himself, as he had. Hopefully his brother would be less stubborn than he.
Royce reached out and clasped Bryce’s outstretched hand. “Do not make yourself too scarce now. We are not far.”
“Once I get settled in here and caught up on my duties, I will make a trip to see you and Lady Brithwin.”
“If you wait until the work around here is done, it will be nigh on a year before you come.” Royce grinned. “Hmm, that may work out. You can come see your new nephew.”
Bryce arched a brow.
Royce nodded emphatically. “Oh, aye, I plan to have an heir before a year passes.” He turned and winked at Brithwin.
A rosy hue crept up her face and she frowned.
Bryce chuckled. “I think you have gotten yourself in trouble, dear brother.”
“That is the way it appears.” Royce smiled back.
Brithwin sat straight and put her hands on her hips in mock disgust. “If you two are through.”
“It looks like you need to turn on the charm, old boy.” Bryce slapped him on the leg.
“And we all know I have plenty of that.”
Brithwin laughed.
Royce grew serious. “If you need me for anything, do not forget I am but a day’s ride.”
They spurred their horses out the gate and headed for home.
†††
Nigh on three months had passed since their return to Hawkwood, and Brithwin’s strength had restored. She felt quite well—a smile crept across her face—at least most of the time.
Brithwin touched the cloth that covered her eyes. “Why may I not see where we are going?”
Royce’s breath tickled the back of her neck. “I told you, how many times now? It matters not how you ask the question, the answer remains the same. ’Tis a surprise.”
“Are we almost there?” She squirmed in her seat.
Royce brushed her hair away from her neck and nibbled. “I can think of better things to do than talking.”
Brithwin attempted a stern voice. “Royce, we are on a horse! Behave yourself.”
He chuckled. “I am trying, love, but it is hard with you sitting in front of me.”
Brithwin sniffed and lifted her chin. “If you had not insisted I be blindfolded, I could be riding my palfrey.”
He nibbled some more. “Hmm, but then think of all the fun we would be missing.”
Brithwin folded her arms and pouted. “But I want to know where we are headed. ’Tis driving me mad.”
“Do you not like surprises?” He sounded shocked, and she envisioned him with his eyebrows raised.
“I love surprises, as you well know.” She shifted again.
He tightened his arms around her. “Aye, I do know, and that is why I kept it secret.”
“You should not have told me last night. I hardly slept at all, and this trip seems as if it is taking forever.”
Royce groaned. “We left half an hour ago, Wife.”
Brithwin bit her bottom lip to keep from smiling. He was becoming exasperated with her. “If you could see nothing, you would feel the same way.”
“’Tis five minutes longer, no more.” He let out a gust of breath.
She leaned against him and sighed. “Then I can wait.”
A few moments later, Shadowmere stopped on Royce’s command. His arms loosened. “We are here.”
Brithwin reached to take the cloth from her eyes. Royce grabbed her hand. “Not yet.”
His feet hit the ground with a thud, and then he lifted her from the horse. He carried her a few steps and let her down. “Let me do the honors.” He plucked the blindfold from her eyes.
Brithwin gasped. “You remembered!” Her gaze slowly took in her surroundings. He had brought her to the river and to her favorite spot. And before her, spread out on the ground, a blanket, and
on it, a feast. She smiled, for sitting in the center was a bouquet of flowers that held a multitude of colors.
She heard a cough and spun around.
Lucas leaned against a tree. “I see as you made it, m’lord.”
Royce looked around as if he were searching the area. “Did you hear something?”
Brithwin giggled and gazed at a frowning Lucas.
Lucas cleared his throat. “I meant to say, I am pleased you have arrived safely, my lord.”
Royce smiled, and his eyes twinkled with merriment. “Much better. If you are going to be my squire, I expect you to speak correctly.”
“Yes, my lord.” Lucas stepped toward a small palfrey.
“Very good. Now you can take the horse and be on your way. I appreciate your watching things here.”
Lucas climbed onto the mount next to him. “I hope as you have a time of it, m’lord,” he blurted, then rode off.
Royce rolled his eyes. “I think he does it to annoy me.”
Brithwin giggled. Her husband was a different man. One filled with compassion, forgiveness, and love. Thomas and Father were both right. He was a good and honorable man. God had not simply seen her through everything, He had richly blessed her. “’Twas kind of you to take him on as your squire and give him a horse.”
Royce’s eyes softened. “He helped save your life.” He coughed. “And he uses one of my horses.”
Brithwin grinned. Lucas was full of mischief, but Royce was good to the lad.
Royce pulled his sword from its scabbard and placed it on the ground. He helped her onto the blanket and joined her. After they had eaten their fill, he lay back, resting his head on a log. He tugged her down beside him.
Brithwin watched his hand cover the hilt of his weapon, and she shivered. She could still feel the stabbing pain of the cold steel as Lyndle thrust his blade into her. Her gaze rose to Royce’s, and she knew he had discerned her thoughts.
“’Tis a part of life we have to accept, my love.” Royce stroked her hair.
She sighed. Aye, it was. But there was another part of life they could embrace. Brithwin couldn’t keep the smile from her face. His surprise for her worked to her advantage. She had waited for the right time and place to share her own surprise with him. “While we are talking of life, I have something to tell you.” She lifted her head so she could see his eyes.
Sword of Forgiveness (Winds of Change Book 1) Page 31