“So, do tell what is so secretive I must interview you alone.”
William started with the attack in the forest.
“Ambushed? Who would dare attack you and in such a cowardly way? I shall ferret out the knave and have him drawn and quartered.”
“I know not for certain, your majesty. It is yet to be determined who and why, although I do have my suspicions. When I have something more substantial, I will take action. I was aided by an angel. She appeared as if by magic and tended my wound. It is due to her care that I survived.” Sensing the king’s appreciation, he related every detail of the tale of Dariana. He spoke of her time in the forest and of her determination to maintain her freedom. When he had finished, William noticed the king eyeing him quizzically.
“So, William, you say this Dariana—Linford’s daughter—did all this to avoid marriage to a Spaniard of my father’s choosing?”
“An order that was rescinded by him almost immediately.”
“Yes, yes. And then, once she set eyes upon you, docilely agreed to give up all she had suffered to become your wife instead?”
“Docilely would not exactly be the word I would have selected, your majesty.”
“I see.” The king grinned, obviously enjoying this immensely. “So, then, correct me if I have erred in my assessment. The Lady Dariana ran from a betrothal contract executed by the king, my father, hid on royal lands when all thought her dead, then married you who are betrothed to another. Am I correct thus far?”
“Aye, your majesty, that seems to be the sum of it.” William tried valiantly to sound sheepish.
“Well, all fine for you, but now I am left with a bothersome Spaniard whose promised wife was denied him and now must find a suitable replacement. Yes, he has already appeared at court and made his demands. In fact, he has been at me for months now. From your description of this Dariana’s beauty, to say nothing of her rich dowry, it will be no easy task to satisfy the man Flores.”
“You are a wise and powerful king. Nothing is too much for you.”
“I do love flattery, especially when it is so transparent. And then there is the mater of your betrothed. A woman scorned is not a happy thing to behold.”
“’Tis true Melissa will not lose quietly.”
The king’s face reddened with this last. “Melissa? Not the Earl of Lincolnshire’s daughter?”
“Aye, majesty, the same.”
“Not lose quietly is the understatement of all time. The woman is said to have the temper of the fiercest storm to ever scourge my lands.” Henry’s voice had risen at this last.
“The contracts were never properly executed,” William whispered.
“A technicality! You expect me to soothe that shrew’s wrath with a technicality?” Henry’s voice was booming now. The wooden door swung open and four guards, swords at the ready, sprang into the room.
“Get out!” Henry screamed. “Can’t you tell my earl will be the death of me and it is too late for your meager defenses?”
The guards were totally confused at this. Their king appeared to face no threat, yet he spoke of his death. They stood their ground, ready to defend their liege.
Henry calmed and spoke more quietly to the guards. “I am safe. You may go. I was merely riled by words, not endangered with action. Go.”
The guards appeared doubtful, but they retreated and closed the massive door. William tried to hide his amusement at his king, so larger than life. “Forgive me, majesty. My intent was not to cause you discomfort or difficulty.”
“It just worked out to be so?”
“Aye, I fear so.”
“And now shall I simply forgive you and forget without so much as compensation for my coffers or salve for my inconvenience?” The twinkle in Henry’s eye belied the harshness of his tone.
“I could not expect that, by no means. I will do whatever you ask of me. But please, majesty, leave my wife and her father unmolested.”
Henry raised his eyebrow at this. “I see,” said Henry, calculatingly. “Then I shall seize your holdings and your destrier as payment.”
William nodded his acceptance.
“No question from you? No protest? I take all and you agree without so much as a counter.”
“If the lady’s home remains, if she is not punished and our marriage not annulled, I shall give no complaint.”
Henry sat back in his chair and eyed William silently for several moments. Finally, he spoke. “She must indeed be a sorceress to have bewitched you so. I must meet this woman who has the power to impoverish a man, even to his warhorse, and the man happily complies. Yes, William, she must indeed be something. So, with your promise to bring her to court, the debt shall be considered paid in full. At least privately. Publicly, I cannot let it pass. I shall think of something suitable to announce. And when I do, try to appear stricken.” A smile warmed Henry’s eyes.
“Your majesty, you are too kind. What of the inconvenience? Do you not wish some compensation?”
“A knight is nothing without his war horse and I do not believe impoverishment would suit you or build your character more.” There was humor in this last. “You have shown loyalty to me from the first and, who knows? Someday, perhaps a woman will be my undoing and I shall need gratitude such as yours. For now, blend your lands so your children will have strength from both your lines. And as for Melissa—perhaps I will offer the Spaniard your Melissa as wife.” William’s laughter joined the king’s.
“That would be a match,” William agreed once he contained his laughter.
“Or a war,” Henry chuckled.
“Your majesty, there are not words to thank you for your generosity. I shall summon my wife to court at once. And, as ever, you have my loyalty and my life.”
“Good. I am anxious to meet her, as there can never be too much feminine beauty and grace at court.”
“Now, Brian, hurry to my lady with this missive. It is a request from the king himself, so there must be no delay. Do you understand?” William put the pages into the young squire’s hand.
The boy’s eyes widened at the mention of the king. He had never been entrusted with so important a mission and he was clearly delighted. “I shall ride like the very wind,” he replied with boyish enthusiasm.
“Do not ride so fast you fall and all is lost.”
“Worry not, my lord.” The grin split his face and he hurried from the room, clutching the letter so tightly his knuckles were white. William smiled at the boy’s retreating back until he heard a man’s voice obviously chastising the youth.
“Watch where you tread, lad,” the man barked at Brian.
“Forgive me, my lord, as I saw you not.”
“Wait, lad. Are you not squire to William of Dansworth?”
William stepped into the corridor. His mood soured as he recognized his half-brother. Cedric was a bastard, the result of William’s father’s drunken indiscretion with a scullery maid who served at the manor. It was whispered his mother had gone mad, telling Cedric over and again that he was the rightful son and William the bastard. Cedric believed the empty promises of William’s sire had caused her to lose her mind and throw herself from a window. She had encouraged Cedric to dream things too far out of his reach. Those desires had destroyed her and fed his arrogance.
There was no love lost between the two half-brothers and Cedric’s thirst for trouble was well known. His resentment extended to any who dared cross him, since he was never to inherit anything from his father. Cedric’s echoed his brother’s features, but his looks were not so appealing. He exuded a false charm that drew in only those who were attracted to the evil beneath the surface.
“Cedric? Is there a reason you detain my squire?”
“Brother. What a nice surprise. I had no idea you were at court.”
“Go, Brian,” he directed the boy, who ran. “And since when is seeing me a nice anything? Are you here to cheat or steal?”
“William, you are as delightful as ever. I thought you wer
e above the gossips’ wagging tongues.”
“When they speak the truth, it is not gossip.”
“I hear you are to marry Melissa of Lincolnshire and add even more to your coffers. May I offer congratulations?”
“I believe you have been misinformed.”
“Oh, that is right. I wondered at the talk going about. I must admit it roused my curiosity when the courtiers debated your urgency to see the king.”
“Is there something I can do for you, Cedric?”
“Nay, brother,” he replied and strode away.
William’s day was not to improve. He was anxious for the arrival of his wife and went into the gardens to soothe his impatience. As he ambled along the stone paths, the air redolent with flowers, a woman spoke. Sneered, actually.
“Well, well, well, if it isn’t the earl of Dansworth.”
There was no mistaking that shrill voice, he thought.
“I have just come from the king. It seems he meant to make me feel better. Imagine my shock when he told me he sought another husband for me. I thought I already had one.”
“Good afternoon, my lady.” William inserted all the politeness his years of training had ingrained. “It is good to see you.” He tried to sound sincere.
“Small talk, my lord?” Melissa fairly snarled. “No explanation, no apologies, no begging for forgiveness? Where is your honor? Your chivalry?” Her voice had risen so high that many passing gaped before hurrying away.
William was not surprised that tongues were wagging. It was said that many listened at Henry’s door so that naught escaped the gossips, ever hungry for yet another juicy tidbit to occupy their days.
“Melissa, what say you to a walk in the garden?”
William wondered how he could ever have considered marriage to this shrew. She swept ahead of him and led him to the nearest flower garden. The air was heady with scent in the warm dusk. He had to admit she was pretty enough, perhaps to some even beautiful, with thick brown hair and hazel eyes. That is, until her mouth opened and a nest of crows flew out, dissolving her beauty. Silently, he gave thanks that he had met Dariana before tying himself to this witch and spending the remainder of his days in abject misery. There would be naught for comfort but regret.
Once they were seated on a carved stone bench, Melissa turned on him, sparks flying from her eyes. “So, what have you to say? How can you answer my humiliation? The utter shock of finding you had not only ended our betrothal with no cause but married another in the bargain. How could you? And I have been nothing but patient and kind. And to be treated this way. How could you?” Her whimpering begged no sympathy.
“My lady,” he said softly, “you must agree that ours was not exactly a love match—”
“You talk to me as if I am a light skirt seeking a coin of gold! How dare you!” The slap on his cheek rang out in the quiet evening. “I am the daughter of an earl and you and the slut you married can go to the devil!” She stood and spun, intending to leave, when William stayed her with a hand on her arm.
“If you recall, the betrothal papers were never executed.” He touched her arm, then thought better of it and jerked his hand back.
“Unhand me!” Her voice lowered and turned menacing. “You shall never be forgiven for this. You will live to regret your actions, and your treatment of me. I begin with Henry himself this very night.”
“I am sure you already know I have gained Henry’s approval. I had no wish to see you or your reputation harmed. If he has offered to find you another, he will see it is to your advantage. You can marry one with more wealth than I. You could even find love. I am truly sorry if you feel embarrassed.”
“Sorry? You, my lord William, have no idea what sorry is. I have been publicly insulted. I will not stand quietly and endure the pity in the eyes of the court or hear the whispered jeers on their lips. Make no mistake. I shall be avenged.” She rose in a rustle of silk and tainted air.
“I am sorry for any shame I caused. You are a beautiful, desirable woman. There will be many suitors vying for your hand.”
As if the thought took flesh, Cedric happened upon them. He noticed Melissa before she could depart. “Brother, introduce me to this lovely creature.”
Melissa preened with the flattery.
“My lady, this is my half-brother, Cedric.”
Cedric went down on one knee and kissed her hand. “Must my brother keep such a beautiful woman to himself? I am the better brother.”
“I have no doubt of that, since he is a cad.”
“It does not run in the family, I assure you.”
Their interplay reminded him of a performance of mummers. “I am so glad to hear it,” Melissa returned. “Perhaps you could escort me away. The stench in the garden here offends me.”
Cedric shot William a superior glance, then took hold of Melissa’s arm. “I feel the same, dear lady. Come and let us explore more fragrant spots.”
As they left, William could only think how they deserved each other.
It was later, at the evening feast, that William was approached by a small, ugly man.
“I am Marques Jose Diaz Francisco de Flores.”
“William of Dansworth.”
“I know who you are,” the man sneered.
William gazed at the lump of man, with a belly that protruded and a nose that was very off-center. The beady eyes spoke of cruelty and he was almost a foot shorter than William. His words were delivered in careful English.
“You have the advantage, sir.” William was puzzled by the man’s hostility.
“No! You have that. You have stolen my bride.”
It took William a moment. First Cedric, then Melissa, and now this. Would he find no peace at court? “Of course. You were promised the Lady Dariana. But you must also know the king rescinded the order.”
“No one goes back on their word to me. No one!”
“I fear the king of England has the power to do just that. And I can definitely attest to the loss you have suffered.”
“Your king risks a declaration of war between our countries. He has made me a laughingstock and I will not tolerate it. I shall have my revenge.”
Diplomacy was the best choice. “Certainly the king will see to your satisfaction. I fear I cannot give up my wife, but there must be many who would be delighted to call you husband.”
The little man’s face filled with red rage. “Hah! The lady he offers is Isobel of Cumbria.”
“Why, you should be pleased. Her dowry rivals any. Her father’s holdings are massive. And she is said to have a very sweet nature.”
“Her looks could permanently stop the digestion!”
As if he were a bargain? “Perhaps her wealth will bring you comfort after you are wed.”
“This is a plot to dishonor the pledge made by Henry’s father and I will not tolerate it.”
“Dear man, try to content yourself that the king attempts reparations.”
“You and your king will learn I am not a man to be trifled with.”
“I am sorry you feel that way. Again, I’m not sure how it relates to me.”
“You will both indeed be sorry.” The man stomped of. Twice, in a very short time, William had been told he would be sorry. He could not muster any sorrow for the threats thrust upon him. His beautiful bride was on her way to him and all was right with the world.
CHAPTER 10
Dariana approached Windsor Castle with much trepidation. She was, in fact, so preoccupied with the possible outcomes awaiting her she had failed to notice how impressive the castle was until this moment. It squatted in the pre-dusk light like a massive guardian above the countryside, surrounded by three wards with the main tower rising in the middle. The outbuildings stretched for what seemed like miles in every direction. The structure spoke of the power it guarded and announced its presence with dignity and strength.
As befitted her station as the wife of a loyal earl, she and her retinue were permitted to cross into the inner court. The princip
al gateway had recently been rebuilt by the new king, who was anxious to put his mark on every aspect of his kingdom. It was as impressive as the castle itself. It made one feel safe and protected—unless you carried with you some threat, in which case it would hold you trapped within its walls. Dariana tried to breathe deeply and slowly to calm her pounding heart.
Suddenly, William was there, lifting her from Moonshadow’s broad back and into his arms. She melted against him and their lips met, the force of passion between them taking her breath away. For a moment, they forgot themselves. After all, such behavior was to be expected in a love match, as this was said to be.
Finally, taking a small step back, William tossed Moonshadow’s reins to a waiting groom and the two made their way toward the castle.
“You have forgiven me, then?” William whispered, for her ears alone.
“In truth, I have missed you, my lord. Forgiving is another issue altogether.”
“Missing me is enough for this day,” he responded, smiling.
“Pray, William. Tell me of the disposition of the king.”
“The king?” he questioned innocently. “Have you business with the king?”
Dariana narrowed her eyes as she thought of all the ways she could wring his neck. “My fate depends on this. And that of my father. How can you be so cruel as to tease me on this mater?” she hissed at him.
“Because your fate is to be my wife and serve me faithfully all the days left to you. Because the king declared you a most ungrateful baggage to not fall on your knees in joy at being wed to such as I.” William was clearly enjoying this.
Dariana swung at his broad chest, knowing he would barely feel her small attempt. “Then you have violated your honor by lying to your king. If the truth be but known to him, he would have your skin flayed from your bones for your deceit.”
“You are a bloodthirsty wench, talking of skin being flayed from bones. I must protect my flesh that you do not pull it from me yourself—in your passion.”
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