“I ask permission to wear your colors to ensure that the attention shall be drawn in the proper direction,” the earl explained.
William caught his meaning then and shook his head. “That would make you the target. I will not put you at such risk and have your possible death on my conscience.”
Now it was the earl’s turn to have his anger rise. “Why you arrogant pup,” he sputtered, “I was killing enemies and laying siege to castles before you ever drew your first breath. My men and I may not have the smooth skin of youth, but our experience makes our weapons serve us far better in war.”
“Forgive me. I meant no disrespect. I cannot help but fear for your safety. Our enemy is without honor. He is therefore unpredictable.”
“Then it shall make for an interesting battle, should it not?” the earl returned. “Worry not, for there is no better reason to die than in the service of someone you love. No mater the outcome for me, I am content. For you, though, victory and the safe return of my daughter will be the only acceptable end to this.”
“It shall be as you say.” With that, William pulled of his doublet and handed it to Dariana’s father. The older man struggled with it for a few moments before admitting that he had spent a bit too much time enjoying the fruits of his youth. Stifling a smile, William withdrew his dagger and slit the sides of the garment. The earl then had no trouble slipping it on. William’s armor followed and all were ready. Ten were to go with William while thirty would assault the front of the keep, led by the earl. When William had assured himself of Dariana’s safety, he would signal the others. They would join them in the tunnel and attack the castle from within.
It was William the warrior who turned toward the keep and the rescue of his wife. His nerves taut, his jaw set, he was prepared to take whatever course necessary to accomplish his task.
Dariana woke and blinked. She did not want to weep again. She breathed in, collecting herself. Her new friend, the cat, appeared. He looked from side to side before pouncing onto her lap. Dariana smiled as the creature hummed his contentment.
“Ah, that I could be this content, my friend,” she whispered. “But this I will tell only you. I am frightened. Unless William finds me, I have no hope. I know not where I am. I have no weapon. I am surrounded by those who desire me for their own purposes. A small part of me fears that my love will believe I have flown from him in order to seek my freedom. How can he know that I have only discovered true freedom when wrapped in his arms?”
The cat seemed to sense her misery. His purring ceased. He opened his eyes wide to stare at her. He rubbed his head against her shoulder, then stroked her cheek with his own. The tension went out of her a little and he settled back on her lap, purring once more. Her hand rested in his fur and she timed her breathing to match that of the cat. Soon, she was dozing again.
She was in the sunshine, riding Moonshadow, the wind lifting her hair about her. They rode past meadows and villages and grass-covered landscapes. Her heart was free. She knew they rode to something wondrous. The horse slowed his pace and entered a familiar grove of trees and Dariana realized she was back in the forest. She slid from the horse’s back and began to walk, Moonshadow following closely behind. She knew she was safe. Her love was near, but she could not see him. She moved to the stream, the cool water singing its sweet melody in the morning air. As Dariana sat beside the water, a shadow came up behind her. The shadow became flesh, sliding his arms around her waist, holding her, reassuring her with his presence. She held on to him with all her strength, pulling him close, holding him as if her very life depended on it. She inhaled the warm scent of him and entwined her fingers in his hair.
Dariana was caught in the dream, knowing it was not real but reluctant to let it go. There was a sound pulling her awake; someone was with her. She opened her mouth to cry out but instead focused on dark gray eyes.. William was there, with her, holding her. Her eyes widened in realization and she grasped him all the more tightly, savoring his closeness as tears filled her eyes anew and spilled down her cheeks.
“Tears, love?” William questioned. “From the woman who has survived the forest and conquered wild animals?” His voice was like a caress.
“How came you here? Go, before you are seen. No, do not leave me. William, it is Cedric, your brother, and the woman named Melissa. It seems your betrothed blames me for her fate and seeks revenge. There is a fat, ugly Spaniard who says he is to be my husband. No, the Spaniard is dead. Cedric killed him. Richard? They attacked Richard. He was coming to my aid. I saw him fall. Will he recover? Thank you for coming to save me.”
William nearly laughed at her ramblings. “Hush, love. We do not have much time. I came to see you safe. I must go quickly as we begin the siege of his wretched holding. But, first I must know. Have they harmed you?” William’s voice was soft, but the promise of retribution if they had hurt her was evident.
“I am unhurt. But what of Richard? Tell me his fate.”
“He shall recover and we shall celebrate their wedding.”
“So you know he and your sister are in love?”
William shook his head. “Do you think me such a fool that I know not what happens in my own household? You underestimate me. I do wonder if they have realized it as yet.”
Dariana smiled. “Nay, I never doubted you. It was just you said nothing to me about them. Please, take me from here now.”
“Do you trust me, Dariana?”
“With my heart and soul.”
“Then you must stay here and be patient. There is a battle yet to fight. I would have you where I know you to be safe. I am hoping Cedric and his soldiers will be far too occupied to concern themselves with your fate once the battle is met. When it is done, I shall come for you.”
“But—”
“You vowed you trusted me, so do not question me in this.”
Dariana nodded, fighting back the tears that burned her eyes. William stood and pulled her up with him. He held her tightly as his mouth slashed down on hers in a fervent kiss, which she returned in equal measure. Then he was gone.
Dariana had no opportunity to wonder at William’s appearance or to question as to where he had disappeared, for it seemed only moments had elapsed when she heard Cedric and Melissa shrieking at each other. They were nearby. What were they doing in the dungeon?
She prayed William had made good his escape, then listened as her enemies went at each other.
“You want the slut for yourself.” Melissa’s voice was piercing.
“What I want or do not want is no concern of yours, wench. You shall see your full measure from this bargain.” Cedric’s voice dripped with disgust.
“Ha! I shall never see my full measure. Too much has been stolen for it ever to be made aright. I thought the king would protect me, but he, like you, seems taken with the whore.”
“I would not toss about such names were I you. Word has it William’s wife went to him a virgin. Could you have said as much?”
Dariana heard scuffling and it was clear Melissa had flown at him like a wildcat. A sound of flesh against flesh, and Dariana knew he had struck the woman. Then there was the sound of Melissa whimpering. “How dare you? How could you?” she sobbed. “I but love you, my lord, and you insult me and strike my face.”
Cedric’s laughter came from deep inside his chest. It was an ugly sound, mirthless. “You love nothing but coin, Melissa. And revenge. Hate has turned your soul to black.”
“No blacker than your own.” Her weeping turned to coughing.
“True. We are two of a kind in that. But there is one important difference. You are weak and I am strong. I have the means to exact my revenge and I will be the victor in this.”
“What of me?” she whispered.
“I have not yet decided. Perhaps you shall share my spoils until I tire of you. Or perhaps not.”
“After what we have shared, how can you treat me thusly?”
“We have given each other pleasure in bed. It makes not for a
lifelong commitment.” His tone was cold as ice. “Come at me again, woman, and it shall be the last movement of your life.” Before Melissa could respond, the voice of a soldier interrupted.
“My lord, there is activity outside the walls.” The soldier’s tone reflected his anticipation of the coming battle. He moved away to the steps.
Melissa remained. Dariana heard the clink as she drove the cell key home. The door slammed open against the wall, the ancient wood protesting at the mistreatment.
Dariana turned to her. Melissa appeared more like a feral animal than a lady of Henry’s court. She glared at Dariana, her eyes narrowed to slits in her rage. Dariana’s heart leaped. Melissa had left the door open. If only she could get past her—
“Think you to steal him, too?” Melissa’s tone was filled with hate..
“I seek nothing that is yours,” Dariana replied.
“Do not play the innocent with me. I know your game and you shall lose.”
Dariana attempted to placate her while edging toward the beckoning open cell door. “Forgive me, Melissa, if you deem I have harmed you.”
“Harmed me? You have taken all that is mine. I am left with this pile of stones as my dowry. William was my betrothed. You have taken my love and my wealth, all that was mine by right.”
Dariana’s ire was raised. “Your betrothed? Then, why did the king give his blessing to our marriage? Is there perhaps some part you have not mentioned?”
“You bitch!”
“So I am right? He was your betrothed only in your mind! You speak of wealth? Why, you wear more about your throat than a king’s ransom. Sell your jewels if you wish to rebuild your home.”
Melissa seemed momentarily stunned. Then she flung herself at Dariana.
Dariana was thrown back against the stone wall. The shock radiated, but her wrath washed away the pain. She straightened, then punched with all her might. The blow connected and Melissa lost her footing, landing hard on her backside. Undaunted, Melissa skittered back to the wall and used it for support as she stood.
Up again, Melissa was like a thing gone wild. Dariana lunged at the demon and took her down in a heap. As one, the two were back on their feet. Melissa swung and Dariana sidestepped before heaving Melissa into the wall. Melissa screamed her fury and spun, her eyes mirroring madness. She curved her hands into claws and lunged again, but Dariana was faster. There was a moment when she wondered what had possessed the woman. Dariana knew she should be terrified, but her own anger filled her with power. Now Dariana was the attacker and she swung. The blow connected. Melissa’s head lurched backward. She slammed into the wall, her head making a ferocious thump on the stone. Her eyes rolled up as she sagged to the unyielding floor, unconscious. Dariana leaned over, hands on her knees, to catch her breath, sweat dripping down her face. Melissa hadn’t moved. Maybe it was over. Hopefully.
Dariana was unsure how to react to the lifeless woman crumpled at her feet. She leaned down and saw that Melissa still drew breath. When the woman awoke she would have a headache worthy of many nights of carousing.
Before Dariana could do more, shuffling noises came from the corridor outside the cell. She peered out and, suddenly, William appeared as if from nowhere. His mouth covered hers, holding her in a plundering kiss that took her breath away.
“I heard scuffling. I wanted to reassure myself you were well.” It was then he noticed Melissa’s fallen form in the corner of the tiny room. He turned to Dariana, an eyebrow raised in question. She smiled sweetly.
“The moat seeped some of its garbage in here, but I shall see to its removal.” He shook his head in wonderment and turned back to join the soldiers awaiting him, heading for the sounds of battle above.
Dariana turned back to her cell, sidestepping the still-lifeless woman. She reached for Melissa’s eating dagger and that gave her new courage, knowing she could join the fight if the opportunity presented. While she waited, she would ensure that Melissa was no longer an impediment.
Using the dagger, she cut strips of material from her skirt and used them to bind Melissa’s hands and feet. This done, she stood and prepared herself to aid her husband.
William inched his way up the dungeon steps toward the crumbling battlement. Outside the walls, the earl’s men were moving forward. They had begun the onslaught with flaming arrows fired into the keep, the blazing torches flying over the walls, striking Cedric’s men, the sheer force of the attack catching them off-guard.
Although the earl’s men had initially seemed stiff and out of practice, William watched in amazement as their skills returned to them. It was clear many had not held the sword for twenty summers or more, but legend had it that in their prime they had been some of the finest, most ferocious men in England. Their fierceness in the thrill of battle was impressive.
Once the burning arrows had announced their intent, the earl’s men pushed into the keep. The crumbled walls offered little resistance as the earl and his men drew their swords and hacked at limbs. The screams of the dead and dying filled the air along with the reek of blood as it soaked into the sun-parched earth. Still, the earl and his warriors came.
When his father-in-law had pushed forward sufficiently, William roared his battle cry, a bloodcurdling sound. His men surged up the stairs. It took only a moment for Cedric’s men to realize they were trapped.
There was no question Cedric’s force was not ruled by honor, but rather by the coin Cedric had paid them. They let it be known they felt no need to die for their leader. They were done and begged for mercy.
William felt nothing but disgust for the mercenaries. Killing them would serve no purpose, but he needed to know where Cedric was.
“Where is your lord?”
One of the enemy soldiers, his left arm badly burned and blood leaking from a cut above his eye, stepped forward. “Lord Cedric is gone, my lord,” the soldier addressed William. “He disappeared as soon as the first arrow appeared above the castle wall. We know not where he is.” The soldier bowed then. William bade him rise.
The remaining enemy soldiers stood in a ragged line before him. What a sorry lot. They had indeed had the advantage of numbers, but without leadership, they had been disorganized and ineffective. William shook his head and addressed them. “Go now, and quickly. But remember that the earl of Linford and the earl of Dansworth have spared your lives. When next you serve a master, affirm that he is man enough to see the battle met. Now go.”
The men rushed out of the castle as quickly as their wounds would allow. Then a cheer went up among the conquering soldiers. William spun on his heel to return to the lower level to see to his wife. But there was no need. She was standing near the steps, blinking in the intense sunlight, motionless before the pile of corpses, the color drained from her cheeks.
He rushed to her side and grabbed her by the shoulders. “I told you to wait,” he yelled, the heat of the fight still pulsing in his veins.
She looked up. “Why?” The question was barely a whisper.
William felt her pain and wrapped her in his arms. He moved his mouth down to her ear, his breath soft against her cheek as he answered. “Because some men are determined to take what is not theirs.”
She nodded and took a deep breath. “I wish to leave this place, William.” It was then that Dariana’s gaze rested on her father. Her intake of breath was audible. “Father?” she whispered.
The earl moved to her side and held her close for a moment.
“What do you here?” Dariana asked boldly.
“Think you I am too old to do battle with my enemies? The rogue tried to harm my daughter. Could I but do less?”
Dariana could not contain her smile at her father’s bluster.
“Forgive me, sir. I know you for a warrior. It was not that I questioned. I was merely surprised at your presence, though now I realize I should not have been.” With that, Dariana threw her arms around her father’s neck and kissed his cheek. “Thank you for coming for me.”
William obs
erved this and his spine straightened. “What of me? I came to rescue you as well.”
“Aye, you did,” Dariana replied. “But it is your duty—as my husband.”
“He is your father.”
William saw Dariana was enjoying the competition between the two men for her attentions.
“All right.” She sighed as if holding up a great burden. “Then I suppose I must embrace you as well.” She threw her arms around William and kissed him soundly on the mouth. He grunted in satisfaction before returning her kiss. The desire between them ignited anew. It was only the earl’s loud clearing of his throat that stopped them from completely forgetting themselves. Dariana stepped back, the blush staining her cheeks.
“Can we go now?” Dariana asked.
“Aye. But, what of Melissa?” the earl questioned. “Did she flee with Cedric?”
“No,” Dariana replied. “She sleeps soundly in the cell below.”
“Sleeps?” the earl asked.
“Indeed, Father. It seems she bumped her head. She will be content to remain below until your men can see to her,” Dariana stated.
“Why is that, daughter?”
Dariana now appeared a little embarrassed. “I suppose I tied her up.”
Both men burst into loud laughter at this. “Of course.” William chuckled, turning to the earl. “You would think I would know by now to never be surprised by anything your daughter does.”
“I have known her all her life and I am still surprised.”
“Thinking on it, we cannot leave Melissa in the cell,” Dariana remarked.
William turned to the earl. “What think you we should do with her?”
“It is not my decision to make.”
“She deserves punishment, but I do not wish to have our actions mirror theirs.” Dariana appealed to them both. “Justice can be served without cruelty.”
William called to several of his men. They moved toward the steps, with Dariana following. He turned his frown at her. “Go with your father. I will see to Melissa.”
The Defiant Bride Page 16