Vengeance 03 - Believe In Me

by Lana Williams

  “You will get paid as we agreed once I see the relic.”

  “We seek something other than money.”

  Bishop Duval frowned. “Explain yourself.”

  “The lady comes with us.”

  “You’ve lost your mind. Lady Cristiana has no reason to go with you.”

  “Sir William,” Cristiana said as she rose and stepped forward, “I believe there’s been some sort of misunderstanding between us.”

  William stared at her, unable to believe his ears.

  “There’s no need for your...bargain. All is well. I am quite happy here.” Her lips turned up at the corners, but he wouldn’t have described it as a smile.

  She lied. He could see it in the depths of her deep brown eyes which seemed to plead with him to understand. What had the bishop done to gain her cooperation? “I would speak with you in private,” William told her.

  “Nay,” the bishop said. “The lady’s reputation would not benefit from such a conversation. Now let me see the relic.” He turned back to the wrapped bundle on his desk.

  William nodded to Henry who stepped forward to assist the unwrapping of the relic. William used the opportunity to pull Cristiana aside.

  “What has happened?” he whispered as quietly as possible.

  “Nothing. I’ve decided I would like to stay and work with the bishop. You were right all along. I do need someone to aid me, to offer protection.”

  “In exchange for what?” He knew in his heart this was not what she wanted. Why was she insisting otherwise?

  “I’m going to heal for him.” She wouldn’t meet his gaze. “All is well, William. This is for the best.”

  Her voice caught on the last word. Something tight unfurled deep within his chest.

  “Best for whom?”

  She bit her lip as she watched the bishop. “For everyone.”

  “This is not over,” he promised. He shoved aside his doubt, refusing to believe she preferred to remain with the bishop instead of coming with him.

  But without her cooperation, he could hardly drag her from the manor house while the bishop watched. He had to think of some way to remove her from the bishop’s clutches.

  Whether she was willing or not.

  With a gasp of delight, Bishop Duval lifted the piece of wood before him, examining it from every angle.

  “Is it as you expected?” Henry asked.

  “Even more so,” the bishop murmured. He seemed transfixed by the piece of old wood. He held it tight with both hands, closed his eyes, and turned his face to the ceiling.

  Henry looked at William, a frown signaling his confusion.

  William shook his head as confused as Henry. Cristiana seemed puzzled by the bishop’s odd behavior as well.

  After several long moments, the bishop opened his eyes and studied the wood relic further. He held it against his chest and raised his face again as though waiting for some sort of miracle to strike him. His behavior reminded William of how often he had touched Cristiana when she’d first arrived.

  Was Bishop Duval in need of a miracle?

  “Hmm.” The bishop stared at the relic. “Are you certain they gave you the proper one?”

  “We spoke with the priest that Father Daniel told us to deal with. The priest seemed reluctant to part with it and bid us to treat it with care,” Henry said.

  “Is something amiss?” William asked.

  The bishop turned to face William. “Did you drop it?”

  “We transported the cross with the utmost care.”

  “I suppose you did the best you could.”

  Henry stepped forward, bristling with indignation.

  William gave him a look of warning. He didn’t appreciate the bishop’s comment either, but right now he had other priorities than defending the way he’d handled the relic.

  “Off with you,” the bishop said with a wave of his hand. “Father Daniel will pay you the amount on which we agreed.”

  William did not budge and instead turned to the lady. “Lady Cristiana, would you join us?”

  Her gaze sought the bishop’s. “Thank you, but I intend to remain with Bishop Duval.”

  The bishop smiled, setting William’s nerve on edge.

  Henry raised his brow, silently asking William how he’d like to proceed.

  Frustration filled him, for he knew she wasn’t being honest. The bishop must’ve threatened her in some way. Yet what could he do now, in this moment, to change her mind that wouldn’t make matters worse for her?

  Nothing.

  He looked again at Cristiana, wishing he could get through to her, wanting only to draw her into his arms and never let her go. He longed to see her smile light up her face, to feel her body pressed against his.

  She met his gaze for a brief moment, her expression shuttered then looked away.

  The idea of leaving without her was unbearable. His chest tightened as he stared.

  Henry cleared his throat, a sure sign that the silence had gone on too long.

  “Where will we find Father Daniel?” William asked reluctantly.

  The bishop answered and all too soon, it was time to take their leave.

  Unable to resist, William moved to Cristiana and took her hand, sliding his thumb along her palm. “Good day, my lady.”

  She bit her lip again and darted a glance at him. “Good day, sir.”

  “This is far from over,” he whispered for her ears only.

  Her eyes widened in alarm. Before she could protest, he turned to the bishop, bowed and left the chamber with Henry directly behind him.

  But his heart remained with Cristiana.

  ***

  “The venison was especially delicious, don’t you think?” Father Daniel asked as he escorted Cristiana to her chamber that evening. A guard trailed directly behind them.

  The bishop had advised her that once she’d earned his trust and proved she would truly cooperate, she’d gain her freedom. She hadn’t bothered to argue with him. That would serve no purpose.

  “Indeed,” Cristiana murmured, trying to think of what had been served.

  “The sauce on the venison was seasoned with something unusual. Nutmeg, perhaps?”

  Cristiana didn’t remember eating venison, so she hoped he didn’t require an answer. Food was the last thing on her mind. All she could see was the stunned look on William’s face when she’d advised him she would be remaining with the bishop.

  Despite his whispered promise that this wasn’t over, she hoped she’d been convincing enough that he’d leave Longsbury for his next mission whatever that might be. That was where he’d be safe.

  Far away from here.

  Far away from her.

  But some small part of her had wanted him to see through her lie and take her away. To defy the bishop and declare his undying love for her. To exchange promises and kisses with her. To plan a future.

  Together.

  She stopped in shock as she realized the truth: she loved William.

  She loved him body and soul, with all of her heart.

  Seeing him earlier and worrying over how much danger he could be in had shaken her to the core.

  “Is something amiss?” Father Daniel asked.

  “Nay,” Cristiana denied and began to walk again.

  Her heart raced at the revelation. The love inside her felt fragile and delicate—something she had to protect at all costs.

  “You were very quiet in the hall.”

  “I have a lot on my mind.” And on my heart, she silently added.

  “Your time would be better spent showing the bishop that you have truly had a change of heart.”

  Cristiana sighed. How could she do that when she hadn’t? “I am doing my best not to offend him. Believe me.” Soon she’d be healing those willing to pay the most for her abilities. The very idea of it made her ill.

  “He will soon arrange a good marriage for you.”

  She almost laughed. Somehow, she doubted the bishop would do any such thing. H
e’d want to keep her nearby. She couldn’t imagine any husband who would allow her to heal people as the bishop directed. If there was such a man, she didn’t want anything to do with him.

  She didn’t bother disagreeing with Father Daniel.

  “Sleep well, my lady.” He smiled as he opened her chamber door.

  “You as well, Father.” She stepped inside and heard the lock click. A low fire cast a warm glow of light in the chamber, its flickering light causing shadows to move around the walls.

  Hopelessness crashed over her as the reality of her precarious position sunk in. How long could she live like this? Locked in her chamber with no one to help her, befriend her, or to love her.

  Tears filled her eyes as she longed for William. Already she missed him—his humor, his smile, his warm eyes, and especially his arms wrapped around her. She’d never expected to find someone who filled her with such longing for what she’d always known couldn’t be.

  A movement caught her eye, but before she could turn, a hand covered her mouth and she was held tight against someone.

  “Not one word,” a gruff voice whispered in her ear.

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  William was well aware he was scaring the hell out of Cristiana. In all honesty, he didn’t care. He was angry with her for not leaving with him when he’d given her the chance, for putting him through such misery.

  Now the choice was out of her hands.

  “Quiet,” he warned her again as he continued to hold her tight against him. He drew a breath only to capture the sweet scent of her hair. Desire speared through him, taking him by surprise.

  He must’ve loosened his hold, for she escaped his hands and spun to face him.

  “William?” she whispered incredulously as she caught sight of him.

  “Were you expecting someone else?”

  “How did you get in here?”

  “The same way we’re getting out.”

  “I told you before—I’ve decided to remain with the bishop.”

  “Why?” In reality, it didn’t matter what her answer was. She wasn’t staying.

  “Well...I... That is to say, the bishop and I have come to an understanding.”

  “Truly.” He didn’t bother to keep the sarcasm out of his tone. She was lying and he knew it.

  She lifted her chin. “Truly.”

  “Very well then.” He stepped forward, grasped her hand, and bent to pull her body over his shoulder.

  “William! What are you about?”

  “Quiet. You don’t want to raise the alarm. There’s a guard outside your door.” He held her tight despite her struggles as he strode to the window.

  “You think I don’t know that?” she asked, her voice muffled. “Let me go!”

  He pushed open the shutters and peered into the darkness.

  “Throw her down,” Henry called out softly from below. “I’ll catch her.”

  “Don’t you dare,” Cristiana warned as she struggled even harder.

  “He’s merely jesting,” William whispered. “Now stop or I might drop you.”

  The wriggling form over his shoulder immediately stilled.

  He smiled. If Cristiana had been able to see it, she might’ve struggled harder.

  He threw a leg over the window, lowered Cristiana off his shoulder to cradle her in his arms.

  She looked up at him with eyes wide, her expression horrified. “William, you can’t do this.”

  “Remember, be quiet.”

  “You must let me go.”

  “All right.” Then he released her, relishing the shock on her face. Thank goodness she didn’t scream.

  Henry caught her, staggering under her weight.

  William lowered himself to a nearby ledge and made his way to the ladder they’d borrowed from the cathedral workers earlier. Already he could hear Cristiana berating Henry. He was pleased she kept her voice down. If she truly wanted to escape them, she would’ve screamed at the top of her lungs.

  Within moments, he reached the ground only to find his hands full of an angry Cristiana.

  “Damn you! What do you think you’re doing?” She pummeled his chest. “You’re ruining everything.”

  He grabbed her fists and pulled her close before she did anything to hurt either of them. Unable to resist, he pressed his lips to hers, letting his passion for her surface briefly, drawing a response from her. His action silenced her quite effectively. “We’re leaving,” he whispered.

  “Nay. I refuse to go.”

  Keeping her tight against him, he turned toward the horses, glancing about as he walked. Henry laid the ladder on the ground so no one could see it without searching. No guards were posted on this side of the manor house, but that didn’t mean one wouldn’t stroll by at any moment.

  “I’m not going anywhere.” She dug in her heels.

  Not in the mood to argue, he simply lifted her in his arms, enjoying the feel of her against him.

  “William, I know you can hear me.”

  He saw no need to respond to such an obvious statement.

  “Do not ignore me.”

  “Never,” he promised.

  The horses waited where they’d left them, and he began to hope their mission would be successful.

  Henry gave Cristiana a grin. “So glad you decided to join us, my lady.”

  The growl of frustration low in her throat was rather surprising coming from a lady.

  William set her down beside his steed, leaving her in Henry’s care while he mounted. Henry lifted her onto the horse before she realized his intent.

  “We must hurry before the city gate is closed for the night,” Henry said as he moved toward his horse. “Go. I’ll be directly behind you.”

  “William, I am not going with you,” Cristiana said despite her position on the horse in front of him.

  “Fine.” Why argue with her when he so clearly had the upper hand? He kneed his horse, hoping their escape would remain unnoticed.

  “I am serious. I cannot go with you. Please,” she begged, turning to look at him.

  He could hear the tears in her voice and was grateful darkness hid her face. How ironic that she asked to remain with the bishop when previously she had asked the very opposite.

  If only he’d listened to her then—but that did not mean she was correct now.

  “Cristiana, you must trust me. I—” He stopped himself before he said too much. This was not the time to declare his love, not when they were in so much danger. “I care for you and would never see you come to harm.”

  “You don’t understand. I need to stay here.”

  “Why? Give me a logical answer and I will take you back to your chamber. No one will even know you left.”

  Her profile was just visible in the dim torchlight. Her mouth opened and closed several times as though she wasn’t sure how to answer.

  That was good enough for him. She had no answer.

  He put his arm around her waist and drew her back against him. She felt so right there. He couldn’t imagine ever letting her go.

  Nor did he plan to.

  With a smile on his face, he left the manor house with Henry riding at his side.

  ***

  Cristiana shivered, the damp cold seeping through her thin kirtle as they rode quickly through the city. William pulled his cloak around her, but his thoughtful action only confused her more.

  What was she to do now?

  Her heart wanted to stay right where she was—in William’s arms. But her mind told her she had to return to the bishop’s with all haste. William’s life was at stake.

  “William—”

  “Nay, Cristiana. I am not taking you back.”

  “But—”

  “You and I both know it’s not safe for you there anymore.”

  “It’s not safe for you if I don’t return.”

  “What do you mean?”

  She explained the bishop’s threat, leaving out how he’d also threatened to declare her a witch. Why give Wi
lliam anything else to worry over?

  “Cristiana?” He said her name so solemnly that she shifted to look at him, his features barely visible in the dark. “While I appreciate your desire to protect me, it is not necessary. I can take care of myself.”

  A lump formed in her throat, preventing her from responding. How could she explain that his life meant more to her than her own?

  He settled her back against him and once again tucked his cloak around her. His concern for her warmed her from the inside out. She shook her head at her warring emotions. She well knew that if she’d screamed, guards would’ve come running. Yet how could she when there was no place else she’d rather be?

  “Where are we going?” Cristiana asked after they’d passed through the city gate.

  “Not far.”

  “Not far at all, my lady,” Henry added. “You’ll soon be sitting before a warm fire. We’ve found an excellent place to hide.”

  “Oh?” The humor she heard in his voice made her wonder what they were up to.

  “Indeed. A place Bishop Duval will never look for us.”

  She looked back at William. “Where?”

  “His holding just outside the city.”

  “Are you crazed? We’re going to try to hide under his nose?”

  Henry chucked. “Brilliant, isn’t it?”

  William shrugged. “Chances are he won’t search for us there. He has a holding just north of Longsbury. There’s an empty cottage on the outskirts of the small village there. ’Tis tucked along the edge of the woods by itself. It will be perfect for our needs.”

  “This seems like a terrible plan,” Cristiana said as she leaned against William, her worry growing.

  If only she’d been able to think of a reason for staying with the bishop, William and Henry would be safe now. But William had seen through her attempt to lie. He’d come to know her so well despite their brief time together.

  Though tempted to try again to convince him to take her back to the manor, she had the feeling it was too late. Surely her absence had been discovered by now.

  “We have much to discuss, you and I.” William’s words rumbled through her.

  She nodded in agreement yet couldn’t help but wonder what he meant.

  For now, the comfort of his arms around her, the swaying of the horse, the quiet of the night, all worked to calm her. In reality, there was no place she’d rather be.