Patrice wakes to the door to her room being opened. William comes in and plops down in a chair. Patrice can tell he is dispirited. Betsa curtsies and leaves.
Patrice feels sorry for William. She asks, “What is wrong?”
William says, “Father is dead. My entire family is dead.”
Patrice wants to comfort William. She knows he is doomed. She says, “Take off your armor and come to bed. We will comfort each other.”
William undresses and climbs into bed. He snuggles against her. Patrice feels affectionate as she strokes his head with her right hand. William drifts off into sleep. Patrice wakes in the middle of the night. William is still sleeping and she needs to relieve herself. With difficulty, she slips out of bed and walks unsteadily to the night pot and relieves herself. She returns to the bed and lies down. She feels weak. Looking at William from the light of the moon coming through the window, Patrice feels sad. She hopes her vision is wrong, knowing in her heart it isn’t. She rolls onto her good side and pulls William to her breast. She strokes his head.
He wakes and Patrice says, “Be gentle. I am very weak and the wound still pains.”
William starts out gently, but his passion carries him away. Patrice screams in pain which serves to drive her husband to greater passion. She claws his back which does not have the desired effect. It causes him to even greater passion. Finally, the pain is too much and Patrice’s world goes black.
It is early morning when the king comes barging into Patrice’s room. Patrice wakes and realizes her state. She pulls the covers over her naked body as she exclaims, “Majesty!”
The king smiles and says, “Come, Duke Consar. The enemy attacks. I have need of you and your wife is finished with you. I need your other sword.” The king smiles again, turns, and strides from the room.
Patrice turns and looks at William. He jumps out of bed and starts dressing. His back is covered in scratches. He smiles at Patrice and says, “I must go.”
Before leaving, he kisses her, not tenderly, but hungrily. It occurs to Patrice that she is married to a brutal beast of a man. She lies there for some time because she does not have the strength to get up. Patrice knows the fever is returning. She falls into darkness and dreams.
William finds the king and asks, “Majesty, what would you have me do?”
The king smiles, “Take command of the south wall as you did your wife.”
William returns the king’s smile and says, “As you command, Sire.”
The king says, “I thought yours was to be a marriage of convenience.”
William says, “Sir, I have come to have a deep affection for my wife. I would have her recover.”
The king says, “It seems you are intoxicated with her.”
William responds, “Indeed, Sire. She is as passionate in bed as in battle. I cannot imagine what she will be like when she recovers.”
At the end of the day, when dark is falling, the king sits wearily listening to the reports. The victory had been costly and the list of casualties is great. Though his forces have won, too many of the nobles and soldiers have died at his castle or here.
The king knows that he needs to buy time to reorganize the nobility and stabilize the kingdom. Though he has been victorious, everything is at risk now.
Chapter 5
Patrice wakes thirsty, but feeling cool. She looks for Betsa but cannot see her. Patrice struggles into a sitting position. She looks at her scar. It looks angry, but Patrice can see no evidence of puss. Patrice looks around and sees Betsa sleeping on top of blankets and cloaks on the floor. Patrice is thirsty and sees a water pitcher on the table near the bed. She maneuvers to the edge of the bed. She winces. Her side still pains when she moves.
It feels as though she is being stabbed all over again. No, that isn’t true. She had not felt the stab until minutes after it happened. She cannot allow her mind to play tricks on her. That would be dangerous and her unseen enemy could use such weakness against her.
Sitting on the edge of the bed, she is able to reach the pitcher of water and a cup. She drinks two cups of the water. She can smell herself and does not like the odor. She realizes she is swaddled. Patrice then realizes what Betsa has done.
Patrice gets up and finds she is unsteady. Patrice puts her hand on the wall. She finds she can walk using the wall to keep her balance. She manages to get to the wash basin. She pours water into it. She takes off her night dress and then her diaper. She washes her most soiled parts with cloths left for that purpose.
Betsa’s voice startles her, “Let me help you, ma’am.”
Patrice says hoarsely, “Yes.”
Patrice leans on the wash table as Betsa washes her. When Betsa has finished tending to her, Betsa fetches a clean garment. Betsa helps her get into the clean nightgown. Patrice puts a hand on Betsa’s shoulder and Betsa leads her to a chair. Patrice sits down and watches as Betsa disposes of the soiled cloths and changes the bedding. It occurs to Patrice that Betsa has taken care to see to her person. Patrice watches as Betsa washes her hands. Betsa brings a clean blanket and puts it over Patrice.
Patrice asks, “William?”
Betsa sheds a tear and shakes her head. She says, “William’s father passed one day and William in the afternoon of the next.”
Patrice says, “I had a vision he would die in battle and make me a widow.”
Patrice feels guilty because she is not sad at her husband’s death. Her father is another matter and she grieves for the loss of him. She feels the tears run down her cheeks, but she will not allow herself to break down. She stiffens her resolve. She will do her best to honor her father’s family name as well as her late husband’s.
After a few minutes, Betsa asks, “Would you like something to eat, ma’am?”
Patrice nods her head, “I would.”
Betsa leaves the room. A few minutes later she returns with food. It is simple; some freshly baked bread, butter, cheese, a sliced apple, and wine. Patrice thinks it is a feast and eats slowly. After eating, Patrice falls asleep in the chair. She wakes to a gentle touch.
Betsa says, “Your Grace, I have warm food from the kitchen. You need to regain your strength.”
Patrice can smell the food and her mouth waters. Patrice asks, “Did you bring enough for both of us?”
“I did, ma’am.”
Patrice watches as Betsa brings a small table over to her. Betsa places a plate of food on the table and pours a cup of wine. Betsa then sits on the floor with her plate and cup. Patrice notices Betsa waits for her to start eating.
Patrice bows her head and says, “I am thankful for my healing and this food.”
Patrice notices Betsa has a strange look on her face. Patrice starts eating and savors the food and eats all that is on her plate. She drinks two cups of wine. Her side is very sore, but not paining as it had. Patrice thinks pain is a relative thing.
After the meal, Patrice watches as Betsa cleans up and takes the plates and utensils out. She has left the wine and cup. Patrice pours herself another cup. There is a knock on the door and Patrice says, “Come.”
The healer comes in and says, “Your Grace.”
Patrice says courteously, “You will have to wait until my servant returns.”
The healer says, “Of course.” He goes into the hall.
Patrice sips the wine until the door opens again and Betsa comes in. Betsa moves the table and helps Patrice to the bed. Betsa helps her prepare so she can maintain some modesty while being examined.
When they are ready, Patrice says, “You may show the healer in.”
The man enters, bows, and says, “Your Grace, may I examine your wound?”
Patrice answers, “You may.” She pulls the cover away just enough that the wound is exposed.
The healer comes and examines it. He applies some salve to it and says, “It is healing well and it seems your humors are back in balance. There is no puss.”
Chapter 6
In the days since the victory over the invaders, Patrice has
recovered enough to walk up and down the hall outside of her room. A messenger comes bringing a message that Patrice has been summoned by the king.
Betsa helps her put on her best dress. It is a dark wine color and the silver jewelry she puts on had been her mother’s. The jewelry she chooses consists of a banded choker and hanging earrings. Patrice also wears the ring William gave her. She wears a black mourning veil over her head, but away from her face.
Patrice looks in the mirror that Betsa holds. She looks the part of a noble woman and her endowments are modestly presented. Patrice smiles for she is satisfied with her appearance. When Patrice leaves the room, an officer bows to her. He says, “Your Grace, I am the Consar Duchy captain.”
Patrice notes two duchy guards are outside her door.
Patrice smiles and asks, “What is your name, good captain.”
“I am called Falstaff, ma’am. The king sent me to guard you.”
Patrice says, “It was kind of his majesty.”
Patrice assesses Falstaff. He is a man of stout build, plain of features, but not homely. He has the aura of authority one usually sees in battle leaders.
Patrice says, “I do not know the castle. Do me the courtesy of accompanying me to his majesty.”
Falstaff says, “Yes, ma’am. May I steady you?”
Patrice says, “You may.”
Falstaff offers his arm and Patrice takes it. She walks slowly as her side still hurts when she moves too quickly.
Falstaff says, “Ma’am, it seems your wound still troubles you.”
“It does.”
Falstaff says, “The tale of your saving of your husband and your killing of one of the invaders’ chiefs has been spread far and wide. You are held in high esteem by the army and the people. It gives you some advantage.”
Patrice says, “I thank you for your advice. Do you have any more?”
“The duchy is plagued by a warlock called Maslak. Many fear his reputation and it is said he casts powerful spells.”
Patrice says, “Interesting. Do you fear him?”
“Ma’am, I choose not to fear what I do not know for certain. Still, I would be cautious in the matter. Are you troubled by the rumors of him?”
“There is no reason to be. Is there more I should know?”
Falstaff hesitates before saying, “The nobility is in disarray. Too many have died in the war. I do not know it all. I know enough to see it is a very serious situation. The king will have to act quickly to bring order to the realm. For that, he needs the surviving nobility.”
Patrice looks at Falstaff and nods. She walks slowly conserving her strength and wind. She is limping slightly when they arrived at the room where the king awaits. A soldier opens a door and Patrice takes her hand from Falstaff’s arm.
Patrice feels nervous. She takes a deep breath and dampens her emotions. Her fate is in the king’s hands. She does the practiced walk that her mother taught her as a young girl. She keeps control of her breathing. She seems to glide into the room. She winces as she curtsies before the king, but she assumes he did not notice for she was looking down. She says, “Majesty.”
The king says, “You may sit.”
Patrice looks up and straightens up. The king points to a chair.
Patrice says, “Thank you, Sire.” Patrice sits where the king had indicated.
The king says, “You look better than the last time I saw you.”
Patrice cannot stop it, she blushes.
The king smiles and says, “It seems all the potential male heirs in the Consar line are deceased. No close relatives remain, male or female. Like many families, they have all perished.” He looks at Patrice.
She says, “It is a sad thing that so fine a line may have ended, sir.”
The king asks, “May have?”
Patrice says, “There is always the possibility that I am with child. It is too soon to tell.”
The king says, “Indeed.” He pauses before adding, “You have impressed us with your feats. Your father was a good man.” The king looks at Patrice.
Patrice bows her head and says, “As you say, Majesty.”
The king surprises Patrice when he says, “We consider affirming your right to inherit as Duchess of Consar. What do you think?”
Patrice notes the king is speaking in the third person. This is a formal meeting. She says, “I am humbled by your consideration, Sire. I would be very grateful for such honor.”
The king responds, “As indeed you should be. Do you see advantage for us?”
Patrice knows it is a test. She pauses before she answers, “I am told the army and the people hold me in high esteem, so it will be well received that you honor me so. The Consar line is also held in high esteem and it is likely the folk will see it as honoring the surviving wife of the late duke. Overall, there are too few nobles and I come from a humble but noble line, though of higher rank on my mother’s side. I also know the business of running an estate. There are also rumors of a sorcerer in the duchy and many will shy away from such conflict. I will not. I think I may be of some humble assistance in bringing stability.”
The king says seriously, “There are rumors that you are a witch. You have not denied it.” The king waits for a response.
Patrice pauses before responding, “Some rumors may work to one’s advantage whether or not they have truth in them. As my father said, fear and respect are opposite sides of the same coin.”
The king laughs. When he stops laughing, he says, “Well played.”
Patrice waits. She is hurting and shifts her weight.
The king assesses, “It seems your wound still troubles you.”
Patrice answers, “It does, Sire.”
The king says, “We will affirm your right to inherit.”
Patrice bows her head and says, “Thank you, Majesty. I will not disappoint.”
The king says, “We expect you will do your duty. We will affirm your right at the banquet this evening that you will hold in my honor. You will sit beside Duke Delmoz. Are you able to travel?”
“Sir, I will manage it, if you require it.”
The king responds, “I do. It is important that the people see the nobility taking charge. I require you to go about your duchy and show you are in charge.”
“I will do it, sir.”
The king says, “Good. I will leave two days hence. You will start to travel the duchy then.”
Patrice says, “As you command, Sire.”
“You may leave.”
Patrice gets up, curtsies, and leaves the room.
The king turns to Duke Delmoz and says, “She carries herself well for so young a person and she is intelligent.”
Delmoz says, “Indeed, sir.”
The king asks, “Do you think she is a witch?”
Delmoz answers, “I am not sure. She plays the part well and the rumor suits her purposes. She is either an old soul in a young body or a witch. In either case, she could be useful. At the very least, she will buy time, even if her enemies do best her.”
The king chuckles before asking, “Do you think she will be able to do what is required to survive?”
Delmoz says, “Perhaps. She does not lack courage. Maslak will be her challenge. If she successfully deals with him, she will most likely succeed.”
“Indeed.”
Falstaff is waiting when Patrice comes out of her meeting with the king. Falstaff offers his arm. Patrice feels weak and takes his arm for support.
She says, “We need to talk. Find us a private place.”
Falstaff nods and leads Patrice to a small out of the way alcove that is close by. Patrice sits on the window bench and motions for Falstaff to do the same. He sits. Patrice is half afraid and half in panic, but she controls her outward expression of it.
Patrice says, “The king is to affirm my right to inherit and rule as Duchess of Consar. Will you give me your fealty willingly?”
Falstaff nods agreement and says, “Your Grace, I will as soon as the king p
ublicly affirms your right. I swear it on my honor.”
Patrice smiles and says, “Good. He has commanded that we go about the duchy to be seen taking control. The king will leave the day after tomorrow. What is the state of the company?”
Falstaff sighs, “We started with sixty seven knights but only forty one survive. Nine are too badly wounded to travel. We started with 191 men-at-arms. Only 83 remain to enforce your rule and keep peace in the duchy.”
“What of servants?”
“They survive. Your steward, Dunnel, ensured the safety of the staff. He has kept them inside and busy serving the king and his party.”
Patrice asks, “Is Dunnel married?”
Falstaff pauses, “His inclinations are not such.”
“Why?”
Falstaff pauses again and chooses his words cautiously, “He is damaged.”
Patrice asks gently, “What is your meaning?”
“A bull gored him when he was a young lad. He cannot fulfill the duties of a husband.”
Patrice changes the subject, “What of the Consar treasure?”
Falstaff says, “It is guarded and safe.”
“Good. It will be needed to rebuild the duchy.”
Falstaff nods agreement.
Patrice adds, “As soon as the king affirms my right publicly, have the goods brought from my room and my father’s room to the ducal apartment. It will be consolidated with the duchy goods. Send me a male servant who can be trusted on important errands.”
Falstaff said, “It will be done.”
Patrice asks, “Where are the keys to the treasure room?”
Falstaff says, “I have them. I will give them to you after the banquet.”
Patrice says, “Tell me about the duchy and the nobility.”
“Ma’am, the duchy is a rich one. There are five counties containing twenty nine baronies. The treasure accumulated here is substantial. Before the invaders came, four counts and nineteen barons, including your father, came here with their troops to fight.”
Patrice asked, “What of the other count and barons?”
“They were visiting king’s castle and died there with their families. The four counts who came here have survived. Of the nineteen barons from the duchy who came here, thirteen survive.”
The Duchess and The Warlock Page 3