Vengeance 01.5 - A Knight's Kiss

by Lana Williams

  “You know damn well who.” The steward grabbed the paddle from her hand.

  “Do you mind?” She jerked it back. “What has you so displeased this morn?”

  Wymark glared at her, but she managed to hold his gaze then at last raised her brow. Finally, he said, “Your sister.”

  “You lost my sister?” She allowed the feelings such an event would bring flood her, knowing they would show on her face. “Surely not.”

  “Do not lie to me.” Wymark was so close, spittle came out with his words.

  Disgusted, she wiped her face with her apron. “Last I heard my sister resided in your dungeon. How could she have possibly escaped?”

  Wymark drew back slightly and swallowed hard, his gaze shifting away. Liza couldn’t help but wonder if her sister’s disappearance hadn’t embarrassed him. After all, if he couldn’t keep a young woman in the dungeon, wouldn’t his ability to carry out his other duties come into question?

  “Well? Tell me,” she demanded. As Hugh had suggested, she went on the offense and became an outraged older sister, hoping the tactic would work. “Explain it. Why was she in the dungeon in the first place?” She took a step forward, letting out her anger at this man and all he’d done to her and her sister.

  To her surprise, Wymark took a step back then another only to bump into the table. “I—”

  “Why would you bother to place a maid servant in the dungeon? What occurred?” Liza continued to glare at him until he seemed to gather himself.

  “I do not answer to you.” He scowled. “I don’t know what happened to her, but I intend to find out. When I do, and if I learn you had anything to do with it, there will be hell to pay.” He took his leave, the brew room door slamming behind him.

  Liza breathed a sigh of relief, pleased she’d successfully completed the first part of their plan. She could only hope Hugh had the same results.

  Hugh waited near the blacksmith’s. From here he could see the brew room door. Just when he’d determined Liza needed help, Wymark strode out, frustration evident in the stiff lines of his body. Hugh couldn’t help but chuckle. Obviously, Liza hadn’t let Wymark gain the best of her.

  Though Hugh had wanted to remain with her for protection, he knew if the steward saw them together, his suspicions would be roused. The guards would’ve described a large man and there was no hiding that Hugh was indeed large. From what he’d learned thus far, Wymark wasn’t an idiot. But if they could gain another day to see their plan through, that was all he could ask.

  Once Wymark rounded the corner of a building, Hugh hurried to Liza’s. He opened the door to find her calmly stirring her brew, the tang of yeast scenting the air. “All is well?”

  She turned at his voice and smiled. “It worked just as you said.”

  “Excellent. On to the next part of the plan.”

  Worry clouded her large brown eyes, but she nodded.

  “I’ll return soon,” he promised. He couldn’t help but move forward to kiss her before leaving. Nor could he ignore the jolt of his heart when he did so.

  He strode through the cobbled streets quickly and soon caught sight of the steward once again. The man stood at the candlemaker’s door. From the angry tone of the man inside, Wymark wasn’t making any friends this day.

  Hugh waited nearby until the steward finished his business and started down the street.

  “Wymark?” Hugh called.

  “Aye?” The steward turned and watched him with narrowed eyes.

  “I wish to arrange time to speak with Lord Stanwick.”

  “For what purpose?”

  Hugh hesitated. Though he’d thought to continue with his ploy of wanting to buy horses, something about the steward’s expression made him change his mind. This time he’d try the direct approach. “I have a matter of some urgency to discuss with him.”

  “Tell me and I’ll be certain the lord is made aware of it.”

  “Nay. That won’t do.”

  Wymark cocked his head, obviously displeased with Hugh’s response. “His lordship is far too busy to see the likes of you.”

  “He’ll want to hear what I have to say.”

  Wymark scoffed and turned to walk away.

  “It involves Lord Tegmont,” Hugh added.

  The steward stopped abruptly and faced Hugh. “How do you know Tegmont?”

  “I traveled here from Larkspur.”

  “You bring word from him?” Wymark asked.

  Hugh hesitated. Did he continue to tell the truth or did he bluff? Somehow he felt truth would win this day. “Nay. The man’s dead.” Since Wymark didn’t act surprised, Hugh had to assume he already knew that. The steward’s question had been a test which he’d successfully passed. “I bring word from Lord Royce de Bremont who now holds Larkspur.”

  Wymark studied Hugh for a long moment. “Very well. Come to the keep after the mid-day meal. You may speak with his lordship then.”

  “I’d prefer to speak with his lordship here.” Hugh had no desire to visit the keep where the advantage would be squarely with Stanwick.

  “Do as I say or your opportunity is lost.” Wymark strode away, leaving Hugh scowling.

  “’Tis a trap.” Liza filled a cup with ale as she shook her head. “Surely you see that.”

  “Mayhap. If so, I’ll be ready.” He unstrapped his axe and laid it on the table. “I’ll leave this with you.”

  “Are you crazed?” She looked in dismay at the sharp double-bladed weapon. “I’m certain you’ll be in need of it.”

  “The guards won’t allow me to bring it in. I’d rather it be safe with you instead of with a guard who suddenly decides he fancies it for himself.” He felt naked without the weight of the weapon at his side but knew he had no choice. He’d tucked a knife in the top of his boot and another smaller one on the inside of his belt, hidden from view.

  “This is a terrible mistake.” Liza set the cup before Hugh, her gaze holding his. “Don’t do this. Not alone.”

  “We’ve been over this. You’re not coming with me.” He took a sip of the fine brew and swirled it in his mouth. As the flavor traveled along his tongue, he smiled. “Elderberry?”

  “What?” Liza’s mind was obviously elsewhere.

  “Does elderberry flavor this batch?” He took another sip. “Delicious.”

  “Please stay focused.” She took a seat across from him at the table in the brew room. “We’re discussing your upcoming demise.”

  Hugh couldn’t suppress a smile. He loved this woman’s spirit. Then he swallowed hard as a realization swept over him. Her spirit wasn’t the only thing he loved about Liza. He studied her closer. Surely he was mistaken. He hardly knew her. Yet as he looked deep into the dark depths of her brown eyes, the lurch of his heart proved it to be true.

  “Hugh, are you listening?” She clapped her hands before his eyes as though to snap him out of a trance. “I’m asking where I should bury your body.”

  He scowled at her. “Have you so little faith in me?”

  Something shifted in those eyes. If he had to guess, she felt more for him than she wanted to. But wariness was there too. He couldn’t blame her. He wasn’t completely comfortable with this feeling either.

  Now was not the time to deal with their emotions. After this day was over and they’d left the city, he’d tell her what was in his heart.

  For now, all he could do was reassure her. He took both her hands in his. “I’ll be fine. I will tell Lord Stanwick that others are aware of his plans. That Royce has already shared the details with Lord Pimbroke. Pimbroke wields enough power with the king to give Stanwick pause.”

  “Lords don’t take kindly to receiving this sort of information. Killing you would be no more to him than shooing away a fly.”

  “Now you’re just insulting me.” Hugh squeezed her hands. “I can take care of myself. I don’t intend to walk in unawares or unarmed.”

  “Wymark is not to be trusted. Who knows if he has even advised Lord Stanwick of your visit? Kn
owing Wymark, he’ll attempt to deal with you on his own and take credit for saving his lordship’s life or some such nonsense.”

  “Liza, you must trust me that I know what I’m about. I’ve been in many difficult situations and yet here I sit before you, none the worse for the wear.”

  She looked away for a moment then turned back. “I am asking you to take extra care.” She rose from the bench and came around the table to sit on his lap, much to his delight. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders and kissed him, long and sweet. Then she drew back to hold his gaze. “I have feelings for you, Hugh. I’m not done exploring this…desire you’ve shown me.”

  Before he could reply, she kissed him again until he felt it down to his toes. Then she leaned her forehead against his.

  He lifted his hand to smooth her dark hair back only to find a tear on her cheek. “Liza, don’t cry. You must know that I care for you as well. I intend to come back to you so we may leave here together.”

  She sniffed then sighed.

  That wasn’t enough for him. He needed her to understand exactly how he felt about her. If she understood, perhaps she would realize that he would return to her.

  He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her even closer. Then he kissed her as if his life depended on it.

  In truth, he was beginning to think it did.

  Shortly after Hugh had left for the keep, Liza directed Samuel, an older man who often helped her, to load two barrels of ale on the cart and bind them in place with rope. While he completed the task, she returned inside and stared at the axe Hugh had left behind. With one finger, she trailed along the carved leather belt that held it in place around his waist.

  She scowled, certain his leaving it behind had been a grave mistake. She picked it up, surprised at its weight. The belt was far too big for her waist. How else could she carry it? She strapped it across her shoulder, belting it at the opposite side of her waist so the weapon would hang down her back.

  Then she drew on her cloak, hiding both the axe and the strap. Unless someone patted her on the back, or she bent over, it should remain hidden. She tucked a knife in her girdle as well. Already she had a bag filled with a few of her things, including the money she’d saved. She’d donned two extra kirtles as that seemed the best way to carry extra clothing.

  Elsie came into the brew room. “You wanted to see me?”

  Liza swallowed the sudden lump in her throat. “I’ll be leaving Ermine today.”

  “Nay.” The serving maid’s eyes went wide. “But—”

  “I won’t tell you anything more. That way you won’t have to lie if someone comes looking for me.” She took the maid’s hand. “I want you to take over the alehouse. I’ve left the recipe for you. And you already know how to do everything else.”

  “Oh, Liza.” Tears filled her eyes, making Liza’s do so as well. Then a smile lit her face. “Will you be leaving with the knight?”

  Liza couldn’t help but smile. “I won’t say anything more. I wish you the very best, Elsie.” She gave the maid a quick hug. “Now off with you. Take good care of you and the alehouse.”

  Elsie wiped away her tears as she left.

  Liza retrieved her bag and went outside to tuck it in the cart and check on Samuel.

  “I didn’t know ye were takin’ ale to the keep this day,” the old man said as he tightened the rope over a barrel. “I thought ye weren’t due to deliver more for three days.”

  “Plans changed.” Liza tapped her toe, wishing the man would hurry along as she wanted to follow Hugh as quickly as possible.

  The only way she could think of to gain entrance was to deliver ale. With luck, no one would question her arrival with the casks. At last he was satisfied with the load and moved to take the horse’s reins.

  “I’ll lead her,” Liza advised him. Though the man was as helpful as could be, he was stooped with age, his knuckles swollen from overuse. And she was in a terrible hurry. “Thanks much, Samuel.”

  She took the reins, ignoring the old man’s puzzled frown, and led the horse up the crowded street, walking as quickly as the people passing by allowed. She wanted to scream at them all to step out of the way, but she held her tongue. The axe tapped her gently on the back when she moved too quickly, reminding her to slow her pace and avoid drawing attention.

  At last she reached the gate to the keep. She held her breath as the guard looked over her cart and then waved her through.

  Her plan was simple: she’d deliver the ale, pass by the hall to peek inside and make certain all was well. It wasn’t that she didn’t trust Hugh. Far from it. She’d put her very life in the man’s hands. It was Wymark and Lord Stanwick she held no faith in, especially not after what Hugh had shared.

  If Hugh had no need of her, she’d return to the alehouse to wait. If things weren’t going well…

  Liza shook her head. She had no idea what she’d do or how she’d help. While she dreaded the thought of having to use the weapons she’d brought on someone, she wasn’t about to let Hugh be taken.

  With a deep breath, she masked her worry and led the horse alongside the kitchen entrance.

  “Wasn’t expecting you this day, Liza,” the cook said with a frown as he spotted her at the entrance to his kitchen.

  “Wymark stopped by the alehouse earlier and requested two barrels.” The lie rolled off her tongue as though it were true.

  “We had plenty last I heard,” the cook said. “Let me find the bottler and see if he knows anything of it.”

  “Very well. As long as you’re comfortable questioning Wymark’s orders.” She feigned nonchalance by plucking a piece of lint from her cloak.

  “Ah, I’ll send one of the men to help you unload.” He waved his hand in dismissal, allowing her to breathe a sigh of relief.

  The servant untied the ropes and hefted the first cask. Liza followed him inside and through the kitchen. But instead of continuing to the buttery, Liza veered toward the great hall.

  She paused at the kitchen entrance and drew a deep breath to gather her courage. Then she eased forward to peek into the hall.

  “What do we have here?”

  Liza’s heart stopped as she turned to find Wymark directly behind her.

  Chapter Nine

  Lord Stanwick eyed Hugh with disbelief in the great hall, his craggy brows drawn low over piercing blue eyes. “How dare you.” The quiet words held more of a threat than a shout would’ve.

  Hugh glanced warily at the two guards nearby before returning his gaze to the angry lord. “I’m only sharing information others thought you should know.”

  “Information I find offensive.”

  “No offense is intended. Lord Royce simply wished to advise you that Lord Pimbroke is aware of the recent plans involving his life.”

  “You come into my hall and make accusations then expect my gratitude?”

  “Nay.” Hugh did his best to keep his tone mild when he wanted to grab the old man and give him a good shake. “I am merely suggesting that making such plans in the future would be unwise.”

  Movement at the opposite side of the hall near the massive hearth caught Hugh’s eye. His chest tightened as he saw Liza enter with Wymark beside her. Her face was pale with fright and her eyes full of apologies.

  “I’m sorry to interrupt, my lord,” Wymark said as he drew Liza forward. “But we have an unexpected visitor.”

  Stanwick turned to stare at Liza. “Who is this?”

  “This woman’s sister recently resided in the dungeon.”

  “Ah, the servant you lost.” The lord scowled at Wymark but gestured for them to come forward.

  Hugh nearly groaned in dismay. What on earth was Liza doing here?

  “I found her in the very same place I caught her sister.” Wymark’s attention shifted to Hugh and his eyes narrowed. “My lord, you may remember that the guards who allowed the prisoner to escape insisted one of the men who aided her was a large knight.”

  Stanwick’s gaze shifted between Hug
h and Liza. “Interesting that both of you are here now. One has to believe there is a connection.”

  “Please, my lord, allow me to leave.” Liza didn’t even glance at Hugh. “I came in search of my sister. Wymark stopped at the alehouse this morn and told me Melissande had escaped. I had to see for myself.”

  Hugh wanted to kiss her for her clever excuse. Would the lord believe her?

  “Surely you can see she lies, my lord.” Wymark trailed a finger down her cheek and smiled when Liza jerked away. “These two are obviously working together.”

  “My business here is at end. I’ll bid you all good day.” Hugh took a step back.

  “Hold.” Stanwick raised his hand, palm up. “There is more to this than either of you are saying.”

  A sick feeling settled in the pit of Hugh’s stomach. He considered his options. Four against one? He’d had worse odds. But the fact that he did not have his weapon was a definite disadvantage.

  “Please,” Liza said. “I only want to find my sister.”

  “Your presence here together is too much of a coincidence for me.” Stanwick shook his head. “Throw them both in the dungeon until one of them decides to tell us where the servant is.”

  “My pleasure.” Wymark tugged Liza closer, and it was all Hugh could do not to lunge for the man. “Come with me.”

  “Let her go,” Hugh demanded. “She has nothing to do with the message I shared.”

  “I want the other woman back,” Stanwick said, his anger bringing him to his feet. “Perhaps she’ll return if the two of you remain.” The lord gestured for the two guards to take Hugh.

  “You’re making a mistake.” Hugh had to try one more time but the lord waved them away.

  The guards took his arms, and Hugh resisted the urge to fight them. The narrow steps to the dungeon would improve his chances. A glance over his shoulder showed Wymark and Liza behind them. Hugh ran through a plan in his mind, preparing himself for what lay ahead as they started down the narrow dark steps. The biggest danger was Wymark holding Liza.