Even in the dark, he could tell she was shooting him daggers with her eyes.
“Stop being a brute and let me explain myself. Tell him, Jarin. Tell him we are not lovers.”
Gavin waited with bated breath to hear what the young lad's response would be. He realized that he was desperately hoping that the boy would deny his accusations. The boy's lips quivered as he mouthed several words before any sound would come out. Gavin was unimpressed with the fear he could see dancing in the boys eyes.
When he finally could speak he said, “We aren't exactly lovers...at least not yet.”
Gwendolyn reached out and socked the boy. “Jarin! We are not lovers and never will be. Tell him.”
Gavin actually felt a twinge of sympathy for the lad as he watched his face crumple in disappointment.
“Gwendolyn, I thought that...well now that you have been granted your entrance...we talked about how this could change things. I was going to speak with your brother when we got back. Remember?”
“Well,” Gavin cut his pathetic speech off. “Now you don't have to wait; you can speak with him tonight.” He deftly rose, bringing his captives with him, holding on tightly lest either one of them attempted to run. “I'm taking you both to King Terric.”
“Nay!” Gwendolyn wailed, trying to break free from his unyielding grip. “Please, Gavin. I can face my brother's wrath, but please let Jarin go. Don't make him go through that.”
“Trying to protect your lover, are you? Hoping I will let him go so that you can attempt to flee with him some other time?” he snarled.
“He. Is. Not. My. Lover,” she enunciated each word slowly, angrily as her slight frame stiffened with rage.
“Try convincing the king.”
With that, he angrily forced the pair back to the castle, leaving Talbot to his own defenses.
Chapter 14
Permission Granted
Gwendolyn was angry and humiliated as Gavin forced her and Jarin into Rosalind and Terric's bedchamber. She felt horribly intrusive as they stumbled into the dark and private quarters. Terric bolted up in his bed, throwing his body protectively across Rosalind who was struggling to see past him to what was going on.
“I'm sorry to interrupt you, Your Highness, but I have a matter of utmost importance that needs to be resolved straightaway.”
“Gavin, is that you?” Terric asked.
“Aye, 'tis I.” After a brief pause he added, “And your sister and her lover.”
Terric bolted from the bed and was at once standing in front of the trio in nothing but a tan pair of hose. “Gwendolyn, is it true?”
“Nay, Terric, 'tis not,” she said insolently.
Like a panther, Terric stalked to the dying embers in the fireplace and bent to light a torch, setting it in the sconce on the wall, bathing the room in a soft, golden light. Turning, he gasped as he took in Gwendolyn's appearance, ignoring, for the moment, the boy standing next to her.
“What in tarnation are you doing dressed like a, like a...” one hand was flailing wildly in front of him. “A boy,” he finally finished, lamely.
Gwendolyn felt her cheeks begin to burn. She wasn't sure what to say exactly. Never in her wildest imaginations had she envisioned this uncomfortable encounter as part of her plans. Never.
“Explain yourself at once,” Terric growled impatiently when his question was met with only silence.
Rosalind pulled the sheets tightly up to her chin as she sat, her back leaning against the intricately carved headboard. “Terric, keep your voice down lest you wake the entire keep. I'm sure Gwendolyn has a reasonable explanation.”
All eyes turned to her, waiting. She felt immense guilt flood her at Rosalind's defense of her actions. She hated to disappoint her. Looking down at her boot-clad feet she began twisting her hands nervously into the front of her shirt. “Nay, I don't have a reasonable explanation.”
Before she knew what was happening, Terric had Jarin pinned up against the wall, his face looking more furious than she had ever seen it. “If you tell me you are my sister's lover, I will kill you on the spot.”
Both Gwendolyn and Rosalind gasped in unison, equally shocked by her brother's wrath. He had always been so level headed, so in control of his emotions. Neither one of them had ever seen this side of him.
Jarin began trembling, shaking his head back and forth violently. His eyes were wide with fear, but he couldn't seem to make a single word escape from his trembling lips. Gwendolyn couldn't let Terric frighten him so, after all it was her fault that he was in this position in the first place.
Stepping forth, she placed a trembling hand on Terric's arm, hoping to calm him. “Terric, he is not my lover. Please, this is all my fault. He had nothing to do with it.”
Terric kept his grip firmly on Jarin as he turned steely eyes on her. “Pray tell how he had nothing to do with it, yet is standing with you in my bedchamber right now.”
“I can explain.”
“Then do it and do it now,” he barked.
“Terric please, don't be angry,” she pleaded, unaccustomed to seeing him so.
“Oh my darling Gwen, I'm beyond angry at this point.” His voice went deadly calm, “You have thirty seconds to explain yourself before I am tempted to kill you both.”
He couldn't be serious, Gwendolyn thought, but she wasn't dumb enough to find out. “Jarin isn't my lover, he is just my friend. He found out about a magic festival being held in the forest near here and I persuaded him to take me. I knew that neither you nor mother would ever allow me to go, and so I devised a plan for Jarin and I to go.” Her explanation sounded feeble, pathetic, even to her own ears. She chanced a quick glance at Rosalind, then Gavin to gauge their reactions. Neither of them looked pleased, but then she hadn't expected they would be.
Slowly she turned her eyes to Terric, knowing he held her fate in his hands. She was hoping to see that his blue eyes had softened in understanding, but she knew it was all wishful thinking. His eyes were as dark and menacing as they had been before, mayhap even more so.
“Gwendolyn, you mean to tell me that you planned to run away with this boy so you could attend a magic festival? Pray tell what you planned to gain by this little excursion—a loss of honor and your reputation?”
“Nay, I hadn't planned anything of the sort,” she retorted, offended he would suggest such a thing.
“Well, surely running off with a lad, unchaperoned for heaven knows how long, would warrant it, don't you think?”
“I hadn't thought that through entirely.”
“Clearly,” Terric said flatly. “What did you think about then? Tell me exactly what was going on in that foolish head of yours, because I'm having a blasted hard time understanding why in the hell you would find any part of this brainless plan sensible.”
Feeling the overpowering need to defend herself lest she weep, Gwendolyn found the courage to speak. “You know how badly I want a gift, Terric. You know how much it galls me that I am ordinary. Jarin knew this as well, so when he overheard some traveling gypsies talking about the festival, he told me all about it. I knew I had to go. This could be my only chance to discover what my gift could be. There's supposed to be countless number of gifted people at the gathering, people who may be able to help me discover my own gift, or at the very least, help me to learn a magical skill.”
“Give it up Gwen,” Terric said impatiently, running a hand angrily through his already messed hair.
“I can't, Terric,” she screeched. “You do not understand this burning need I feel within me to possess a gift. You don't understand because you don't value such things, as was made clear by you so willingly giving your gift away.”
Then, knowing she was being completely unfair, she turned on Rosalind as well. “And you couldn't possibly understand because you are in possession of Terric's squandered gift, a gift you never sought out in the first place.”
In an attempt to ignore the pained look on Rosalind's face, Gwendolyn turned to Gavin and gave him a
smoldering look. “And you are an oaf, insistent on ruining my life. I rue the day I ever met you. If it weren't for you, I'd be happily on my way to the festival right now.” It seemed the only person in the room she didn't resent in that moment was Jarin.
“Enough!” Terric bellowed so loudly his voice echoed off the cold stone walls. “You are done insulting all of us. You sound like a spoiled child right now, a very selfish, spoiled child.”
She refused to let him know how much his comments hurt her. “Well, fortunately for me, I am no longer a child. You yourself granted me my entrance just the evening prior, or have you already forgotten? Let me inform you that now that I am of age, nothing you say will prevent me from going.”
“I can have every defender in the Kingdom prevent you from going if I so wish,” Terric said haughtily.
“Well you can certainly try, but I refuse to let that keep me from attempting to go to that festival.”
“Gwendolyn, let's be rational,” Rosalind pleaded. “I may not fully understand how important obtaining a gift is to you, but it's clear that it means a lot to you if you are willing to risk your reputation and put your life at risk to attend a festival in the unsafe region of the forest. Not to mention the fact that you are willing to defy your brother, the king might I add, to do so.”
“He's only a lesser king,” Gwendolyn mumbled.
“Aye,” Rosalind snapped at her sharply. “But he is a king nonetheless, and I suggest you respect his power and authority.”
Gwendolyn felt properly chastised, if not humbled by her reminder, but she was unwilling to back down. “I will find a way to get there. Send Jarin back to the village, punish him if you must, but I will find a way to go, with or without his help.”
“Gwendolyn, I will not let them stop me from helping you,” Jarin hollered at her. Gwendolyn cringed at Jarin's attempt at bravery. The shaking in his voice betrayed his confidence.
“I love you, Gwendolyn, they can't keep us apart.” In that moment, Gwendolyn was sorely tempted to wring Jarin's neck, if only to get him to stop speaking. Fortunately Terric's icy glare silenced him.
“Your Highness, my I request your permission to retire from this conversation? I need to see to Talbot.” Gavin's deep voice was laced with irritation, and Gwendolyn couldn't fault him for wanting to leave, she did too.
“Permission denied,” Terric said, much to everyone's surprise. “I'm willing to make a bargain, against my better judgment. With all of you. Jarin, you will return immediately to your home. I have half a mind to send you to the dungeon and lock you away from my sister forever, but I can see that you can't be faulted for being duped by her charms. You will go back to your life as if none of this has ever happened and leave Gwendolyn alone forever. Do I make myself clear?”
The room was deathly silent as everyone awaited his response. He finally spoke, with foolish bravery marking his words. “I will agree to return home, but I cannot agree to never speak to Gwendolyn again. You ask too much.”
“Then I cannot agree to allow you your freedom.” Terric's voice was firm.
“Jarin, just agree to it,” Gwendolyn pleaded, unwilling to see Jarin sacrifice his entire life with his stubbornness.
“Do you truly wish it?” he asked, pain filling his face.
“Aye. 'Tis the only way, Jarin.”
“Very well, then I agree.” His head dropped to his chest with sadness as guilt and sorrow ripped through Gwendolyn's breast. She had never meant to hurt him so.
“Very good.” Terric continued, turning to Gwendolyn, “I can see that you are being irrational about all of this and that you are determined to go to this blasted festival regardless of how any of us feels about it. So, I've decided to let you go.” Gwendolyn's head snapped up so fast she thought her neck might break.
“But,” Terric paused long enough to let the enormity of what he was about to say sink in. “you must agree that no matter the outcome, no matter if you come away from the festival with a gift or not, you will cease this madness. You must agree to stop being so irrational in seeking out a gift you may or may not possess, and you will stop being so selfish.”
Gwendolyn let his words settle into her mind. Truthfully she wasn't sure she could believe what she was hearing. Terric was going to allow her to go to the magic festival?
Before she could fully process his terms, he was speaking once more in that commanding tone he had acquired since becoming king. “Gavin will accompany you to the festival, acting as your personal defender. You will also take Brigit with you for a chaperone or I will not, under any circumstances allow you to go. Can you agree to all of this Gwen?”
Her heart softened slightly at the use of his nickname for her. She knew he was being considerably obliging, but Brigit and Gavin! Brigit was Rosalind's lady in waiting, and she was much too stern and uppity for Gwendolyn's taste. Combine her non-indulgent manner with Gavin's clear dislike for her, and she was determined her brother meant for the trip to be the most unenjoyable excursion of her life. Mayhap it was his way of punishing her.
“With all due respect, Your Highness,” Gavin's voice was low and gravely, yet tight and controlled, as if he was trying hard not to lash out in disrespect. “My obligation to Talbot precludes me from being able to attend to your sister on her journey. Mayhap it would be best if you find another defender to tend to her.”
Gwendolyn seethed. She wasn't a child that needed a nursemaid to tend her.
Terric rubbed his chin, looking all of a sudden exhausted. “I'm not asking you to tend her, but to defend her and protect her—no easy chore where she is concerned. And if you are truly concerned about your duties with Talbot, then I suggest you take him with you.”
Gwendolyn groaned, sending a scathing glare Gavin's way. If that filthy beast was allowed to go on the journey, she'd definitely reconsider her desire to go.
“I think it best that he stay. He hasn't been feeling well since eating the rotten pork from the kitchen.” It was the smartest thing she'd ever heard Gavin say.
“Then it's settled.” Terric returned to his bed, sitting with a huff on the side, taking Rosalind's hand into his own. “You can leave first thing in the morning. Jarin, Gavin will take you to the stables where he will instruct one of my men to see you safely home. Remember our agreement.”
“Yes, Your Highness,” he mumbled, his head still drooping as he spoke.
“Now be on your way. I find I'm utterly exhausted.”
The three of them turned to leave as Terric swung his legs up onto the bed, but Gwendolyn couldn't resist trying to beg for one more favor.
She turned sharply just as Terric's head sank into his pillow, and spit out her request before she lost her nerve. “Can't mother come along as my chaperone instead of Brigit?”
“Nay,” Terric breathed out, barely loud enough for her to hear.
“But...” she dared continue.
“If you make one more request on my generosity, I will rescind my offer completely and lock you in the dungeon until you are thirty.”
Gwendolyn stuck her lip out in a pout, then, turning on her heel, fled his chambers as fast as she could before he could change his mind.
Chapter 15
Her Mother's Approval
Rosalind awoke as the first rays of sun were beginning to shine through the narrow slits of the outer wall of her chambers. She was wrapped tightly in Terric's strong embrace. She snuggled closely into his chest, inhaling his masculine scent. Her poor husband had slept fitfully after his argument with his sister. She knew it troubled him greatly that he had been so harsh on her, for he truly loved her dearly, but her bold and foolish actions had rightfully concerned him.
She sighed, thinking about her dear friend Gwendolyn. She loved her like a sister, but had to admit that her childish immaturity was going to get her in more trouble than she desired if she wasn't careful. Twisting so that her back was towards Terric, she felt his arms automatically tighten, bringing her close into his embrace. One hand found
its way to her abdomen where it tenderly gripped the cotton folds of her nightgown. Rosalind smiled. She had slept much deeper than Terric, but not because she was any less troubled by the night's event than he. Nay, all the signs as of late pointed to the fact that she was with child, Terric's child.
Her heart beat wildly against her chest, so happy and full she thought it just might burst. Mayhap when she told Terric the news, it would lift his spirits and distract him from his surly mood brought on by Gwendolyn. But she wouldn't wake him. Nay, she'd let him sleep on while she visited Gwendolyn before she left for the festival.
Sliding carefully from his embrace so as not to wake him, she wrapped her robe tightly around her, tying it at the waist before grabbing a vile full of bright magenta liquid from her chest on her dresser. Then, closing her eyes, she imagined Gwendolyn's bedchamber, and, in an instant, had successfully transported there.
***
“Good morning.”
Gwendolyn startled when she heard Rosalind's voice behind her. Turning, she beheld her friend standing in her robe in the center of her bedchamber.
Putting a hand to her chest to still her racing heart, she said, “You haven't done that to me for quite some time. I wasn't expecting you.”
“Nay, I suppose you weren't. I forget how fun it is to surprise people. Terric has gotten so used to it, he hardly flinches when I appear unsuspected. That takes part of the fun out of it, I admit.”
Gwendolyn eyed Rosalind wearily, unsure if she was there to scold her. She waited in silence, hoping that she would reveal her purpose for her early morning visit sooner rather than later. Rosalind did not disappoint.
“I wanted to speak to you before you left for the festival. I brought you something.” Rosalind scurried over to Gwendolyn and stretched forth one hand, revealing the vile of magenta liquid.
To Capture Her Heart Page 9