A Loyal Heart

by Jody Hedlund

  “Come here.” I beckoned her closer as I placed the torch in the wall mount.

  Thankfully she obeyed without her usual questions or resistance. I reached through the bars, took hold of her arms, and began to slide my hands up and down. Even through the layer of sleeve fabric, her body gave off a chill.

  If the bars hadn’t stood between us, I would have pulled her into my arms and gladly given her my own heat.

  “Here are the blankets, sir.” Sir Darien’s voice echoed down the corridor, and his footsteps slapped the stairs in his haste.

  I released Olivia long enough to grab the blankets and when I returned to her cell, I rapidly unfolded the first coarse linen and wrapped it around her. When I finally had her bundled beneath three blankets, I began rubbing her arms again, this time over the wool.

  “How is that?” I asked.

  “Much better,” she said, her voice less wobbly. She was leaning against one side of the bars and I leaned against the other, the cold beams the only thing standing between us. “I am most grateful.”

  In the quietness of the dungeons, my breathing was heavy and hers was jagged, filling the thin space between us.

  “I’m sorry I wasn’t here to prevent you from being locked up down here,” I whispered.

  “I brought this upon myself,” she whispered back.

  “Then Lady Glynnis’s accusations are true?”

  “I was in Lord Pitt’s treasury,” she conceded. “But I was not stealing. At least not at the moment they found me.”

  “Lord Pitt will find you guilty for simply being in his treasury.”

  “I suppose that is what Lady Glynnis would like to see happen.”

  My pulse gave a lurch. If what my men told me was true, then Pitt had already declared Olivia guilty based on Lady Glynnis’s testimony, and made plans to execute her.

  I released Olivia’s arms. “I must go speak with Lord Pitt.”

  She lifted shaking hands as if she meant to grab hold of me.

  Again as before, I reached through the grates. This time, I grasped her hands in mine. Her fingers were frigid. I pulled them through the bars at the same time that I bent and breathed out hot air over her fingers.

  For several moments, I bathed her hands in my warm breath, hoping once again to ease her chill. I could feel her beautiful green eyes upon me, watching my every move.

  When I finally straightened and started to release her, she squeezed my hands and prevented me from leaving. “I want you to know,” she whispered. “You are the kindest man I have ever known.”

  “I don’t deserve such praise, my lady.”

  “And I do not give praise unless I truly mean it.”

  I held her hands for a moment longer, suddenly loathe to leave her in the dungeons alone. However, I couldn’t disregard the proper protocol lest I make the situation worse for her.

  That’s all my concern amounted to, I told myself as I ascended the stairs a few seconds later. I was only acting as any captain would toward a prisoner he’d captured. Since I’d been the one to take her into captivity, she was my responsibility. And she certainly didn’t deserve to die like a common criminal.

  Surely I could make Pitt see that.

  I hurried to the great hall, and the aromas of the evening meal greeted me—thick smoky venison and yeasty rye bread. The scents reminded me I hadn’t eaten properly in over three days. I would relish a fine supper, but only if I was able to convince Pitt to spare Olivia’s life and move her to the tower.

  As I strode to the front where Pitt was playing chess with one of his trusted older friends, Sir Frank, my mind spun with all the ways I could rise to Olivia’s defense, any way I could possibly change his mind about executing Olivia.

  I was relieved Lady Glynnis and the other women had dispersed from the corner where they sewed, likely retiring to their chambers to ready themselves for the evening meal and activities. I would have a hard enough time pleading Olivia’s case without having to contend with Lady Glynnis’s accusations.

  I halted a dozen paces away from Pitt out of respect and waited for him to notice and address me. He finished his move, sat back in his chair, and studied the chessboard while his opponent did the same. I had no doubt he knew I was there and was making me wait as a test of my patience. Under normal circumstances, my patience was unmatched. I could endure high levels of agony without complaint.

  But with Olivia languishing in the dungeons, I was anxious to see her removed as soon as possible. I shifted so that my sword clanked. When that elicited no response, I coughed into my hand.

  “She’s a thief,” Pitt growled, apparently knowing exactly what I wanted to discuss.

  If he wished for no preamble, then I would give him none. And if he had no qualms about discussing this matter in the presence of Sir Frank, then neither did I. “I’m told she took nothing.”

  “She picked the lock of one of my chests and was digging through it when Lady Glynnis discovered the treachery.”

  “She’s been searching for something since the day she arrived,” I replied. “I know not what item she seeks. But I have observed her searching at other times.” I decided against revealing I’d caught her in my private chambers. I didn’t want to besmear Olivia’s reputation any more than it already was.

  “Then she is a sneak as well as a thief.”

  “If she really wanted to fill her family’s coffers by taking from you, then she would have stashed the stolen goods away. But she had nothing in her chambers, as I’m sure you discovered.”

  “Yes, the guards searched her rooms and found nothing. But that doesn’t mean that she didn’t hide the stolen goods elsewhere.”

  “Is anything missing?”

  “No.”

  “Then everything is accounted for?”

  Finally, Pitt shifted his attention away from the game board to me. His eyes were dark, making the pale scar running down his face stand out. “She was caught in my treasury up to her arms in one of my chests. I must punish her with a hanging as I do other thieves.”

  “She’s a noblewoman, not a criminal.”

  Pitt crossed his arms and reclined in his high-backed chair, stretching his legs out in front of him, his expression much too calculated for my liking.

  My nerves stretched like limbs on the rack. I couldn’t let him go through with his plans to hurt Olivia. She didn’t deserve it. No woman did.

  “If you hang her, you’ll start a war,” I warned. “Her father will gather his allies and attack Tolleymuth.”

  “Then we’ll fight and destroy them.”

  “In so doing, you’ll risk harming the king’s efforts to bring the Marcher barons into submission.”

  Sir Frank spoke for the first time. “Sir Aldric is right. You would cause a war.”

  I nodded my thanks to the older man. We all knew the king didn’t want to start a war if we could bring about peace some other way.

  Pitt steepled his hands beneath his chin and regarded me through narrowed eyes. “If not hanging, then what punishment shall I give the earl’s daughter?”

  “Move her to the tower and keep her locked there.”

  “And . . .”

  My mind returned to the idea that had fostered at the tournament. If we threatened her match with Lionel Lacy, we would alarm her father and draw him to Tolleymuth. “We can threaten the earl’s alliance with Marquess of Clearwater.”

  Pitt didn’t respond but watched me intently as though waiting for me to continue with my plan. I took heart that he was considering other options for Olivia.

  “As you know, the earl is in the process of betrothing Lady Olivia to the marquess’s son. Such a union will increase the earl’s power among the Marcher barons. If we interfere with her betrothal to the marquess’s son, her father will finally come and pay her ransom. He wouldn’t risk losing such a prestigious match.”

  “And how is that punishment for her?”

  “She’s loyal to her father and won’t want to lose the match eith
er. Besides, she’s proud. If you give her to a landless knight without status, she’ll be appalled and humiliated. I can think of several of my knights who might agree to the plan.” Perhaps I could persuade Darien or one of my other faithful knights to do the deed, more so if they knew Olivia’s father wouldn’t allow her to go through with the marriage. Or at least I hoped her father wouldn’t allow it.

  “So you’re suggesting I shame her?”

  “Yes. Such a betrothal would be beneath her, and she’d loathe it.” While I didn’t want to expose Olivia to any shame, she must suffer or Pitt wouldn’t consider the punishment sufficient.

  Pitt studied me with the same calculation that again set my nerves on edge. “I expected that once you discovered her life was in danger, you’d offer to marry her in order to save her.”

  He’d expected me to marry her? I shook my head. “No, my lord.” My mind scrambled for an excuse. “I couldn’t possibly—”

  “I took you for a jealous man, Windsor. I’ve noticed the way you regard her, and I didn’t think you could hand her over to another so easily.”

  “I’m not jealous, my lord. Besides, the betrothal won’t last.”

  “And if the earl chooses not to ransom his daughter, then you won’t mind one of the other knights marrying Lady Olivia?”

  My mind flashed with the image of Darien bending in to kiss Olivia’s pretty lips. The mere thought of it sent a sharp, almost violent streak of protest through my blood.

  Pitt was gauging my reaction. With a satisfied smile, he sat forward and moved a knight on the chessboard. “I shall grant your request, Windsor, and shall stay Lady Olivia’s execution. But only if you agree to the betrothal for yourself.”

  I couldn’t speak past my frustration. Had I played right into Pitt’s ploy? Had he planned to entrap me all along?

  When he’d told me he would drop the matter of my taking a bride, I should have realized he wouldn’t cease his scheming, should have known he was too cunning. But why not force my hand with one of the other women? Why Olivia?

  “Surely you don’t want me to unite with our enemy?” I offered.

  “Keeping the enemy close is oft a wise strategy.”

  “Very true,” remarked Sir Frank as he lifted his pawn and moved it within striking distance to Pitt’s queen.

  Pitt was quiet as he studied the board.

  “At the very least,” I said, “allow me to move Lady Olivia to a tower room.” I couldn’t bear the prospect of her languishing in the dungeons, shaking and cold and hungry any longer than necessary.

  “I shall allow the move only after an official betrothal ceremony.” His voice contained a finality that told me he wouldn’t be persuaded otherwise.

  I stifled an exasperated sigh. “Then I shall make the arrangements for the ceremony right away.”

  “Good.”

  Good? I quelled my irritation, certain now Pitt had meddled and had me in the exact position he’d wanted.

  “You needn’t worry,” Pitt said as if sensing my irritation. “You said yourself the betrothal won’t last.”

  “And if it does?”

  “Then you may find yourself deliriously happy again, my friend.” When he looked at me this time, his eyes brimmed with sincerity. And I realized he thought he was doing this for my good. He believed I cared about Olivia and that somehow she’d make me happy.

  Although I wasn’t pleased with his stipulations, I knew he meant well. And I couldn’t fault him for that. Even if he was wrong.

  Chapter

  14

  Izzy hugged me as though she never meant to let go.

  I returned the embrace wholeheartedly, relieved for the opportunity to be with her again—an opportunity I thought I’d lost forevermore.

  Sir Darien waited nearby looking discreetly away, allowing me the opportunity to be with my sister.

  We stood at the top of the dungeons’ stairwell in a deserted hallway. Wrapped in the blankets Aldric had provided for me, my limbs were regaining warmth. Though the castle passageway was drafty, it was warmer than my cell and reflected the heat of summer.

  Determined, purposeful steps drew nearer. Aldric’s steps.

  I suspected he was behind my release. But what was to become of me now? I had no desire to return to the cold hovel where, save for the rats and spiders, I was alone. Not only had the cold seeped into my very bones, so had fear. I’d never considered myself an easily frightened woman, had always believed myself to be strong natured. But my imagination had too much time to spin tales and had run away with every possible outcome and punishment.

  I’d prayed as I never had before. During the prayers, I sensed God’s displeasure for how I’d conducted myself. I’d justified my lying and plans to steal because of my desire to help Charles and please my father. I’d told myself what I was doing couldn’t be wrong if I was doing it for the right reasons, especially because I believed taking the chalice wouldn’t hurt Lord Pitt. After all, he had so many treasures and wouldn’t miss one little thing.

  But the more I contemplated my actions, I couldn’t help but wonder what would happen if the whole of civilization lived by my principle. Where would the wrongdoing stop if everyone acted out whatever moral code felt right in the moment?

  If I felt I could justify stealing, then someone else might justify killing or lying or cheating. Where would the justifying stop? After all, a person’s heart could often be deceptive and greedy, lulling them into doing something that might feel right in the moment, but ultimately was driven by mixed motives.

  As altruistic as I believed my motives were in finding the Holy Chalice, underneath the desire to help my brother and family, I was also doing it for selfish reasons. I wanted to be my father’s favorite child. I wanted his approval and love so that I could feel better about myself.

  All this time, I’d told myself I was being a loyal daughter. But maybe I didn’t really know what true loyalty entailed.

  Whatever the case, I was grateful to be aboveground. But I wasn’t naïve enough to think that I was being freed, nor was I fool enough to believe my punishment would be suspended. In fact, I’d come to the conclusion I deserved to be disciplined for what I’d done. I just hoped Aldric could convince Lord Pitt to spare Izzy any trouble. This was my fault, not hers.

  I gave Izzy a final squeeze and kissed her cheek before I pulled back. She quickly swiped at the tears that had escaped and gave me a wobbly smile. Her fear was like a living force. Even at fifteen, she still relied upon me to be the strong one, to direct her, and to smooth over any problems. What would she do without me to keep her safe? As much as I hated to admit it, I knew deep inside that Father wouldn’t bother with Izzy. He never had. And he’d only do so if it served his purposes.

  Aldric’s admonition regarding my father taunted me: He seeks to increase his wealth and power in whatever way suits him.

  Was Father doing the same thing to me? Was he using me to serve his purposes regardless of my well-being?

  I shook my head. I had to believe he’d heard about my imprisonment and that he was finally making plans to rescue Izzy and me. He might not be able to save me from my crime, but at least he could ransom Izzy. Even as I tried to assure myself of his care, doubts assailed me.

  “I see Lady Glynnis cooperated,” Aldric said to Sir Darien.

  The young knight grinned. “She wasn’t happy to relinquish the keys, but she dared not disobey Lord Pitt.”

  I clutched the blankets over my filthy garments as I faced Aldric. Now that I could see him more completely outside of the darkness of the dungeons, my stomach fluttered with the awareness of just how attractive he was with his rugged and battle-hardened features. His chiseled jaw was covered in several day’s worth of stubble, the creases in his forehead lined with dust.

  My thoughts returned to the intimate moment in the dungeons when he’d rubbed my arms to warm me. The friction had helped ease my discomfort, but more than that, his touch had ignited sparks inside me. And when he’
d blown onto my fingers, the sparks had fanned into flames that still burned low.

  His dark eyes swept over me, and I was suddenly self-conscious. I wished I’d had the opportunity to change into fresh clothing as well as wash myself and have one of the servants style my hair.

  “My lady.” He bowed his head toward me but didn’t meet my gaze. “We don’t have much time, but I’ve ordered the servants to prepare you a bath and change of gowns.”

  “Then I do not have to return to the dungeons?”

  “No.” He glanced at Sir Darien as though he wished the young man would explain my punishment so he didn’t have to. But Sir Darien fixed his attention on the floor, his eyes wide with obvious embarrassment.

  “You may be honest and tell me my fate,” I said, reaching for Izzy’s hand and grasping it hard to control the trembling.

  “Lady Glynnis petitioned for your execution by hanging . . .”

  At his declaration, my knees nearly gave out. I would have fallen if Izzy hadn’t slipped her arm around my waist and held me up. Perhaps I should have attempted to escape while I still had the chance, even if it had meant leaving Izzy behind.

  “Have no fear,” Aldric said quickly as though sensing my despair. “After I spoke with Lord Pitt, he agreed to stay your execution. You’ll be punished instead by betrothal to one of his knights.”

  Betrothal to one of his knights? For a moment, I could only stare at Aldric in disbelief. Then as Lord Pitt’s plan began to sink in and make sense, I shuddered. He was cutting off the possibility of my family’s alliance with the Marquess of Clearwater in order to anger my father further.

  But would the move make any difference? After my father’s absence thus far, I could no longer predict what he might do next. Perhaps he’d lost interest in an alliance with the marquess. Perhaps he no longer saw me as an asset and would let Lord Pitt do what he wished with me.

  Whatever the case, I was thankful Lord Pitt would allow me to live. And I was thankful to Aldric for rescuing me from the dungeons and death. “I deserve the punishment. And I understand the intent to draw out my father and make him finally pay the ransom.”