by Connie Mason
The king had given Dragonwyck to Dominic with a. definite purpose in mind. He wanted Dominic to report on his barons’ covert activities, but Dominic could not in good faith betray men who only wanted what was due them. Nothing in the Articles of the Barons was seditious, and the only rebellious part was the barons’ threat to march on London if John did not sign the articles.
“You are deep in thought, Dragon. Dare I hope you are thinking of me?”
Dominic looked into Veronica’s glittering gaze and felt a sudden chill. “What kind of tales have you been feeding my wife, Veronica?”
“Naught but the truth. We are lovers—do not pretend otherwise. Rose is no fool.”
” Tis over, Veronica. We are no longer lovers. Why can you not believe that?”
Veronica gave him a startled look. “Have you developed feelings for the woman you were forced to wed? Never tell me you love her, for I refuse to believe you.”
“Love is a strong word, and an even stronger emotion.” He grew thoughtful.“Rose is different from any woman I have known. Were she born a man, she would be a fierce warrior. I will not tell you I love her, but one does not have to love a woman to admire her.”
“You admired me once.”
“Aye, I did, and I still do, but what we had together cannot continue. Our lives have changed.”
“Mayhapyour life has changed, Dragon, but mine has not, nor have my feelings. I will leave tomorrow with my cousin, but you have not heard the last from me.”
Dominic cursed beneath his breath as Veronica flounced off. Tomorrow could not come too soon as far as he was concerned.
Chapter Twelve
Roses will always be one of life’s great mysteries.
—Anonymous
The guests left and the castle returned to normal. Rose missed her mother and sister but respected their wish to remain at the convent. Her threat to go with them came to naught, for Dragon refused to let her leave. Rose acquiesced without a fight; she hoped that living with Dragon would not be so bad without Veronica around to make trouble.
Aside from constantly training with his knights in the tilt yard, Dragon saw to his vassals’ welfare, held manor court and performed countless other duties as lord of the manor.
Rose assumed the duties that her mother had previously performed. Numerous problems associated with being lady of the keep occupied her days. But her evenings were spent with Dragon in the solar, sitting before the hearth and talking, sometimes alone and sometimes with others. The nights, however, belonged solely to Rose and Dragon.
Dragon was a tireless, experienced lover, and Rose enjoyed every moment of his lovemaking. If he was thinking of Veronica while he loved her, Rose preferred not to know, for her life was going so well that she wanted to keep it that way.
Shortly after Twelfth Night the king’s marcher warden paid them a visit. Sir Garth seemed inordinately interested in their recent houseguests and questioned Dragon as to the purpose of their visit. Though Dragon appeared unperturbed, Rose could not help worrying. The intensity and tone of Sir Garth’s questioning sounded ominously like an inquisition.
“What was that all about?” Rose asked after Sir Garth’s departure.
Dominic shrugged. The king’s lackey was probably miffed because he was not invited to the keep and wanted to let me know he is someone of importance. There is naught to worry about, love.”
Rose sincerely hoped not.
January sped by in a flurry of activity. It was a time for repair work. Fences were mended and barns and outbuildings repaired when weather permitted. February arrived, and with it Shrove Tuesday, the day before Lent began. It was celebrated with indoor games and sports. Wheat and rye sown during Michaelmas were already poking up through the ground, and Rose began to anticipate Easter and the arrival of spring. The renewal of all growing things instilled Rose with the hope that her marriage to Dragon would grow and prosper.
Dominic had never been so content. Dragonwyck was prospering, and his marriage to Rose had brought unexpected benefits. Making love to Rose was more pleasure than duty. So much a pleasure that he had completely forgotten he had once wanted to wed Veronica.
Dominic’s position as a marcher baron was a precarious one, however, and placed him in an awkward position. He wanted to join the barons’ struggle against the king, but his integrity would not let him. Honor demanded that he obey the king’s command and be tray the barons’ plans to march on London, but he could not. Keeping the information from John, however, meant betraying his king. It seemed he could follow neither course with a clear conscience.
April arrived. The Holy Days and Easter were celebrated with great joy. A messenger from the king arrived the Tuesday after Easter. His arrival was unexpected, and Dominic felt a chill of apprehension creep up his spine when the messenger handed him a rolled parchment bearing the king’s seal. He sent the messenger off to the kitchen for refreshment, then motioned for Rose to join him as he broke the seal on the parchment and read the contents.
“What is it, Dominic?”
“A message from the king.”
“What does he want?”
Dominic spit out a curse.There is trouble on the Welsh border. The western marcher barons have requested help from the king. John wants me to muster my knights and report to him at Westminster without delay.”
“Oh, no! How long do you expect to be gone?”
“I have no idea.”
“Must you go?”
“Aye. As the king’s vassal, I am bound by sacred oath to defend England.”
“I will miss you, but worry not about Dragonwyck. I am perfectly capable of defending the keep should it become necessary.”
Her confidence brought a smile to Dominic’s lips. “You have the spirit of a warrior, wife. I doubt not your ability to defend Dragonwyck, but you will be leaving when I do. King John asked me to bring you to Westminster.”
Dominic tried not to alarm Rose, but something in John’s request bothered him. What did the king want with Rose? A terrible thought struck him. Did John want Rose for a hostage? If so, why? He had done naught to earn the king’s displeasure.
Unless…
Nay, the king could not know that the barons had confided in him, or asked him to join their cause. The meeting with the barons had been private and attended solely by those involved with the articles.
“Surely you jest,” Rose said, eyeing the parchment with misgivings. “What could the king want with me?‘Twould serve him better if I remained at Dragonwyck.
Go without me, Dominic. I prefer to remain home.” Her voice hardened.“I fear I would spit in his eye should we meet face to face. I cannot forgive the man responsible for my father’s death.”
Fear rose in Dominic’s throat. He was willing to bet that no good would come of Rose’s summons to Westminster. Something was amiss, terribly amiss. Furthermore, Rose’s enmity toward the king troubled Dominic. After he left for the Welsh marches, Rose would be without protection and vulnerable to the king’s whim. The sudden impulse to take his wife where the king’s long arm could not reach her rose strong and urgent within him.
“Promise you will show respect for the king,” Dominic implored.
Rose sent him a considering look. “It will not be easy.”
“Promise me, Rose. Vow that you will do naught to anger the king.”
“Very well,” Rose said after a long pause.
Her tone of voice did little to reassure Dominic.
“When do we leave?” Rose asked.
“Tomorrow, at Prime. Can you be packed and ready in time? We will travel light, but a cart with your baggage will follow at its own pace.”
“I will be ready, though I like it not.”
Rose went immediately to the solar, and Dominic left to inform Raj of their plans and confer with the steward and Eric of Carlyle, whom he intended to put in charge of Dragonwyck in his absence. After he had spoken at length to all three men, he followed Rose to the solar. He intended to make
love to his wife for the rest of the day and far into the night.
The travelers departed the next morning beneath a lowering sky that promised damp weather. Ten of Dominic’s personal guardsmen and their squires accompanied him; the rest were left behind to defend Dragonwyck. Father Nyle was on hand to bless them and see them off. So were Emily and Blythe, who bade them farewell with tears in their eyes.
Dominic saw Rose yawn but could not regret keeping her up most of the night making love to her. During the journey, which he expected to take a sennight, he intended to seek shelter at castles and monasteries along the way, but he doubted that he and Rose would find the privacy they enjoyed at Dragonwyck until they reached Westminster. And even then he could not count on it.
Rose was weary but tried her best to keep pace with the men. She smiled, thinking that she should have refused Dragon when he awoke her for the third time to make love the previous night, but she had wanted him as badly as he’d wanted her. Their lovemaking had been urgent, almost frantic. There was not a place on her body Dragon had neglected as he aroused her to passion with his hands and mouth. Her body still tingled from the aftermath of their last loving.
“Are you all right, Rose?” Dominic asked as he rode up beside her.
Touched by his concern, she gave him a reassuring smile.“I am fine, Dominic.”
Rose watched Dominic closely, sensing a wariness about him. It was not what he said but what he did not say about their summons to London that bothered her. Rose was not looking forward to attending John’s court. She had promised to do naught to anger the king, but concealing her animosity was going to be difficult.
Dominic set a brisk pace, but Rose kept up with little difficulty during the following days. They were fortunate in finding shelter each night, whether it was with an accommodating baron or at a monastery, and more often than not, Rose shared a chamber with the baron’s daughters while Dominic bedded down in the barracks with his men. And of course they were given separate cell-like rooms in the monasteries where they took shelter.
Their party reached the outskirts of London without mishap and headed directly for Westminster. Rose’s nerves were on edge at the prospect of meeting the king, and Dominic looked no happier than she did.
Dominic must have noticed her anxiety, for he said, “Worry not, love. The king is naught but a man.”
“A man with the power of life and death,” Rose shot back. “His summons puzzles me. I cannot help wondering why he ordered me to London.”
“Mayhap he just wants to meet you.”
“You do not believe that any more than I do. What will I do while you are fighting England’s enemies?”
“You will keep to your chamber unless the king summons you. I am leaving Raj behind to protect you.”
“Raj will protest.”
“He will do as I say.”
The gates of Westminster loomed before them, and Rose edged her palfrey closer to Dominic’s destrier. She did not feel safe in this frightening place so far from home.
The party rode through the open gate into the courtyard. They left their horses with their squires and were admitted into the palace by a guardsman who recognized Dominic.
“The king is expecting you, Lord Dragon. Follow me.” He led them through a maze of hallways to the king’s privy chamber.
” Tis so grand,” Rose whispered, gaping at the display of wealth. There was a soft carpet beneath their feet, paintings on the walls and gilded statues.
The king does not stint when it comes to his own comfort,” Dominic muttered beneath his breath.
“Wait here,” the guardsman said. “I will see if the king is ready to receive you.”
The wait was not a long one. The guardsman returned a few minutes later and announced that the king would see Lord and Lady Dragon, but his guardsmen must remain without.
“I go where my master goes,” Raj said, folding his arms over his massive chest and glaring down his nose at the guardsman.
“No harm can come to me inside the king’s chamber,” Dominic said. “Remain in the anteroom with the others, Raj.”
Raj stepped back reluctantly.
Dominic placed Rose’s hand on his forearm and indicated to the guardsman that he was ready. The door swung open, and Dominic ushered Rose toward the ornate throne at the far end of the room, where John sat in pompous glory.
The king sent Dominic a surly look. “You are here at last,” he greeted with none of the friendliness Dominic had enjoyed during his last audience with the king.
Dominic bowed low, and Rose executed an acceptable curtsy. “We left Dragonwyck immediately after your summons arrived, Your Majesty.”
“Introduce me to your wife.”
“Sire, I present to you my wife, Rose of Dragonwyck.”
John looked Rose up and down, then smiled. “A comely lass. I did well by you, Dragon.”
The chamber was filled with courtiers and ladies. They sidled closer to hear what was being said. When the king became aware of the silent listeners, he waved them all away but for Dominic and Rose.
“Leeches, all of them,” John muttered. “Now, Dragon, shall we get to the crux of the matter?”
Dominic gave him an innocent stare.“To what are you referring, sire?”
“I know you invited the marcher barons to Dragonwyck for the Christmas holidays, yet I heard naught from you after they left. Are they or are they not planning civil war? I thought you understood that Dragonwyck came with a price. I can easily take away what I freely gave.”
Dominic darted a quick glance at Rose. They confided naught to me.”
“You lie!” John roared, rising from his chair and shaking his fist at Dominic. “I already know about the Articles of the Barons, and if they think I will set my seal to the document, they are sadly mistaken. I assumed your loyalty to the crown was unshakable, Dragon. Tis the reason I gave you Dragonwyck. I expected you to inform me of rebellious activity among my marcher barons.”
Dominic shifted uncomfortably. “Aye, sire.”
The truth, Dragon. Exactly what did the barons tell you about their plans?”
They showed me the articles and wanted me to join their cause.”
Dominic felt Rose stir beside him and he moved forward to shield her from the king’s scrutiny.
“Ah; now we are getting somewhere. What was your answer?”
“I told them I was loyal to the crown.” It was not exactly the truth but close enough.
The king was only slightly mollified. “Are you sure?”
“Very sure, sire.” Thank God he had not committed himself to the barons.
“Why did you not inform me of this?”
“To what purpose? You already knew about the articles.”
“Did the barons say they intended to march on London? Should I prepare for a civil war?”
“They did not confide in me. They trust me not,” Dominic lied.“Why would the king’s champion throw in his lot with a group of rebellious barons?”
“Why, indeed?” John replied.
Dominic watched with trepidation as John turned his attention to Rose.
“What think you of the husband and protector I sent you, my lady?”
“I would have needed neither protector nor husband if my father were still alive,” Rose retorted.
John’s eyes narrowed. “Your wife has spirit, Dragon. I should think, however, that you would have tamed her by now. I like not her tone of voice.”
“Forgive Rose, sire. She is not yet reconciled to her father’s death.”
“Edwyn of Ayrdale was a traitor,” King John replied. “His execution was meant to teach the barons a lesson in obedience. Unfortunately, it did naught but make them more determined.”
“My father wasnot a traitor!” Rose denied hotly. “He was—”
“Rose, beware,” Dominic commanded, stopping her in mid sentence.
“Heed your husband, madam,” John admonished. “I have little tolerance for disobedient women.”<
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“There is naught more I can tell you, sire,” Dominic said. “It would please me if you let Rose return to Dragonwyck.”
“I am hardly the trusting soul you think me, Dragon.”
Trusting soul? Dominic nearly laughed aloud at that notion. “Send me to fight your war, but keep Rose out of this. She knows naught about the articles or the alliance of the barons.”
“Lady Rose will remain at Westminster as my guest,” John declared, “and you will leave immediately for the Welsh marches.”
“But, sire—”
“I have spoken, Dragon.”
“My men are weary, sire. We have just completed a long journey from Dragonwyck.”
Staring at Dominic through narrowed lids, John tapped his chin. After a long pause, he said, “Very well, you and your men may have tonight to rest and refresh yourselves. Do not fail me, Dragon.” He waved his hand. “Go now. Find my steward and send him to me.”
Dominic grasped Rose’s arm and would have taken her with him, but the king stopped him. “Leave your lady here, Dragon. I wish a private word with her.”
Dominic gave Rose’s arm a squeeze and hurried off.
“Now, Lady Rose, how much do you know about the Articles of the Barons?”
“Very little, sire,” Rose answered.
“Are you sure? Did you not hear your father talking about them with the other barons?”
“I am a woman, sire. Men do not discuss matters of import with their wives and daughters.”
“Matters of import, bah! I want to know when they intend to march on London so I can prepare. My army is occupied elsewhere, and I cannot afford a civil war.”
“If you wish to prevent an uprising, sire, seal the articles,” Rose suggested.
“You, madam, are impertinent.”
Dominic returned with the steward in time to hear the king’s words and sought to make amends. “Do not take offense, sire. She is accustomed to speaking her mind.”
“You are too lenient, Dragon. Your wife deserves a good beating.” He turned his attention to the steward, a short, balding man who had entered the chamber behind Dominic.“Sir Wayland, find a chamber for Lord Dragon and his lady.”