by Connie Mason
“I fear you are right, love.”
“We should return to Dragonwyck immediately. I want to go home, Dominic.”
“Aye, ‘tis exactly what we shall do. I do not want my pregnant wife caught in the middle of a civil war.”
Joy suffused Rose’s face.“When?”
He paused, his expression determined.“Now. As soon as you and your mother are ready.”
“An hour. ‘Tis all the time we need.”
“Good. I will get the horses while you fetch your mother. Are you able to travel?” he asked worriedly. “Will riding a great distance hurt our babe?”
“Worry not, Dominic. I am not yet at the point where riding will endanger our child.”
Dominic gave her a quick kiss and strode to the door. When he opened it, however, he was brought up short by a palace guard standing in the passageway.
“I bear a message from the king, Lord Dragon,” the guard said.“His Majesty wishes you to remain at Westminster.”
Dominic stared at him. “Did His Majesty say why?”
“If he had a reason, he did not divulge it. He said to tell you he may wish to speak with you again about that matter you discussed with him earlier.”
“I understand,” Dominic said. The guardsman left. Cursing beneath his breath, Dominic closed the door and waited a moment before confronting Rose, for he felt her disappointment as keenly as he felt his own.
“I do not believe this!” Rose raged.“The king is a monster.”
“We all agree on that point, love, but unfortunately, heis the king. Look on the bright side.”
There is no bright side.”
“Aye, there is. If John is willing to discuss the charter further, we should take that as a good sign. Mayhap he is having second thoughts.”
“Mayhap he is trying to decide whether or not to separate your head from your shoulders. We should leave now, before the barons reach London. We can sneak out the garden gate, and no one will be the wiser.”
“You know I cannot do that. If there is even a small chance of convincing the king to accept the charter, I must remain and do what I can to help the barons. With his barons aligned against him, John doesn’t have the manpower to go to war. He depends on the barons behind the charter to fight his wars. He enjoys being king too much to risk his throne.”
“Can the barons succeed should the king remain stubborn?”
“Aye. They have manpower and determination on their side.”
Rose sighed. “If you feel so strongly about it, then of course we must stay.”
A sennight passed before Dominic heard from the king again. It was a time fraught with tension and anxiety. He tried to conceal his apprehension from Rose, but she could read his feelings as easily as if they were her own, and in the end he was glad for her support. With each passing day he realized how lucky he was to have his wife. Giving him Rose was probably the kindest thing King John had ever done, for John was not a man given to humane acts.
The day Dominic received King John’s summons, he knew something momentous was about to take place. Rose was with him when the summons came, and Dominic tried to allay the worry that darkened her lovely blue eyes.
Try not to worry, love. I truly believe the king is beginning to see that the barons are not going to give up, nor will they disappear.”
“I wish we were home,” Rose said on a sigh.Think you he will let us leave after this is resolved?”
“I am sure of it. We are neither prisoners nor hostages. John wants me here to help during negotiations. Kiss me for luck, love.”
Dominic hugged her tightly as she kissed him and sweetly clung to him. Her fervent kiss reminded him of the nights they had spent passionately loving one another and falling asleep in each other’s arms. He could hardly wait to take Rose to Pendragon to meet his parents and brother.
Though Dominic had left home to make his own way many years before, he was still very fond of his family and had never completely lost touch.
Dominic became aware of the unusual number of people milling about and talking in hushed voices as he strode along the passageways toward the king’s chambers. Something of import was afoot, and Dominic’s intuition told him that the king was finally ready to accept compromise.
Dominic was ushered immediately into the king’s privy chamber. King John was not alone. With him were the archbishop and the powerful William Marshal, the Earl of Pembroke. They seemed to have been arguing but fell silent when Dominic entered the chamber.
“Lord Dragon,” the king said, “I do not believe you know Pembroke or our good archbishop.” Introductions were made, and Dominic waited for the conversation to resume.
When the king began to pace, Dominic knew an important decision was at hand. What he did not know was where he fit into the scheme of things. Suddenly John stopped before Dominic, staring pugnaciously into his face.
“The barons’ army is camped in the meadow at Runnymede, between Windsor and Staines. They threatened to batter down London’s gates if I did not negotiate with them. The archbishop and Pembroke have been dealing with the barons on my behalf.”
“A wise move, sire.”
“To your way of thinking, mayhap,” John said sourly.
“There are some extremists among the barons who cling to the original demands and refuse to negotiate,” Pembroke interjected. “They want to fight, and the moderate barons cannot change their minds.”
“I am prepared to grant the barons’ general demands, but the more militant of the barons are not satisfied with my concessions,” John groused.
“The negotiations have broken down,” Pembroke explained.“Ashford asked for you specifically, Dragon. He thinks you may be of some help in resolving the standoff. The barons respect you, and Ashford believes the militant faction will listen to you.”
“Humph!” John snorted.“My champion is now the champion of my enemies.”
“The barons are not your enemies, sire,” Dominic responded. “They want to be treated fairly, and you have not been fair to them in the past.”
“I am the king. I do not have to be fair,” John thundered.
“You do if you wish to keep England from civil war,” the archbishop reminded him.
“I see I am outnumbered. Very well, return to Runnymede and take Dragon with you. Mayhap he will be of some help with the negotiations.”
Dominic had but a short time in which to explain to Rose why he had to leave. He found her sitting on a bench in the herb garden she had become so fond of. Her face held an anxious expression as he joined her.
“What did John want? Did he give us leave to return home?” .
“Not yet. He is sending me on a mission with the archbishop and the Earl of Pembroke.”
“What kind of mission?”
The barons’ army is encamped at Runnymede, near Windsor. Negotiations have broken down, and Ashford asked that I meet with them and try to convince the more recalcitrant barons to return to the negotiations table.”
Rose clutched desperately at his arm. “I do not want you to go.”
“I have no choice, Rose. If I can prevent a civil war, my time will be well spent. Then we can go home.”
“I want to come with you.”
Dominic stared at her. “What?Impossible. You are a woman.”
Rose sniffed disdainfully. “I am well aware of my gender, my lord, but that does not make me any less capable than a man.” Her eyes brightened as she warmed to the subject. “Raj is gone; you have need of a squire;.”
Dominic leaped to his feet, an incredulous expression on his face.“You are with child! This conversation is at an end. You will wait here for me, is that understood?”
Rose forced down a stinging reply. Angering Dominic was definitely not the wisest thing to do. Giving him the slightest hint of what she intended would probably result in having him lock her in her chamber and throw away the key.
“Understood,” Rose answered. Oh, aye, she understood, but she just did not agr
ee.
Later that day, Dominic left for Runnymede with the archbishop and Pembroke. Their squires followed behind, one of whom was Lord Dragon’s new squire, a fresh-faced lad with smooth, beardless cheeks and a pair of legs that would put some women to shame.
Rose felt no qualms about disobeying Dragon. She had given no promise and therefore felt no guilt. She was heartily sick of being held hostage. She missed riding and hawking and hunting, and going where she pleased when she pleased. Rose had told no one but her mother that she intended to follow Dragon to Runnymede, and she had only told Nelda because she knew her mother would worry after she disappeared.
Once she had made up her mind, Rose had asked Lillian to find her the sort of clothing a squire would wear. At first Lillian had been reluctant, but Rose had placated her by saying she intended to surprise Dragon by dressing as his squire and riding with him to Runnymede. Lillian had thought it a great lark and joined in the game. The clothing Lillian had procured for her fit reasonably well, and when Dragon left the palace, she joined the ranks of squires accompanying their lords.
It was not difficult for Rose to remain anonymous in the group of men and youths riding to Runnymede, for in addition to squires, several knights and their pages rode with the group, providing escort as well as protection. Once they reached the meadow where the barons’ army was encamped, Rose was just another face among the crowd.
Dominic greeted Ashford, then followed him to a grassy area that was large enough to accommodate those involved in the negotiations. After listening to some of the barons speak, Dominic decided that Pembroke had been right in his assessment of the extremists who clamored for war. None of the concessions the king offered seemed to satisfy them. Time passed. Negotiations were at a standstill when Ashford asked Dragon to address the barons.
Not quite sure of what he could say to change their minds, Dragon surveyed the sea of expectant faces. His gaze traveled beyond the barons to the group of squires and pages gathered nearby. His gaze returned to the barons, then abruptly returned to a group of youths standing off to his right. His brow furrowed and his expression grew incredulous as recognition dawned. He would recognize her face anywhere.
Once again Rose had deliberately defied him and done as she pleased without a thought to the consequences. He imagined a lifetime of dealing with his contrary Rose and wondered if he was up to it. At least he would never be bored.
Looking away from Rose, Dominic returned his attention to the barons. His words were not as eloquent as those of an orator, but they were from the heart. He told them that a civil war would tear the country apart and result in needless deaths. He said the king was willing to compromise and that they should take it as a good sign. He went on to explain that the Articles of the Barons were likely to become the cornerstone of English law.
“The king has sent trusted men to parlay with you. We can reciprocate by finding middle ground upon which to agree.” He paused. “Keep my words in mind when you resume your negotiations with Lord Pembroke. Think of all you will have accomplished without bloodshed. Should King John set his seal to this charter, you will gain the satisfaction of knowing you brought the king to his knees.”
Rose felt like cheering. Dragon’s speech was not only inspiring but thoughtful. And she could tell by the barons’ faces that they were giving Dragon’s words serious consideration. She wanted to crow with pride. Dragon had been instrumental in preventing a civil war, and she had been present to hear his impassioned plea for cool heads and common sense.
Pembroke and the archbishop took over where Dragon left off, and the negotiations resumed. Rose turned away, deciding to rest beneath a tree while compromises were discussed. She had taken but two steps when someone grabbed her from behind. Without a moment’s hesitation, she grasped the hilt of the knife she wore at her waist and prepared to defend herself.
Suddenly the knife was wrested from her hand and strong arms held her immobile against an iron-hard chest.
“Leave off, Rose. I do not want to hurt you.”
Rose sagged in relief.“Dominic.How did you know?”
Dominic snorted. “Think you I am blind?” He pulled her behind a tall hedge where they could talk in private. “What am I to do with you? You seem determined to defy me.”
Rose’s pert chin rose defiantly.“I have a mind of my own, Dominic. I pray you do not expect everything to go your way in this marriage. I cannot be a submissive wife.”
“You are carrying my child!”
Rose grinned. “Indeed I am. I was in no danger, Dominic. The distance to Runnymede is not far, and I was among friends, not enemies. Besides, I wanted to be on hand for the momentous occasion. What is decided here today could make history, and I did not want to be left out.”
Dominic sighed. “I love you with a passion, Rose, but ‘tis going to be a challenge to keep from beating you upon occasion.”
“Challenges are your forte, are they not, my lord Dragon?”
“You are my forte, sweetheart.” He grasped her shoulders and planted a hungry kiss on her lips. “We should return to the negotiations before someone comes along and catches me mauling my squire. Stay here,” Dominic ordered when they reached the negotiations area. “With any luck, we can soon return to the palace and prepare for our journey home.”
Rose sat on the ground and watched the proceedings. Angry voices were raised and questions asked, but it appeared as if the barons were of a mind to accept a compromise. She fell asleep with her back propped against a tree but was awakened by a great roar reverberating through the meadow. She jerked upright and saw Dragon striding toward her.
“What happened? Is there to be war?”
“Nay, the negotiators have agreed upon a compromise. The final draft is to be hammered out in discussions at Runnymede later this month. Are you tired? I know ‘tis late, but Westminster is but a short ride.”
Dragon grasped her hand and lifted her to her feet. Rose yawned and dashed the sleep from her eyes. “I am not tired at all. I rested while the negotiations were taking place.”
“Bring our horses. I want a word with Ashford before we leave.”
Rose found their horses and brought them back to the tree to await Dragon. He joined her a short time later.
“Well, love, ‘tis over. Ashford says the barons are satisfied with the king’s concessions. They believe this fifteenth day of June will go down in history as the day the Articles of the Barons were sealed by the king.”
The moon was casting long shadows over the land when they reached the palace. Rose went immediately to their chamber while Dominic, the archbishop and Pembroke reported directly to the king. Fingers of a glorious dawn stretched out across the heavens when Dominic finally joined Rose. She was sleeping soundly, and he tried not to awaken her as he shed his clothing in the dark and climbed into bed beside her.
She stirred and whispered his name.
“Go back to sleep, sweeting. We will talk later.”
He brought her into the curve of his body; she turned in his arms. “We will talk now. How soon can we leave? Once I depart this den of vice I never want to hear the king’s name again.”
“I am still the king’s vassal; naught can change that, and he did give me you. That is something to be grateful for.”
“Fate brought us together,” Rose murmured sleepily.“And fate will keep us together. I love you, my fierce Dragon.”
“I love you, my prickly warrior woman. If we have a son, I hope he has your courage, but if our child is a girl, we will name her Lily, or Pansy, or Violet, for they are flowers without thorns.”
“A flower without thorns offers no challenge,” Rose countered. “I thought you thrived on challenges.”
Dominic sighed heavily. “You have been both the thorniest challenge and the sweetest joy since the day we wed. Good night, my Rose.”
Epilogue
More than anything, I must have roses, always, always.
—Claude Monet
March 1216
On a cool March day ripe with the promise of spring, the lord and lady of Dragonwyck toasted their toes before the hearth in the hall, planning the christening of their eight-week-old babe. Lady Nelda sat beside them, cradling the newest addition to the family in her arms and cooing nonsensical words into a tiny pink ear.
“I believe little Lord William is hungry,” Lady Nelda remarked.
“He is always hungry,” Rose said with a long-suffering sigh.
“My son is a growing lad,” Dominic said proudly.
“And a greedy one,” Rose added. “I fed him but an hour ago.”
“I look forward to Will’s christening,” Nelda said. “Think you all the guests will come?”
“Aye, as long as the weather holds,” Dominic answered.
Rose held out her arms. “I will take little Will if you are tired of holding him, Mama.”
“I hardly think Will’s slight weight will tax me,” Nelda replied. “But if you …”
Her words fell off when Raj entered the hall and strode toward them. Dominic could tell from Raj’s expression that something unusual had occurred.
“What is it, Raj?”
“Murdoc MacTavish and his wife are at the portcullis, master. They beg your leave to enter.”
Rose got to her feet. “Uncle Murdoc is here? And Robina is with him? Please Dominic, let them in. I do so want to see Robina. I cannot believe that Uncle won her back.”
“Aye, let them in,” Nelda urged. “I want to give my brother a piece of my mind for what he did to Rose.‘Twas despicable of him.”
“How many men accompany him?” Dominic asked sharply. He had made the mistake of letting Murdoc and his kinsmen inside the keep once and he was not going to make that same mistake again.
“MacTavish is alone but for one man driving the cart carrying MacTavish’s wife.”
“Very well, open the portcullis,” Dominic ordered. When Rose started to follow Raj out the door, Dominic stayed her. “Let them come to us. I swore your uncle would never again set foot inside my keep but I bow to your wishes in this matter. However, I trust him not.”