by The Bargain
She caught his hand between her small ones. "Renaud, he is my brother, and we both know that he will not be coming back to Braemere." Her voice hitched and more tears slipped down her cheeks. "If it were you in that tower, and Elena were here, would you not expect the same from her?"
Renaud glanced at his sister, who watched them intently. He nodded. "Aye, I would."
"Then will you let me see him?"
Her eyes, so bright with tears, tore at his heart. Though his better judgment told him he was a fool, he could not deny her this one wish, for he knew she would never forgive him if he declined her request. "Tonight I have a meeting with my men-at-arms. You may visit Adelstan during that time, but I will not be gone long. I am trusting you, Aleysia. I am trusting you not to make another mistake."
She smiled then and even shocked him by giving him a hug. "Thank you, Renaud." Feeling her soft breasts pressed against his chest made his stomach coil and hot need rush straight to his groin.
"Return to the hall with Elena and prepare for dinner and your meeting with your brother."
She wiped away her tears with the sleeve of her gown. "Yes, my lord."
CHAPTER 12
"Repeat what you just said?"
Galeran, who had already secured his helmet, glanced at Renaud. "I heard it plainly from Philip's mouth, my lord. He said and I quote, 'How I would love to squeeze Lady Aleysia's full tits—as ripe and sweet as melons while I skewer her with my rod.'" Renaud gripped the reins in his fist.
Galeran laughed under his breath. "My lord, mayhap you should allow me to take the men through their drills while you ease your temper."
"And miss the fun? There is not a chance in hell. Nay, Galeran, I will show someone a lesson he will not soon forget. I promise you that the cocky young bastard will be regretting those words."
Renaud and Galeran crested the hill where the men were ready, lined up in regimented rows, all wearing chain mail. Usually, he did not insist that his men wear armor while practicing, but the Saxon threat was so great, he wanted them in peak condition. Tonight they would all rest well. "Philip, come forward," Renaud called, ignoring Galeran's laugh.
Renaud slid his helmet on and motioned to his squire to bring him a lance.
Philip's eyes widened in alarm, but he followed suit, and put on his helmet. He swallowed hard and took up the lance the squire handed him.
"Maley, you will ride over to that line of trees. When Galeran nods, we will rush each other. You will try to unseat me, and I you."
Maley's cheeks were bright red. "My lord, I—" As though just now realizing he was surrounded by experienced soldiers who would not let him live it down if he bowed out, Philip stopped in midsentence and with a tentative nod, brought about his horse and galloped toward the tree line.
Galeran laughed under his breath. "My lord, he is but a boy."
"That boy is no younger than you. Methinks he must learn to curb his tongue."
"Very well, my lord. Good luck!"
Without another word, Renaud kicked his horse into a gallop. His men shouted their encouragement as he passed, and finally he took his position across the field from Philip. He waited for Galeran's nod and immediately shot forward, straight toward Philip, who already looked in danger of falling from his steed.
The blood pumped through Renaud's veins, memories of the younger man's hot stare on Aleysia, coupled with his crude remarks, fueling his anger.
Renaud adjusted the lance as he closed in on the younger man.
A second later Renaud knocked the soldier from his horse and onto the hard-packed ground. Feeling a good deal better already, he rounded back and looked down at Philip, who still had not moved. The helmet had flown off his chestnut-colored locks and lay a good ten yards away. The boy blinked rapidly, clearly dazed, his chest heaving as he fought to catch his breath.
Renaud smiled inwardly as he dismounted. "You must block the blow next time, Maley. Your enemy would kill you with such a hit."
Philip opened his mouth but no words were forthcoming.
Renaud turned toward his men, who applauded their liege lord, grunting their approval.
Galeran strode toward him. "Well done, my lord." He shared a smile with Renaud before reaching out and helping Maley to his feet.
Philip stood and faltered, almost falling back down, making Renaud feel a bit guilty for having hit the boy so hard. He could have tried for a lesser blow that would have been nearly as effective without stealing the boy s breath.
"You have much to learn, Maley. But I am impressed," he lied. "So impressed that I would ask you to be part of my entourage when I leave for York."
Philip looked from Renaud to Galeran, as though he did not fully believe his ears. Galeran looked equally puzzled, and made no effort to hide his surprise.
Maley nodded. "I would be honored to ride with you, my lord."
"That is welcome news, especially when I am in need of another sword while I am away, especially since Galeran will be staying at Braemere."
"My lord!" Galeran blurted, his shock clearly evident to everyone around them. "Are you mad?"
Renaud had expected a strong reaction from his vassal, but not this strong, and not in front of his soldiers. He frowned at Galeran and lowered his voice. "Nay, I am not mad. I simply need you here. Have you forgotten MacMillan's threat?"
Galeran, realizing he had spoken out of turn, shifted on his feet, his jaw clenched tight, reminding Renaud of the boy he'd once been— always eager to please and wearing his heart on his sleeve for all the world to see. "There are others who can look after the fief, my lord. I do not understand why I must stay."
Renaud had injured his friend's pride greatly, but he could not back down now. A good leader never gave in, especially in front of his men. With each second of silence Galeran's cheeks reddened, and Renaud did not know if it was from embarrassment or anger. He gathered the latter as Galeran's jaw locked, the nerve working there.
"Galeran, my sister is here now, and I must be assured of her safety, as well as the safety of Lady Aleysia. I trust you with my life, but more important, I trust you with my sister's and Aleysia's lives. Do you understand why I ask this of you, and only you?"
The words seemed to appease Galeran a little, but Renaud could still see the hurt in his eyes. "I would be of more service to you riding by your side. The English could have ambushes set along the road to York, my lord."
Touched by his friend's concern, Renaud laid a hand on Galeran's shoulder to calm him. "I know you would be of great service on this journey, Galeran. You would take an arrow for me. In truth, there is not a man I trust more than you. That is why I ask you to stay."
Galeran released a heavy breath and shifted on his feet.
"We have only just secured this fief. Defend Braemere for me. Do not let my sister or Aleysia out of your sight. I need the peace of mind to know they are in your capable hands."
Galeran swallowed hard, but nodded. "Aye, my lord. I shall do as you ask."
Renaud paced before the two women in the solar.
Elena sat in a chair, beside her a young wench whose eyes were red and puffy from crying. She turned to the girl and in a kind voice said, "Heathra, tell my brother what you told my man last night."
The girl looked absolutely terrified, and kept her gaze averted. "My Tom left the village two days ago with a note to be delivered to the Scot."
Renaud stopped pacing. "What Scot?"
"The same who came to Braemere that day."
His stomach turned over. "MacMillan?"
"Aye, that would be the one," the girl said, shifting in her seat.
"And what did this letter say?"
"For the Scot to come back to Braemere. That Aleysia was freeing her brother, and they would find their way back to Scotland. She asked him to meet her and give her safe journey back to Scotland."
Renaud could not believe his ears. "And Aleysia gave him this note?"
"She gave it to the healer, who is Tom's grandmother." The
girl looked terrified. "I pray you do not punish either of them. They have known Aleysia all their lives and have always been loyal to her family. Please, do not hold it against them."
Furious, Renaud ran his fingers through his hair. "She is the same woman who gave Aleysia the sleeping draught. 'Tis treasonous what she has done."
Heathra turned to Elena, panic in her eyes.
"Are you certain of this? It was Aleysia?"
"Aye, I have the ring to prove it."
The servant opened her fist, showing a slender gold ring, much like the one he had seen on Aleysia's hand when they first met.
"You may go, Heathra," Elena said, waiting until the servant had closed the door before turning to Renaud.
"Aleysia is desperate, brother. She knows what will happen when you bring Adelstan before King William. We all know his fate."
Renaud shook his head, furious with himself and with Aleysia, remembering her watching him today, pleading with him to let her see her brother. That image mixed with another—her naked in his bed after making love, prompting him to drink the tainted wine. She had played the part well. "She is a witch, that one. And I forever am falling under her spell."
"She is but a woman, Renaud. A woman who has lost much and is about to lose the one person she loves more than life. He is her twin, her flesh and blood, and she knows that he is on borrowed time."
"Why do you defend her?"
"I do not defend her as much as understand her and ache for her. Knowing her plight, even you must pity her."
"Do you think me a fool for keeping her with me?"
"Never," Elena said, taking his face between her palms. "You care for this girl. I know you do, and you feel protective of her. I see it every time you look at her, Renaud. It kills you to have to bring Adelstan before William."
He nodded. "It does. Never have I questioned my king. I have always done what I was told, and gained my riches because of it. And here when I have Braemere within my grasp, I am wondering at what cost will I win her?"
"When you say 'her,' of whom do you speak—the fief or the woman?"
He shrugged. "Both."
"And I can give you no reassurance. I do not know the answer. Who of us can see the future?"
"Do you know what she asked of me earlier today?"
Elena shook her head.
"She asked if she could see her brother tonight for the last time."
"And you said yes?"
He nodded. "Aye."
"Then you should allow her to do so. She does not know that you are aware of the message."
"But how can I trust her?"
"Renaud, she is under constant guard. What can happen? Act as though nothing has changed between you. You are leaving in a few days' time, and well she knows it. Allow her to see her brother, spend an hour or so, and then that will be the end of it. You will go to York and she will be here on your return."
"You're right. There is nothing I can do now, but hope that the message never makes it." He stepped away, toward the windows, taking in the fresh air.
"Do not be too harsh on her, brother. I would do the same if it were you in that tower. I would die trying to get you out."
"I know you would, Elena. And I would do the same for you."
She walked to him and put a gentle hand on his shoulder. "She will never forgive you if her brother is killed, and we both know he will be. Mayhap it would be best if you hand her over to the Scot."
"I will not!" The words echoed inside the chamber, surprising even him with their force. It apparently shocked his sister as well, for she laughed lightly.
"Then there is your answer, brother. Perhaps William will listen to reason and spare Adelstan. Will he pledge homage to William, do you think?"
"I think not. He is as stubborn as his sister. Perhaps more so."
"But if he were given the choice of homage or death?"
"I do not know."
"Mayhap you should ask him?"
Renaud was surprised at Adelstan's appearance. The young man appeared gaunt, his skin a grayish color. He knew Adelstan had been fed, but wondered if the boy had eaten any of the food that had been prepared for him. Renaud guessed not, for he had lost a stone during his short imprisonment.
It would be so much easier if Adelstan were not Aleysia's twin. In truth, had Adelstan not been Aleysia's brother, then he would not be here now, asking a Saxon traitor to make a pledge to King William. But the eyes staring at him now with distrust and venom, mirrored his sister's, unsettling Renaud. "We leave for York by week's end."
Adelstan took a deep breath and released it, but showed no emotion.
"I have come to give you an opportunity."
Adelstan's eyes narrowed. "An opportunity?"
"Aye, it could spare your life."
"Go on."
"Would you swear homage to King William?"
Silence filled the chamber and for a moment Renaud thought Adelstan had not heard him.
Running a hand through his straggly blond hair, Adelstan replied, "Nay, I would not."
"Even if it meant your life?"
The Saxon nodded. "Even if it meant my life. I will not become Judas to my people. Not after all that we have fought for."
"Think you they would deny this opportunity if given the chance themselves?"
Adelstan nodded. "Aye."
"You know King William will remain in power."
Defiance shone brightly in the young man's eyes. "I know your king will continue to burn the north, leaving not a soul alive, not even an animal. He would oppress the entire country to retain his power, and that to me is not a king. Your king is a tyrant. What kind of man would want to swear allegiance to such a man?"
The boy's treasonous words angered Renaud, but he did not let Adelstan see it. Instead, Renaud's mind raced, wondering what he could do to change this young man's fate. "For Aleysia's sake, will you consider it?"
At the mention of his twin, Adelstan flinched and Renaud knew he had found the boy's weakness: Adelstan's love of his sister. "She will be alone, Adelstan."
Adelstan swallowed hard, his jaw clenched tight. "Duncan will come for her."
"He has already come and gone."
"When?"
"Days ago."
Adelstan frowned. "I heard no fighting."
"There was no fight."
"He left? So swiftly?"
"He did. He brought a small army who could not stand up to my men. It would have been suicide."
Disbelief came over the Saxon's features, and for a while he said nothing. He ran a hand down his face. "Aleysia remains at Braemere?"
"Aye, she does."
Adelstan cursed under his breath. "I cannot believe Duncan left without her. Did he offer money?"
"He did."
"And you refused?"
"I did."
Renaud did not want to hurt Adelstan any more than he was already hurting, but he felt like he owed the young man the truth. "Adelstan, MacMillan asked only for Aleysia's release. He said you could remain in Braemere's prison for all eternity."
The young Saxon fell silent for a moment, his gaze searching Renaud's so intently as to be uncomfortable. It was clear he did not believe him. "He did not ask for my release?" he asked in disbelief.
"Nay, he did not."
"And you say this as a man of honor, and not as a means to coerce me into swearing allegiance to King William?"
"I swear on my honor, Adelstan. MacMillan told me to do with you what I would. He wanted only Aleysia."
Adelstan took a step back as though he'd been struck. "The bastard! To think my father had depended on this man to protect us to the death. He must be pleased to know that soon my body parts will be scattered across England."
"I am sorry, Adelstan."
He shook his head. "I always knew he disliked me. I could see it in his face whenever I was around."
"Does this change your mind about swearing homage to King William?"
This time Adelstan was
not as quick to respond. He looked down at the floor, his brow furrowed. Silent moments passed, but Renaud did not push him for an answer.
Adelstan rubbed the back of his neck. "I cannot swear fealty to your king. I cannot. Too much blood has been spilled because of him. Look at what he has done to the north. It is now a barren wasteland. Why would a king do such a thing to his own lands and his own people?"
"Such is the way of war, Adelstan. You do what you must in order to survive. William was given this land by Edward because he believed William would strengthen it."
"By stripping Saxon nobles of their lands and titles? By marrying off its daughters and widows to lusty Norman barons who have no use for them after they bear children?" Adelstan laughed sardonically. "What would my father think—or my people, if I bowed to such a king?"
"That you saved yourself, and your sister. You have avenged your parents' deaths, and done far more than most men. Your parents would be proud of you. I know it, just as your sister is proud of you. Aleysia needs you, Adelstan. Think of her happiness."
Adelstan shook his head. "I cannot swear allegiance to him. Not even for Aleysia."
Renaud nodded. "I wish things were different, Adelstan. I would have been honored to have you amongst my ranks." Unable to stand the haunted look in the boy's eyes, Renaud left.
CHAPTER 13
Aleysia sat on the high dais, a few seats down from Renaud, who conversed with his guests: three soldiers who had fought with him years ago and had secured their own fiefs in the north. He seemed in a fair mood, though he barely touched his food, his thoughts clearly somewhere else.
Elena sat to Aleysia's right and leaned close to her. "Aleysia, see Galeran there. Do you know that woman to whom he speaks?"
Aleysia, shaken from her thoughts, followed Elena's line of vision to where Galeran stood talking to a servant girl. The woman, a little younger than Aleysia herself, laughed innocently and blushed profusely at something Galeran said.
"He is taken with her. Look at him. He even blushes," Elena whispered so no one else could hear them, but there was no mistaking the jealousy in her voice.