by Alexa Aston
Her heart beat fast as she climbed the ladder that led to the wall walk. From this height, she could see their many workers in the fields, scythes in hand, as they bent low to cut through the wheat, as well as two carts ferrying the sheaves away to the drying shed. Then her eyes landed on the dust being kicked up in the road as the men marched toward Briarwood.
That surprised her. Tobyn had never been one strong on discipline. She would have expected with him in charge that the returning soldiers would be walking in small groups. Instead, they came in rows and marched in time to a beat. That made it easy for her to complete a quick count. Her heart grew heavy as she discovered six missing from the total which had left back in June. Those six men from Briarwood would have been buried on the Continent instead of being brought back to Northumberland. It pained her that good Englishmen had to be left behind in graves on foreign soil.
Eagerly, she skimmed the mass of men, looking for her brother, but finding it impossible since each soldier wore his sugarloaf great helm. Though their face masks were lifted, she couldn’t identify Tobyn from this distance without seeing his hair, which had appeared brown unless in sunlight. Only then did the deep shade of red stand out.
Frustrated that she couldn’t spot him, Cassiana returned to the ground and ran to the gates. They now stood open, ready to receive the men. She hurried through them and saw work stopping in the fields as the people greeted the returning soldiers. Behind her, she heard others joining her, from soldiers in the yard to servants from the keep. All were ready to welcome their men home.
She lifted her skirts and trotted down the road, ready to throw her arms around Tobyn. She hadn’t realized until now just how much she’d missed her only sibling. It would be difficult to tell him about Father’s death during his absence. Mayhap being at war against France had hardened Tobyn some to the reality of death and he would be able to accept their parent’s passing better than he might have before.
Reaching the block of men, she saw it no longer marched in straight rows. Soldiers had fallen out, yanking their helms from the heads, greeting others. Cassiana skimmed the group anxiously, searching for Tobyn. A sudden uneasiness enveloped her.
What if he hadn’t returned? What if her brother had been killed by the French?
The thought brought her to a halt. Again, her eyes danced from soldier to soldier, seeking Tobyn.
Then a man approached her, carrying his helm under his arm. Someone she’d never seen before. He was tall, causing her to throw back her head to look up at him. Thick, dark hair, black as a raven’s, contrasted sharply with brilliant, green eyes. Sharp cheekbones and sensual lips made him very appealing.
In truth, the knight was the most devastatingly handsome man that she’d ever seen.
“Lady Cassiana?” he asked, his voice low and rich, filled with hidden secrets.
“I am Cassiana Campion. Who might you be?” she asked boldly, locking her knees to steady herself and stay on her feet. The man loomed over her and seemed to sap the very energy from her.
“Lord Landon de Blays. Is there somewhere we might speak privately?”
“I have no idea why you’ve come to Briarwood, my lord. Let me first speak to my brother and then we can discuss any business—”
Sympathy filled his eyes. “’Tis your brother I wish to discuss,” he said softly.
Cassiana’s hands pressed against her belly. A wave of nausea filled her. “Nay,” she said abruptly. “Nay. I don’t wish to hear what you have to say.”
She wheeled and walked away briskly. She refused to listen to whatever this nobleman had to say. Instead, she would return to the records room and finish tallying the numbers from yesterday’s sheaves. Then she would go to the training yard and spar with a few of their squires. Or take Tressa for a long ride.
A hand clasped her elbow, forcing her to stop. Angrily, she looked up into Landon de Blays’ eyes.
“Don’t tell me,” she hissed. “If you don’t say the words, I can pretend for a while longer. That Tobyn is still alive. That he’s in the group of soldiers who just came home. That he and I will dine side-by-side tonight and he’ll tell me stories of French cowards and English victories. If you stay silent, my lord, then I don’t have to think about being alone. The last Campion standing. About having to leave the only home I’ve ever known when the next Earl of Briargate comes to claim everything that I have worked so hard on for so many years.”
Cassiana glared up at him and tore herself from his grasp. Then understanding dawned within her.
“You!” she accused. “You are the new earl.” She took a step back, her body trembling.
“I am,” the nobleman confirmed. He withdrew something from his sleeve and handed it to her. “This is a declaration from the king, naming me as the new Earl of Briargate since your father passed on without any heirs.”
Furiously, she yanked open the small scroll and scanned the page, tears welling in her eyes. Cassiana blinked several times, not daring to allow this usurper to see them fall. She handed it back to him and said, “If you would like, I can take you around the estate in the morning. There are things you should be made aware of before I leave. Did the king give you instructions on where I am to go?”
She hated having no male family member in her life now. It would cause her to be at the king’s mercy. Who knew what whim might strike Edward Plantagenet, known for his sudden mood swings, and where he might send her.
Lord Landon removed a second, smaller parchment. “This is a missive from the king. ’Tis addressed to you. It will clarify the situation.”
“Clarify the situation?” she asked angrily. “What’s to be explained? Oh, I understand all too well, my lord. I’ve lost my beloved father. My last brother. And now I will lose the only home I have known. The place I love.”
Savagely, she ripped at the seal and read the few lines penned. Then read them again. Looking up, she saw no emotion on the new earl’s face.
“You . . . are to be . . . my husband?”
“Aye, my lady. The king is aware of the work you have done at Briarwood. How the land thrives under your leadership and of the good decisions you have made in your father’s stead. My friend, Nicholas Mandeville, has sung your praises and explained to me his admiration for you and all you’ve accomplished.”
Lord Landon smiled at her. “You will remain at your home, my lady. Only you will be a Campion no longer. You will soon be a de Blays.”
*
Landon admitted to himself that he had been a fool when he told Nicholas he didn’t care what his bride looked like.
Cassiana Campion was the most stunningly beautiful woman he’d beheld—and he’d certainly seen his fair share of beauties at both the English and French royal courts. He’d coupled with many a willing woman over the years but none had ever affected him as much as the furious noblewoman standing in front of him.
Her hair was a mixture of reds and golds, as if sunrise and sunset had collided. He longed to run his fingers through the silky waves. She was of average height but the snug cotehardie of deep brown hugged her every curve.
Landon couldn’t decide the true color of her eyes. They were a warm brown when he’d first approached her. As her anger grew, the amber that ringed them spread like a wildfire and they blazed at him now, more gold than brown. Even more tempting than the long tresses restrained in a single braid that fell past her waist was her mouth. His lips burned to touch hers.
And they would—once he made her his.
“We will need to wed at once,” he announced.
Lady Cassiana gave him a long look. “I think not, my lord.”
Anger sizzled through him. “You question my authority?”
She had the audacity to roll her eyes at him. “I question your upbringing,” she said succinctly.
“What mean you?” he demanded.
She gave him a disdainful look. “Obviously, you had no other title and estate before the king granted you this one, Lord Landon. True, you’re now
one of the most powerful noblemen in all of Northumberland, with an estate whose only rival is Northmere, at the border.”
Lady Cassiana paused, her lips twitching in disapproval. “Because of that, certain customs must be upheld. The new Earl of Briargate cannot simply wed. His marriage must be an event of some importance, with all his neighbors invited, as well as other important nobles throughout the north.”
She shook her head. “That requires planning, which means time devoted to that planning. A feast unlike any you’ve known must be decided upon before being prepared and served. My wedding attire should rival that of what Queen Philippa wore to her own wedding with the king. You yourself must be outfitted in splendor to acknowledge your title and position.”
The noblewoman sniffed. “That all takes weeks, my lord. At least a month. Mayhap longer.”
Landon remembered how different Katelyn’s wedding had been to the Earl of Northmere. The old earl had ordered it to take place soon after they’d arrived from their long trek from Windsor Castle. Landon supposed the earl had been able to do so since it was a second marriage and he already had two sons to serve as heirs and no one left to impress. Katelyn’s second wedding, a day later, had been by proxy, taking place in the Northmere solar.
His own wedding would be a much different affair. Still, he understood the reason for the display of grandeur, though his bride-to-be’s words had wounded him.
“You are correct, my lady. I enter this marriage with no previous title and bring no land or monies, only my skills in the art of war.” He gave her a wicked grin. “However, I’m no heathen, as you make me out to be. I was raised at court and know how important appearances can be.”
“Then you’ll give me a month to see to all of the arrangements?” she asked haughtily.
“A week,” he said firmly.
Her eyes narrowed. “Two weeks,” she countered.
“Done,” he agreed, secretly thinking he’d come out ahead in their compromise.
They both eyed one another warily and Landon knew she wasn’t sure which of them had just won their first battle.
“See me into my castle,” Landon ordered, not willing to lose the upper hand he’d gained. Already, the noblewoman had proved to be intelligent and quick. He would have to stay on his toes around this one and never let down his guard or she would take advantage of him in ways small and large.
“Of course, my lord.”
Lady Cassiana turned quickly and left him standing alone. Quickly, he closed the gap between them and grasped her elbow to bring her to a halt. Rage simmered in her eyes as he tucked her hand through the crook of his elbow.
“Now, you may lead the way for us,” he said. “Together.”
She emitted a low growl of frustration as they started through the gate, causing him to suppress a smile.
“Are you always so stubborn?” she asked.
“Only when crossed,” he said good-naturedly.
Cassiana Campion looked up at him.
And laughed.
A frisson of pleasure shot through him at the low, throaty sound. By the Christ, if she affected him so with a mere laugh, what would it be like to bed her?
At that moment, Landon swore to encase his heart in steel. He’d never been swayed by a woman before. Other than his sister and the queen, he’d never really liked or even respected another female, especially after seeing the duplicity in so many of the women at court. He couldn’t let this future wife get under his skin. He would wed her. Bed her. Get sons off her. But he would never let her call the tune. Ever. His mother had done that, ruling Blackstone like a queen, ordering everyone about as if his father hadn’t existed.
“Come,” he ordered, moving through the gates with her. As they entered the outer bailey, pride swelled within Landon.
All this . . . was his . . .
To spend so many years feeling worthless. Having few possessions. Knowing there were those who still looked at him and whispered the old tales of his father’s treachery. And now, to have this magnificent place belong to him. It was unimaginable.
He took in everything with new eyes. A blacksmith shed wasn’t a mere structure. It was here his soldiers’ horses would be shod. They passed the tannery where leather would be prepared for saddles. Looking across the wide area, he supposed dozens worked for the estate.
His estate. Briarwood.
“Wait a moment,” Landon said as they approached the training yard.
His eyes swept over the place where he would spend a majority of his time. He caught sight of a raised platform, the spot where he would stand and observe his soldiers at work. He would move among them, testing and teaching them, learning their strength and weaknesses. To the far left stood the butts. He wondered idly how many archers Briarwood had and which ones had been sent to Flanders because of their talent with a bow.
Suddenly, a knight stood before them, one who possessed a confident air. The long scar along his cheek attested to the fact that he’d been in battle and survived. His eyes skimmed Landon with curiosity but he addressed Lady Cassiana.
“My lady, I decided to dismiss the soldiers from their training for the day. It was only an hour away until we normally break and the men were eager to visit with those comrades who’ve returned from France.”
“A wise decision, Sir Adam,” she said. Turning to Landon, she told him, “My lord, I would introduce you to Sir Adam Crane, Briarwood’s captain of the guard. Sir Adam, this is Lord Landon de Blays. The new Earl of Briargate.”
The soldier’s eyes widened and then he schooled his features. “Welcome, Lord Landon. You will find your men to be an exceptional group of soldiers. We’ve had to be with the threat of Scottish attack always a possibility.”
Landon offered the knight his hand. “I’m glad to make your acquaintance, Sir Adam. We will need to meet privately and discuss the men and their training schedule. I’d also like to become familiar with the various patrols in the area and how often they occur.”
“I’d be happy to, my lord, but Lady Cassiana can tell you anything you wish to know about the castle’s defense. She’s quite familiar with our training schedule and soldiers.”
“Still, I will meet with you soon, Sir Adam,” Landon said firmly.
He doubted Cassiana Campion could answer all of his many questions. She might know the names of Briarwood’s soldiers but, as a woman, she would have no idea of the level of their fighting skills. It took hundreds of hours of observation in the yard and even direct contact, engaging a man in a fight, to know all Landon wished to learn.
Sir Adam bowed. “Again, ’tis good to have you here, Lord Landon.” The captain looked to Lady Cassiana. “My lady, may I say that it’s been a pleasure serving you and your family over the years. I wish you the best, no matter where you go.”
“The lady will remain at Briarwood—as my wife,” Landon informed Sir Adam. “I will share this news at the evening meal.”
The knight broke out in a huge grin. “To have you remain at Briarwood is the best of news, my lady.” He took her hand and pressed a kiss to it.
For some reason, jealousy stirred within Landon, an unfamiliar feeling. He shook it off.
“Good day,” Landon said curtly, drawing his future wife away.
After they’d left the yard, she said, “You realize by the time we sit for the evening meal in an hour, most everyone will already know we are to be wed.”
“Why do you say that?”
She laughed again, a sound he already coveted hearing.
Astonishment filled her face. “Have you lived under a rock all of your life, my lord?”
He stiffened, offended again by her words. “I told you that I grew up at court. I’ve served as a member of King Edward’s royal guard,” he said with pride.
She chuckled. “Surely, you realize how quickly gossip spreads. I would think it would move even more rapidly at court. The same is true at any estate. Sir Adam will tell a few men what he has learned. They will be all too eager to
share what they know with others.”
“I’ve never cared for gossip,” Landon said dismissively.
“Probably because it was never about you,” she retorted.
“True,” he admitted. “I’ve made it a point to serve the king my entire life. What others speculated about never concerned me,” though he knew how much he’d hated the gossip about him and his family.
“Your first lesson to learn as a newly titled earl, my lord, is to discover that within gossip can be a glimmer of truth. Information is a valuable commodity. It would be best not to ignore gossip. Instead, separate the truth from the fiction—and be better prepared for what you’ve learned.”
Landon looked at her steadily. “I see you have much to teach me, Lady Cassiana.”
And he would teach her, in return.
Chapter Eight
Cassiana finally led the new earl inside the keep, hoping he would release her once they arrived. The entire time they’d toured the outer and inner baileys, Lord Landon de Blays had kept her hand snug within the bend of his arm, covering it with his own hand to make sure she didn’t wriggle from his grasp.
His touch had left her breathless.
Other than the few kisses she’d shared with Tarquin Grosbeck, no man ever touched her. Especially one as imposing and attractive as the nobleman who’d come to claim not only his land and title—but her.
Lord Landon’s arrival had upset her because he brought news of Tobyn’s death. She had reacted angrily and immaturely and found herself ashamed of her behavior toward him. He hadn’t killed her brother. The French had. The gracious thing to do would be to apologize.
As long as she didn’t have to gaze too long into those mesmerizing green eyes.
She’d never seen eyes so green. Never been affected by a man near her. His hand atop hers radiated heat, as did his body brushing against hers when they walked. It confused her. It upset her. Most of all, it made her fearful. Cassiana wasn’t used to the idea of fear, thanks to the fact that she’d been in control of her destiny for so long. Now, with a simple directive from the king, she would be allowed to stay at Briarwood.