by Alexa Aston
“Women,” muttered Landon. “Do what you must.”
The hot water arrived and Cassiana mixed in scented oils to it, while Malkyn added herbs that she said would cleanse and promote healing. The two women efficiently bathed Landon together. Cassiana was grateful for the older woman’s company. If she’d had Landon to herself, she might have pounced on him and his cuts would have gone untreated.
Once salve had been applied to his bruises and cuts and two wounds stitched closed, the healer excused herself. Landon lay in the bed, exhausted.
“Sleep, Landon. You need to build your strength,” she said.
“As long as you don’t let me sleep through the evening meal,” he growled. “I plan to face everyone in the great hall tonight and meet with Sir Adam afterward.”
“As you wish.”
“Come lie with me,” he said, his words slurring from the herbs Malkyn had him drink. Cassiana knew some of them were meant to help him rest.
She went to the other side of the bed and drew the curtain aside before climbing in next to him. Resting her head on his shoulder, she placed her hand on his chest and curled up against his side. Landon put his hand over hers. Before she could urge him to sleep, his eyes closed and his breathing evened out. She lay next to him, watching him slumber, relishing the feel of him against her.
It angered her that he’d confronted so many men, one after another, in an effort to show who he was. Cassiana could only hope their people would accept him after today’s events. She’d meant every word she’d told the crowd. She believed he would be a finer lord than her father had been. An innate goodness permeated this man to his core.
He slept until the evening meal hour approached and she woke him.
“It’s time for you to dress.”
Landon looked her over. “You should change, my lady. Your cotehardie did get blood on it and it’s rumpled from lying abed in it.”
She stood and helped him swing his feet to the floor. “I will return in a few minutes.”
Heading to her bedchamber, she discarded the stained cotehardie, doubting she’d ever get the blood out of the pale yellow cloth. Changing into a new one of mint green, she took the time to unbraid and comb her hair before re-braiding it.
Cassiana returned to the solar and found Landon dressed in one of two outfits that had been completed for him by their seamstress. One side of his face was slightly swollen, the eye now black. His sleeves and pants covered where his own men’s swords had nicked and pierced him.
Landon offered her his arm and they proceeded to the great hall. She believed it only right to prepare him for what lay ahead.
“The people have been loyal to the Campions for generations,” she began. “It may take them time to come around. They will—just as the soldiers did today. I don’t want you to be disappointed if your reception is less than ideal.”
“I understand,” he said quietly. “It doesn’t make me any less anxious, though.”
Cassiana came to a halt. Her eyes searched his, seeing his apprehension and vulnerability, knowing how hard it would be for him to enter the great hall.
“You are the future of Briarwood, my lord. You are the right person to lead the people. You must believe in yourself. As I believe in you.”
Doubt flickered in his eyes. “You barely know me, my lady.”
“I know you are loyal to king and country. That you fought bravely for England. That the king has faith that you are the man who can keep Briarwood on the right path and defend it from any enemies.”
Cassiana paused and then said, “I choose you, Lord Landon. I support you. The people will come to understand your goodness. Trust them.”
Her words obviously bolstered him for he stood taller. “Thank you for believing in me.”
With that, he moved them down the stairs and toward the great hall. They paused on the threshold and she saw everyone had already arrived and was seated. When the people caught sight of them, a hush fell over the room. Cassiana held her breath, wondering what stories had been spread by the soldiers of what occurred in the training yard this morning.
Then as a group, the soldiers of Briarwood stood—and applauded their liege lord.
Landon acknowledged their recognition with a curt nod and led her to the dais as every remaining soul followed suit. She gazed across the standing crowd, applauding and cheering, and her heart told her all would be well.
Chapter Fourteen
Cassiana couldn’t believe that her wedding would occur in three days. The castle’s harvest home celebration had gone even better than expected. Though Landon’s wounds were still fresh, he’d participated in the feasting and dancing with nary a complaint. From her visits to the training yard since then, all seemed well with the men. More than a few of them had made a point to apologize to her for their behavior. She’d directed them to her future husband, saying no apologies were due her—only to Lord Landon.
“My lady, Lord Nicholas has been sighted from the wall walk,” Messina said.
Putting aside her sewing, Cassiana made her way downstairs. Landon came out of the records room, where he’d been sequestered with Hobart all morning. The two men had spent several hours going over various ledgers the past week and Landon seemed comfortable now discussing the estate’s business.
Cassiana greeted him and said, “Messina just informed me that Lord Nicholas’ party will arrive soon. Would you care to greet him with me?”
“I would.”
Landon’s warm smile made her tingle inside. Soon, something would come of all those tingles. He hadn’t kissed her since the day she’d stepped up with a sword in hand to defend his name and honor. He’d thanked her and given her a brief kiss in the solar but hadn’t touched her since.
It was driving Cassiana insane.
She’d never longed for a man’s touch. She wondered if her mother had experienced anything similar toward her father. It was hard to remember how they’d behaved toward one another since so many years had passed after her mother’s death. Cassiana rarely saw her parents together when she was young. It seemed her mother gave birth to a new babe every year so they must have spent some time together.
But did her father make her mother feel as if she were the only woman in the world? That’s how Cassiana felt when Landon looked at her. Kissed her. Touched her. She recalled the one time when his fingers brushed against her breasts. How they’d swollen and ached. How her nipples pebbled in need, yearning for him to stroke them.
Soon, it would come to pass. She only hoped she wouldn’t disappoint him. He had lived at the world of the royal court and she assumed, because of his good looks, that he’d had his pick of any number of ladies. Cassiana could only hope she wouldn’t compare poorly.
Together, they descended the stairs to stand at the foot of the keep, awaiting the arrival of their first wedding guests. Cassiana supposed they would do this together many times over the coming years. It pleased her that Landon was friends with Nicholas Mandeville. The Earl of Northmere was a superb leader and wielded much influence in Northumberland. If he championed Landon, she knew the other northern nobles would do the same.
She looked forward to meeting Nicholas’ wife. No invitation had been extended to his wedding and Cassiana had heard rumors that the wife first married the father and then, by proxy, the son. Her curiosity about the woman had grown over time after others had shared that Katelyn Mandeville had a sharp mind and was the most beautiful woman in all of Northumberland.
Suddenly, the thunder of hoof beats sounded, growing louder as the escort party entered the bailey and came to a halt in front of the keep. She spied Nicholas in the center and gave him a wave. He returned it and dismounted, going to the horse next to him. Cassiana caught a glimpse of the woman riding it, her hair black as night and her skin white as pearls. Nicholas set her on the ground.
Landon broke away from Cassiana and Nicholas met him. The two men greeted each other, huge grins on their faces, and then Landon rushed to Katelyn Mand
eville’s side. His arms went around the beauty. A sharp pang of jealousy shot through her.
How well did Landon know Nicholas’ wife?
She watched as the pair clung to one another, a sick feeling washing over her.
Nicholas joined her, kissing her hand. “You look wonderful as always, Lady Cassiana.” He paused. “And distracted. Why the frown?”
She’d been looking over his shoulder and quickly tore her eyes away. “No reason.”
He glanced back. “You’d think the two of them hadn’t seen each other in a decade, when it was only June.”
“Oh?” she said, trying to avoid staring at the stunning beauty who now held Landon’s face in her hands and cooed over him.
“Aye. Kate came to see me off when we sailed to Flanders with Morley. We ran into Landon at the harbor.”
“You did?” she said stiffly as she watched Katelyn Mandeville slip her hand possessively through Landon’s arm, resting her head on his shoulder.
Nicholas took Cassiana’s arm and turned her toward him. “You don’t know, do you?” he asked.
“Know what?” Her belly churned painfully.
“That Kate and Landon are brother and sister.”
“What?” she gasped.
“They were separated when Kate was five and Landon was almost seven. Kate was banished to some awful nunnery. Landon searched for her for years until he found her.” Nicholas smiled. “Then she came to me and I inherited Landon as a brother-in-law and friend.”
“That means Landon . . . is the king’s cousin,” she stammered.
“Aye.”
Cassiana held tight to her skirts. To think of how Landon’s father was executed for treason against his own kin—and that Landon was related to the king himself. The news overwhelmed her.
At that moment, Katelyn Mandeville broke away from Landon and came toward Cassiana. The noblewoman threw her arms around Cassiana, hugging her tightly before releasing her. Immediately, Cassiana looked down and saw from the small, rounded bulge that Nicholas’ wife was with child.
“I know we’ve just met but I’m thrilled that Landon is marrying you. I’ve heard so many wonderful things about you, my lady, and have looked forward to meeting you for some time. To think now that we will be sisters-in-law! We have so much to talk about. Oh, I do hope we will become good friends.”
Cassiana stared at the enthusiastic beauty, seeing how remarkable the resemblance was between brother and sister. Both were tall and had the same thick, dark hair and a similar nose and mouth. Lady Katelyn also possessed the same brilliant green eyes that Landon did.
“Would you like to come to the solar?” she offered. “I can have food and drink brought up.”
“That would be lovely,” Lady Katelyn said.
“Not us,” Landon proclaimed. “I want to show Nicholas a few horses in the stables and the drying shed we recently completed.”
Nicholas slapped Landon on the back. “After that, we should go for a ride so you can show off some of your property.”
The two men set off and Cassiana invited the soldiers from the escort party to return to the keep for bread and ale once they situated themselves in the barracks. Then she led the noblewoman upstairs. They’d barely seated themselves when Messina appeared with a tray. Cassiana thanked the servant and poured wine for them.
“We saw some of your land on the way to the castle,” Lady Katelyn noted. “You have quite an impressive property. Nicholas told me your father had been ill for some time and that you managed the estate. You’ve done such a nice job.”
“Thank you. Father was injured in battle several years ago and became bedridden. Much fell to me since my brother Tobyn was away fostering.”
“And your mother?”
“She passed on when I was a girl. What about yours?”
Lady Katelyn bit her lip.
“Oh, forgive me,” Cassiana said quickly. “I only learned when you arrived that you and Landon were siblings. I gathered he and Nicholas were friends but I had no idea you were related.” She paused. “Landon has told me of your father’s transgression against the crown. Nicholas mentioned to me that you were separated as children because of it. I’m sorry I asked about your mother. If it’s too painful to speak of, we can discuss more pleasant things.”
The noblewoman snorted. “Anything would be more pleasant to discuss than my mother.” She took a sip of wine and then ran her fingertip around the rim of the cup, a contemplative look on her face. “My mother and I were sent to the Convent of the Charitable Sisters in Essex. She took her vows and eventually rose to the position of abbess.”
Lady Katelyn stood and began pacing the room. “Mother Acelina thrived on the power her position brought. An abbess possesses as much power as a mighty nobleman. She kept me hidden in the convent for years and then thought to sell me to the present king.”
“Sell you?” Cassiana shuddered.
“Aye. I was nothing more than a bargaining chip for her. Fortunately, Landon discovered me in time and took me away from her and the hateful nuns who showed me no charity over the many years I lived with them. I consider the mother I once knew gone. Dead and buried.”
Cassiana rose and slipped her arms about Katelyn Mandeville, hoping to comfort her.
“Thank you for sharing a part of your story that is so painful,” she said. “I’m glad Landon found you and, that after so many years of separation, you’ll live close enough to see one another often.”
Lady Katelyn wiped a tear away and kissed Cassiana’s cheek. “You are as kind as you are beautiful, my lady. My brother is fortunate not only to gain a title and land but a generous woman as a wife. Please, call me Katelyn.”
“And I am Cassiana.”
They returned to their seats and their wine.
“Landon told me that the only women he respected were his sister and the queen,” she shared. “I suppose he did not have a good experience with the women at court while he was in the royal guard.”
“Once Landon was taken away, he spent his entire life at court.”
“He hasn’t spoken much about his past.”
“Aye. The old king and the Despensers were quite cruel to him but Prince Edward—now our king—took a liking to his cousin and adopted him as a little brother since he had none. Landon has lived through all the political intrigue at both the French and English courts and witnessed the king’s mother and her lover depose her husband. He and King Edward are quite close. I know Landon thinks very highly of Queen Philippa but I agree with him about women at court. Most of them are not to my liking, though a few ladies-in-waiting were kind to me during my short stay at Windsor Castle.”
“I have never been to court. I probably never will go. It sounds as if I haven’t missed much.”
“Nay, Cassiana. To be honest, I am glad to be so far north and away from all the politics. Enough of such mournful topics. Let’s speak about your wedding. Can you show me your dress?”
“Let me show you first what your brother will wear. I’ve sewn it myself.”
Cassiana led Katelyn into the solar’s bedchamber and revealed the splendid golden tunic she’d embroidered with blue leaves.
Katelyn held it close, inspecting the stiches. “You have a fine hand and Landon will look superb in this.”
She escorted Katelyn to her own bedchamber and brought out the cotehardie she would wear for her vows.
“The castle’s seamstress finished it only yesterday. I’m quite pleased with her work.”
Katelyn fingered the gossamer material. “Oh, you will look like an angel in this. Have you decided how to dress your hair? I must say, it’s the most extraordinary color I’ve ever seen. There’s as much red as there is gold blended together.”
“What do you think I should do with it?”
They talked about various ways to style it. Katelyn unbraided Cassiana’s hair and combed it out, trying different ideas.
Finally, Katelyn said, “I think you should wear it down. With a gol
d circlet.”
“I have no circlets.” She fingered her amber pendant. “This is the only jewelry I’ve ever owned. Landon gave it to me as an early wedding gift.”
Katelyn took the stone in hand and glanced up at Cassiana’s face and back again. “It’s a perfect match to your eyes. My brother did well.” She smiled with satisfaction. “Oh, you are going to be a beautiful bride. And I cannot wait until you have children. Our sons and daughters can be raised together.”
“Do you have any babes?” Cassiana asked. “Beyond the one you carry now.”
“We have a boy, Ruston, who turned a year old last month,” Katelyn revealed. “This is my first time away from him. He’s into absolutely everything, walking and babbling constantly. I knew it would be hard to keep up with him during all the wedding activities so I left him at Northmere.”
“Then Landon and I will have to visit so I can meet him.”
“Landon would like that. He’s very good with Ruston. I know he will make for a fine father.”
A look of sadness crossed her face and Cassiana knew she thought of her own father.
“Landon said that your father was very good to you,” she said gently.
Katelyn blinked away tears. “He was. That’s what makes it so hard to reconcile whatever occurred. It was so long ago. Whoever knew the truth about the matter is long dead or would never dream of speaking up and admitting knowledge of any plot. Still, Father passed along his love of horses to me. I never ride that I do not think of him.”
They returned to the solar and chatted amiably for a few hours until the door swung open and Landon and Nicholas entered.
“You look thick as thieves,” Katelyn proclaimed.
Nicholas went to his wife and pulled her to her feet. “Wouldn’t you like to know what we’ve been about?” he said, his eyes gleaming with mischief.
Katelyn wound her arms around her husband’s neck. “Oh, I’m sure I could wheedle it out of you.”
Nicholas chuckled. “Oh, I know you could, Kate. You always do.” He drew his wife to him and gave her a long kiss.