Candace C. Bowen - Knight Series 03 (30 page)

“Je t’aime, mon coeur,” he said before capturing her lips.

†

Albin lay curled on his side facing his wife with their newborn son lying between them. “I shall never forgive Henry for putting you through such an arduous journey so soon after delivering our son.”

“There is nothing to forgive, Alby, for there is no place I would rather be. I was in Bronwyn’s capable hands for the birth, and Reina had just about every pillow in Castell Maen placed in the wagon to make our journey a comfortable one.” Lightly fingering the dark curls on their son’s head, Lecie smiled tenderly. “He has your hair.”

“And your beautiful golden eyes,” Albin said. “What shall we name him?”

“Is it not fashionable to name a son after the king?”

“Over my dead body,” Albin scoffed. 

“Then what would you have us call him?”

“Fulke and I fostered with a good man. If you are willing, I would like one of his names to be Hewett. I would also like to honor your father, Edric.”

“Then he shall be named, Hewett Edric Fulke,” Lecie said, “for I believe that his lordship should also be honored.”

“So be it,” Albin whispered.

†

Bronwyn lay cradled in the curve of Euric’s body. Her thoughts far off, she snuggled back against him when he rose on an elbow to kiss her cheek. “What troubles you so?”

“War is coming, Euric. It is inevitable. After Henry dies, Stephen and Matilda will not reach a peaceful accord for many years.”

“Then we shall face it together when the time comes. Have not we always?”

“Yes we have, and we always shall.”

†

Fulke sat perched on the edge of the bed gazing lovingly at his wife and sleeping daughter. With the strain of the past weeks marked clearly on his face, he willed himself to relax.

Searching her husband’s careworn face in the flickering light, Reina reached out to take his hand.
“What has you looking so ill at ease, my love?”

“When did Henry’s escort reach you?”

“On the eve of Father Godfrey’s arrival,”
Reina said.
“The king’s guards were intent to depart at sunrise but they had orders to escort Lecie as well. Since she had just given birth, they were forced to wait until she was well enough to travel. Tis the reason we appeared so unkempt at the feast.”

“It explains why Henry had me cooling my heels for so long,” Fulke said. “His intent from the beginning was to use you as leverage.”

“Well I am grateful to him for summoning me. If something is to happen, there is no place I would rather be than here by your side.” 

“Your being here is what worries me,” Fulke admitted. “I do not mind Henry using me as a pawn, but this time he used the family, Reina. I fear what he would have done had Chaucey’s account of the Lady Kaylein not proven true.”

“It is in the past and there is nothing we can do to change it,”
Reina said.
“Let us resolve to stay in the king’s good graces.”

“I am afraid that is easier said than done.” Lying on his back, he shifted so she could see his lips. “He told me in parting that we were once again on even footing. I exposed the justice and brought rest to his cousin, and he allowed Talan to live.”

“Tis better than owing him.”

“Henry explained away my absence and purposely announced that I was back in his good graces. He does nothing without a reason.”

“You cannot take so much worry upon yourself. We have a family now, and whatever is to come, we shall face it together.”
Fulke’s grimace had her looking alarmed.
“What is it that you are not telling me?”

“I am ashamed to say that if things had taken a different course, I was willing to sacrifice Talan to save the rest of us.”

“Talan would not have had it any other way.”

“You have always been my voice of reason. What would I do without you?” He shifted to wrap his arm protectively around her and their daughter.

“The same thing we would do without you so let us not speak of it.”

Chapter Twenty-Two

The next morning dawned clear and cool. After the family dined in the common room, they made preparations to leave. 

After meeting with the newly appointed lord justice, Richard would formally assume his new duties as King Henry’s master-marshal. Caine was charged with locating a suitable residence for the family’s move to London. After much discussion, Leofrick would return to Rochester to assume the role of sheriff. Frederick would return briefly with Leofrick to oversee the packing of the family’s personal possessions before escorting his mother to the city. Edmund was disowned by them all. Should he make contact with any member of his family, he would be arrested. Trusted with his mother’s pearls, Leofrick was charged with breaking the sad news to his mother.

Mylla held onto her father tightly when she bid him goodbye. “Do you think you and mother will be happy in the city, Da? It is so different from home.”

“We shall make the best of things, La-La. We always have.” Clearing his throat, he straightened. “Castell Maen is not so far away. Mayhap you could convince your husband to visit us every now and again.”

“You may count on it,” Talan said from behind Mylla.

“Good, good.” Brusque once again, Richard dipped his head. “You best be off if you are to make use of the daylight.”

Bidding farewell to her brothers, Mylla approached Leofrick last. “Will you come and visit us, Leo?”

“Try and keep me away.” Briefly embracing her, Leofrick stepped back. “Mayhap when I do you shall have some glad tidings to impart. I have always been fond of children.”

“If we do not, it shall not be for lack of trying.” Mylla smiled.

“Saucy wench,” he replied with a grin.

Giving Mylla a private moment with her family, Talan took the opportunity to take Fulke aside. “Might I have a word, my liege?”

“Not if it is to thank me again,” Fulke teased.

“The king has used my situation to force your return to court. I can never make amends for that.”

Fulke surprised him by chuckling. “One way or another, I would have been forced back. Your situation only made it convenient for him.”

“Nevertheless,” Talan said. “I am sorry for it.”

“I know.” Gripping Talan’s shoulder, Fulke smiled. “Now put your guilt to rest. I believe my wife would like to have a private word with you.” 

Talan turned around to find Reina waiting to speak with him. One of the first of the knights to communicate with her by reading her lips, they had maintained a close friendship.

“She is lovely, Talan.”

“Thank you, your ladyship. Please allow me to—”

“Apologize?”
Reina smiled.
“It is not necessary. Do you recall when we were at court and I attempted to find a woman worthy of you?”

“I recall it well,” Talan said.

“Where I have failed, you have succeeded. I pray that God bless your union with joy, my dear friend.”

Talan’s composure slipped with the sudden realization that the matter was favorably settled, and he was taking his wife home. 

Reina reached out to gently grasp his forearm.
“There is no shame in how you feel. Tis a cause for celebration, and celebrate we shall.”

Finding Gervase standing apart from the rest of the group, Mylla took the opportunity to approach him. “Could I speak with you for a moment, Sir Gervase?”

His mind elsewhere, Gervase seemed surprised by the request. “Most assuredly, Lady Mylla, what can I do for you?”

“You are well acquainted with the lady you sent with the message for us, are you not?”

“I suppose as anyone can be well acquainted with her,” Gervase said.

“If you happen to see her again, would you do me a kindness and see this returned to her?” Mylla held out a delicate lace edged kerchief to him. “I was overwhelmed the night we met, and she was a great comfort to me.”

Accepting the linen square embroidered with lily flowers, Gervase carefully tucked it into his tunic. “I know not whether I shall ever see her again, but if I do, I shall see it returned, my lady.”

“Thank you,” Mylla said. “Also, please tell her she has a friend in me should she ever need one.”

“Consider it done.” Gervase watched Mylla join Talan before glancing around at his extended family. Excited to be off, laughter and lighthearted banter filled the morning air. With a heavy heart, he mounted his horse.

Situated in the plush wagon the children were safely snuggled in the center surrounded by Bronwyn, Lecie, and Reina. Mylla chose to ride with Talan for the first part of the two day journey home.

Mounted on their steeds, Fulke and his knights flanked the wagon being steered by Euric.

“Let us be off,” Fulke called spurring his horse into an easy gait.

Vendors opening their shops paused to watch the cheerful procession pass. Only Gervase’s solemn expression appeared out of place. With one long last look back at the palace, he faced forward.

Talan tenderly gazed down at his wife. “You seem very pleased this morning, mon coeur.”

“I am pleased, my heart.” Mylla’s smile was full of love. “We are going home.”

THE END

Epilogue

Liliana entered Adorlee’s empty chamber and crossed to the polished silver mirror set against one of the paneled walls. Pulling off her linen gloves, she reached up to remove the black veil and wimple she had been forced to wear. Except for the scar running from her hairline to below her chin, she could be her half-sister Adorlee’s twin.

A Knight of Defianc
e
…. COMING SOON

About the Author

Candace C. Bowen is the award-winning author of the Knight Series.

Born in a suburb of Chicago, Candace moved to South Florida with her family at an early age. A writer of full-length historical romance fiction, she has broadened her scope to creating tales of modern day horror and historical adventure.

Author of: The Knight Series; A Knight of Silence (Book 1), A Knight of Battle (Book 2), A Knight of Valour (Book 3), A Knight of Defiance (Book 4-Coming Soon), Spur of the Moment, Wicked Embers, Jack of Hearts, Voodoo Fire, and The Order of the Knightshades-The Stygian Stone (Book 1).

Candace resides with her young son and adopted cat in South Florida. If you have any questions or comments, she would love to hear from you.

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.knightseries.com

Twitter: @candacecbowen

READ BRONWYN AND EURIC’S STORY IN:

Spur of the Moment and Wicked Embers