The Troubadour's Romance (44 page)

He was quiet for a moment as he considered this.

“
You say the Twyford knights approve?
”

“
Lord Scelfton lately sent a score of wagons filled with goods for Segeland. The Scelfton sons returned to their father with the news that their sister is secure and content. King Henry has signed the documents that name the land in Aquitaine for Royce. Even Trothmore will find little success in putting them in bad reputation with the church, for an honest priest has been found and they build their own church in the burg now. It is done, sir knight. There is no way Boltof s schemes can unseat the lord of Segeland.
”

“
The surly bastard led me to believe that no one sup
ported Royce but Henry ... and that Henry could be moved with enough evidence against Leighton. As to Scelf
ton, Boltof swore the old lord hated every cursed Leighton
--
”

“
Did you witness Maelwine
’
s hate for his sister
’
s hus
band?
”

“
Nay,
”
he admitted.
“
Woman, I vow Boltof plots to kill Royce and name me the murderer.
”

“
No one will die, unless it is Boltof,
”
she assured him.

“
As I sit in this sty while he plots at Segeland, I promise you that if he doesn
’
t die by Royce
’
s hand, he need fear mine.
”
He stood taller, giving her a short bow.
“
You make good sense with your warning, madam, and I will take myself from Coventry today, but only for a short time. Then I ride with my men to Segeland, and if I find you have lied to me, you have cause to fear for your life.
”

“
I have not lied. My only hope is that you will be wiser than Boltof. Mayhap one day you will bury your differences with the Lord of Segeland, but if not, at least you will both be free of the murder of Aylworth. And my lady will be safe.
”

“
They must reward you handsomely for your handiwork. I have known no woman servant in all my life willing to do the things you do.
”

She smiled faintly.
“
I am rewarded well, sir. Better than you can know.
”

***

There was a loud pounding on the lord
’
s chamber door. The sun was barely up and the noise rudely awakened
Felise
, causing her to bolt upright. Royce was ahead of her in rising, his legs already out of bed, feet planted firmly on the floor. With a wave of his hand he cautioned her to stay in bed, while he extracted himself.

The pounding came again and he leisurely drew on his chausses, knowing this form of rousing would not come from any of his men. No one would dare disturb him at this hour, in this manner.

Felise drew the cover up to her neck and watched from the bed as Royce opened the door. Boltof stood without, peering past Royce to look into the room. He was fully
dressed in a leather gamberson, his broadsword at his side, wearing mail and hauberk and carrying a bag and his shield. He was ready to ride out of Segeland.

“
Good morning, my lord. I beg you excuse my early hour, but I must ask a favor. I would ride to Daventry on a quick visit. An old comrade, Sir Morton, waits there before joining the duke, Richard. I would secure a place with that troop. If I don
’
t go today, I will miss them.
”

“
Today? What of Celeste? Am I to gather an escort to send her home?
”
Royce asked.

“
Nay, Royce, but if you will have some servant see to her needs through the day, I will return for her on the morrow and deliver her home. Then I will leave her with Lord Orrick and meet Morton and Richard later. But unless I secure a position with his troop today, I miss my chance.
”

“
I see,
”
Royce said knowingly.
“
Where does Morton go?
”

“
To France with Richard,
”
Boltof said.
“
I cannot waste away my days soothing my sister
’
s hurt or farming for Aswin. And your troop does not ride for Henry. If I am to make my way in this world, I must find a good fight somewhere.
”

Royce smiled.
“
You seem in high spirits, Boltof.
”

“
I don
’
t have all this to tie me, Royce. Would that I had lands and money like you, and could spend my days prodding the villagers to work or counting my rents.
”
He laughed.
“
Neither can I lie abed with a beautiful wife. I must get on the road again and see what lands can be won.
”
He peered at
Felise
as she sat in bed.
“
My lady, my humble apologies. I will give your husband back to you at once. Royce? By your leaved

“
Of course, Boltof. Don
’
t fret for Celeste. She will be well cared for in your absence.
”

“
My thanks. And I shall make the journey quick, to return for her tomorrow by midday.
”

“
I wish you well in your venture, Boltof. A good troop always brings a decent return.
”

“
Aye, and Morton has a sound reputation. Would you agree?
”

Royce gave a sharp nod.
“
I can think of no better vassal to Richard. And in spite of their differences, I trust Richard
will inherit a kingdom from Henry one day.
”
He raised one eyebrow.
“
We may yet ride together again.
”

“
I look forward to the day, Royce. Until tomorrow.
”
He gave a brief salute and turned from the door.

Royce slowly closed it and walked leisurely toward the bed.
Felise
began to tremble, but Royce had a pleased expression on his face.

“
Morton is a good knight of Richard,
”
he said softly.
“
And when I last saw him, he was serving Richard in Aquitaine, where he planned to remain for another year.
”

“
He lies,
”
she whispered.

“
Aye, and he has assured himself that you take your rest in my chamber. As he rides away, he must think himself very clever.
”
He looked deeply into her eyes.
“
And so it begins.
”

The day was filled with tedious chores meant to occupy the hands and give the appearance of a usual day. No one seemed to notice that Royce
’
s men lingered more about the town than on other days, nor that Trumble did not take rest from the wall. Daria was instructed to take him a basket of food and did so without question, though usually the surly old knight went to her kitchen for his meals.

Royce did not ride out that day to observe the lie of the land, but rather stayed within the wall and busied himself in the hall or the stable.
Felise
worked mainly in the hall, going to the village only once, to bring yarn to Ulna
’
s cottage. And by late afternoon many watchful eyes reddened, as if they
’
d spent many days on this one.

Celeste stayed mostly in her rooms through the day, descending to break the fast and then returning to sulk behind closed doors.
Boltof
’
s
conspiracy wreaked havoc on that poor frame, for she looked more pale and drawn every time she was seen. As the hall filled with men-at-arms and squires for the evening meal and the sun began its down
ward path, Celeste appeared again. She kept her gaze lowered and did not see the pitying glances cast her way.

Royce stood again on his stoop, watching the villagers come home from their day
’
s labors. None looked up to count the numbers of knights at the wall, nor to judge their
watchfulness. There were only two more than usual: one to help Trumble count those who entered at day
’
s end and one to go to the hall with the report. When the gate was closed again, Royce entered the hail and sat near the hearth until the platters of food were delivered to the tables.

He watched
Felise
as she moved around the tables and helped the servants ready the room for the meal. He smiled warmly as he judged the seductive swing of her skirts and the way her willing smile played on her lips. When his eyes roved to Celeste, he saw that she, too, watched
Felise
, but the look on her face was not one of pride. Celeste looked so forlorn that Royce found himself hoping she would not snap under the pressure of
Boltof
’
s
schemes, failing to see her part through. They depended on her betrayal.

He had given her many opportunities throughout the day to catch him alone and lure him to her chamber, but she had been much out of sight. There was little more he could do to make her ploy easy for her.

Royce lounged lazily, one leg stretched out toward the fire to kick occasionally at the ash that spilled over. He ap
peared as any confident lord of plenty: unhurried, unhin
dered, and comfortable in the warm hall in late day.
Felise
approached him with a chalice of wine and knelt beside his chair. As he took the goblet he judged her worried frown.

“
Royce,
”
she whispered.
“
Look on Celeste. I fear for her. She is too frail for this madness. She will die of fright before the meal is out.
”

He hushed her and smiled into her eyes for any onlookers
’
benefit.
“
There
’
s no help for it, love. Let it be.
”

“
Surely there is some way we can save her from this. Tell her we know of Boltof and free her from this agony. Though woman true in form, she is a child. She cannot endure this.
”

Royce gently touched his wife
’
s cheek, warmed by her sympathy.
“
Nay,
Felise
. Though the price be dear, she must pay it. No one forced her to trust her brother.
‘
Twas her own poor choice, like many others.
”

Felise
’
s eyes welled with tears.
“
Royce,
”
she pleaded softly. He raised a hand and his brows drew together fiercely.
“
Nay, I will not weep,
”
she whispered.
“
But I tell you true, while I would fight Celeste to have you, it is certain she thrived on your love and now ... it is so sad.
”
She shook her head.
“
When first I met her, she was not so thin and pale, but vibrant. She grew beautiful on your love.
”

Royce
’
s voice was low and hoarse and he
’
d rather have had a better time than now, but there was something he had to tell his wife.
“
I never loved her, Felise. I loved no woman before you. There was simply no one else ... Celeste was the only one near. You must find a way to understand that I did not seek her, seduce her, woo her. It is a mercy that Henry separated us, for although I did not know it, I would have destroyed Celeste one day.
”
He shook his head sadly and his voice was low.
“
We cannot pity her, this is much of her own making.
”

“
But I do pity her,
”
she said.
“
I think I would die if I lost you.
”

He leaned toward her slightly and gave her lips a gentle kiss.
“
Then you shall never die, my love,
”
he whispered.
“
My captured bride has chained my heart.
”

When the food was hot and ready, Royce went to his place at the table. Boltof was conspicuously absent, his chair empty. Rather than taking her brother
’
s seat, Celeste took her usual place, leaving a gap between herself and Royce.