by Abby Gordon
With a knowledgeable eye, Daffyd studied the knife before pulling a linen square from his sleeve. Wiping it, he smiled at her.
“I don’t think you killed him,” he assured her. “But you probably gave him a scar that could be difficult for him to explain.”
“I told him that if I heard of him bothering any maid again that I’d make sure he couldn’t bother anyone again,” Rose told him.
“You’d kill him?” Daffyd wondered with surprise.
“No,” she replied, although she was certain Alicia would help if she asked for it. “I’d turn him from a stallion to a gelding.”
Daffyd stared at her then swallowed. Rose had to smile. Men do get nervous when you bring that up.
“Have Alicia and Lady Anna taught you how to do that as well?” he asked.
Rose remembered that Sir Owain was his cousin and giggled.
“No, but I think Alicia’s done it.”
“What?” he breathed.
“I don’t think Lady Anna has. Nor would she to Sir Owain.” Rose leaned forward slightly. “I think she likes him even if she’s not sure about him.”
Daffyd leaned toward her and whispered back. “I think he likes her even if he’s not sure about her.”
For a moment, they grinned at each other before a loud conversation further down the corridor startled them. Gasping, Rose started to leave the alcove, but Daffyd caught her with a hand on her shoulder.
“Maids aren’t supposed to be on this floor. Let me see who it is,” he advised quietly.
Nodding, she stood slightly behind him as he peered out. His touch doesn’t scare me the way Ralph’s did. Stop this, Rose. He’s helping you. That’s all. A knight can never be with a maid. It simply isn’t done. You will not do anything that would dishonor him or his family.
“Who is it?” she asked, keeping her voice low.
“Norfolk,” he muttered, stepping further into the shadows and pulling her with him.
He stood so anyone glancing into the alcove wouldn’t see her. The idea of someone protecting her wasn’t something Rose was used to. Well, except for Alicia and Lady Anna, and they expect me to protect myself. But I can’t. Ralph – no, I did. I did protect myself. The voices grew louder. Norfolk. The only Duke in England. His name terrified her more than Ralph and she shrank back into the corner. Daffyd’s left arm kept her behind him while his right was free to draw sword or another weapon. Not that either of us could seriously think of drawing a blade against Norfolk. He’s too protected and surrounded.
Body tense, Daffyd felt slightly relieved when Rose didn’t protest his actions. If anything, she seemed to withdraw more without leaving his hold. Someone attacked her. Someone tried to force themselves on her. He told himself that the rage was what he would feel for any girl or woman being attacked in that way. It was part of the ideals of the Order of the Rose not to force a woman in that way. Seduce, beguile, perhaps, usually after it was obvious the attraction was returned. The Sons of Scion though—
He ground his back teeth as Norfolk drew near and hoped the man and his entourage didn’t glance to their left. He didn’t think the Duke would. Man’s too bloody arrogant and sure of himself to look at lesser beings. It must truly stick in his throat to have to bow before the queen.
The footsteps and voices were louder and Daffyd didn’t move. Rose shouldn’t be on this floor and he didn’t want her in trouble. He’d take the blame himself if he had to. He’d say he’d sweettalked her on the stairs.
The Duke swept past as did most of his hangers-on. One of the last, Thomas Richland glanced over and sneered at him in the alcove but gave no indication that he saw Rose. Daffyd glared back. When they were gone, Daffyd relaxed slightly.
“They’re gone,” he whispered.
“That was one of the Richlands at the last, wasn’t it?” she asked.
“It was Thomas, the eldest.”
“I don’t like them,” she shook her head, trembling. “They make my skin crawl.”
Daffyd spun around and caught her shoulders in a firm grip. “You stay away from them, Rose. You hear me? You stay clear of them and all of Norfolk’s men.”
“I don’t go near them,” she insisted. “Daffyd, you’re hurting me.”
Catching himself, he dropped his hands. “I’m sorry for that,” he said quietly. “It’s just I don’t like the idea of someone hurting you the way someone just tried. Or the way any of Norfolk’s men would if they got you alone.”
“I’m careful,” she promised.
“Someone nearly got you just now, remember?” He glared at her. “Being careful isn’t enough.”
“I’m not important enough to have my own guard,” she smiled, daring to put a hand to his jaw. Ever so briefly, letting her fingertips brush the stubble of the day. “I always have my knife. And Alicia’s teaching me how to shoot. I did quite well today.”
“Good. That’s.” Daffyd forced himself to relax, to smile back at her even as his skin tingled from her touch. “Good. Try to stay with her at all times if you can. Promise me that. And tell her what happened.”
“Oh, I will,” Rose nodded with a shy smile. “Promise to both.”
Now he dared to touch her cheek. “Stay safe, little Rose,” he whispered. “Now, let me make sure the way is clear so you can get back to the staircase.”
Peering out, he saw only three men at the far end of the corridor and gestured for her to slip out behind him.
“Go,” he told her. “Quickly and quietly.”
“Thank you,” she murmured, clasping his hand briefly before hurrying to the door.
Watching her trim backside disappear beyond the oak, Daffyd sighed. She’s a maid. Barely sixteen as the chamberlain insists on the maids being sixteen, but not much more. With another sigh, he headed in the opposite direction to take the stairs to the Knights wing. In the back of his mind, he let his romantic side, the side he hid from Owain and Griffin, take over. That somehow Rose of the silver eyes rolled over in the morning and smiled at him.
“Oh, Daffyd, you’ve been standing in the moon too long,” he told himself, repeating what his mother had told him often while growing up. “Stop trying to fly with the birds.”
Rose flew up the stairs, through the door to the Maids’ hall and dashed into the room. Alicia was already there and turned, blade in hand as she came in, slamming the door behind her.
“I thought you’d be here before me,” Alicia commented then frowned, her gaze taking in the disheveled clothes and wild expression in her charge’s face. “What happened?”
“Ralph,” Rose whispered, suddenly shaking. “He pulled me out of the stairs. I kicked him, then pulled my knife. I – I cut him, Alicia. I slashed him. I don’t know how badly. Then I ran. I went the wrong way though and Daffyd caught me. He calmed me then hid me from Norfolk.”
As she spoke, Alicia guided her to the fire and pressed her to sit on her usual stool. Listening as Rose described in more detail, she nodded.
“That was well done,” she told Rose, sitting next to her. “We just need to make sure that next time, or in more dire circumstances, you remember which way to go.”
Catching her breath, Rose nodded. “Daffyd was very kind,” she murmured. “He warned me to stay away from all of Norfolk’s men, especially the Richlands.”
“Excellent advice,” Alicia agreed, patting her shoulder. “You stay here. Word came that Anna’s laundry is completed…”
“I’ll go with you,” Rose insisted, standing when Alicia did. “I’m not going to let one crude boy frighten me into hiding.”
Looking at Alicia, Rose was startled at the fierce expression. Pride and approval shone in the green eyes.
“Well said, little sister,” she whispered. “Come. Let’s first fix your clothes. Then we shall show them what courage is.”
Chapter Ten
London
Nearest the stables, Daffyd frowned, sidling closer to the archway. Puzzled, he watched Owain dismount then go to the chest
nut mare and lift down a barely responsive Anna. What were they doing back so soon? Daffyd was certain Walsingham hadn’t expected them for another fortnight. As two grooms guided the horses away, Owain placed a hand at the small of her back. Slowly, not lifting their heads, they entered the palace.
Easing his way over to the archery, Daffyd waited behind Griffin until he stepped back for more arrows.
“Owain’s back,” he said in a low voice.
“Don’t be ridiculous,” Griffin scoffed, refilling his quiver. “He’s not due back for another fortnight at least.”
“Then his and Lady Anna’s twins just left their horses in the stable yard and entered the palace.” Daffyd managed to keep his temper. Ever since Walsingham had tapped Griffin for some secret mission, his cousin had been increasingly arrogant.
Frowning, Griffin considered that.
“He’d know we were out here,” he murmured. “Training at this time of day.”
“They would report to Walsingham first,” Daffyd countered.
“He would still have a groom find us with word though. Odd. Very odd.” Griffin put the quiver down. “Let’s go see what we can find out.”
Striding through the halls, Daffyd couldn’t help but wonder if Alicia and Rose would be doing the same thing to Lady Anna. Hopefully in a couple days, he could speak with one of them, preferably the maid with gray eyes who seemed to be increasingly intruding on his dreams. Unfortunately, when they reached Owain’s room, Griffin immediately irritated his older brother.
“So, either grand and fabulous success or great and colossal failure,” he offered as Daffyd closed the door. “Which was it, oh, elder brother of mine?”
Sighing, Daffyd rolled his eyes and glanced at Owain who glowered at his brother.
“Griff, never be responsible for the relations of England with any other nation,” Daffyd pleaded, shaking his head. “You have the tact of a raging bull.”
“I was teasing him,” Griffin protested. “As I always do.”
“No, you’re being an ass,” retorted Daffyd. “More so than usual.”
Ignoring them both, Owain continued to empty the saddlebags, putting the contents on the round table. Daffyd went to his side.
“Owain? How was Tutbury? What was the Scots queen like?”
“She was, as Anna put it, an anointed bitch,” Owain quietly answered, pausing and shaking his head. “Thank God Bess is our queen. England would not survive Mary Stuart.”
“Yes,” Griffin agreed, stepping to his other side. “But how did your mission go?”
Daffyd caught the jaw clench and slight narrowing of his oldest cousin’s eyes and stepped back. Owain’s temper was at a boiling point and ready to lash out even at his kin. “Griff, why don’t we leave Owain alone?” he suggested. “Riding there and back and trying to avoid being caught can be exhausting as you might recall. Shall we find Trevor for you, Owain?”
Owain gave him a grateful glance while Griff scowled.
“I’d appreciate that, Daffyd,” he nodded. “Thank you.”
With that support, Daffyd grabbed Griffin’s arm and pulled him to the door.
“Come on,” he urged. “He’s still better than both of us with a sword. I would rather not get skewered before the masque in three weeks.”
“But—” Griff protested as he was dragged from the chamber.
Along the Maids’ Hall, Rose had immediately noticed what Alicia did as the woman emptied Anna’s saddlebags.
“Anna? Where is your other shift?” Alicia wondered, turning with a skirt in her hands.
Across the room, Anna was undressing as rapidly as she could, tossing the rough clothes as far from her as she could. Alicia froze, glanced at Rose who swallowed at the dark expression. Dropping the skirt on the table, Alicia strode to Anna and caught her by the shoulders.
“Perhaps I should ask instead, what happened to your other shift?” she asked quietly.
“Alicia, don’t,” Anna whispered, head bowed. “Please, don’t.”
Stunned, Rose cautiously drew near. She couldn’t recall Anna ever being so dispirited, so submissive. The oldest of the three shook her slightly.
“Anna, what did he do?” came the insistent voice.
“Nothing I didn’t want him to,” replied Anna.
Rose caught the bedpost in shock. Alicia stared at her charge for a moment.
“He dared put his hands on you?” she growled. “I’ll geld him and toss his balls to a fire for touching you.”
“And I put my hands on him,” Anna flared briefly before sinking back into her depressed mood. “Oh, Alicia, I ruined it. Owain hates me for not trusting him. I wanted to tell him. I nearly did, but everything you, Raoul and Bernard have said since Catalan haunted me. And now,” she sobbed. “Now he hates me. He thinks I fucked him but don’t trust him with my secrets. And I do! I love him, Alicia, and he hates me.”
Anna covered her face with her hands and burst into tears. Even as Alicia embraced the sobbing older girl, Rose stepped forward, automatically picking up the thrown clothing.
“What can I do?” Rose whispered.
As if remembering they weren’t alone, Anna lifted her head with a gasp and lifted stricken eyes to Alicia.
“She knows,” Alicia told her, with a smile at Rose. “She figured it out on her own. And I think you were right. That Sir Owain knows or suspects at least part of the truth. Rose, however, knows all of it.”
As Anna’s head turned towards her, Rose stared at her. This is the Root. My Root. She dropped the clothes on the floor, stepped forward and went down on one knee.
“Lady Anna, I pledge my loyalty to you as Root of York and Catalan. I swear to live a good and faithful life as a member of the Order of the Rose. I swear to do nothing that would dishonor the Order or my Root.”
“Oh, Rose,” Anna breathed, touching her head. “I pledge to live an honorable life as the Root of York and Catalan. To ask nothing of you that would besmirch your honor. And, if our enemies attack you, I will defend and protect you and give you Justice if needs be.”
Tears in her eyes, Rose lifted her chin and saw tears glistening in their eyes as well.
“The first Rose of England to pledge to you,” Alicia told her. “But she will not be the last.”
“One I shall always cherish,” Anna stated, helping Rose to her feet and embracing her. “Now, have you improved with your blade?”
Rose and Alicia glanced at each other and laughed. Anna frowned in bewilderment before giving them both a quizzical look.
“What adventures have the two of you been up to?”
“Rose nearly sliced open one admirer—” Alicia teased.
“I didn’t,” protested Rose as they continued laughing.
“And has another.”
“And that’s as hopeless as the other is unwanted,” Rose sighed.
“Now, you must tell me all to get my mind off my own troubles,” insisted Anna as someone knocked on the door.
“I’ll get that,” Alicia said, glancing at Rose. “You help her dress quickly lest the queen wants her immediately.”
Helping Anna, Rose noted a few fading bruises on the pale skin that she was certain hadn’t come from the ride. Not riding horses at least. Oh, my mind! It’s a good thing a fine gentleman such as Sir Daffyd can’t read a girl’s mind. He’d not be seen near me if he knew what I imagined. As far as I can imagine with what little I know.
“Are you all right, Lady Anna?” she whispered, fixing a sleeve.
“I’m fine, Rose,” the older woman nodded. “Just a bit sad.”
Glancing to see Alicia still at the door, Rose leaned closer. “Was it wonderful though? Being with him?” Lady Anna gave her a startled look and Rose blushed. “Sorry, my lady. That was impertinent.”
“It was,” agreed Anna, but her glance also checked on Alicia and she whispered back. “It was the most marvelous thing ever.”
Rose met her gaze and saw the remembered happiness on her face. Oh, that’
s what I want. Until the sadness came back and loss filled the blue eyes. Except I fear that.
Alicia came from the door. “The queen has said you may stay in your room and rest but to attend her for morning chapel.”
Nodding, Anna relaxed slightly. “I – yes, rest,” she whispered. “I feel as if I’ve been on a horse forever.”
Three weeks later
“Owain?”
Daffyd’s eldest cousin glanced at him, one brow raised in question.
“What happened in Tutbury?” he whispered, gaze going worriedly around the room.
“Meaning?”
“Everyone in the room looks like they would run you through if given a chance,” the younger told him, glancing about the main room of the Baron of Ripon’s London house. “And this is the first most have seen you since before you left, so it must be something to do with that.”
“You have been around Walsingham too much,” Owain replied with an air of exasperation. “You’re thinking everything is a secret conspiracy and plot.”
“I’m pretty sure it’s not a secret because they’re all thinking about it,” Daffyd commented.
“Honestly, Daffyd,” Owain muttered, rolling his eyes.
But the younger saw the new awareness a few moments later. Saw the puzzlement at the anger in the eyes of the other Roses. The barely contained fury in Walsingham. Something told Daffyd that there was more to it than a failed mission. Walsingham was nearly acting as if Owain had personally insulted the spymaster’s family.
◆◆◆
York –
“Sir Edward?”
Knowing more of the story behind the boy’s ‘softness’, Edward turned to smile at Geoffrey. The fire that had taken all others in Godfrey’s family had left him only his grandson. To protect the boy from any further retaliation, Godfrey had at first kept the boy out of sight for several years, then admitted the smoke and a blow to the head had left him ‘soft in the head’. When in truth, there was nothing wrong with the boy at all. He’s nearly a better swordsman than Jasper and myself. Godfrey trains him. Which tells me more of what Godfrey meant about the standards of York during the time of the Root. God, how we have fallen.
