The Pawn

by Aston, Alexa

  He stared at her a moment. “You have led a very sheltered life, Katelyn, if you do not even know the king’s name.” Landon sighed. “The king’s troops took Father and me to London. ’Twas King Edward the Second whom Father wished to unseat.”

  “Our father truly was a traitor?”

  He nodded. “Father was charged with treason. I wasn’t present at his execution but heard his head was placed upon a pike and displayed outside the palace walls in London.”

  “What a grisly end,” she murmured. “Father always seemed to be such a gentle man.”

  “I think he was led astray by men who wanted to overthrow the king. King Edward was spellbound by the Despensers, a father and son. Most of the barons resented the hold those two had over the king. The younger Despenser was quite cruel to me. I was treated no better than a homeless dog when I was brought to the palace.

  “Fortunately, that changed. Our cousin, Prince Edward, has a kind heart. He took custody of me. Fed me. Dressed me. Taught me. I pledged my loyalty to him. I went to France with him and his mother, Queen Isabella, and returned with them and the queen’s lover after a time.”

  Katelyn gasped. “The queen . . . had a lover? How intriguing.”

  “She and Mortimer overthrew her husband. They forced him to renounce the throne in favor of Prince Edward, who was only ten and four. The queen became regent for her son. Most likely, Mortimer had the king murdered though it was said the king died while in custody. Four years later, our cousin exacted his revenge. He had Mortimer arrested for murder and treason and hanged at Tyburn. The new King Edward asserted full control and has maintained it ever since.”

  Katelyn sighed. “To think I have had no knowledge of any of these affairs.” She thought a moment. “Is our cousin a good king? And are you still close to him?”

  “King Edward is intelligent and fair. He is ten times the ruler his father was. I am still in his personal service. While I have fought against the Scots the last few years, I now serve in the royal guard.”

  “Though our cousin allowed you to come look for me,” Katelyn pointed out. “When did you tell him of me?”

  “From the first night we met. I was worried about what had happened to you. The prince promised me then that we would find you and he would take care of you.”

  She scowled. “Then why did it take so long, Landon? You have no idea of how I suffered in that convent. The good sisters were cruel masters. Mother Acelina was the worst of all.”

  He grimaced. “I am sorry. Once the Despensers had been executed and the old king was dead, no one seemed to know where you were sent. The queen and Mortimer rid the palace of the men who had served under King Edward. During their four years of controlling England, I had no way of finding you. Remember, I was only a child, as you were.”

  She took his hand. “I understand.”

  “Still, once the new King Edward came into power, he did send representatives out looking for you. They had no luck.”

  Katelyn thought a moment. “If they came to the Convent of the Charitable Sisters, the previous abbess might have lied to them, thinking to protect me. For a time, I went by another name. ’Twas only two years ago that I insisted I be called by my rightful name.”

  “The king was gracious enough to allow me to search for you on my own. He will be pleased I found you.” Landon hesitated. “Do you really believe Mother Acelina recently wrote to make him aware of your whereabouts?”

  “It wouldn’t surprise me. She is greedy to the bone. Knowing I was a cousin to the current king, she would have used that information to trade me for whatever she wanted. Just think, by the time we arrive in London, the king may have already read her missive and know I am still alive.”

  Landon shook his head. “We aren’t going to London. At least, we won’t stay there. We will pass through the city on our way to Windsor Castle.”

  “Why Windsor?”

  “Our cousin was born at Windsor and was known as Edward of Windsor in his early years, before he gained the throne. Though he does spend time at the Palace of Westminster in London and other royal residences, Windsor Castle is by far his and the queen’s favorite palace.”

  “Where is it and how long will it take us to get there?” she asked, curious about this journey they were on.

  “We will reach London in two and a half days. It will take most of another day to make it to Windsor, which lies west of London.”

  “Good,” Katelyn declared. “The farther I am from Essex, the better.”

  Landon squeezed her hand. “You sound angry, Katelyn. Bitter. Was life in the convent that terrible?”

  She felt her throat thicken with unshed tears. “It was dreadful. When we first arrived, I was separated from Mother. No one would tell me where she was or what had happened to you and Father. After many months, our mother reappeared as Sister Acelina. She is cunning, Landon. She ingratiated herself with the community of nuns, eventually rising to become the convent’s abbess. She wields absolute power.”

  “And what of your life during these years we’ve been separated, Katelyn?” he asked softly.

  She pulled her hand from his, reluctant to speak the truth but knowing she owed it to her brother, who’d searched so long for her.

  “It was lonely. I was set apart from the others, not having a religious calling, though I will say many of the nuns there were filled with more cruelty than charity. I was taught to read and write and passed along that knowledge to others who came to the convent. I did menial tasks in the kitchen and barnyard, working longer hours than any servant. I never had enough to eat and found myself chilled since my clothing was inadequate.”

  Katelyn lowered her head in shame. “The worst of it? I’ve never had a friend, not in all of these years, nor even had one comforting touch. Mother Acelina was a great believer in the power of physical punishment and had me beaten and starved for disobedience a countless number of times.”

  Raising her eyes, she met Landon’s gaze, seeing his eyes blaze in anger. She took his hand again. “It’s all right. Everything that happened made me stronger, Brother. And now you’ve come for me. I can leave the nightmare of my old life behind me. Every day, every month, every year I’m away from that convent is my victory to claim. Living a long, happy life will be my best revenge on the abbess.”

  He raised their joined hands and kissed her knuckles. “I wish I could have located you sooner.”

  “You did your best,” Katelyn reassured him. “But what of your life as a knight? Growing up at court and the excitement of becoming a knight.”

  “I was much more fortunate than you were,” Landon admitted. “I only suffered for a short time before being placed in Prince Edward’s household. I trained from then on as all boys of noble birth do. I was taught how to care for horses and learned to ride expertly. I spent many hours in the yard, training to fight with every manner of weapons. I shared a tutor and learned not only Latin and figures but history and battle strategies. I became familiar with the knight’s code of honor and gained my knighthood. As a member of the king’s royal guard, I am acknowledged as one of the best soldiers in the land.”

  “I’m very proud of all you’ve accomplished, Landon,” Katelyn praised. “Have you a wife? Children?”

  He shook his head. “Nay. I don’t foresee either in my future. I have no lands. No title. No way to give a noblewoman the creature comforts she deserves. My life is in service to the crown. I have spent every day since we were thrust from Blackstone Castle trying to prove my loyalty to England and our king.”

  “Sir Landon?” a soldier asked as he came toward them. “Are you and Lady Katelyn ready to eat? We’ve skinned a few hares.” He gave her an admiring smile. “We also have bread and cheese, my lady, and a skin of wine for you.”

  No one had ever addressed her as my lady at the convent. She dimly remembered hearing that from the servants at Blackstone years ago.

  “I would be most happy to partake of this meal,” Katelyn told the soldier. />
  Landon rose and offered her a hand. She took it and allowed him to escort her near the fire, where she received more food than she’d been allowed in an entire day at the convent. Trying to hide her shock, she accepted the meal and returned to sit on the log while she ate. Landon and the other soldiers joined her. The men regaled her with stories of war, each trying to present how bravely he’d fought in various battles. She almost laughed aloud as they vied for attention.

  Even dressed in her rags, Katelyn was aware of their interest in her. For the first time, she sensed the power she possessed and knew of her allure. She already embraced her intelligence and perseverance, which had helped her endure all those years at the convent. Recognizing she also was beautiful to others surprised her—but she intended to wield every weapon she had by the time she arrived at Windsor Castle.

  Landon might be devoted to the king but this cousin was a stranger to Katelyn. She would need to keep her wits about her so that the monarch might learn she was a force to be reckoned with. Knowing the royal court would be vastly different from everything she knew, Katelyn would need every advantage she had to survive—and thrive.

  *

  London delighted Katelyn, with its teeming crowds and endless buildings. She enjoyed the meat pie Landon bought her, thinking she’d never sunk her teeth into anything that tasted so delightful. Her brother had the escort party stop at the Palace of Westminster, not only for her to see the royal residence but to find her something to wear.

  Part of her wanted to go to the king in what she’d worn every day at the nunnery so he could see what her life had been like. Landon convinced her that the king would prefer to see her clothed better. He explained that Edward might feel guilty for what she had gone through and that it was better to keep him calm.

  “Our cousin has quite the temper,” Landon confided. “I want you to go to him appropriately dressed so he can see how lovely you are.”

  “Am I pretty?” she boldly asked.

  He gave her a charming smile. “You are more than pretty, Sister. You will captivate the king and every courtier in sight.”

  With that, she had agreed to change into clothing more suitable in which to meet the king. Fortunately, a few of the queen’s ladies-in-waiting had been at the palace and given her some items to wear. They’d bathed her and fussed over her hair while a seamstress had altered the cotehardies. Now, Katelyn had three of them, as well as two smocks and a kirtle.

  Approaching Windsor now, she wore a cotehardie of deep blue. Several of the knights in their party had complimented her on her appearance. Their words gave her confidence, which she badly needed since nervousness filled her. She worried what the king would think of her. She doubted she could execute the curtsey one of the ladies-in-waiting had taught her, fearing she’d fall on her face when she attempted it. Still, she wouldn’t trade her life now for anything.

  As they drew near, she saw both the River Thames and Windsor Forest, the royal hunting preserve that Landon had mentioned. Soon, they came close to the castle itself. Positioned on very high ground, Katelyn realized that any enemy who approached would be seen quickly, making the castle more easily defended.

  They entered the massive gates and immediately she was struck by all of the activity inside the castle’s walls.

  “There’s the Lady Chapel,” Landon pointed out.

  “It’s incredibly long,” Katelyn said.

  “Henry the Third built it. He also repaired the great hall and expanded the kitchens during his reign. He even built a separate, more private ward for his queen and their children, as opposed to the Lower Ward, which is where more public functions occur.”

  Landon drew his horse to a halt and helped her to the ground, instructing one of the soldiers to take it to the stables.

  Offering her his arm, they entered the palace. The opulence overwhelmed Katelyn, especially when contrasted to the austere surroundings she’d lived in for so many years.

  “I doubt the king will see us right away. He is the most important man in England and his days are full, conducting business with noblemen and representatives from governments across Europe.”

  She remained speechless, words impossible to express. They began passing courtiers who nodded to acknowledge them. The men were dressed as richly as the women. Katelyn felt her heart pounding violently and thought she might be sick.

  “Sir Landon?”

  Turning, she saw a small boy run toward them. He beamed at her brother, who whispered, “Curtsey. ’Tis Prince Edward. Call him your grace.”

  The boy came to a stop and Landon bowed while Katelyn dipped low, hoping she wouldn’t make a mistake.

  “Who is this, Sir Landon? Is it your sister? Father said you went in search of her.” The prince gazed at her in curiosity.

  “Aye, your grace. This is my long-lost sister, Katelyn de Blays.”

  The boy gave a small bow to her and then took her hand. He kissed it and gave her a winning smile. She decided he would definitely mature to be a handsome man and break a string of hearts along the way.

  “You are most beautiful, Lady Katelyn,” the prince said solemnly. “I am glad Sir Landon found you. He’s one of Father’s best knights, you know.”

  She smiled. “I am happy to hear that, your grace.” She was glad Landon had told her how to address the royal, knowing she had so much to learn.

  “Have you seen Father?” Prince Edward inquired.

  “Nay, your grace,” Landon said. “We’ve only just arrived. I know how busy he is.”

  The boy’s eyes sparkled with both mischief and charm as he said, “He is never too busy to see me, Sir Landon. And if you are with me?” He shrugged. “Then I suppose you, too, will get to visit with him. Come along.”

  Prince Edward took off and they followed closely behind him.

  “He is a fine lad. Very smart and kind to others,” Landon said softly.

  “I believe he will make a fine king of his own one day,” she said.

  They walked for almost a quarter of an hour. Katelyn tried to take in everything she saw but realized she should focus more on the meeting ahead. Finally, they arrived at a door guarded by six knights. The men allowed the trio to pass. Katelyn swallowed and sent a prayer to the Virgin to be with her as she met the head of all of England.

  Prince Edward pushed open the door and gestured for them to come. Once more, they passed through several rooms and came to another door.

  “I left Mother and my sisters with Father. They should all still be here,” the boy said.

  He threw back the door and stepped inside. Katelyn gripped Landon’s arm and he gave her an encouraging smile. As they entered the room, a woman sat with a young girl in her lap. Katelyn saw that she was with child and assumed her to be the queen. Another girl, slightly older, sat in the king’s lap, her eyes wide as he spoke to her. Both adults looked up and smiled at their son.

  “Mother, Father, I found Sir Landon and Lady Katelyn, his sister, so I brought them to see you.”

  Katelyn swept into a deep curtsey and remained low until commanded by the king to rise. He assessed her from head to toe and then said, “So, you are Lady Katelyn de Blays. Your mother seems to think you are worth quite a bit.”

  Chapter Five

  Immediately, Katelyn sensed her cheeks heating. Her eyes flew to Landon, who shook his head imperceptibly. She held her tongue, the sharp retort rattling about in her head. She’d always been quick to speak her mind but knew in the presence of royalty it would be unacceptable.

  The queen clucked her tongue and gave Katelyn a sympathetic look. She turned to her husband. “You have embarrassed the poor girl. She’s spent her life sequestered from the world in a convent and your first words to your long-lost cousin insult her.”

  “I did not mean to humiliate her, my love,” the king apologized to his wife.

  “Make it right,” Philippa said boldly.

  Awe filled Katelyn for how directly the queen spoke to her husband. Something told her th
at this was not the case with other men and their wives—much less monarchs and their queens.

  Edward eased the girl from his lap and approached Katelyn. She trembled from head to toe under his direct gaze.

  He paused in front of her and reached for her hand. He kissed her knuckles, his lips cool and dry against her skin.

  “Forgive me, Cousin Katelyn. I was merely taken aback at your mother’s missive. It bordered on rudeness.”

  “I have no mother,” Katelyn said solemnly. “Mother Acelina is a Bride of Christ and the nuns serving under her act as her children. She no longer recognizes me as her offspring. I lost the woman I knew as my mother many years ago.”

  “Hmm.” The king’s eyes narrowed as he thought over her words. “It saddens me that she would write to me in the manner she did, wishing to exchange you for . . . other things.”

  “I had no idea she would trade on my relationship to you, sire. For that, I am the one who must apologize,” Katelyn said.

  King Edward returned to his chair and his daughter climbed back into his lap, looking at Katelyn with wide, curious eyes.

  “When I received the abbess’ missive several days ago, it startled me. Sir Landon had urged me to look for you for many years and those efforts had proved unsuccessful. I did speak with an elderly courtier who confirmed that Sybil de Blays had been sent to a nunnery with her daughter. He’d heard rumors of the lady becoming the convent’s abbess but had dismissed them as idle gossip.”

  The king turned to Landon. “I was waiting for you to return so you might fetch Lady Katelyn to court.”

  “I was fortunate to happen upon the right convent, sire. Our mother . . . that is, Mother Acelina, was unhappy that her demands wouldn’t be met. I insisted Katelyn leave with me without any kind of compensation being awarded to the Convent of the Charitable Sisters.”

  Edward chuckled. “Oh, I can see how that would rile the abbess.” His gaze returned to Katelyn. “She was right, though. You are a beauty. When wearing the proper clothes, there won’t be a man at court who won’t dance to the tune you set.”