The Pawn

by Aston, Alexa

  Katelyn kept silent, wishing the king could have seen her in what she normally wore.

  He turned to the queen. “My dear, you must take charge of my cousin. See that she has an entire new wardrobe at once. Let no expense be spared.”

  “Of course.” Philippa’s eyes gleamed in approval.

  The king took his wife’s hand and gazed at her tenderly. “I know you need your rest. Why don’t you and the girls take Cousin Katelyn with you? I’m sure your head lady-in-waiting can find quarters for her.” He pressed a soft kiss to her fingers.

  Katelyn watched the exchange between the pair in wonder. By the way the king stared at the queen, she knew they were a love match. A wistful feeling filled her. She’d spent so many years suffering, often beaten, usually alone, no one bestowing any affection upon her. Would she ever have the devotion—much less the love—of a good man?

  Edward looked to her. “We will meet again soon, Cousin. I think you will enjoy being at court. I place you in my queen’s most capable hands.” He smiled. “I see a bright future for you.”

  Philippa slipped her daughter from her lap and stood. “Come, Joan. Isabella. Your father has business to attend to.” She smiled at Katelyn. “If you’ll come with me, my lady.”

  Katelyn gave a last look to Landon, who smiled encouragingly at her, and then followed the queen along a maze of corridors until they reached a set of rooms guarded by soldiers. The queen, who’d held her daughters’ hands as they’d skipped beside her, handed them off to a servant and then led Katelyn through several chambers. In one, a group of five women sat, some sewing, as one read aloud to the others.

  “Have my seamstress sent to me at once,” the queen commanded. “And I wish for some of the pear tarts, as well.” She slipped her arm through Katelyn’s. “We will go to my private sitting room.”

  They arrived and the queen indicated for her to take a seat. Philippa did the same, slipping off her shoes and sighing.

  “Are you unwell, your grace?” Katelyn asked, hoping that was also the way to address a queen.

  “Nay, I am in the best of health. I always am when I carry the king’s child.” She grinned. “But I do have a fondness for fruit tarts during that time.”

  A servant arrived bearing several tarts on a tray. The queen had her pour wine for them and then dismissed her.

  “Please, my lady, enjoy a tart and some wine,” Philippa encouraged.

  Katelyn eyed the luxury before her. “I . . . I have never eaten one before,” she explained. “The food at the Charitable Sisters was plain. And infrequent.”

  The queen’s laughter filled the room. “Then you must eat two. Enjoy!”

  She bit into the delicacy and caught the taste of both sweet and tart at the same time. Holding the food in her mouth a moment, Katelyn savored the richness before chewing and swallowing. She fought the urge to inhale every tart before her.

  Instead, she decided she should make conversation. “When will your babe come?”

  Philippa rubbed her belly affectionately. “Sometime in late November, so in about four months.” She paused. “I hope for a boy this time, though the king says he does not care whether I deliver him a son or daughter.”

  “Is Prince Edward your only son?”

  The queen nodded sadly. “I had another boy. William. He died less than three weeks after his birth last year.”

  “I am sorry to hear that, your grace.”

  “It was God’s will,” the queen assured her. “William is safely in heaven. Still, the king and I look forward to a new addition in our household. My husband is an only child. Because of that, he wishes to fill the royal nursery with many babes.”

  “The king looks at you with great fondness,” Katelyn noted. “As if he loves you.”

  A brilliant smile broke out on the queen’s plain face, making her appear almost pretty. “Aye, we do love one another. I know ’tis almost unheard of. We were strangers brought together when we wed but soon found we were of similar minds. Over the years, our friendship blossomed into love. I hadn’t ever seen love before, especially between my father and mother. And poor Edward’s parents had a relationship so fractured, it led to his father’s downfall. Though my husband had parents who frequently ignored him, he is a most generous, loving man and places his family above all else—even England itself.”

  “You are blessed to have such rich love in your life,” Katelyn said, a bit envious.

  The queen’s eyes sparkled. “I hope you, too, will find the same someday, my lady.”

  The seamstress arrived and measured Katelyn, promising the queen that a new wardrobe would be created within the next two weeks.

  “See that it is,” the queen said. “And make it one week. My husband wants nothing but the best for his cousin.” She looked to Katelyn. “Do you have any suggestions for what you might like? Any particular colors you are fond of?”

  “The question overwhelms me, your grace,” Katelyn revealed. “I know nothing of fashion and usually had but one set of clothes to wear at the nunnery. I will be delighted no matter what I receive.”

  Philippa studied her. “With those dark tresses and fair skin, you can wear many colors well. I see you in rich tones, deep shades of rust, green, and blue. Definitely all hues of green to bring out those emerald eyes.” She looked to the seamstress. “You’ve always shown good judgment in the past. Do justice to Lady Katelyn.”

  “Aye, your grace. ’Twill be my pleasure to clothe such a fine lady.”

  After she left, the queen confided, “I have never been a great beauty. The king says I possess it but I see my features revealed in the mirror and know I lack it. He says the more he gets to know me, the more beautiful I am to him. Still, I know my seamstress is happy to have a lovely young woman of both face and figure to create many new things to wear.”

  “You are being too hard on yourself, your grace,” Katelyn insisted. While she’d thought the queen slightly homely at first, the more they spoke and the more animated the queen became, the prettier she seemed. Katelyn could understand why the king felt as he did about her.

  Philippa patted her hand. “You are as kind as you are beautiful. I cannot wait to introduce you at court.”

  *

  Katelyn walked alongside other ladies-in-waiting as the queen took a turn around the gardens, which occurred early every morning and also mid-afternoon. She’d overheard some of the noblewomen discussing how most women carrying a babe took to their beds and rarely moved about but the queen seemed to enjoy getting exercise. As usual, the two little princesses tagged along. Joan was chasing a butterfly while Isabella sat moving rocks about.

  In her short time at Windsor Castle, Katelyn had learned that most royals rarely saw their children, even sending them to be raised at estates far away, under the direction of trusted noblemen. King Edward and Queen Philippa placed a high value on family and spent a good deal of time around their three children and so bucked tradition. Katelyn thought if she ever became a mother that she would model herself after the queen and enjoy having her children near her. To have children, though, would mean making a marriage.

  She’d had eleven offers in the seven days she’d been at court.

  Landon had advised her to neither encourage nor discourage any of the noblemen who’d offered for her. He’d made it clear that the king would decide who her future husband would be. Katelyn hoped this wouldn’t occur for a long time for she was enjoying her time serving the queen and getting to know the other ladies-in-waiting. At first, they had been wary of her, a convent-bred girl who possessed some odd notions about life, but she had won several of them over and had enjoyed making her first-ever friends.

  She only wished she could spend more time with Landon. After years of separation from her brother, she was eager to learn everything she could about him. Unfortunately, he always seemed to be busy attending the king. As a lady-in-waiting, Katelyn was often given a few hours each day to spend however she chose. She’d walked the grounds at Windsor
and the many corridors of the castle, becoming familiar with her surroundings faster than she’d thought possible. Having the freedom to go wherever she wanted and to eat as much as she desired made each day a pleasure.

  While she’d enjoyed the hustle and bustle of London, being in the fresh country air appealed to her more than being surrounded by the foul smells of the large city. She wished she could return and live at Blackwell but Landon told her the estate had been awarded to a favored nobleman after her father’s conviction and execution. Mayhap one day she would once again be allowed onto the grounds so she could see her former home.

  Katelyn noticed a page heading toward the queen. One often delivered messages to her from the king throughout the day. The queen’s eyes would light up as she read from the parchment, once again making her appear quite pretty. Katelyn guessed the queen and king to both be around a score and five. Together, they made a handsome couple. She hoped they would continue to live and love for many years to come.

  The page bowed to the queen and instead of presenting a rolled up parchment, he spoke to her briefly. Philippa nodded and then pointed toward where her ladies-in-waiting stood. The page quickly headed in their direction and came to stand in front of her.

  “Lady Katelyn?” he asked, pushing his dark hair from his eyes.

  “Aye?”

  “The king would like to see you at once. I am to escort you and the queen to him.”

  She noticed the queen had followed the page at a more leisurely pace and now came to stand before her.

  “Shall we go see my husband, Lady Katelyn?”

  “Of course, your grace.”

  The two women followed the page across the slight, rolling hills and back inside the castle. Instead of going to the private rooms where she’d first spoken with the monarch, they were led to a different wing. Katelyn wondered why Edward requested her presence and tried to calm her growing nerves. They entered a grand hall where dozens of courtiers milled about but she saw no sight of the king.

  Passing through the room, they came to a smaller one that was still quite large by her standards. She recognized three members of the royal council and numerous servants. Landon was also present, standing near the front of the room, and he acknowledged her with a brief nod. Two noblemen she hadn’t yet met stood to the side on her right. The elder was tall, with a balding head and watchful eyes. Next to him stood a man equally as tall but broad in the shoulders. He had light brown hair and a handsome face. When he caught her looking at him, he gave her a beautiful smile. Katelyn curtly nodded and looked away, though she’d been intrigued by the younger man’s air of casual confidence.

  The king entered and took a seat in a chair at the front of the room. Everyone present bowed and the queen joined her husband, sitting to his right.

  “Cousin Katelyn. Please approach,” the king commanded.

  She did as he asked, holding her head high, pleased that she was wearing the best of the silk cotehardies that had been sewn for her and delivered only this morning. Dropping into a curtsey, she rose when bidden and waited expectantly.

  “I realize you have lived a life in isolation, Cousin, and may not be aware of all of the troubles England has experienced with our Scottish neighbors.”

  “Landon told me he had fought against the Scots in your name, sire.”

  Edward smiled. “Aye, he did, indeed. Your brother distinguished himself on the battlefield, earning his knighthood in a particularly bloody battle. He became my youngest knight in the land with his brave efforts that day.”

  Katelyn heard the respect in the king’s voice and replied, “I am very proud of Landon, your majesty. He is the best of brothers.”

  “It is important for me to show my nobles in the north that I continue to support them. Though we have quelled most of the violence, the Scots occasionally ride across the border and cause some mischief, especially near Berwick-upon-Tweed. The city is less than three miles from the border on the east coast and one of my most important holdings.”

  It puzzled her why the king shared all of this with her but his next words might reveal why her presence was required.

  “The largest estate in Northumberland is Northmere, which lies west of Berwick. Since it is the last English estate before the border, it is one of great importance and strategic position. Because of that, I wish to bind the Mandeville family, the owners of Northmere, to the crown. They have been loyal, faithful servants to me. The best way I can do that is through marriage.”

  Now, Katelyn understood her role. The handsome stranger standing near the wall must be her intended. She kept her features neutral even as excitement built within her.

  “Giving my beloved cousin in marriage is not something I take lightly, Lady Katelyn, but knowing you would become part of such a fine family would truly be a gift to both sides. And the fact that my own cousin would become a Mandeville would let the Scots know how committed I am to keeping a strong border and a peace between us.”

  “I understand, sire,” Katelyn said. “I will be honored to represent your name and join with the Mandeville family.”

  Edward gave her a benign smile. “You will become a countess, Cousin. The Mandevilles are one of England’s oldest and most powerful families. I know the earl will take good care of you.”

  To be thrust from the small confines of the Convent of the Charitable Sisters to such a large seat of power was hard to comprehend but Katelyn trusted that the king did what was best for both her and England.

  “Lord Cedric, step forward.”

  Katelyn turned and almost gasped aloud when the old, balding man headed her way. Her eyes flew to Landon. His face remained stoic but she caught a glimpse of regret in his eyes.

  By now, the earl had come to stand next to her. His smile caused her heart to sink. Up close, she could see pockmarks pitted across his cheeks and the yellowed teeth. A foul smell came from his breath.

  The nobleman swept up her hand and kissed it gallantly. Katelyn did her best not to shudder at his touch. She glanced back to the king, careful not to reveal her true feelings regarding the match.

  “Lord Cedric has expressed the desire to wed at Northmere so you will leave in the morning for Northumberland, my lady. Tonight, we will hold a feast in your honor to celebrate your upcoming marriage.”

  With a heavy heart, Katelyn realized that she was nothing more than a pawn to be moved around on the chessboard of politics.

  Chapter Six

  Katelyn had never been wearier than at this moment. As Landon set her on the ground, she clung to his horse’s pommel, afraid her legs might give way.

  He swung down beside her. “Tired of being in the saddle?”

  She nodded. “I’ve lost track of the days. They have all blended together.”

  “It’s been fourteen,” he replied and then looked at her steadily. “We should arrive at Northmere sometime tomorrow.”

  She tamped down the apprehension that ran through her. “At least I’ve gotten to see most of England since we’ve reunited. I’ve been from Essex in the east to west of London and now hundreds of miles from south to north. I doubt I will ever travel this much again in my lifetime.”

  The thought saddened her. After so many years apart from Landon, it looked as if they would face a permanent separation. With him dedicated to service in the king’s royal guard, she feared unless war broke out with Scotland, she might never see him this far north again.

  Her face must have betrayed her suspicions for he embraced her tightly. “Never fear, Katelyn. I promise that this won’t be the last time we see one another.”

  Quietly, in his ear, she said, “You mean if my husband drops dead, you would be willing to see me back to wherever the royal court is?”

  Landon drew back and studied her, his own face solemn. “We’ll speak after we eat.”

  Activity had erupted all around them as men took care of all the tasks necessary to make camp for the night. King Edward had sent an additional seventy soldiers to accompany
those who returned her to her new home. It was part of the monarch’s efforts to shore up the defense of the north, with fifty men remaining at Northmere and the rest going to a neighboring estate. Her husband-to-be had said very little to her during the journey north beyond mentioning that he was pleased to receive the additional troops from the king. Lord Cedric’s son, Bryce Mandeville, had proven far friendlier, engaging her in conversation numerous times. The younger Mandeville was cordial and charming. Katelyn wished that he had been her intended instead of his father. From Bryce, she had learned that Lord Cedric had another son and a daughter and that his wife had died three years ago. Though a man who showed little emotion, Bryce said his father had deeply mourned his wife’s passing. His son, Nicholas, was five and twenty, two years older than Bryce, and would inherit Northmere upon his father’s death. Katelyn wondered what would happen to her once Lord Cedric passed. She didn’t look forward to a time where she would be stranded in the north, pushed aside when the new Earl of Northmere took control of the estate.

  After they ate, most of the men bedded down as a few others began their guard duty, positioned at strategic points surrounding the camp. Katelyn and Landon took the tin plates and cups used at the meal and went to wash them in the closest stream. Since it wasn’t far from the campsite, no other men accompanied them. Once they finished the task, they sat on the bank, where they spoke freely to one another.

  “I have learned that Lord Cedric is two score and ten,” Landon shared. “He’s been a widower for a few years.”

  “I wish he weren’t so old,” Katelyn complained. “And his breath is always foul.”

  Her brother studied her. “I know you have been sheltered from many things, Katelyn. I think I must speak to you about the marriage bed since I doubt any of the nuns mentioned it to you.”

  She had put all thoughts of her wedding night from her mind. Lord Cedric’s touch made her cringe. Still, it would be better to hear what Landon could tell her so that she could prepare herself.