The Pawn

by Aston, Alexa

  “While I am glad the king made good on his promise and sent more troops to Northmere, I’m afraid he will have to find you a new husband, my lady.” Though Lady Katelyn’s beauty tempted him, Nicholas still hoped that Catherine would accept his offer after she gave birth to Favian’s child.

  The lady studied him. “Hmm. Mayhap you are not quite as shrewd as your uncle thought, my lord.”

  Nicholas pondered what she might mean. Then he recalled her saying that his uncle had already made the decision. Understanding dawned within him, knowing his uncle had been involved. Rafe Mandeville seized opportunities where none existed and twisted them to suit his own purpose.

  “News of your father’s death has been withheld from all at Northmere,” Lady Katelyn said. “Sir Rafe wanted to wait for your arrival today, then Lord Cedric would be found dead and we would hold his funeral mass tomorrow morning.”

  She held her hand out to him and Nicholas saw the silver band sitting on one of her slim fingers.

  “I wore this wedding ring to show the world that I had married your father. This morning, I took it off so that your brother could place it on my hand again.” Lady Katelyn looked at him steadily. “You and I were married by proxy a few hours ago, Lord Nicholas. I am your lady wife.”

  *

  Katelyn’s admiration for Lord Nicholas Mandeville grew as she watched him contain the rage that rippled through his magnificent body. When she confirmed that he was her new husband a few minutes ago, a sense of pride had enveloped her. This man was a man among men—strong and tall, with a keen intelligence written across his beautiful face. She’d never thought a man beautiful before, even after meeting some of the handsome courtiers at Windsor Castle, but this lord of the north seemed like a golden god. His hair shone like the sun on summer wheat, while his deep brown eyes were soulful and sensitive. If she had to be wed, she was glad it was to a man of such quality.

  She saw him harness his fury with a determination that defied reason. Katelyn ached for this new earl. And for the woman he cared for. The one he’d thought to wed. Lord Nicholas was bound to a stranger now, for life, and would have to tell a woman that Katelyn suspected he already loved—whether he knew it or not—that he must withdraw his offer of marriage due to circumstances beyond his control.

  If this nobleman hated Katelyn, so be it. She would still be the Countess of Northmere and the one to bear Nicholas Mandeville’s children. If he wished to go to this other woman for satisfaction, she must let him. Marriage was a legal arrangement between a couple. She would never keep him from the woman who held his heart.

  “If I had known you cared for another, my lord, I would have done everything in my power to prevent your uncle from insisting upon this marriage.”

  Lord Nicholas laughed harshly. “My uncle did exactly as he chose. He’s often thought of himself as a second earl to Northmere. I’ll see that does not occur in the future.” His features softened as he looked at her. “I regret telling you of my interest in another woman, my lady.”

  “Nay, my lord. I am grateful that you shared something of yourself. I realize we are strangers and now joined to one another by others. Me, by my cousin. You, by your uncle.”

  “I would speak to my uncle now. Would you accompany me?”

  He rose and offered her his hand. Katelyn reluctantly took it. As before, a bolt of energy seemed to be released between them when they touched. It baffled her. It intrigued her.

  And it frightened her.

  She wondered if he sensed anything. His features remained stoic so she doubted he did. Lord Nicholas brought her to her feet. They returned to the keep in silence. Katelyn had so many questions she wanted to ask him but recent experience had taught her to remain quiet. He accompanied her first to the great hall, where Ellyn came rushing toward them.

  “I’m glad you have returned, Nicholas.”

  He brushed a quick kiss on his aunt’s cheek. “I would see Uncle Rafe in the solar. Now,” he said firmly.

  “Of course.”

  They left the great hall, Ellyn heading out the door and Nicholas leading Katelyn to the solar.

  When they arrived, Katelyn said, “Your father is in the bedchamber if you wish to see him.”

  “I don’t,” he said flatly.

  Immediately, she wondered about the relationship between the two men. After all, it was Bryce who had accompanied his father to court, not Nicholas. Katelyn wondered why things might have been strained between father and son and if Lord Cedric had preferred Bryce for some reason, though having now met both sons she couldn’t imagine Nicholas not being the favorite.

  Sir Rafe entered the solar without knocking, Bryce and Ellyn trailing behind him. Landon had already ridden out this morning for Windsor, deciding not to stay for the funeral. For a moment, Katelyn wished her brother could be here to meet her new husband and give her his impression of him.

  “Now that you’ve returned, we can let the people know of Cedric’s death,” Rafe began.

  “And also of my marriage?” Nicholas asked, his tone colder than a winter’s day.

  “That, too.”

  “What gave you the right to marry me off, Uncle?” demanded Nicholas, his voice soft yet dangerous. “Making a decision only the Earl of Northmere should have made.”

  “It was what your father would have wanted,” Rafe insisted. “He was giddy beyond belief when he arrived from Windsor, thrilled that the king had sent his beloved cousin to wed him.”

  “I wouldn’t say beloved,” Katelyn interjected. “Though I am King Edward’s cousin, I don’t know that I mean much to him—other than being used as a pawn.”

  While Rafe’s eyes sparked with anger at her interruption, she saw her new husband hid a smile.

  “Nevertheless, the king wanted you to marry a Mandeville. You have now done so,” Rafe said.

  “Twice,” she retorted.

  Sir Rafe’s mouth twisted. “Lady Katelyn, mayhap you should excuse yourself from this discussion,” he suggested.

  “I think my new wife should remain,” Nicholas said firmly. “Since I am the Earl of Northmere, we will abide by my desire. Lady Katelyn remains.”

  He took a seat. “I had already planned to wed, Uncle,” Nicholas began.

  “Who?” Rafe asked, surprise in his voice.

  “Catherine.”

  “Catherine Savill? Why, she already has another man’s babe growing inside her, Nephew. That would have been disastrous.”

  Katelyn wondered who this woman truly was and why Nicholas would have wanted to wed her under such circumstances.

  “I think not. Catherine is beautiful and intelligent. I would be happy to call a babe fathered by Favian my own.”

  Now, Katelyn was aching to ask who Favian Savill might be to Nicholas but she held her tongue. She would find out later, mayhap from Nicholas himself.

  “You’ll have to tell her you’ve made other plans,” huffed Rafe.

  “You mean that you made other plans for me, Uncle,” replied Nicholas, and Katelyn had to hide her amusement at the older man’s obvious discomfort.

  “I’ve already sent out riders to let everyone—especially the Scots—know that the Earl of Northmere has wed a woman who is a member of the royal family,” Rafe said. “And think of it, Nicholas. Lady Katelyn might already be with child. We might already have a new heir to Northmere on the way.”

  “I think not, Uncle.” Nicholas steepled his fingers. “If Lady Katelyn conceived a child on her wedding night, as so often happens, it could be a girl. If she gives birth to a son, that child would be my half-brother. As a younger brother to me, he would not be heir to Northmere. Nay, I would accept nothing but my own flesh and blood as my heir, not another son of my father’s flesh.”

  Katelyn held her breath for a moment. She could tell them all now that the marriage had not been consummated last night. That would easily solve the problem—but she didn’t want to be caught in a lie. With Landon gone, she had no champion in her corner to help defend th
e choice she’d made.

  “I will not couple with Lady Katelyn until at least a month has passed and I know that her womb is empty of my father’s seed,” proclaimed Lord Nicholas. “I realize that if I asked for an annulment, it would be viewed as a rejection not only of Lady Katelyn—but of the king himself. I am not only the new Earl of Northmere but will be the acknowledged leader of the northern barons. Alienating the king is the last thing I would do. I will treat him—and his cousin, my wife—with the utmost respect.”

  Nicholas stood and came toward her. Taking her hands, he said, “My lady, you are most lovely and charming beyond words.”

  Katelyn sensed her cheeks heating at his compliment—and at his nearness.

  “Because of that,” he continued, “I do not want to be tempted by your presence. I will escort you to the manor house you own. You are to remain there for the next few weeks. Only then, if you are not with child, will I choose to couple with you and make this a true marriage.”

  Chapter Ten

  Nicholas released his wife’s hands and turned to his uncle. “Spread the word that my father has passed. I want the people of Northmere to gather for the funeral mass tomorrow morning. Send Father Gregory to the great hall. I’d like a word with him.” He paused. “And Uncle, I am not ready yet to announce my own marriage.”

  Rafe Mandeville left the solar, a grim expression on his face.

  “Aunt, Lady Katelyn will need servants to pack her things. I’ll arrange for them to be carried to the manor house after mass tomorrow.”

  “Should I select a few servants to accompany her, my lord?” Ellyn asked.

  “Aye. She’ll need one to cook for her and another to clean.” Nicholas thought a moment. “A third to help her dress and care for her hair.”

  Katelyn snorted. “My lord, I’ve been dressing myself for years now and think I know how to comb and braid my own hair. I doubt I would need a servant strictly for that.” She looked to Ellyn. “I don’t want to inconvenience you. I really don’t wish to take any servants away from the keep where they are needed. I assure you that I will be fine on my own.”

  “You are the Countess of Northmere,” Nicholas stated. “You must begin to think like one.”

  Katelyn sighed. “It’s difficult to change my thinking overnight, my lord. I have always been no one of account. I may possess a grand title now—but I still feel that way.”

  Nicholas heard the hurt in her voice that she tried to hide and thought of all the lonely years she must have spent in the convent with no family and no one to comfort her. He couldn’t imagine a small child ripped away from everyone and everything she’d known and placed in a cold, forbidding place. Once more, a surge of protectiveness toward her overwhelmed him. He wanted to keep Katelyn safe and let her know she was somebody.

  To him.

  Instead, he dismissed his feelings and brusquely said to his aunt, “Choose two servants for Lady Katelyn’s sojourn at the manor house. They will remain with her throughout the month. Have any necessary supplies sent over, including food for five. I will stop in the training yard and select two knights who will exclusively live with and guard her during this time.”

  “Of course, my lord,” Ellyn said, lowering her eyes in deference to him. “I will have the servants pack and take Katelyn’s things to another chamber, as well as have yours placed in the solar.”

  “Nay,” Nicholas said. “That can wait.” Looking to Katelyn, he added, “I would not want to displace you tonight, my lady. Remain here. I can move into the solar tomorrow once you are gone. For now, I have things to do but I will return in time for the evening meal.”

  Nicholas left the solar and went straight to the great hall, where Father Gregory awaited him. They spoke briefly about Lord Cedric’s death and he told the priest not to reveal that he’d performed a marriage ceremony between Nicholas and Katelyn until given permission to do so. Nicholas left and stopped at the yard where Northmere’s soldiers were exercising. He spied the two soldiers he had in mind, Sir Albert and Sir Gerald. They sparred with one another. Once they came to a halt, he signaled them to join him.

  When they arrived, he said, “You are two men that I trust implicitly. I have a mission for you. Lady Katelyn will be residing in the manor house on the edge of Northmere for the next month. You will be my eyes and ears, as well as my sword and shield. You are to guard the lady with your lives and see no harm comes to her.”

  “Aye, my lord,” the knights responded in unison.

  “She will travel there after mass tomorrow so I wish for you to accompany her then. I will visit each day to see how she fares.” Though he hadn’t planned to do so, the words had come spontaneously to him. Nevertheless, the idea pleased him. It would be an interesting way to get to know his new wife, away from the prying eyes of others, especially his uncle.

  “You do us a great honor, my lord,” Sir Albert said.

  “Will Lord Cedric accompany her?” asked Sir Gerald.

  Nicholas remembered that word about Lord Cedric’s death was just now reaching those on the estate and said, “My father has passed. Lady Katelyn will go into seclusion for a month in order to grieve his death.”

  “We are sorry for your loss,” Sir Gerald said. “Albert and I will make sure Lady Katelyn stays safe as she mourns.”

  “Thank you. You may return to your training.”

  Nicholas spoke to no one else before he reached the stables. He saddled Sunset, eager to be away from the castle’s residents before others knew about Cedric Mandeville’s death. He didn’t want to deal with people telling them how sorry they were.

  Nicholas wasn’t sorry at all.

  All his life, his father had treated his elder son with disdain. No matter what Nicholas did, it never was good enough for Cedric. At the same time, his father lavished praise upon a lazy, worthless Bryce. Nicholas could never understand the favoritism shown to the younger son, one who seemed lacking in so many ways. It was true that Nicholas was much more serious than Bryce and demanded excellence from others. Nicholas expected much from himself and the same from those around him. If his father didn’t like that, it didn’t matter any longer. Cedric Mandeville was dead.

  Nicholas would now run Northmere as he saw fit.

  With his wife.

  As he rode toward Ravenwood, conflict churned within him. While he felt the pull of responsibility to Catherine, he was torn by the sudden yearnings he experienced for Katelyn. He supposed it was good that he desired her. His uncle could have wed him to an ugly woman. Thank the Heavens that Katelyn was not only beautiful but intelligent. She had not been a part of the nobility for long but Nicholas could see that she would make a good countess. He saw in her both curiosity and kindness, an interesting mix. He hoped they might create a true partnership and complement each other as they ran different aspects of Northmere together. As friends. And lovers.

  Arriving at Ravenwood, he handed Sunset off to a stable hand and strode toward the keep. He found Catherine sitting near the fire in the great hall.

  A smile broke out on her beautiful face. “Nicholas! What are you doing back so soon? You’ve only been gone a few hours. Come, sit with me. I’ll have wine brought.”

  “Nay, Catherine. We must talk.”

  He took the seat next to her. “Much has happened since I left you. When I arrived home, I discovered that my father had returned from the south.”

  “I hope he had a pleasant journey and that the king provided the promised soldiers to him.”

  “King Edward did just that—and sent him home with a bride, as well. They wed yesterday afternoon upon their arrival.”

  Surprise lit her eyes. “My goodness. I didn’t think about your father ever marrying again.”

  “The king sent his own cousin, Lady Katelyn de Blays, to be joined in wedlock to a Mandeville as a statement to the Scots,” Nicholas explained.

  Catherine nodded. “That is a clever move on the king’s part. Uniting the Mandevilles with the crown shows his strong s
upport for Northumberland. Do you like this new stepmother?” she teased.

  “The tale grows stranger,” he said, reluctant to share the rest. “My father died sometime during the night.”

  “Oh, Nicholas!” She placed her hand on his arm and squeezed gently. “I am so sorry to hear that. I know you weren’t close to Lord Cedric but it still must have been a shock for you—and his bride.”

  “The shock came when I found out that my uncle wed me to Lady Katelyn by proxy once he learned Father died.” Nicholas swallowed. “That means we cannot marry, Catherine. I’m sorry.”

  He saw both regret and relief cross her face and a wistfulness filled him for what never would be.

  “My promise to you will not be broken, though. I pledge to take care of you now and in the future.”

  “How, Nicholas?” she asked. “I finally received word from my father after you left today. He said if my babe is a girl, I’m to return to my family with her. He will then arrange a new marriage for me.” Her lips pursed in distaste. “If I birth a son, I will remain at Ravenwood to raise the heir. Even then, I’m sure the king will name a man for me to wed to hold Ravensgate in trust for my son.”

  He knew her words to be true. Since he was no longer free to wed Catherine, a new husband would be found for her. King Edward could not leave an estate so near the Scottish border without a liege lord for long.

  “Come home with me now, Catherine. I would like to have you present at Father’s funeral mass, which will be tomorrow morning.”

  She hesitated. “Are you sure this new wife of yours won’t mind?”

  He chuckled. “I believe you’ll actually like her,” Nicholas shared.

  “That sounds intriguing. All right. I will come to Northmere with you. Let me pack a few things.”

  “I’ll see that Sunset is saddled to a cart since you can’t ride in your condition. I’ll be waiting for you outside the keep.”

  Half an hour later, Catherine sat beside him. He’d promised to return her to Ravenwood the next day. As they set out, though, a part of Nicholas felt guilty.