The Pawn

by Aston, Alexa

  “Nay, Ellyn stayed,” he informed her. Grinning, he said, “She wanted to make sure she was around to help care for our babes.”

  “Oh, really?” Kate playfully nipped his throat. “Who knows? We may already be on our way to producing the first one. Of many.”

  “You have exhausted me, Wife,” Nicholas said. “I need time to recover before I can pleasure you again.”

  “Mayhap you should lie still and let me pleasure you instead.”

  Her fingers clasped his cock and tugged on it.

  “Later,” he told her, looking forward to their love play but growing serious. “We still have two things we must discuss. Tell me first about Bryce.”

  She grew silent.

  “Tell me, Kate. You don’t need to hide anything from me. I should know the truth.”

  “Bryce made some kind of agreement with Errol Cummins, Laird of Dunbar. I don’t know exactly what was involved or what the Scots would gain from their bargain.” Her hand grasped his. “All I know is that once the gold was exchanged this morning, an attack would have occurred. The laird’s men were to kill you and any soldiers that accompanied you.”

  “And with me being dead, Bryce would become the new Earl of Northmere.” His fingers entwined with hers. “My guess is he wanted you as his wife.”

  He sensed her nodding against him.

  “Bryce told me he’d always been jealous that you were the heir. He said he was the most like Lord Cedric and that your father would have wanted him to have the title. He was willing to resort to murder to see he gained it,” she said quietly.

  Nicholas’ gut told him Bryce had said much more to Kate but he knew the essence of what had occurred.

  “Will you search for and claim his body?” she asked.

  “Nay. Let the wild animals of Scotland have at it.” He ran his fingers through her raven locks. “Are you sorry you killed him?”

  Kate looked up at him with large eyes. “Will you think I’m a bloodthirsty heathen if I tell you no?”

  Nicholas smiled. “If you are, at least you’re my bloodthirsty heathen.” He gave her a reassuring kiss. “We need never mention his name. His wickedness will not touch our lives ever again. And though I have you back now, my love, and Bryce is dead, the Scots still need to pay for taking you.”

  “I don’t think that’s wise, Nicholas. I truly believe we have nothing to fear from them at the moment.”

  “Why do you say that?” he asked, stroking her hair, loving its silky texture as he glided his fingers through it.

  “Though Bryce thought the plan was to eliminate you, I’d spoken several times to Cummins, trying to drive a wedge between him and Bryce. Your brother had already proved himself untrustworthy to you and so I tried to convince Cummins he would also renege on any deal the two of them had struck. I believe Cummins had changed his mind and would have turned Bryce over to you—along with me—to ease the problems between the Scots and English. Besides, the laird treated me with kindness during my time in his household.”

  Kate touched her hand to his face. “Please, Nicholas. Do nothing. I’m safely back at Northmere. No other action is necessary.”

  He kissed her brow. “I will do as you ask. That’s how great my trust is in you.” Relief washed through him, knowing he wouldn’t need to seek retribution and that the peace might hold for a while longer.

  He paused and then asked, “I do have something to ask you, though. Nothing to do with the Scots. Would you tell me why you kept secret the fact you were still a virgin?”

  “I was afraid,” she said softly. “When your father tried to bed me, he couldn’t. Then he died and I feared what might happen to me. I pretended he had made me a true wife. Then once Rafe wed me to you, I was terrified to be caught in the lie.”

  He stroked her hair. “You could have told me the truth.”

  “But I didn’t know you,” Kate reminded him. “You were this large, powerful knight. A stranger. A man who was unhappy to find himself wed to me. Angry, in fact. And once I did come to know you—even love you—I was ashamed to have created the lie in the first place.”

  Nicholas kissed her tenderly. “It matters not. You did what you had to do in order to protect yourself. We are strangers no longer, Kate. We are a true husband and wife.”

  They lay contentedly for some minutes and then she asked, “Nicholas? Will you make a place for Alec at Northmere? He has led a most unhappy life. The Scots never trusted him because of his English mother. He is my friend.”

  “Alec has a lifetime of my goodwill,” he assured Kate. “He is the man who restored my beloved wife to me.”

  “Am I your beloved?” she asked, uncertainty in her voice.

  “You are the dearest person in my life, Kate Mandeville. If everything went away and I was only left with you as my wife, I would still be the richest man in all of England.”

  Nicholas kissed her deeply, hoping his kiss showed Kate everything she needed to know.

  Epilogue

  Katelyn awoke with the feeling of nausea again. This was three days in a row. Catherine had told her signs that would indicate she was with child. Besides the roiling in her belly, her courses had ceased. Even her breasts were tender to the touch and felt fuller than usual. She thought Nicholas would have noticed their increase in size with as much attention as he paid to them.

  She turned her head and took in the wonderful man stretched out beside her. Her husband. Her lover. Her friend. Her everything.

  His eyes slowly opened and his hand went to cup her cheek. Before she knew it, they were entangled together, loving one another fully in a dance she would never tire of.

  Nicholas gave her a final, swift kiss and rose from the bed.

  “Stay and rest, sweetheart. You look exhausted.”

  “I’m sure it has nothing to do with you waking me in the middle of the night,” she teased.

  He grinned. “At least it was only once. Unlike the night before.”

  Dressing quickly, he told her he would have a tray sent up for her and left the bedchamber. Katelyn snuggled back into the pillow, breathing in his scent. She would tell him about the babe later today.

  After she dozed another hour, she rose, her belly still queasy. She dressed and found a tray awaiting her in the solar. She did her best to break her fast, taking in small bites of bread and a few sips of ale. It seemed to calm the churning. Since she felt better, she went downstairs and saw a stranger handing a parchment to Ellyn.

  “I’ll be sure she gets it. Thank you.”

  “What’s that?” Katelyn asked.

  “You’ve a missive from Ravenwood,” Ellyn replied as she handed over the scroll. “I do envy you for knowing how to read,” she said wistfully.

  “I’d be happy to teach you. I taught the oblates at the nunnery to read and write.”

  The older woman looked gratefully at her. “I would appreciate it, my dear.”

  Something brushed Katelyn’s skirts and she saw Kit run by. Bethany appeared and scooped up her growing cat.

  “I help Kate-lyn make candles?” she asked hopefully.

  In the time Katelyn had returned to live in the keep, Bethany had been her shadow. The young woman had given up hiding in her chamber since Bryce no longer hovered about, waiting to antagonize her. Katelyn had taught Bethany a few simple stitches and they had worked in the castle’s garden together. What Bethany enjoyed most, though, was making candles.

  “I was going to ask you to help me with the candles,” Ellyn told her niece. “Would you like to do that? We can surprise Katelyn with how many you can make.”

  Bethany beamed. “We do that, Aunt. Bye, Kate-lyn.”

  After they left, Katelyn opened the missive, eager to hear Catherine’s news.

  Dearest Katelyn –

  I have given birth to a boy and cannot wait for you and Nicholas to meet him. I’ve named him Favian, after his father. He has a lusty cry and is the picture of good health.

  Please come as soon as you can to
share in my joy.

  Your sister in friendship,

  Catherine

  Katelyn held the scroll to her, overcome with emotion. By Catherine birthing a male, she would be allowed to stay at Ravenwood and raise its heir. Katelyn placed a hand against her belly. If she carried a boy, mayhap the two could foster together and become close friends, as their fathers had. And if, by chance, ’twas a girl? What a wonderful way to unite the Mandeville and Savill families by betrothing the pair.

  The front door opened and Nicholas entered. The warm smile that lit his face when he caught sight of her let Katelyn know how very loved she was.

  “I saw a rider from Ravenwood departing. Did he bring news from Catherine?”

  “Aye. She’s given birth to a son and wishes us to visit her as soon as possible.”

  “If you have no other plans, we could go now,” he suggested.

  “That would be lovely,” she replied. “Let me tell Ellyn where we’ll be.”

  “I’ll gather a few men and have our horses saddled.”

  Nicholas departed and Katelyn shared the good news with Ellyn, telling her they would be gone most of the day.

  “Give Catherine my best,” the noblewoman said. She smiled. “Soon, you will share in this kind of blessing.”

  Katelyn excused herself quickly, afraid if she lingered she would blurt out to Ellyn about the coming babe. It was important to her that Nicholas be the first to know. Making her way to the stables, she saw six soldiers already in the saddle. Ever since her abduction, Nicholas insisted a guard go with Katelyn wherever she went, even if it was only to the neighboring estate. It pleased her that Alec was one of the men chosen to accompany them. Nicholas had given him the option of becoming a soldier or learning a skill, such as blacksmithing. Alec jumped at the chance to live in the barracks and fight to protect the Mandeville name and people.

  He now gave her a smile and nodded his head. Surprisingly, he had been accepted quickly into the ranks of Northmere’s men. She suspected Nicholas had something to do with that, though he told her it was Alec himself who’d won the others over. His fighting skills were sharp and all recognized that Alec had been the man who’d rescued their countess and helped foil the plot to murder Nicholas. Regardless, she was happy Alec was now a vital part of Northmere.

  Nicholas helped her mount Ebony and their party moved at a brisk pace to Ravenwood. Once they arrived, the estate’s steward met them and had a servant escort them upstairs.

  Catherine sat in a chair by the fire, little Favian asleep in her arms. Tears of happiness stung Katelyn’s eyes as she looked upon the pair.

  “I’m so happy you could come,” Catherine said. “Would you like to hold him?”

  Katelyn bent and lifted the babe, bringing him close. She rocked back and forth as she studied his perfect face. His eyes opened sleepily and a hand flew up, wiggling the tiniest fingers she’d ever seen. She offered him one of hers and he clasped it.

  “He’s a strong one,” she said. “And so very handsome.”

  Nicholas came and stood next to her, looking at the babe over her shoulder. “I can see a bit of Favian in him. About his eyes and chin.”

  They talked for an hour and then food arrived. While they ate, Catherine nursed her babe and then put him down to sleep.

  “He is everything I dreamed he would be,” she said. “I only wish Favian were here to see his namesake.”

  Nicholas put his hand over hers. “He is here in spirit, Catherine. He watches over both of you.”

  After another hour, Catherine’s eyes began to droop. Katelyn nudged her husband and signaled him that it was time depart.

  “We must be off, Catherine.”

  “I hope you will come again soon,” she said and covered a yawn. “Bring Bethany next time.”

  “We will,” Nicholas assured her.

  They went arm-in-arm down the stairs and returned to their horses, arriving home minutes before the sun set.

  “Why don’t we take our evening meal in privacy tonight?” Katelyn suggested as Nicholas helped her from Ebony’s back.

  “I like that idea. I will see you shortly.”

  Katelyn went and told Cook they would dine in the solar and then she went to wash and change after their long ride. Once again, her hands went to her belly, thinking of the miracle that grew inside her.

  A servant arrived with their meal as Nicholas washed up. By the time he finished, Katelyn had wine poured for them.

  She offered him a cup and he held it up. “A toast,” he declared. “To us and all of the blessings we have.”

  Katelyn touched her cup to his. “And to our future blessings,” she added.

  They drank and set their cups down. Nicholas wrapped his arms around her.

  “Have I told you how happy I am to be your husband?” he asked. He kissed the tip of her nose.

  “You may think you are happy now but more happiness is to come,” she replied, her smile widening.

  He stared at her a moment and then understanding dawned in his eyes. “Kate? Do you . . . is it what I think . . . are you . . .”

  “I am with child,” she confirmed. “Your child. Our child.”

  “We’re going to have a babe,” he whispered in wonder. Then his hands spanned her waist and he swung her around with glee. “We’ve going to have a babe!” he shouted.

  Finally, he set her back on the ground, joy filling his face. “You have made me the happiest of men, my love.” Nicholas kissed her tenderly. “Do you know how much I love you, Kate Mandeville?”

  Katelyn did.

  THE END

  Please enjoy an excerpt from The Heir.

  Chapter One

  Landon huddled in a corner of the king’s rooms, making himself as small as possible. He hoped the monarch would stay gone for the rest of the day. He’d heard one of the servants say the king and Despenser went hunting. If so, that would give him hours to be left in peace.

  He’d been at the royal court four days now but it seemed like a lifetime. The soldiers who’d invaded Blackstone Castle had taken him and his father with them. He hadn’t been allowed to tell his mother farewell. Even now, Landon wondered what had happened to her and Katelyn.

  And Quill.

  Adelard de Blays’ last words had warned his son never to mention his half-brother. Landon would keep his promise. If the king and his men treated Landon this poorly, he couldn’t imagine what they would do to a bastard son.

  That seemed like such an ugly word for such a good boy. Quill was not only Landon’s half-brother but his closest friend. Quill had a generous nature and shared anything he had freely with Landon and also Katelyn, when she accompanied them about the estate. Quill was kind and patient. Everyone liked him. Except for Landon’s mother. She never allowed Landon to even speak Quill’s name aloud. He understood that, somehow, his father had lain with another woman before his marriage and Quill was the result. It still didn’t make sense to Landon why his mother would hate Quill so much. When they were together, he made sure they stayed out of her way to avoid her wrath.

  He missed his little sister more than he could have imagined. Katelyn followed him and Quill wherever they went. At times, Landon might hesitate trying something, whether it was making his horse run faster or jumping across a narrow portion of a brook. Katelyn proved fearless, no matter what the circumstance, and would bravely plunge ahead. He could keep his silence about Quill but he didn’t have a clue how he could protect Katelyn when he didn’t even know what had happened to her.

  Landon did know what would happen to his father. The earl had done something terrible to offend the king—and Hugh Despenser. The man was always in the king’s company, eating with him and telling him stories. Landon didn’t like Despenser and the feeling was mutual. He’d humiliated Landon each day in ways small and large. It was why Landon now hovered in a corner. He hoped when the king returned with Despenser that neither of them would see him.

  He wasn’t allowed to leave. He’d been told
to stay. That they would soon decide what to do with him. Twice a day, a servant would take him to the garderobe so he could empty his bladder. Other than that, he had to remain where he was. They had given him something to wear since he’d been in his bedclothes when he arrived. They were filthy after the journey from Sussex to London.

  Landon had caught a glimpse of his father after they’d passed through the city gates. Adelard de Blays was bound hand and foot and tied to a horse. He couldn’t see his father’s face and was glad. The knight Landon rode with had pointed to the earl and told Landon the next time he saw his father, de Blays would be a headless, disemboweled corpse. He hadn’t known exactly what disemboweled meant but he knew it couldn’t be good. Inside, he said prayers to the Blessed Virgin that death would come swiftly. He couldn’t bear the thought of seeing the man he worshipped suffer.

  The door flew open and the king entered with Despenser close on his heels. Landon curled up and pushed himself against the wall, willing them not to see him.

  The royal chamberlain laughed heartily. “Where’s the boy? I want to see the boy.”

  Reluctantly, Landon pushed himself to his feet and came forward. He bowed to the king and stood motionless, his eyes downcast.

  “Lord Adelard is dead, little boy,” Despenser said. “His head rests on a pike that the king had placed just outside the palace. That way everyone can see what happens to a traitor.” He paused. “Are you a traitor, Landon de Blays?” Despenser asked in honeyed tones.

  “Nay,” he said, keeping his gaze focused on his feet.

  “You look so like him,” Despenser continued. “We must see that you never become like him. Isn’t that right, your majesty?”

  Landon dared to raise his eyes and saw the king studying him.

  “He’s no traitor,” the king said, tilting his goblet up and drinking. “He’s a boy.”

  “We have to make certain, though,” Despenser said.

  Landon saw the venomous look in the man’s eyes.

  “Our boots were muddied during the hunt. I think this . . . boy . . . should lick them clean.”