by Alexa Aston
Kenric’s desire for answers got the best of him. He ventured, “You knew Lady Avelyn at the royal court, my lord?”
“Of course. She wasn’t there long, but we did become friendly. She was unlike many there.”
“How so?”
“She had no interest in the trappings and lifestyle. She seemed most uncomfortable with the pomp and rituals. We had conversations over many topics. Politics. Music. History. I quite enjoyed speaking with her. She was like a breath of fresh air.”
“How did the other women treat her?” Kenric asked.
Lord Sewell studied him a moment. “You were there that day when Lady Sela revealed her ugly side to all. Are you concerned her falsehoods might hurt Lady Avelyn in some way once she returns to the queen’s service?”
Kenric shrugged, not trusting any words that he might speak.
He watched the nobleman pondering the question. “I would say the lady should be fine. I don’t think those unfounded rumors will hold water, especially when Lady Sela doesn’t return to court to perpetuate them.” He gave Kenric a sly grin. “And I can put a word into the right ears. Lady Avelyn should have no problems. If she returns,” he added.
Kenric’s heartbeat sped up. “Why would she not return?”
“She seemed unhappy during her time in London. She told me once she’d rather tend her garden and care for babes. Lady Avelyn is a nurturing soul and likes to remain busy, not idling her time away listening to gossip. It will be the lucky man who claims her as his wife.”
Kenric knew he had to ask. “So you don’t think her to be a liar?”
Lord Sewell laughed heartily. “Nothing could be further from the truth. Avelyn Le Cler is honest to a fault. Mark my words, whatever Lady Avelyn says may be taken as seriously as the Gospels themselves.”
The nobleman’s words landed a blow to Kenric’s gut. He’d been blinded so by his hurt at what Avelyn had told him that he blamed her for it. Ignored her words. Pushed them as far away as possible.
But what if she had spoken the truth? That he was the true Earl of Shadowfaire?
He had no way to prove it, but did it matter? If he could have Avelyn—have happiness—why not reach for it? Kenric realized he’d been a fool.
“So . . . are you listening to me, Sir Kenric? I wish you to return to Sandbourne at once with my son. I trust Drew with you as I have no other, for I’ve seen that you’re a most honorable man and how you are in the boy’s company.”
Kenric drew a deep breath, excitement building within him. “Young Drew is a most delightful child. I would be honored to have the lad ride with me to Sandbourne.”
For the first time in weeks, Kenric felt happy. He would be going home—to Avelyn.
If she would have him.
Chapter 25
Avelyn had mixed feelings about returning to London and severing her ties at the royal court. Though she knew she wouldn’t stay for long, she didn’t look forward to her conversation with the queen. Her uncle assured her that he would do the majority of the talking and she would only have to speak if the queen wished to question her. At this point, since she’d fallen out with Kenric, they’d agreed that Geoffrey wouldn’t bring up the knight’s name as a possible choice of Avelyn’s future husband.
She wondered if it was possible to ever get back in Kenric’s good graces. Her heart told her that, despite the way things ended when they last saw one another, Kenric still loved her. Though they’d been separated for many weeks, he’d finally returned last evening with young Drew Talbot in tow. Though they had yet to speak, Avelyn dreamed of Kenric putting his harsh words aside so they could return to the way it had once been between them. How she longed for his touch and his kiss and the tenderness he’d shown before she destroyed their future by speaking out of turn.
Avelyn concentrated on the days and weeks ahead. She planned to visit at Kinwick after they spoke with the queen and she gathered her remaining possessions at the palace. Geoffrey said that he and Merryn would always welcome her with open arms, so they would stop first to allow her to visit Kinwick once they left London. Still, she prayed every night to the Blessed Virgin that once she arrived back at Sandbourne, somehow, she and Kenric could reconcile their feelings.
A knock at the door interrupted her thoughts. “Come,” she called.
Elysande entered the chamber, a swaddled David in her arms.
Wordlessly, Avelyn held out her arms and her sister handed over the babe. Avelyn brought him close, brushing her lips atop David’s head as her finger stroked his sweet cheek.
“I’ll miss you while I’m gone, little one,” she told the sleeping babe.
“You will have one of your own soon,” Elysande assured her. “I hope our children can grow up near one another and be as close as siblings.”
“I’ll need to find a husband first before a babe is the result,” Avelyn said, making light of things.
Her sister put an arm about Avelyn. “Everything will go well in London. I’m certain of it. You can visit with Merryn and then return to Sandbourne. I believe a certain knight will miss you during your absence. I caught him glancing at you several times during the evening meal.”
“You think Kenric will ever change his mind?” she asked wistfully, doubting it but hoping nonetheless.
“He would be a fool to try and keep apart from you,” Elysande insisted, “though I may have to take a broom to him to beat some sense into his thick skull.”
She chuckled at the thought of her sister chasing Kenric round the great hall, swatting him with a broom.
“It’s time for you to go. I came to say goodbye here since I’m about to feed David.”
Avelyn kissed her nephew’s cheek and handed him back to his mother. “Then I will also say farewell. Take care of this little one and watch after Mother.”
Elysande laughed. “I daresay Sir Charles is doing a splendid job of that.”
Young David began to stir. “Godspeed, Avelyn. Good luck with the queen.” Her sister left as the babe started to fuss.
She glanced about the chamber. Her trunk and the bulk of her clothes would remain here. They would drop off some items when they called at Kinwick in order to retrieve Alys as they made their way back to London. With a sigh, Avelyn stepped from the room and closed the door behind her.
Michael and Lady Orella awaited her downstairs. Both wished her a safe journey as they walked her outside the keep and began the long descent down the steps. She spied Uncle Geoffrey and Ancel and waved at them. They both mounted their horses.
Then Avelyn’s feet faltered. Michael quickly grabbed on to her arm as she stumbled, preventing her from tumbling down the steep staircase.
“Are you all right?” he asked before his eyes turned to where she stared.
Kenric Fairfax had begun mounting the stairs. He reached them and Avelyn caught sight of a rolled parchment in his hand.
“I’m sorry to interrupt, my lord,” he said, his eyes fastened on Michael’s. “I ask that I be allowed to accompany the escort party.”
She saw Michael glance down and knew he saw the parchment Kenric clutched tightly in his hand.
“Have you news from your brother?”
Kenric shook his head. “Nay, from Lady Doria, his wife. She said Roland is seriously ill and not expected to live. She would have me come and be with my brother at the end.”
“Then you must go,” Michael agreed. “Stay as long as you wish. Send word if you have need of anything.”
“My sister-in-law also made an odd request in her missive.” Kenric glanced to Avelyn. “She asked that Lady Avelyn come, as well. That she had something important to speak to her about.”
Avelyn bit her lip in confusion. Why should Doria Fairfax have need of her? They had only met briefly.
“Avelyn?” Michael asked.
“If Lady Doria requests my presence, I’m willing to make a slight detour. Once I have, Uncle Geoffrey can then see me to London and our appointment with the queen.”
; “We should inform Lord Geoffrey of the change in plans.”
Michael and Kenric hurried down the stairs to speak with Geoffrey.
Lady Orella gave her a smile. “Sometimes, our Dear Lord moves in mysterious ways.” She gently patted Avelyn on her shoulder. “Make the most of the opportunity, my dear.” She excused herself and returned inside the keep.
Avelyn made her way down the remaining steps. The inner bailey hummed with its usual activity, accompanied by the escort party. She counted a dozen de Montfort soldiers and Ancel, her young cousin, sitting tall in his saddle. He waved in greeting.
The men finished speaking as a groom led Firefall over to Kenric. He turned and took the reins and then looked to her.
“Would you care to ride with me, my lady?”
Joy burst in her heart, though Avelyn kept her features schooled and coolly answered, “Thank you, my lord. I will.”
He held a hand out to her. She took it and found herself swept up into the saddle, her pulse racing as Kenric secured her against him. Then the lead rider turned and took off, and all the other men followed. Avelyn found herself finally taking a breath.
In Kenric’s arms, she felt as if she had come home.
*
They arrived at Shadowfaire just after noon. Sir Jervis greeted them and made provisions for their horses to be watered and fed and for the soldiers to be brought into the great hall to dine. Geoffrey sent Ancel along with the rest. Avelyn could tell the boy was pleased, being considered one of the men.
“Lady Doria asked that you and Lady Avelyn be brought up to the solar when you arrived, Sir Kenric.” Sir Jervis paused. “I’m not sure if she knew others would accompany you.”
“I’m Geoffrey de Montfort. Lady Avelyn is my niece and I am escorting her to London for a brief visit.”
The older knight smiled. “I do remember Lady Avelyn from her short stay at Shadowfaire. One does not forget such a radiant beauty.”
She sensed the heat springing to her cheeks. “I would wish my uncle to remain with me when I speak with Lady Doria. I hope this won’t be a problem.”
“Nay, my lady,” Sir Jervis assured her. “Please, follow me.”
They accompanied him to the solar upstairs. The room was empty but, immediately after their arrival, several servants entered bearing trays with food and drink for them.
“I’ll leave you to your meal and let Lady Doria know that you’ve arrived.” The knight excused himself.
They ate with little conversation. Avelyn knew Kenric must be worried about his brother. As they finished up, the door opened. Lady Doria had arrived. By a glance, she knew the countess had already given birth. Not only did she appear thinner, but the noblewoman carried a swaddled babe in her arms. But had she delivered a boy or a girl?
The three rose to greet her. Avelyn introduced her uncle and explained why Geoffrey accompanied her.
Then Avelyn asked, “I’m curious, my lady, why you asked me to come today. We exchanged but a few words during my brief visit here. I know Sir Kenric is eager to see his brother and speak to you regarding his condition.”
“I believed it was important for you to hear my words today, Lady Avelyn.” She glanced from her to Kenric. “What I have to share with Kenric also concerns you.”
“But . . . how?”
Doria gave Avelyn a hesitant smile. “It was obvious from your visit here in May that you and Kenric have strong feelings for one another. I saw it in both your eyes.”
“My lady?” Kenric sputtered.
She glanced back to her brother-in-law. “I have something of great importance to share with you, Kenric. It concerns your future. I thought Lady Avelyn should hear what I have to say. If you love one another, you will need each other’s strength to bear this news together.”
Avelyn saw the confusion she experienced mirrored on Kenric’s face. She looked to her uncle, but his features gave nothing away.
“Please. Have a seat,” Doria said, indicating they move away from the table and come to the furniture surrounding the fireplace.
They followed their hostess’ lead and took seats around her as she eased into a chair, the babe asleep in her arms.
“My father died shortly before he signed my betrothal contract. That left my brother as my guardian. And he wasn’t fond of the man I was supposed to marry. Instead of carrying out my father’s wishes, my brother wanted a heftier bride prize.
“That was how I came to be at Shadowfaire. A reluctant bride, far from home, married to . . . a stranger.”
Avelyn could tell by her restrained tone that Doria had most likely had feelings for the man she originally should have married. Her heart went out to the noblewoman for being placed in circumstances beyond her control.
“I discovered that my previously dull life quickly became a nightmare.” Doria swallowed. She kept silent for a few moments before she took a calming breath and continued.
“My new husband was sickly. Cruel both in word and deed. He could not . . . perform . . . his husbandly duties and blamed me for this. He beat me accordingly, night after night.” Her voice became monotone, as if what she related had happened to someone else.
“The Shadowfaire healer, as she attended me, told me some illness in Lord Roland’s childhood caused him not to be able to pleasure me as a man should, much less get me with child. She feared for my life. Because of that, she gave me a potion that caused my belly to swell.”
“So that Roland would think you were with child and not touch you,” Kenric said softly.
“Aye. He did stop hurting me.” She gave a snort. “And he actually began to believe I carried his child, but I knew the charade must end. I quit drinking the potion and told him I had lost the babe.”
“But he wasn’t satisfied,” Kenric said.
Doria shook her head. “He insisted that we have a son. That our child must secure the future of Shadowfaire so that his twin could never gain access to it.”
Avelyn watched the shadow cross Kenric’s face. Her heart went out to him, knowing the words cut him deeply.
“But how could you have a babe if he could not . . . help you?” she asked.
The noblewoman hesitated. “When I did not grow with child, Roland told me that he would give me to one of his knights. A man taller and broader than Kenric Fairfax, so that our son would be strong and healthy. I was to lie with him till I found myself with child.”
Avelyn gasped. Then silence filled the room as Doria gave them time to understand her meaning.
“It was awkward at first, but Sir Heymon proved to be gentle with me and kind.” She paused. “We fell in love.”
“And then you found yourself with child,” Kenric said.
Doria nodded. “We weren’t allowed to spend any time alone after that, but I dreamed of becoming Heymon’s wife. I fantasized about leaving Shadowfaire behind and raising my child with the man I loved. His child. Not the demon spawn of Roland Fairfax, but the sweet babe of the most loving man I know.”
The babe began to stir. Doria stood and rocked it from side to side in a slow, steady motion.
“As my belly grew larger, I began to hope that Roland would die from one of his numerous illnesses. I know it was wrong of me to think such wicked thoughts, but I couldn’t help myself.” She glanced down at the child in her arms. “Two weeks ago, I gave birth to a son, the new heir to Shadowfaire. I would be tied to this place—forever.
“But I don’t think I can keep the secret of his birth from others.”
Doria reached and gently tugged away the babe’s knitted cap. Avelyn saw the bright red hair and green eyes as the boy awakened and gurgled sweetly. Doria had brown hair and brown eyes. She knew Roland to have fair hair and blue eyes, as had Lady Juliana.
“The minute the people see Wymund’s hair, they will know who his father is,” Doria proclaimed. “I’ve only seen this shade of hair on Heymon, nary another soul. They will think me unfaithful to the Earl of Shadowfaire.”
She stomped her foot,
causing wee Wymund to whimper. “I refuse to live like this. I want to take my son from here and have nothing to do with the vile man lying abed in the next chamber. I want a life with Heymon.”
Doria wheeled and faced Kenric. “And my son should never rule at Shadowfaire. For you, my lord, are the real heir.”
Chapter 26
Doria’s words stunned Kenric. His sister-in-law confirmed what Avelyn had revealed to him.
He was the heir to Shadowfaire.
“Explain yourself, my lady,” he said calmly, though the blood roared in his ears.
She rocked tiny Wymund back and forth as she said, “I discovered it from Roland’s ramblings. He talks in his sleep. More than once, he spoke of you as your father’s true heir.”
Doria began pacing slowly, continuing her rocking motion to keep young Wymund calm. “At first, I thought it no more than mumbled nonsense. Odd dreams Roland might be having. Mayhap, he thought the Earl of Shadowfaire should be a man of strength and courage instead of the sickly coward I’d married.” She shrugged. “So I ignored it and never told him what he’d uttered in his sleep.”
She returned to the chair since the babe had quieted. “Then he caught that fever that killed your mother, my lord. My husband must have had you on his heart with your recent visit here. As I sat by Roland’s bedside, I could understand his mutterings more clearly. He grew quite frantic at one point, sitting up, frightened that you would come and take everything away from him.”
Doria stroked the babe’s cheek. “When the fever broke and he recovered and grew stronger, I finally asked him about it.”
Kenric leaned forward, eager to hear her next words, yet dreading them all the same.
“He laughed till tears streamed down his face. He admitted it was the truth and that Gussalen held a grudge against your father. She was the only one present at the birth and told Walter Fairfax that Roland was the first babe that appeared—when in reality, it had been you.”
