by Traci E Hall
The queen looked up. “Oh?”
Bella didn’t believe Raoul guilty. She’d watched him save Sarah’s life. Why would he do that if he was the one who’d caused her harm? “Raoul wouldn’t have saved Sarah if she could name him as her attacker the instant she woke up.”
Eleanor’s shoulders relaxed. “True.”
Catherine sighed and picked at a loose thread on her robe. “I asked Sarah not to go. It felt wrong when I held the letter.”
“Why did she not listen to you?” Eleanor said.
“She felt guilty that she was too ill to meet with the emperor the first night.” Catherine pulled the thread free.
“The chicken made her sick, she said. It was completely undercooked.” Eleanor leaned down to press a kiss against Sarah’s forehead. “No fever. We’ll wait to act until she wakes and tells us herself what happened. In the meantime, each of you take extra precautions. Look beneath the surface for what is true. I would know Constantinople’s regard toward my uncle Raymond in Antioch and King Baldwin of Jerusalem. Also, anything pertaining to a weakness in these thick Roman walls.”
Bella tilted her head, remembering the feel of the cool stone beneath her as she’d sat on the seawall earlier. “Weakness?”
“Knowing where an enemy can be hit is sometimes more powerful than actually doing it.” The queen shook her finger. “Surely you’ve seen places where the stone in the wall already crumbles? And the cisterns beneath the city. It might be possible to taint the water if we needed to create havoc within Constantinople’s walls rather than waste arrows against the outside.”
Mamie laughed softly. “You teach us much, my lady queen. Our assignments for tomorrow?”
“Bella, spend time with Raoul. Wait for him to make the first move, Violet, for I feel that given what’s happened this night, he will stay as close to you as a flea to a dog.”
“Thank you?” Bella cringed at the image, remembering how easily he’d brushed her kiss of thanks aside. By now he’d most likely forgotten her existence. It felt too personal, too much like failure, to share with the other guards and the queen. She would try harder.
“And you, Mamie. You have captured John’s interest. Now to keep it. Remember the wall. Or the ports? Any military weakness, I want to know about.” She snapped two fingers. “Study any maps you might find, and tell the details to Catherine so she can draw them for us.”
“Me?” Catherine looked up.
“Oui, you.” Eleanor chuckled. “I’ve seen your garden sketches. Why not use your skill and draw me a map?”
“You ask for a miracle,” Catherine said with a pleased sniff.
Bella remembered her promise to pray for a miracle for Sarah, which seemed necessary under the circumstances. “I would go to church with you in the morning.”
The queen stopped her pacing and pierced Bella with her probing gaze. “In need of prayers, Bella? I suppose we can use all the help we can get. Why make it easy for Raoul to find you, eh?” She nodded her acceptance. “Catherine, after the service is over, talk to the priests to see how they feel about Louis. Mamie, stay with Sarah until we get back. We will pray for you, if you think it will do any good.” The queen smiled. “Fay, find out who sent messengers yesterday—royal ones. And follow that foul Odo a while, will you? I do not trust him or Thierry as far as I can see them.” She held up her hand and shook her head. “Not even that far.”
Bella laughed softly. It was no secret the queen didn’t care for her husband’s closest advisors.
“I find Empress Irene easy to talk to, if not somewhat gullible. She knows nothing of politics. But she’s teaching me to eat with a fork.” The queen pointed two fingers in a stabbing motion. “Odd people, these Greeks, but they know how to live. Reminds me of Aquitaine, oui, Bella? No offense, darlings, but sometimes I miss home.”
Fay and Bella, being from Aquitaine too, both knew how hard the queen had tried to bring color to the austere French palace.
“That’s the plan, but plans change with the wind, so be prepared for whatever comes. Listen close and you can come out ahead of the storm.” With that advice, the queen headed toward the door.
“Shall I walk you to your room?” Bella asked, standing.
“Non, Larissa is up and waiting for me. Until tomorrow!” She waved and left with no candle to light her way, a strong, beautiful woman who wasn’t afraid of the dark.
CHAPTER 11
Catherine woke Bella before dawn. “I couldn’t sleep a wink last night, so I laid a gown out for you. Prime bells will ring soon, but I thought we might sneak a bite of bread from the kitchen on our way to the church.”
“You would break your fast before mass?” Bella eyed Catherine with new respect.
“It’s better a bite of bread to calm my belly than not being able to sit and listen to God’s Word without running to the privy.”
“Agreed. I’ll hurry, Catherine.” Bella paused to touch Sarah’s forehead. “Still no fever.” Thank God.
“We have much to be grateful for this morn.” Catherine chose a shawl with miniature peonies around the edge.
“And that’s why you were unable to sleep? You were counting your blessings?” Bella asked as a jest, but Catherine’s expression closed.
”Shh.” Catherine slipped a gown over Bella’s head, acting as lady’s maid, a favor they all did for one another so they could maintain their privacy. Fay, exhausted from sitting with Sarah all night, promised to say prayers from the comfort of her bed if they would say a prayer at mass in her stead.
Bella remembered to bring coin as an offering to the church as well as for shopping if she got the chance. She thought of the man who made charms in the bazaar and wondered if he could have something done for her before they left Constantinople.
She quickly finished washing and brushing, trying to be silent as a ghost as she hurried through her morning ablutions. “I’m ready,” she whispered, seeing Catherine waiting by the door. “No fair. You are impeccably put together. Not a single dark circle to show you couldn’t rest.”
“Hush now.” Catherine lowered her eyes, obviously pleased. She opened the door, stepped out to the hall, and immediately crushed the lily blossom lying on the marble tile. The scent leapt into the air: uniquely Sarah’s.
Bella clasped Catherine by the arm and pulled her close, peering down the empty hall from left to right. “The queen warned us to be careful. I don’t see anyone. Is there a note?”
Catherine’s eyes filled with tears, her body trembling. “Non. Who would want to hurt our Sarah?”
“Worse,” Bella whispered in the deserted hall. “Who knows her secret? And do they know ours?” The queen said no, but what if her liege was wrong?
Bella tucked the crushed lily into her shawl, leaving no evidence behind. “Let’s see what the queen counsels. Should we show Sarah the bloom or simply throw it away?”
“Cool thinking, Bella. Bread can wait.” Catherine led the way down the hall to the queen’s royal chambers instead of heading to the kitchen.
Queen Eleanor answered at the first knock. Larissa asked if she ought to come too, but the queen grumbled. “If I’m not able to get about safely with these two ladies, then I should be put out of my misery altogether.”
Larissa, accustomed to the wit of the queen, said something that sounded like, “Godspeed,” before shutting the door with a soft click.
“She’s going right back to bed, the lazy twit,” Eleanor said fondly. “Larissa loves her sleep. She’s to be married when we get back to France, and she’ll get no more of it then!”
Bella frowned, not having grand memories of the marriage bed. “Have you met the man she’s to wed?”
“He’s a field worker with rough hands but a kind heart. He will be a good husband, especially once he realizes Larissa comes with a house and garden of her own. Should he prove unworthy, he will be the one to leave.” Eleanor’s eyes sparkled.
Catherine exhaled, fidgeting with her loose, lacy sleeves. Bella cou
ldn’t tell if the sigh was envy or sadness.
Eleanor stepped back and nodded in approval as she eyed their clothing. “You look lovely, but we must hurry. The empress has a carriage outside waiting for us already. Maybe you should have donned your armor breastplates, just as a conversation starter.” The queen winked.
Bella laughed, charmed as always by Eleanor’s tweaking of convention. “We would never get into the church with them on. Besides, we are on a mission of peace.”
“But if any try to harm you, we are not without weapons,” Catherine said, patting her silk veil, which covered the long, sharp, ivory hair sticks hidden in her bun.
“I pity anyone who goes against one of my guard. I have utter confidence in each of you.”
Bella accepted the look the queen bestowed on her with a swell of gratitude.
“And how is our Sarah this morning?” the queen said.
With a jolt of remembrance, Bella reached into the folds of her shawl and withdrew the lily blossom. “She still sleeps, but this was left outside our door.”
The queen held out her hand for the bloom but, after inspecting it, shrugged and returned it to Bella. “I will think on what to do during mass. Come, we cannot keep an empress waiting.”
They reached the palace doors, where the uniformed doorkeeper stood. The queen and empress kissed good morning while the others stayed back and greeted one another with nods.
“I will start from tallest to shortest.” Empress Irene introduced her ladies with a flutter of a bejeweled hand. “Nikola, Marie, and Leah, cousins from all over the empire, come to visit our great city.”
“Good morning,” Queen Eleanor greeted them, turning to her ladies. “Catherine is in pink, Bella in blue. They are two of my guard.”
The empress smiled in welcome, having already met them, while the cousins looked at one another and then nervously at the floor.
Bella wanted to reassure them that so long as they didn’t harm the queen, the young women were perfectly safe. Or maybe they looked down because they did not believe women were guardian material?
“The carriage is here, Empress,” the doorkeeper announced.
The awkward tension heightened when they went outside and realized the two royals would be going to the church via personal litters and the five women would share the carriage.
Bella whispered to Eleanor, “Are you sure this is what you want to do? We could walk together.”
“And chance missing the service at Hagia Sophia? I think not.” Eleanor grinned. “Besides, this is exciting being carried around like a, well, dare I say, a queen.”
“What of your safety?” Bella dipped her head, knowing the answer before the queen even spoke.
Eleanor sniffed. “Who taught you self-defense?”
“Fine. May I ask that you wait outside the church for us? I would see where you are sitting. As a precaution. Especially since Sarah was attacked and we don’t know why.”
“That’s fair.” Queen Eleanor exhaled as if a great favor had been granted. “You worry too much, Bella. See you there.”
Catherine sighed with disapproval as Eleanor climbed into the litter carried by four palace slaves. Bella had come to learn that Catherine’s sighs were a language all their own. What need had she of using actual words when an eloquent escape of breath said it all for her?
Bella followed Catherine into the carriage, taking the bench opposite the three cousins. “We’re looking forward to seeing Hagia Sophia. We’ve heard so much about it,” she said, attempting to ease the tension.
Catherine said, “Was it not rebuilt a hundred years ago?”
All three ladies were Greek beauties, with almond-shaped eyes and dark hair, a shade between Bella’s ebony and Catherine’s chestnut.
Nikola, the tall one, answered. “It has been rebuilt three times and repaired too many to count. It’s the largest church in the entire world and especially famous for the gilded dome known as the tent of the heavens.”
Bella looked at Catherine, who shrugged and glanced out the window, obviously uncomfortable with the queen being out of sight. “Raoul mentioned the dome when we were talking yesterday.”
“Raoul? Is he the angry brute who sits at the emperor’s side scowling at everyone during meals?” Nikola shuddered. “I think he’s rude.”
Bella felt it wiser to keep her opinions to herself and looked at the middle cousin.
“The northern wall has niches dedicated to saints from three hundred years ago,” Marie shared, her chin lifted as if she were granting them a peek at the emperor’s secrets.
“And the walls in the front nave are all made from marble.” Leah looked at her cousins and nodded until they nodded back. The entire carriage ride became a history lesson as the proud women shared Constantinople’s beloved roots.
The carriage slowed to a stop. Despite the lessons, Bella was stunned by the sheer magnificence of the church. Gold, silver, marble, the craftsmanship of the latticed cornices—it was overwhelming and unlike anything she’d ever seen.
Maria relented in her snobbishness to lean over and tap Bella’s arm. “It’s breathtaking, is it not?”
With a tear sliding down her cheek, Catherine nodded and stared at the large church.
Bella’s heart went out to her silent yet suffering friend. “Is there anything I can do for you, Catherine?”
“Non,” Catherine whispered. “I must atone for my own sins.”
The door to the carriage opened, and with the aid of a footman the ladies streamed down the steps.
Empress Irene’s royal purple garb, which had seemed so ornate in the palace courtyard, now appeared plain against the vibrant mosaics and gilt of the church. Queen Eleanor, Bella noted with a smile, looked perfect. Today her gown of hunter green with silver trim was no competition to her surroundings but a complement to the wonder of the Eastern Orthodox cathedral.
Bella linked her arm in Catherine’s and strode forward, bowing her head. “Empress, words are meaningless when held against the triumph of Hagia Sophia. Thank you for sharing this beautiful church with us.”
The empress beamed. “Come. The mass will soon begin. You may sit with us for the service this morning, although if you come again while you are here, you will sit with the locals.”
“Thank you, Empress.” Catherine nodded, and Bella wondered if Catherine would dare to come back on her own. What sin could her friend have possibly committed?
Bella found it difficult to concentrate on the words of the mass. Not only did the priest speak Greek, but she was giving herself eyestrain trying to take in all the artwork on the walls and ceiling without appearing to gawk instead of pray. She did remember to ask God for Sarah’s unnamed miracle.
Turning to study the center nave, she clashed gazes with Raoul. His penetrating eyes stilled her wandering attention. What was he doing in church? Was he not too bad to be inside the sacred walls? Her cheeks heated with embarrassment as she realized she was now staring at him instead of the icons. She quickly looked down at her clasped hands but knew she’d been fairly caught.
Raoul, as darkly mysterious and powerful as an archangel. She’d seen him behave with honor. She’d watched him act in anger, yet it was never directed at anyone weaker or undeserving. If she’d had a mighty fist, she would have punched Jonathon’s perfect nose more than once after the way he’d behaved last night. Attacking an unarmed man, when Raoul was only trying to save Sarah. Jonathon held no glamour for her anymore. Now she found herself attracted to black and brooding rather than gold and flaky.
Yet he’d rudely ignored her offering of a kiss. Would he avoid her today, or would he be ordered to stay at her side again? How could she act like she was unaware of him now that he pervaded her thoughts?
Catherine lightly elbowed Bella while staring straight ahead at the priest. Bella turned around to find Eleanor watching her every fidget. With great effort, she managed to sit forward for the remainder of the service.
Catherine prayed diligently, and
Bella wondered what for as she added prayers to hers.
After the service, Raoul found the empress and handed her a missive on paper with the now familiar royal embossment. He didn’t spare Bella a glance.
“Raoul,” Empress Irene asked, “have you met the ladies of the Queen’s Guard?”
“Yes.” He dipped his head in Bella and Catherine’s direction but didn’t meet Bella’s eyes.
She pressed her fingertips together, her face outwardly calm as she hid her apprehension. Was there a problem with them spending the afternoon at the market? Or had he grown tired of her already?
Empress Irene’s brow arched, and Bella realized the empress was not as charmed at Raoul’s forthrightness as the emperor seemed to be.
Queen Eleanor trilled a seductive laugh. “Now, Raoul, do not be so shy.” She turned to the empress. “He’s been quite charming and squired the Lady Isabella around the bazaar yesterday.”
Raoul’s eyes narrowed imperceptibly.
Empress Irene tilted her head, folding her hands in front of her waist as she studied Raoul. “And how are you supposed to take care of Manuel’s personal affairs if you are shopping for trinkets with the ladies?” The empress laughed, inviting them all to laugh too, but Bella could tell she wasn’t amused.
Stiff-shouldered, Raoul bowed. “I am here on the emperor’s behalf this morning.”
Empress Irene’s smile seemed strained as she caught the queen’s gaze. “Manuel said he had much to discuss with God today and wanted his private chapel for morning prayers. He has many responsibilities that have been put aside so he could assist your Crusade.” Empress Irene bobbed her head, reminding Bella of a purple-breasted robin.
Eleanor’s expression didn’t change, but Bella noted the queen’s pinky twitching, which showed she felt the empress’s statement was a jab at the company keeping him away from state business.
Bella opened her mouth to speak before the queen shared her opinion, but Raoul cleared his throat, drawing the attention toward him.
