The Lost Lady

by Amelia Brown

  Coll waited at the top of the stairs to open the door for her but didn’t follow her in. The sound of the thick wood door closing behind her wasn’t surprising; it was almost welcomed as it hushed the noise of the hall to a quiet roar. The inner door was cracked open, light flooded the room beyond, but not from the window in the solar, this was firelight, not the cheerful sun outside. Large candles burned around the room lending an intimacy to the space that seemed to block out the outside world.

  Pausing on the other side of the threshold, a single step inside the room, Luveday looked at the alcove that housed the window and wondered why the shutters were closed. Movement to her right caused her to turn toward the fireplace. Iain stood leaning his shoulder against the massive mantle. He wore a pair of dun-colored leggings, no shirt or boots.

  In her confusion, she blurted out the obvious. “You are not dressed?” It was a statement and a question.

  He glanced at the bed, and her eyes were drawn there as well. The canopied monstrosity was neatly made as it was every day, but atop it were two piles of garments, one hanging off each side of the bed. The outfit on the right was the same blue he had worn a week ago that complimented her own gown very well. The other pile was burgundy velvet that matched Lord Sumerland and, she suspected, Lady Christabel’s wedding attire. So here was the dilemma, which to choose. Luveday nearly laughed at the blunt symbol of their current predicament.

  “You should have been dressed an hour ago.” Luckily, Christabel was still primping in her room, or they would have been waiting on a reluctant groom. Moving to the left side of the bed, Luveday began looking over the garments and readying them to ware. Iain spun her around, ripping the tunic from her grasp and throwing it back onto the bed.

  “Tell me you’ll stay with me.” He grabbed her, smoothing his hands over her shoulders, feeling the velvet that covered them with pleasure. “If you are beside me I can walk out there. I can do this.”

  And there was Luveday’s fortitude, her spine straightened because she had realized two very important things over the last week watching Elysant and Gregori in wedded bliss. First, that she loved Iain beyond distraction which she knew would eventually cause her demise. If she stayed with him, she would give in, if only to have him to herself for one night, one moment and once tied to him, it would be almost impossible to break free. She had no doubt that if the sorrow didn’t somehow kill her, she would end up being a hard and bitter woman. Her second realization had come on the heels of that hard truth. Though many women had repeated the words like a mantra, few believed them. Only now did she understand and believe. She was worth more than this. She was worth being someone’s first choice, not settling for what Iain was able to give her, even if it was his heart and his love. She wanted respect, she wanted equality, and if she stayed to be his mistress, his leman, and lover she would have a semblance of those things, but they would not be hers in truth. The respect and honor would be his wife’s, Lady Christabel. All the love and lust between them could not dull that sting.

  “I will walk out beside you.” She heard herself say, but she knew the truth. She could never follow him in the way he wanted.

  “Luveday.” His breath mingled with hers as he leaned in to kiss her long and hard. Luveday took it as the last they would ever share, while Iain took it as a sign of her capitulation to him. “You are mine, remember that. You swore to stay by my side before we went north, and you will stay now.” It was a command, not a request.

  Luveday looked at him, memorizing his face, and turned to hand him the burgundy garment. She helped him dress, picked the jewels he would wear on his hands and around his neck. Bedecked in the finest court attire, more handsome than any man she had ever seen, she followed him out of the room. Their hands brushed at the top of the stairs as every eye gazed up at them. Descending the stairs, Luveday was a step behind and still shorter than him; she took advantage and hid a bit behind his shoulders.

  De Lane was swallowed by the mass of well-wishers. Luveday stayed by his side despite the looks of censor around her. Lord Sumerland had taken her aside that morning for a talk she knew was coming. Luckily, the encounter didn’t last nearly as long as she had imagined. “It is too late, not that you could have stopped this, girl.” The hand that was clamped around her upper arm closed like a vice causing Luveday to clench her teeth against the pain. “My Christabel was made to be his match, and with the power of the King’s Champion our future is assured.” She had never had any illusions about this match; it had always been about what Sumerland needed. The scheming man had taken advantage of De Lane, of that she was sure. “Tread carefully, now. Once my daughter is mistress here a word will send you out into the cold.” He jerked her forward as a sickened look of appraisal entered his eyes. He looked her over like he might a piece of horseflesh. “If you weren’t so small and manipulative I’d offer to keep you in town for myself.” He looked at her chest with some approval. “Too bad I have enough trouble with these women already.” Luveday almost kicked him, refusing to lose the contents of her stomach on his shoes. “Heed my warning girl, the world beyond these walls is cold and hard, and a lady with no fortune, no matter her station, is little more than a whore. This world is ruled by men, if you want to survive, learn to play our games.” He had let her go and fled back to the hall where Lord Benedict came upon her.

  It took some time for her to ease his concern, and still, Benedict kept a wary eye on her throughout the day.

  As bride and groom joined hands to lead the procession to the steps of the chapel Luveday hung back. Iain had caught a glimpse of her as the exodus through the doors began, but the nobility of higher rank muscled their way between them. Luveday took that opportunity to fall behind. Emmalyn appeared at the end of the line as the masses gathered before the great doors to hear the priest and the vows. The village and other guests crowded the area, some stood high on the walls or any place they thought might afford a view. Fortunately, a small path out of the castle gate remained clear.

  Tears filled Luveday’s eyes as the woman handed over a bundle. “Here you go child, for the journey.” She accepted the gift, not knowing its contents and hugged her friend and mentor quickly.

  Elli appeared between them, a look of concern and grief in her eyes. “You are leaving?” The girl shook her head and hugged her friend so fiercely that Luveday wondered if she would ever let her go.

  “I must,” was all she could get past the lump in her throat.

  Wide, watery eyes turned up to hers. “I know.” Elli stepped back as Emmalyn pulled her aside, not wanting someone in the crowd to take an interest in their exchange. “I will miss you.” Wiping her eyes to hold back the tears, the girl raced toward the crowd in search of her husband, in search of comfort.

  “We will meet again, Luveday.” The lady took her hand and squeezed it. “I am sure of it.” Luveday gave her another quick hug and looked to find Benedict at the back of the crowd looking expectantly in her direction. “May you have a safe journey and be blessed.”

  Luveday stepped away, half turning back she looked at Lady Emmalyn framed by the massive doors. “Thank you, for everything. Blessings on you and all of Lander’s Keep.” It felt like she ran to Benedict’s side, but in truth, they walked casually through the gate with no one taking any notice. Father Quinn had begun to speak, but though neither stopped to listen, Luveday felt that his words were not the same heartfelt vows that he had uttered only a week ago.

  As they found their horses on the other side of the village, Luveday thought about how lovely a day it was. Her belongings were already tied behind her side-saddle, her cloak rested against the pommel in case a wind should arise. She looked to Benedict who mounted after helping her to do the same. The four men that accompanied them looked disappointed to be missing the festivities, but Benedict had commanded them, and like the good men that they were, they would obey.

  The castle sat on a slight rise, looking warm and content in the spring sunshine. It looked much the same as i
t did a year ago when she had first arrived. One year, five days was all it had been, and yet her time there had felt like a lifetime.

  Benedict called to her, and she flicked the reins and pressed her heeled boot into the horse’s side. The journey had begun, as all did, with a single step. This time the unknown that awaited her was not so terrifying. She was a different person than the mousy young woman who had been thrown into this new world. Luveday had changed, learned new skills and gained a quiet confidence. She had a friend beside her and hopes for the future. As every step took her farther away from what she had known, she consoled her broken heart with the knowledge that she had been true to herself and that with time and distance this pain would fade.

  As the small band of travelers entered the wood, a rider, running at full gallop came up the road. The horse slowed as the harried man on its back spotted them.

  The rider looked as if he had journeyed hard and long. “Please, I pray you. Is Lander’s Keep far? Is the Champion’s wedding this day? Have I missed the speaking of the vows?”

  Benedict spared Luveday a glance before leaning forward in his saddle to answer. “Aye, Friend, you are almost there. If you make haste, you might get there before they finish the vows.” But before the lordling could wish the rider luck, the man kicked his mount and galloped past as if all the hounds of hell pursued him.

  “He didn’t want to miss the feast.” One of their companions laughed, but his lord speared him with a disapproving look.

  “Shall we continue My Lady?” Benedict asked Luveday was not sure if he referred to their brief stop or to the journey as a whole. She had made it clear that there was no other option for her.

  “Of course, My Lord; we have only just begun.” Tapping her mount, they were off again.

  Part Two

  Anora

  Chapter 15

  “Will that light come again, As now these tears come…falling hot and real!”

  ~ Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Sonnets from the Portuguese

  Lady Jane St. James steered Luveday by the elbow as they quickened their pace down the hall. Both women were nervous, and as a result, they spoke not a word and looked neither left nor right as they followed the servant. Their demeanor was severe, and their backs ramrod straight as they were escorted to the King’s personal chambers.

  Luveday thanked God for the lifeline that Benedict’s mother provided. She had come to see how she and Lady Emmalyn were such dear friends. She was not sure how she would have managed the separation without her, and especially not this royal summons.

  The day the letter arrived was still fresh in her memory. Luveday had arrived several weeks earlier at Lion’s Head castle bone tired and miserable from the long and wet journey, though truth be told, her tremulous emotions had more to do with what she had left behind than what lay before her. Benedict’s mother had taken one look at her and seemed to get the gist of the matter and had tactfully stayed clear of any talk of Lander’s Keep. As the two women became accustomed to each other, their friendship seemed to blossom almost overnight; no doubt helped along by the fact that the young woman had saved her only son’s life. Luveday was told to stay as long as she liked, forever even, if that was her wish. She took up the task of being Jane’s companion and helped out where she could, though there was a lot less for her to do here than she was used to. Lander’s Keep had been short-handed from the start; something Luveday had never fully realized until she saw what a well-oiled machine Lion’s Head castle turned out to be. So Luveday spent most of her time sewing and weaving, while Jane indulged her wish to continue to learn the healing arts. Though Lady Emmalyn had told her life-long friend of Luveday’s skills, Luveday got the feeling that Jane thought it more a useful hobby than something the young woman would ever excel at. Luveday was just happy to continue learning and was careful not to overstep her bounds and lose this newfound generosity.

  The Lady’s solar was the spot of choice for both women. Full of light, fresh air, and laughter, the tower room was the first place anyone would look for them. That day started out as ordinary as the dozen before it. Luveday sat on a settee in a place she had begun to think of as her own. A young serving woman sat beside her darning a torn hem while Luveday embroidered exotic flowers on a pillow cover. The rush of footsteps up the stair was not uncommon, and so the ladies felt no sense of urgency until the young man burst through the door waving a missive, the giant red seal blinking at them with the rapid movement. “Lady Jane a message from the King.” The boy was winded and staggered a little before handing over the letter. Luveday tried but failed to remember his name. After nearly a month in the castle, she still saw new faces almost every day.

  “’Tis addressed to you, Lady Luveday.” Jane handed over the letter with some surprise. More footsteps were heard as Benedict appeared in the doorway looking magnificent and golden in the early morning sun. The young woman beside her, Lily, was a seamstress, and personal woman for Lady Jane having taken over the position from her mother. The girl sighed as many of the young women did when they saw the heir to the castle. As Lily had said, “What’s the harm in looking? Beauty eases the heart in all its forms. No need to worry about him turning my head, I have as much chance of catching his eye as a bee is to find a flower in winter. You on the other hand lady…” Luveday almost laughed again at the thought, momentarily distracted by the man despite herself.

  “There was a messenger from the King below. What news?” He looked to his mother who nodded towards the girl.

  “The letter is for Luveday.” All eyes turned to her, while she looked at the piece of parchment as if she had never seen one before.

  “Well, Luve?” The Knight prompted, startling her by using her new nickname.

  Nodding, she removed the seal and read the sharp lines written there. After someone cleared their throat for the second time, she got the hint and started over, this time reading the letter aloud.

  “His Majesty, King Edward the Third of Anora requests Lady Luveday, previously of Lander’s Keep, be presented to his royal person at the seat of Kingstown at the Lady’s earliest opportunity. The King wishes to discuss personal matters of great importance. Godspeed, Edward the Third, King of Anora and Lion of the North Isles.”

  Jane huffed. “Is there nothing more?” Luveday shook her head and handed over the letter at a loss for words.

  Benedict looked at his friend with some concern. “What could the King want with her?” He addressed his mother as Luveday still seemed to be in a daze.

  “I have no notion, my dear.” She looked at Luveday with a calculating eye. Her embroidery hoop landed in her chair with some force as Jane rose to her feet. “But I mean to find out.” Orders were issued to several people who waited anxiously beyond the solar door. “Begin packing immediately. The best gowns, provisions for four, no, for a week and the new items for Luveday.”

  Not trying to be ungrateful; still, Luveday protested. “Jane, I told you I don’t need…”

  “Hush now, we are going to court.” She said as if that statement alone was an explanation. “They will eat you alive dressed like that girl; we must prepare.” She turned to her son and patted him on the chest. “Benedict…” but she didn’t have to finish, for mother and son were on the same page.

  “I’ll be ready to leave within the hour.” He looked at Luveday as she smiled bemusedly at them both. “And if the messenger is still below I’ll see what news I can get from him.”

  His mother winked at him. “Good boy.” She turned to Luveday. “As for you…”

  Luveday shook herself and rose to her feet as a storm of servants seems to be sprung into motion like a hive of agitated bees. “Isn’t this a little soon? The letter said…”

  “I know what the letter said, Luveday.” Jane calm demeanor gave way as she bent and shoved the mass of tread and embroidery into its basket beside her chair. “At one’s earliest opportunity is just the royal way of saying as quickly as possible. They never want to seem rushed about such thi
ngs but mark my words; there is no time to delay.”

  Having no experience with court matters Luveday deferred to Jane’s wisdom and got her butt into high gear. Within the hour they were in the traveling coach, fully provisioned and starting the three-day journey to Kingstown. Luveday tried to calm her nerves as her worse fears began to come true. She was a fraud, an unwitting charlatan waiting for the one faux pas that would bring her failings to light. She was going to the one place where she would be under constant scrutiny, where the threat of exposure was the greatest; she was going to court.

  The door was held open for them, and a deep voice announced, “Lady St. James of Lion’s Head, and Lady Luveday of Lander’s Keep.” Both ladies entered the room and bowed as gracefully as any in the royal court still clinging to each other. Luveday’s eyes rose from the floor to find not only the familiar face of the King but that Queen Augusta sat across from him. The simple table and chairs belied the gilded grandeur of the throne room they had passed through several moments ago. This room spoke of comfort, familiarity, and a closeness that the previous rooms had not. Red drapes matched the velvet of the Queen’s gown, while the King wore a deep blue. Both royals had gold trim and trappings that clearly marked their superior station, but the gilt was a tasteful accent rather than a show of prestige.

  “Please sit, ladies.” The Queen was the first to usher them in, and her kind smile was enough to ease Luveday a little. The women sat, and all eyes turned to King Edward who sat in deep thought. “My dear?” His wife prompted.

  The King seemed to shake off some dark thought to address the women, but his eyes settled on Luveday with a calculating gaze. “I am sorry to have made you travel in such weather; the roads are still wet with the spring rains. I had hoped…”