by Amelia Brown
Titus bowed as Luveday curtsied a step behind hind him, after all, it was not she everyone was here to see. Before the man could say a proper greeting, the King was holding him at arm’s length. “By all that is holy, it is you, Titus.” The King seemed flabbergasted. “I have had word, even fresh from St. James’s lips, but I couldn’t credit it.” Edward stepped back and returned to the dais but didn’t take his seat. “And you remember nothing, not even your King.”
A pained look crossed Titus’s face for a moment before he answered. “I am remembering bits and piece my liege, but they are little more than flashes of the past.” He turned to Luveday and held out a hand. She took it reflexively. “The Lady Luveday things that there is a possibility they may return in time, but no one knows for sure, least of all me.” She let go of his hand after a reassuring squeeze.
The King smiled kindly at the lady, a smile that was echoed by his wife. “Lady Luveday has been invaluable to this court though she once hailed from foreign lands.” There was a mumble through the crowd which caused her to look around. She spotted Benedict, and he heart almost stopped to see the man beside him.
Iain stood tall and as handsome as ever in the hunter green tunic she had made for him. His face was expressionless, though there was a hardness around his eyes she did remember seeing before. Was that expression pointed at her or did it have something to do with the fact that she stood beside another man? She forced her attention back to the dais, but the cause of her distraction was noted by many.
“We will, of course, return your lands and title to you in full and wave the taxes that your lady wife owed and will give you a three-year grace period, diminishing your taxes by half so that you may get your house in order.” The King spoke as if these gifts were nothing out of the ordinary but many marveled at the generosity of the crown. Titus and Luveday were both astonished, but Titus’s gratitude was waved away as the King returned to his throne.
“The legitimacy of your heir is assured, and by all accounts, Lady Luveday has taken great care with the handling of your household.” Queen Augusta remarked as the King nodded in agreement while exchanging a look with his wife. Luveday didn’t know where this train of thought was going, but she noticed the King look pointedly over her high shoulder, to the approximate stop where De Lane stood. “If she is willing to continue in this role as you settle into your seat, Pillar, then we are happy to let you return to Briar’s Gate in a few days with our blessing.”
All eyes turned to Luveday, who sighed internally, while she tired for a graceful smile. “I would be my pleasure, Your Majesty.” What else could she say? Luveday thought the nod the Queen gave her was telling but didn’t dare voice the questions she had. She prayed a private word with the monarchs was somewhere in the near future, though she feared the meeting would not go to her liking.
“We look forward to seeing you prosper,” The King spoke to them as a couple, which made both uncomfortable for different reasons, but they were dismissed without another word.
They moved to a place near the back of the room, and the King’s voice rang out across the hall. “As for your summons, De Lane. Let us speak in private and finish the matter of your betrothal to Lady Christabel once and for all.”
Luveday caught the words over the murmur of voices, and her eyes flew to De Lane and St. James. The champion was already approaching the dais and moving on to the private rooms beyond. Benedict locked eyes with her but didn’t come close as a group of noble descended upon her and Lord Pillar. Had it been her imagination of was a look of apology or guilt in her friend’s eyes? What did he have to be sorry for and why was Christabel not referred to as his wife and not his betrothed?
Chapter 21
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height My soul can reach…”
~Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Sonnets from the Portuguese
The next few days at court were longer than any other. Titus was an attraction, though many assured him he had never been this popular at court. Luveday heard bits and pieces about the time the young Lord had saved the King’s life which confirmed the unlikely friendship between the two. While they were given leave to go, the Queen sent word that they were not to depart until she could have a private word. Luveday had thought that audience would be swift, but days had passed, and no summons came.
The topic of Iain De Lane was bantered about, but never openly. Luveday caught tidbits of conversations where she gleaned that Sumerland had somehow run afoul of De Lane and thus, the King.
“What a mess that is!” One woman whispered loudly.
Another tittered. “Can you believe it?”
There was a masculine harrumph as a man joined his wife. “A boon for De Lane no doubt.”
“Sumerland left with his tail between his legs.” A woman giggled under her breath. The sound grated on Luveday’s nerves as she tried to listen in.
The man chastised the women. “What do you expect after he decided to sit out the battle in the north. With his friendship with the other Sterling calling his loyalty into question he was lucky the King didn’t demand more of him.”
Titus returned claiming her attention. “Your goblet, My Lady.” He offered her the acquired beverage and watched her a moment. Luveday realized he was fully aware that she had been eavesdropping and perhaps why she had been so interested or had an inkling why.
“Thank you, Lord Pillar.” There was a tightening around his eyes.
Luveday decided to take pity on him. “Would you like a walk through the garden?” She offered with the idea of getting him out of the line of fire, but he shook his head.
“While I would enjoy few things more, I am told the King will be returning any moment.” No sooner had he spoke when the council heralded the return of the King. For once the Queen was not at his side.
There was a devilish smile on the monarch’s face and many mirrored his expression with anticipation of the news he bore. He did not leave his audience waiting. “It is with great satisfaction that I can announce to you, Ladislaus Sterling was killed in the Hunt to recapture the traitor, but none other than my Champion. The beast has brought to ground!” There was a noise of approval, and finality, though not an outright cheer. “Ladislaus died of wound attained while trying to escape. The bastard tried to burn down Kilgrave Abbey as he fled, but the knights helped to contain the damage and brought back the body.” There was a pause. “We wished to verify the identity of our foe and have removed Sterling and his cousin from the line. Reparations will be made to the crown and the noble for his treachery.” There was movement on the dais. “Lord St. James,” the man stepped forward at the King’s gesture, “Will accompany Lord De Lane to Sterling Castle and deliver the news to Lady Sterling post haste.”
“Godspeed,” rang out across the crowd. Benedict briefly whispered something to the King, before giving a quick bow and cutting across the Hall. Luveday locked eyes with him for a moment; she had been unable to speak to him at all since her arrival. He nodded to indicate something to her, but he was gone just as fast.
Titus was at her side and took her arm. “They are gesturing toward us.” He said close to her eye causing Luveday to tare her gaze from the closed doors to find a royal page beckoning them to the private chambers. They were summoned at last.
Luveday looked on the Queen with utter shock. The woman laughed at the blank expression on the younger woman’s face. “I think we have finally outwitted her, my love.” The King said kindly, but with a hint of humor in his voice.
Titus had felt a few moments ago having outlined their plans to repay the crown, claim his title and guide the prosperity of Briar’s Gate for the near future. He and Luveday had spent a few hours each day outlining what the equivalent of a modern-day business plan for the long-term goals for the house of Pillar. Luveday had even designed a logo they would start using in soap molds and on the perfume labels. The crown was more than impressed, but they dismissed Pillar a
nd asked Luveday to stay with somber expressions.
Their stoic delivery had not prepared her for their words.
“Reparations? How much?” Luveday shook her head.
Both Royals laughed, the Queen got to her feet coming around the table to gently take Luveday’s hands. “Silly woman, you are rich.”
“But…” Luveday began.
The King cut in. “The sum from Sterling’s coffers is only a pittance; we have not even gotten to what we are bestowing yet.” He laughed too.
“Luveday,” Augusta said softly.
Shaking herself out of her bemusement, Luveday hugged the Queen. “Thank you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and I gladly accept.”
“Finally,” The King sighed and sat back in his chair as his Queen joined him.
“I am not sure I deserve…” But Luveday was cut off as the Queen looked back at her.
“Dear Lady, do you not know we would have given you so much more…”
“If we thought you would except it.” The King harrumphed good-naturedly.
“You are worth so much more to us.” At August’s words, Luveday felt tears gathering in her eyes and had to hurriedly blink them away while nodding quickly.
“Now,” The King grew serious again, and Luveday composed herself to listen attentively. “Beyond the reparations due you, we have debated it, and we both believe that a portion of land is a suitable gift. As you are unwilling to take something entitled, we have settled on one of the properties that was returned to us with the last of their line. The last of the family is without issue, and too old to bare any heirs.” Luveday settled her arguments. “The land is too the north, but not unworked.” He looked to his Queen who continued.
“There is a manor house, though I heard it is in much disrepair. There is a good-sized wood so that lumber will not be an issue, and I am told there is also some stone available if you wish to use your funds on the manor.”
“We don’t believe that the task would be any hardship for you.” The King smirked at her.
Luveday nodded, “Oh, no, your Majesties. I should do well.”
“As for your safety,” The Queen looked to Luveday and back again.
“Ah, yes. A lady needs knights…” The King looked thoughtful, but there was a gleam in his eyes.
“Is there no household for the manor?” Luveday asked.
Augusta looked sorrowful, “not any longer.”
The King seemed to have made some internal decision as he rose from his chair causing both women to look at him curiously. “We will summon you again when the writ is complete.” Augusta rose a moment later. “And will bestow upon you lands and gifts before you leave.”
Luveday rose, bowed and made the appropriate gestures before exiting though her mind was still spinning.
She wondered in thought, not knowing exactly where she was going until Titus stopped her a moment before she exited through the door to the gardens.
Grabbing her elbow, he turned her back toward him, clearly anxious. “Lady Luveday.” She got the feeling he had been calling her for some time. “Lady, what did the King have to say to you?”
Looking up into a rugged yet handsome face, Luveday noted that his hazel eyes were more golden than green when he was troubled. “I’m rich.” She whispered in awe.
“I beg your pardon?” Titus stepped to let a lady and knight pass into the garden, but he was talking to her.
Luveday wondered if the shock on her face matched his own. “The King is including me in the reparations from Sterling’s coffers.” She caught his muttered under his breath, “As he well should,” but continued. “They are also making a writ for land somewhere in the north.”
Titus looked pained. “A dowry.” He stated flatly.
Something cold raced down her spine at the thought. “I do not believe that is its purpose.” She stated coolly trying to ignore her growing doubt. “They have not mentioned marriage, and am I not too old?”
“Hardly,” he said as if the idea of her being too old was laughable. “Do not think they will not meddle in your life just because you are a favorite, in fact, it makes you more of a target.” She swallowed loudly. “Wealthy, young, kind, intelligent, resourceful and beautiful,” her head snapped up to look at him wide-eyed at the deep timber in his voice. “What man wouldn’t want you.” It was a rhetorical question, but Luveday could now identify the mysterious emotion she had seen in his eyes of late. It was longing, and not for what he had lost, but for her. Before she could make some reply, a man called Pillar’s name shattering the tension of the moment as they both turned to greet Lord Greyson Stern and Father Julian.
“I hear some congratulations are in order, for the both of you.” The two newcomers looked from one to the other. Luveday’s stomach flipped, suddenly wondering if they meant there was some rumor about her marrying Titus. Pillar said something but Luveday couldn’t hear over the pounding of her heart in her ears. Something slammed into and wrapped around her waist. It was Artair, whose small body had filled out a bit thanks to several months of good eating. He beamed up at her and began to drag her into the gardens, not taking no as an answer. The Princes were waiting just beyond, and Luveday couldn’t help the laughter that spilled from her dispelling the panic.
She was unaware that the men talked and watched her intently. Lord Greyson had not meant marriage, but he knew that the crown had plans for the little healer. Father Julian looked on her curiously, having only met one other woman with such kindness, intelligence and fortitude, and knowing that the other now graced the throne, he wondered what future this one might grasp, if she were bold enough. Titus looked on feeling more for woman and boy than he had ever imagined possible and wondering at the feeling of lose that gripped his heart. Was it the foreshadowing of something or the echo of memories trying to make themselves known?
A cheer went up from the crowd. “And it is with great pleasure that I bestow upon Lady Luveday this writ which marks that the lands and monies thereof will henceforth belong to her solely.” Luveday excepted the rolled parchment while wearing a light blue gown of soft velvet that the Queen had gifted her for the occasion. “May she go with our gratitude and blessing.” There was a short pause while he looked over the crowd. “And now,” the audience held their breath, “Let us eat and celebrate!”
The Queen descended the steps taking Luveday’s arm as they swept across the throne room and made their way to the dining hall. “You did well.” Augusta patted her hand and escorted her to her seat while the other guests lined up behind their chairs waiting for the Royals to take their places before doing the same.
Lord Grayson Stern was seated beside her and Luveday was happy to finally meet his wife, while Lord Frazier seated himself on her right. The familiar face but her at ease. Titus was seated across from her, but either of the two women at his elbows, constantly engaged his attention. He seemed to be enjoying himself, though the smiles he flashed at her were a touch mocking.
Luveday barely caught the comment Stern made and looked to the subject in question. Father Julian sat at the left hand of the Queen. “I didn’t know they were so well acquainted,” Luveday commented to no one in particular.
“Why girl,” Frazier laughed, “Father Julian is an old friend of both the King and Queen. Christened their children, rather than that disgrace of an Archbishop.” The gruff laugh made Luveday smile.
Lady Stern leaned around her husband and nodded. “He’s older than he looks but had known the crown since he was a lad. From a noble family that one, though some think he might be related in truth, a distant cousin of some such.” The lady imparted the information in a soft yet matter of fact way which made Luveday think that the soft little lady was well suited for such a large man.
Stern added, “If anyone could be said to have made a business out of the church it is Julian.” Luveday looked puzzled, but before she could voice her questions, he elaborated. “Not riches, Lady, but the influence he wields is great. He is seldom in one
place for long.”
“Why is that?” She asked.
Frazier took up the conversation causing her to turn toward him. “The good Father is sent to take care of whatever is troubling the powers that be.” He commented snidely.
“What?” She asked as Stern grunted under his breath. The sound was somewhere between an agreement and a snort.
“He means that Father Julian used to settle the disputes and other delicate business of the Archbishop.”
“And to keep him out of old Ironfist’s sight.” Frazier laughed.
“Ironfist?” Luveday asked while Lady Stern laughed softly.
The lady nodded. “The nickname most popular for the Archbishop. Mostly for his immovable views.”
Her husband clarified. “And the fact that he has a habit of hammering the tables when he disagrees with someone, though he isn’t in council often. Usually, Father Julian fills that role when needed.”
Luveday sat back in her chair while nodding her understanding as wheels turned in her head. “So, he is rather powerful then…” She thought aloud. “Then why was he sent for Pillar?”
“That’s not a surprise, Lass.” Frazier took a sip of his wine and turned to her. “The return of a lost Lord, coming back from the dead is definitely something they would have sent him to look into.”
“And the fact that Titus was a favorite of the King.” She put the pieces together.
