Once Upon A Time (Historical Romance)

by Constance O'Banyon

  Ruyen was stunned by her beauty. Never had he seen such a perfect face, not even his Katharine could compare with her. He wondered how she could dress in scarlet and still appear so young and innocent.

  "Shall we go?" he asked, offering her his arm.

  Jilliana stared at him for a long moment. With his broad chest and wide shoulders, she found him extremely handsome. She had already seen his prominent dark eyes become piercing or flash like fire when he was angered. He was such a powerful presence that even as a prisoner he seemed in command of the situation. His gaze drew and held hers, and she wondered what he was thinking.

  After a moment, she placed the tips of her fingers on his sleeve. "I like not the thought of dining at Henry Plantagenet's table. But, if we are to gain our freedom, we will have to allow him to play the bountiful host. By now he has probably convinced himself and others that the entire situation was his own idea."

  Ruyen glanced down into clear blue eyes. "Do you know him so well?"

  "I know him but little, but I know much of him. We shall attend his banquet so he can show his subjects how generous he is to his enemies."

  "You will forgive me if I do not so readily accept that he is your enemy. I am still not convinced that you are not in league with that devil."

  She lowered her silken lashes. "Your opinion of me matters but little. I have helped you and I will soon ask help of you. Beyond that, we are nothing to each other."

  "What can I give you that you do not already have?"

  "I will tell you when the time is right. We must not keep our host waiting."

  The banquet hall was crowded with nobles and their ladies. Long trestle tables were covered with white linen cloths, and magnificent tapestries hung on the wall. Everyone seemed to be talking at once, all speculating on the young queen and her husband, the Golden Falcon.

  When Jilliana and Ruyen entered the room a hush fell over the hall. A servant bowed before them and led them to the high table, where the king waited.

  "Welcome, welcome, my little lovebirds," Henry said, boisterously. "At last you are tied to one another. Come Queen Jilliana, sit to my right—you, Prince Ruyen, on my left. Eat, laugh, be joyful. This is your wedding feast."

  The moment they were seated, meats and other delicacies were brought to the table. There was a continual progression of turnovers filled with chicken, cheese, and eggs. Courses of fowl, duck, geese, peacock, basted roasts of pork, mullet, sole, and lobster were offered to first the king's table and then the lower tables. Later, there followed plump figs, candied fruits, and tarts smothered with almonds and powdered cinnamon.

  Ruyen insolently studied the people in the room, his eyes showing his dislike for them. Jilliana took a bite of succulent fowl, but found that she could not swallow. If only Eleanor were here to help her get through this evening. All she could think about was that Henry was responsible for her mother's death.

  "Tell me, Jilliana—you do not mind if I call you Jilliana, do you—how do you like London?"

  She raised her eyes to his. "Tell me, Henry—you do not mind if I call you Henry do you—how do you like Talshamar?"

  For a moment, his mouth came together in a severe line. "I have not had the pleasure of visiting your country. It seemed that after your mother ... died, His Holiness became the administrator, and I was ordered to stay away. I hope you will change that order, Jilliana, and we can be friends."

  She lowered her eyes so he would not see the hatred reflected there. "I do not think that Talshamar would be good for your health, Henry. Imagine how devastated I would be if you visited my country and something untoward befell you."

  Ruyen almost choked on his wine. She had the kind of courage he admired, he admitted to himself grudgingly.

  Henry moved toward Jilliana menacingly, and Ruyen automatically reached for the sword that usually hung at his side.

  Unperturbed, Jilliana smiled and raised her gaze to Henry. "The food is delicious," she said, taking a dainty bite from a fig, thus reminding Henry that their actions were being watched by the whole court.

  "I am glad you show no fear of me—I would never harm you," Henry said.

  "Nay, of that I am certain. It would not fit your plan for me to meet with an ... untimely death."

  He had a satisfied look on his face. "We shall keep you here so you will be safe until you give forth a son or daughter."

  Now her eyes gleamed with a dangerous light. "I can assure you that if you keep me prisoner, I shall never have a child."

  "But did you not tell me that you were already with child?"

  She shrugged. "I spoke untrue."

  Ruyen wondered if she knew what she was doing.

  Henry nodded, not in the least perturbed. "I know. I knew it at the time, but it suited me to agree to this marriage. You will remain with us for a time, and we shall make you happy and see that you want for nothing. And of course, you shall have your husband to keep you company."

  Jilliana came to her feet. "I will not remain in England, and you cannot force me to. I would remind you that I am under the protection of the Holy Father. How many times have you been excommunicated, Henry?"

  He slammed his fist against the table, spilling a wine glass and jumping to his feet. "Your lips are moving, but I hear Eleanor's words."

  "Then hear this, Henry Plantagenet, you cannot prevent me from returning to Talshamar."

  They were standing, glaring at each other, while Ruyen remained seated. He saw no reason to interfere. Jilliana was handling Henry very well on her own and did not need his help. As for himself, he was starting to enjoy the banquet.

  "Be reasonable, Jilliana," Henry said in exasperation. "You know the stipulations of your mother's bequest. I cannot allow you to return to Talshamar without an heir."

  "And I will produce no heir while on English soil."

  Suddenly Henry shook with laughter, surprising everyone—he loved a good fight. "Damn me if you are not magnificent! Half the world trembles when I speak, and you, a mere slip of a woman, dare dictate to me in my own realm."

  "I will have my freedom," she insisted.

  "So you shall. But it will not be in Talshamar. I will allow you to go to the Isle of Falcon Bruine with your husband. There you will remain until you give birth."

  Jilliana's eyes flew to Ruyen. "But, I had not thought that...”

  Ruyen came quickly to his feet and took her arm, pulling her against him. "That will be satisfactory," he said, seeing his one chance of escape from England. "I will take my wife, and we shall leave for Falcon Bruine."

  Henry now turned his eyes to the prince. "In due time you shall, but I have taken precautions that will ensure you will cause us no more trouble. I have made your mother regent. Queen Melesant will make certain that you remain ... shall we say, loyal to her English friends."

  This was not what Jilliana had wanted. She could feel Ruyen stiffen beside her, and knew that he was angry also.

  Ruyen felt rage boil up within him. His mother had always wanted to rule Falcon Bruine, and now Henry had placed it within her grasp. What he had feared was true— she had betrayed him to Henry Plantagenet! He would confront his mother when he reached home. Now, he just wanted to be free of England.

  "I want to leave immediately—tomorrow," Ruyen said grimly.

  "Not so soon as that," Henry said, playing to the audience that was watching and eagerly hanging on each word. "I am certain that your sister will not be able to travel for a while." He called to those at the lower table. "Ladies of the court, it is time for you to escort Queen Jilliana to her marriage bed. Her husband will remain with us until you have made her ready, then we shall join you."

  There was ribald laughter as several ladies rushed forward, taking Jilliana's hand and pulling her toward the door. She wanted to protest, and she looked to Ruyen for help, but he only stared after her with a bewildered look on his face.

  Jilliana had expected to be taken back to the chambers she had occupied earlier in the day, but she was
led in a different direction. The women giggled and made lewd remarks about her wedding night. She was too stunned to react and too proud to object.

  "Your Majesty," one of the women said enviously. "I have heard much about the prowess of the Golden Falcon. Would that I were the one to clip those wings."

  "He's magnificent!" another said. "Those dark eyes pierce right through you. When he looked at me, I thought I would faint."

  "Do not bother Her Majesty with your foolish chatter," an older woman scolded. "I am Lady Wentworth," she told Jilliana. "Pay no heed to these foolish magpies."

  Jilliana did not answer, for they had reached their destination. The bedchamber was grandly furnished in white and golds—the royal colors of Talshamar. Jilliana wondered if it had been decorated for her benefit. It was just the sort of thing Henry would do to lull her into trusting him.

  Jilliana saw that her trunk had been placed against a wall and her own nightclothes had been spread on the bed. Before she could protest, she was undressed and her nightgown pulled over her head. Her hair was unbound and fell like a black curtain to her waist. Someone brushed it, while another hurriedly pulled the covers aside.

  A feeling of anxiety was growing in the pit of Jilliana's stomach, for she knew what was to come. She had heard of the bedding ceremony. She was thankful that her white nightgown fit high on her neck and the ruffles fell to her wrists.

  Lady Wentworth urged her to climbed into bed while the others smiled at her. "You are a beautiful bride. I have heard it said that all the queens of Talshamar are beautiful. Seeing you, I believe that."

  Jilliana could not even respond to Lady Wentworth's kindness. Her throat seemed to have closed off and she could only lean against the pillows, clutching the covers to her chin.

  "I know what you are feeling, Your Majesty, but there is nothing to worry about."

  "I will gladly take her place—"

  "Kitty!" Lady Wentworth scolded.

  At that moment, the door was thrust open and several gentlemen entered with King Henry at the lead. His eyes were wide with admiration as they rested on Jilliana. He laughed jovially as he clapped Ruyen on the back.

  "Ah, that I was younger and could have such a beauty waiting in bed for me." Henry turned to the others. "Let us leave the newlyweds, they do not need our instructions."

  Everyone followed Henry out the door, and Jilliana could hear the laughter fading as they moved down the corridor.

  She raised her eyes to Ruyen, who was studying her with intensity. So, her hair was black; he would never have guessed with her light coloring. He had seen many beautiful women, but none that could match her. She was so delicate, so lovely, that he felt a tightening in his loins.

  He sat in a chair and leaned back, studying the pink tinge to her cheeks. "What do we do now?" he asked.

  "I . . . told you that I would ask something of you when the time came."

  "So you did. But perhaps you should tell me what it is, so there will be no mistake."

  "I want—I need—an heir." He did not move, or bat a lash, so she thought he might not have heard her. She repeated her words, this time in a louder voice. "I need an heir."

  Mesmerized, she watched his long sinewy fingers run down the arm of the chair.

  "Before we discuss that, perhaps it is time that you explained some things to me. Who sent you here and why?"

  She grabbed her long hair and flung it over her shoulder. "I do not know you, and thus far you have done nothing to inspire my trust. Why should I tell you anything?"

  "How do I know that I can trust you?" Ruyen asked. "What if everything you have done thus far has been for show and you are Henry's ally."

  "If you know anything about Talshamarian history, you know Henry was responsible for my mother's death. Why would I owe any allegiance to him?"

  "Yes, I do know that. Who sent you to Henry on this particular day?"

  "Someone who wishes you well."

  "I know of only one such person in England, and that is Richard."

  "It was not Richard, it was Queen Eleanor."

  Ruyen's eyes narrowed and his jaw clenched tightly. "The royal whore! Why would she want to help me?"

  10

  Jilliana came to her knees, her dark hair swirling out about her, her eyes flashing turbulently.

  "How dare you speak so of Eleanor! She has saved your life and that of your sister. 1 will hear nothing bad about her. Say that you are sorry."

  Flickering candles cast rings of light upon her stark white gown and Ruyen thought that she looked like an avenging angel.

  "Calm yourself, Madame, and tell me what Eleanor has done for you that you should be her champion?"

  "She has done everything for me. She kept me safe from the time I was two years old until I came here to London. She sent me to help you and told me what to say that I might save your life. I am sorry now that I did."

  He was thoughtful for a moment. "Then what you told Henry was to save me."

  "Of course it was."

  "Eleanor must really hate him. Perhaps I misjudged her, but why should she care if I live or die?"

  "You attempted to help Richard, and for that she was grateful. Too many people misjudge Eleanor, but that is because they do not know her like I do. She is kind and generous. And if she hates Henry, who can blame her since he keeps her prisoner. You hate Henry, do you not?"

  "Oh, yes. You despise him because he had your mother slain—I because ..." His voice trailed off. "I have my reasons and they are my own."

  Jilliana settled back against the pillows. "What do we do now?"

  He removed his leather boots and then stood, unhooking his doublet. "I have had rather a long day. Do I join you in bed?"

  "I.. ." She closed her eyes, feeling terribly shy. "Yes, if you please."

  He laughed, noticing the blush on her cheeks, a phenomenon that he found most attractive. "I have seldom had a more enticing invitation. How can I refuse?"

  "I suppose you know what is to be done?" she asked in all seriousness. "I would like a daughter, since Talshamar has been ruled by a queen for the last two hundred years."

  Ruyen had just removed his short tunic, and he paused to stare at her. "A rather cold approach to lovemaking, is it not? I am not certain that I can perform on command."

  She looked perplexed, and brushed a lock of hair from her forehead. "Then you will have to tell me what to do and I shall do it."

  He sat down on the bed, taking her chin in his hand and looking deeply into her eyes. "My God, woman, how much do you know about lovemaking between a man and a woman?"

  She looked remorseful. "I regret to say I know nothing. The only man at the convent was an occasional priest, and of course, Sir Humphrey."

  "Convent!" he said in amazement.

  "Yes, I lived there until I was sixteen, and then I went to live with Eleanor to complete my education."

  His manner suddenly turned cold. "Did Eleanor tell you that you must have a baby by me?"

  "Of course she did not! She only said that I must claim to be carrying your baby. It was I who realized my need for a child."

  His hand dropped on her shoulder. "For what reason?"

  "I am in danger until I produce an heir to secure the succession in Talshamar."

  "I do not think you have thought this through. Has it occurred to you that if you have my baby, it will be my heir?"

  "If I have a baby, it will be mine," she said indignantly. "You can get your own baby from someone else. Surely there must be some woman who is willing to give you an heir of your own. Did I not hear the women of Henry's court talking about how handsome you are and how they would like to be in my place tonight?"

  His lips eased into a smile. "Now did they? Shall I seek one of them out tonight?"

  Softly, Jilliana touched his hand. "I know what I ask of you is difficult, but you must understand how important it is to me."

  "You heard Henry say that you will be going with me to Falcon Bruine?"

  "Fo
r the moment, I will do as Henry wishes. But when I have my baby, he cannot keep me away from Talshamar."

  "I did not know they made them as innocent as you."

  "You make it sound like an insult."

  "Nay, 'tis not that. But you are so young—too young in many ways. I would feel as if I was making love to a—" He stood up and moved away from her. He reached for his tunic and poked one arm into a sleeve and then another.

  "Nay, Jilliana, I cannot do what you ask."

  Her lips trembled, and she wondered what she had said to drive him away. Perhaps if she were to approach him differently? Jilliana slid off the bed and moved to stand before Ruyen. "Do you not think me pretty?"

  They were standing near the window and it seemed as though the moonlight was trapped in her eyes. "I think you are beautiful."

  "I know I could please you if only you will show me how."

  His eyes dipped down to where the ribbon had come loose at the neck of her gown and the curve of her breasts were visible. He felt heat rising in his body. She could not know what she was doing to him, and maybe it was just as well.

  "You would be well advised not to pursue this further. I have no desire to teach a virgin the art of lovemaking. Get back into bed."

  She would not give up so easily. "Eleanor has always commended me on how quickly I learn. Who can I go to for instruction if not my husband?"

  "I do not consider ours a true marriage."

  "Do you— Are you in love with someone?"

  "Yes."

  She had not expected that admission to cause her pain, but it did. Her heart felt suddenly bruised. "I will take nothing from the woman you love. I only ask this one night of you. Is that too high a price for a man to pay for his life?"

  He suddenly felt very weary. "Madame, there is no guarantee that one night together will result in the begetting of a child."

  "Then you are no good to me. I shall travel to Rome at the first chance I get and petition for an annulment." She was quiet for a moment, then she shivered. "Of course, Henry cannot know that we have not been together tonight. Eleanor fears he might force me to marry John if I were free, and he said as much today."