Lords of the Kingdom

by Le Veque, Kathryn

  A kindred spirit.

  The clash of metal snapped her out of her musing and brought her attention back to the practice field. Tempers seemed to have heated amongst the men and arguments ensued.

  Colin stepped in the middle of two large men and barked orders at them. At first they hesitated but Colin issued the orders again in a tone that warned he would be obeyed or else. The men parted, though tempers remained high.

  The practice continued for a time and the two men who had exchanged heated words kept their distance. It was when the practice session ended that the two men lost control and raged at each other.

  Fists flew, shouts filled the air and chaos reigned.

  Colin stood aside and allowed the men time to settle their dispute.

  Hope sat and watched the skirmish with interest. Even when blood was spilled Colin did not stop the men. And the other men cheered as if they watched a favorite sport.

  She would at one time have been appalled at such a display of aggression. She would have thought it senseless, but having come to understand men, at least in a small way, she could watch with an understanding not afforded to most women.

  She even found herself standing up on the stump and cheering. Not for any opponent in particular but because there was that feeling of victory in the air. And she did not think it mattered if any man won as long as the battle was fought.

  The two large men stumbled over the practice field, blood and sweat flying off them onto the cheering crowd. And the excitement grew as the two men continued on, fists flying.

  Colin stepped forward as if prepared to end the fight when chaos took hold and the two men lost their balance and went tumbling to the ground, rolling over and over as their fists kept flying, blood kept spurting and onlookers kept cheering.

  Hope told herself to move, get out of the way, clear the path, when all of a sudden the two men crashed into the stump, knocking her off her perch and landing her in the middle of the melee.

  Colin was on top of the trio in seconds but not before Hope suffered several blows to her face. He and Stuart tossed the large men off the lad as if they weighed nothing, and when they finally reached Hope their eyes rounded.

  There was blood everywhere. Around Hope’s eyes, running from her nose, dripping from her split lip. And when the two men took notice of the wounded lad, their tempers settled.

  “Is he hurt bad?” one asked.

  The other waited for an answer with wide eyes and a concerned look.

  Hope moaned and spit out the blood that had pooled in her mouth. She let out an angry shout, the action having caused pain to her split lip. She forced her eyes open, though one eye refused to comply and she knew that was the one that had taken the hefty blow.

  Colin peered down at her with worried eyes; at least she thought that what she saw were his eyes, though she was not certain. The blood clouded her vision and she could only see a ghostly image.

  “Harold, can you hear me?” Colin asked.

  His voice was filled with concern. Hope thought she heard it tremble but that could not be. He was a warrior accustomed to battle injuries to himself and to others.

  “Harold!” he said anxiously.

  She cringed. “Stop shouting, I can hear you.”

  “Where does it pain you?” Colin asked, his hands at his sides, afraid to touch the lad.

  “Ask me where it does not hurt me,” she said caustically and heard Colin laugh.

  “I have sent for Lady Faith.”

  “I am fine. I need only cleaning up,” Hope assured him.

  “Sorry, lad,” she heard a deep voice say.

  “We did not mean to involve you,” another voice echoed behind him.

  Hope thought to respond as the lad but her womanly nature was also curious. “Who won?”

  In unison she heard, “You!”

  A cheer split the air and she felt herself rejoicing along with the men, her own triumphant shout filling the air.

  Colin shook his head, though his shouts joined the others. The lad possessed a tenacity that was uncommon. He did not allow life to trample him. He faced it full force and with the fierce determination of a warrior. And he survived and grew stronger.

  “What have you done?” The familiar voice caused silence to reign and a path to be cleared for the lady of the keep.

  The Irish Devil was at her side and his expression warned all that he was none too happy.

  Faith, with the help of her husband, went down on her knees beside Harold. “Dear Lord, what have they done?”

  Faith’s distress caused Eric to grow more annoyed. “I will have a full explanation, Colin.”

  “Not his fault.”

  All eyes turned to Harold.

  Hope realized she must keep her senses about her. She had to address this from a lad’s perspective. She wiped at her blood-soaked eyes with the back of her sleeve, though the woman in her wanted to cringe that she was staining her new garment.

  Better vision afforded her a sense of confidence and she spoke candidly after raising herself to a sitting position. “Colin gave his men what their frustration needed—a good fight. I just happened to get in the way. It was no one’s fault, and besides,” she said with a wide grin that further split her lip and had blood running down her chin, “I won!”

  Cheers once again filled the air.

  Eric even joined in, but it was the strange look that Faith sent her that worried her the most.

  Faith knew her secret. She had no doubt. What would happen now?

  “I think we should get you back to my cottage so I can clean you up and see to your wounds,” Faith suggested.

  Hope did not argue; her body was beginning to suffer from her altercation and the soft bed seemed a welcoming place.

  Colin helped Harold up. “You did well, lad, and I appreciate you defending me.”

  “I spoke the truth,” Hope said, his strong arm braced firmly around her, sending tingles through her aching body.

  “I admire your honesty,” Colin said and took most of the lad’s weight on himself as he assisted him to walk.

  His remark brought a moan to her lips; most thought it was her injuries that caused her pain. And she caught many of the men sympathetically cringing for the lad.

  “I will go slow,” Colin said, easing his steps.

  Honesty.

  A trait she herself admired and strived to maintain. Unfortunately her present situation did not afford her much honesty. What time she had here was limited. She did not dare allow Colin to learn the truth about Harold. She feared the disappointment she would see on his face.

  She would watch and learn and take good memories with her.

  The thought caused a pain to her heart and tears to pool in her eyes.

  “You are in pain,” Colin said when he noticed the lad’s unshed tears and how hard he fought to keep them from spilling.

  “Aye, I am,” Hope admitted, though the reason for her pain was better blamed on her injuries. How could she explain that she loved a man who did not know her at all?

  Chapter Thirteen

  Hope sat under the large tree that partially shaded Faith’s herb garden. The soil had been tilled and prepared for planting and new sprouts could be seen making their way through the rich earth.

  Lady and Rook were playfully busy nearby, having become inseparable since they first met. And Faith stood at the edge of her garden with her hand braced on her back detailing where she intended to plant the various herbs.

  For the past three days Hope had worked closely with Lady Faith, who had insisted upon it after the incident on the practice field. And it was that very incident that made Hope more alert to her suspicions that Faith understood much about her… much too much.

  Faith had chased Colin and Eric from the cottage when it came time for her to examine the lad. It was with gentle hands to her arms, legs and ribs and brief questions that she completed her examination. But it was her final words to the lad before leaving him to get a restful sleep
that had disturbed Hope.

  “You can trust me; we are much alike.”

  Hope had heard her words resonate over and over in her head for the past few days.

  We are much alike.

  Could she trust Lady Faith with her secret?

  They were alike in many ways. They were both strong in character and determined in their efforts. Lady Faith spoke her mind when necessary yet honored her husband and his name. And she was a true friend to many.

  As much as Hope wished she could confide in her, she realized it was not possible. She, too, must honor her name and her heritage and do what was necessary.

  “I hope I have sufficiently expanded my garden,” Faith said, tapping a finger to her lips. “I found myself running low on a few herbs this past winter. I want to have a sufficient crop for drying this year.”

  Hope jumped to her feet with the enthusiastic bounce of an eager young lad. “Anything I can do to help?”

  Her enthusiasm waned when she caught sight of Colin and Lord Eric approaching. Their determined expressions signaled trouble for the lad. But then if she was busy helping Lady Faith perhaps they would leave her be.

  She picked up a shovel and asked, “How much bigger do you want your garden?”

  Faith rubbed at her back. “Two arms’ lengths I think will do nicely. But do not tire yourself. You have healed well and I wish you to remain so.”

  Hope took several steps back when she watched the way the Devil’s eyes narrowed and he grew annoyed.

  “You should be resting,” Eric said, his strong hand going to his wife’s back and gently brushing her hand aside to rub where it obviously pained her.

  Faith leaned her head back on her husband’s chest. “I feel fine. A backache is not uncommon when a woman carries a babe.”

  He kissed her cheek. “I do not like to see you suffer.”

  Colin chuckled. “Whatever are you going to do when Faith gives birth?”

  “Stop reminding me of that,” Eric ordered with a grimace.

  Hope found herself consoling the Devil. “Lady Faith is a wise healer; she will do well when her time comes.”

  “The lad speaks wisely,” Eric said, Hope’s remark having indeed consoled him.

  “And in his wisdom he knows that it is time for him to join the men on the practice field,” Colin said, crossing his arms over his chest as if waiting for Harold to defy him.

  “Lady Faith needs help,” Hope said and waited to hear Colin deny assistance to the lady of the keep.

  The lady spoke for herself. “Harold has become indispensable to me. Would you mind if he continued to help me, Colin?”

  Hope admired Lady Faith. She did not feign feminine weakness or act as though she expected help; she simply spoke the truth.

  Eric looked about to answer for Colin, his concern for his wife obvious, but Lady Faith placed a firm hand to his hand that rested on her rounded belly, cautioning his silence.

  The action was not lost on Colin and it was with concern that he answered. “You may have the lad’s help as long as it is necessary.”

  “I appreciate your consideration,” Faith said with a tender smile.

  Eric looked to the lad. “You will do whatever Lady Faith orders.”

  “Requests,” Faith corrected sweetly.

  The Devil looked about to argue when Hope spoke up. “Whatever she asks of me I will do without question.”

  “You are a good lad and will be rewarded for your diligent service,” Eric decreed.

  Hope sounded like an arrogant lad who thought to fend for himself. “I need nothing nor want nothing.”

  Colin decided to step in. “You have what you need… a place to call home and good friends.”

  Hope stuck her chin up, along with her pride. “I decide what I need.”

  Colin’s usual charm faltered and his determined strides took him to within only inches of the lad. “Sometimes I think a good thrashing would serve you well.”

  Hope had to admit that Colin certainly could intimidate, especially when his dark eyes turned cold and his lean body grew taut like a bow. And while many a young lad and woman would obey without question, Hope would have her own way.

  Her chin rose another notch, to Colin’s annoyance. And she spoke with the defiance of a stubborn lad, though her remark brought a smile to the Devil. “You would have to catch me first.”

  Colin was quick to respond. “Is that a challenge?”

  “Nope,” Hope said with a slow shake of her head and purposely tilted her chin another notch higher. “It is a promise.”

  Colin looked ready to jolt forward and grab the lad when a large hand clamped down on his shoulder.

  “There is work to be done,” Eric said, keeping the humor out of his voice though his grin was hard to contain.

  “Get busy with your chore,” Colin ordered the lad.

  “Like I said, whatever Lady Faith needs,” Hope said, looking directly at Faith.

  To everyone’s surprise Faith sighed heavily, an unusual sound for her since she rarely if ever complained or drew attention to herself.

  “What is wrong?” Eric demanded immediately, his arm going around her waist and holding her close.

  “I feel a bit fatigued.”

  Hope eyed the lady suspiciously. In the short time she had known the lady she had never known her to complain about her health or feeling tired. She possessed more energy and stamina than the average woman who was not heavy with child.

  Eric grew alarmed. “We will return to the keep and you will rest.”

  “Nay,” Faith said with more verve than a fatigued woman would possess. “I think a cup of my own special brew and a brief rest at my healing cottage will do.” Eric was about to accommodate her when she shook her head. “You have much to do. Harold will help me.”

  Hope had a strong feeling that Faith was up to something and she decided to follow along and see what the lady intended. “My pleasure, my lady.”

  Eric reluctantly turned his wife over to the lad’s care, though he added his own directive. “You will find me if necessary.”

  “Aye, my lord, I will waste not a moment if the lady needs you.”

  Eric seemed pleased, though he cast a suspicious glance at his wife. “Follow your instincts, lad, and fetch me when it pleases you.”

  Hope was wise enough to contain her smile. “Aye, my lord, as you say.”

  Faith placed her palm to her husband’s thick, muscled chest. “I am in good hands. Do not worry.”

  “I worry when it pleases me,” Eric insisted, his hand going to the back of his wife’s neck to knead the tender muscles. He kissed her then, not sweetly but demandingly, letting her and those around her know how he felt about her.

  His unusual actions touched Hope’s heart. The Devil loved Faith and that was a joyful thought. She looked to Colin then, and saw the envy in his eyes. He wanted to love as strongly as the Devil himself.

  “Look after my wife, lad,” Eric ordered briskly and turned to leave.

  “Later,” Colin said to Harold with a warning that meant he intended to continue their encounter at a later time. With that said he walked off to catch up with Eric.

  Hope watched him go and felt a tug to her heart.

  “You care about Colin.”

  Faith’s unexpected though accurate remark caught Hope off guard, and she instantly attempted to deny the obvious. “He thinks he can tell me what to do.”

  “Because he cares for you as well.”

  That annoyed Hope even more. She threw the shovel down. “I do not need him caring for me.”

  Faith held a calming hand out to the angry lad. “Why?”

  As a woman Hope longed to reach out and accept her comfort but the stubborn lad would deny any need. And so she responded accordingly… she stomped past Faith. “Because I can take care of myself.”

  Faith, who showed no signs of fatigue, quickly caught up with her. “Can you?”

  Hope slowed down, a sense of guilt attacking her f
or making Faith rush her already labored steps.

  Faith’s hand came to rest on Harold’s arm. “Can you truly take care of yourself?”

  Hope was fast to defend herself. “I may not look strong but I am determined.”

  Faith looked as if she were about to laugh. “Of that I have no doubt.” She hooked her arm in Harold’s. “And Colin does admire determination, since he possesses an overabundance of it himself.”

  “I thought it was charm that he had an abundance of.”

  Faith laughed this time, a light melodious laughter that brought a smile to Hope. “He charms the ladies, but he befriends you. There is a large difference.”

  Hope shook her head as they walked to the cottage. “But I thought he cared for the women he charmed.”

  Faith nodded slowly. “Colin has a big heart. He cares in his own unique way for the women he, as you emphasized, charmed. But friendship means much to Colin, and I can tell that he cares for you as a friend and would do anything to protect you.”

  “I did not ask for his protection.”

  “It does not matter; he gives it freely. That is what a friend does.” Faith then asked a question that startled Hope, though she answered it quickly enough. “Would you not protect Colin?”

  “Of course I would.”

  Faith nodded as if confirming a silent query. “Then you consider him a friend.”

  Why did the thought upset her? It was the truth. She did think of Colin as her friend. A good friend who certainly would protect her with his life. But friendship was not the only thing she wanted from Colin, and she realized that was why she had kept her distance from him since her arrival at Shanekill. What good would it do to get to know him better when she could not remain at the keep? And she could never confide her true identity to him for then she was afraid she would lose the caring friendship they now shared.

  “You do, do you not?” Faith asked when she received no forthcoming answer.

  Hope’s answer was a sobering one. “Aye, I do consider him a friend.”

  “Then you have formed a bond between the two of you.”

  “A bond?” Had they formed a bond without her realizing it? If they had, it was a strange one. “I suppose in a way we have.”