The older man grinned. “Aye. She be needin’ some work, but the crew has started on repairs.”
“Good. I’m glad to hear it. In the meantime, at least Daireann is a beautiful place to live, aye?”
“True, Cap’n.” Murtagh nodded, but his smile faded. “Ye, be thinkin’ of stayin’ on land?”
Tristan broke his gaze and gazed out over the ramparts. “I’ve considered it. There is no sense in trying to hide anything from you, old friend.”
His first mate released a deep sigh. “Suppose I’ve seen signs of it for a while now. You’re a good cap’n, but ye have never quite fit in with the likes of us rough-mannered pirates. Now that ye remember your old life, I’d not be placin’ blame if ye stayed here.”
He arched an eyebrow. “My old life?”
“Aye, Your Majesty.”
Tristan shook his head with a chuckle. “Here I was, trying to conceal this hidden life I’m just starting to remember…and you’ve known all along.”
“Not at first, but I knew with certainty after your cousin came lookin’ fer ye.”
Tristan gave him a sideways glance. “And you never said anything…all this time?”
Murtagh shook his head. “Ye weren’t ready to be hearin’ the truth. I know your identity landed ye in trouble more times than once. I couldn’t risk puttin’ ye in danger. One or two other members of the crew know as well, but they be sworn to silence.”
“Thank you for your discretion.”
“Aye, Your Majesty. I’ve served you as Cap’n until now, but I’ll always serve and protect ye as king.”
Tristan choked out a laugh and gave his first mate a brotherly hug. “I am blessed to have you as a loyal servant and friend.”
After releasing him, the older man stepped back, turning away to wiped his face on one sleeve. “‘Tis an honor, Your Majesty.”
Tristan composed himself and patted his first mate’s back. “Dust in your eyes again, Murtagh?”
“Aye,” he answered and looked over the ramparts again for a moment to compose himself. “Does your wantin’ to stay be havin’ anything to do with that bonny princess you be spendin’ so much time with?”
He fought the grin tugging on his lips. “Perhaps she could be part of it, but above all, ‘tis time to face my past and the responsibilities along with it.”
Murtagh nodded. “I couldn’t agree more. The time has come for the people of Órlaith to be seein’ their king rise again.”
After parting with his first mate, Tristan left the castle and headed down the garden path, never feeling so light. Hearing Murtagh knew his identity lifted a heavy burden from his shoulders. It made his decision easier, whether he decided to reclaim his throne in Órlaith eventually or choose to remain in Kiely and allow his cousin to rule. There was no one he wished to share his news with more than Gwyneth. Their kiss had been over a sennight ago and neither of them had discussed what it meant. However, now he had the courage to make his intentions toward her known.
Coming around the bend, he saw the woman he loved, but stopped in his tracks. She wasn’t alone. Tristan watched them from a distance as the stranger took her hand. The man Tristan assumed was Lord Carney started to walk away before Gwyneth called the man back and they shared a long embrace.
It was all too much for Tristan. He whipped around and hid behind a shrub, his heart twisting with hurt. He had thought the kiss and the time he’d spent with Gwyneth had meant something to her, but he had obviously been mistaken. Perhaps she had taken pity on him and was just being a listening ear. After all, he had initiated the kiss. Was she afraid to tell him of her feelings for Lord Carney?
As he made it back to his chambers, Tristan could hardly breathe. With Gwyneth betrothed to someone else, staying in Daireann for any longer would be torturous. He needed to escape—travel back to Áthas—back where he belonged with his crew. After their ship was ready, they could sail until reaching the inlet leading to Kiely. His cousin, Leland, would never turn him away.
Gwyn entered the castle wiping unwanted tears, but knew she had done the right thing. Now she needed to find Tristan. It was odd not to see him around the castle grounds during the day. She hoped he hadn’t taken ill.
When she reached his chamber door, she was surprised to see no guards posted. When she knocked, the door opened slightly, telling her it hadn’t been locked. The room was completely vacant, except a maid sweeping the floor.
“Do you know where King…I mean Captain Smyth went? Did he request different chambers?”
The maid shook her head. “I’m sorry, Your Majesty. I do not know where he went, but he departed in haste only a short time ago.”
Gwyn rushed down the winding passages of the castle, scarcely able to breathe. She had to catch Tristan before he departed. Why would he go without bidding her farewell? When reaching the courtyard, she rushed to the stables. Her mother had lent Tristan and his crew horses while they were in Beatha. It would be his only transportation to the coast. She caught sight of movement in one of the stalls. When the figure came out, she recognized him as Tristan’s first mate.
The older man hobbled toward her—concern etched in his brow. “Good day to you, Your Majesty. What can I be doin’ for ye?”
Gwyn struggled to catch her breath. “Murtagh, is he still here?”
“The Cap’n? Aye. He wanted to take one last stroll in the gardens while I be preparin’ the horses.”
“Thank you,” Gwyn rasped and took off in the direction of their meeting spot in the garden. When she arrived, a lump rose in her throat. There he was, sitting with his back to her with his head bowed and hands folded in prayer. “Did you truly plan on leaving without bidding me farewell?”
Tristan turn his head toward her, eyes brimming with tears. “‘Tis not what I wanted. However, I believed it would be easier for both of us if I left quietly.”
“Easier?” Gwyn stepped forward and sat beside him on the bench. “How would being separated make things easier?”
“I saw you with the duke.”
Gwyn released a trembling breath. “You need to understand something. Lord Carney returned early to inquire if I had accepted his proposal.”
Tristan nodded with downcast eyes. “He’ll be a smart match and support your regency. I long for your happiness above all, Lady Gwyneth, but I cannot remain here and watch you wed another.”
“I told him my heart belongs to another and I cannot be his bride.”
He paused for a moment and then tilted his head up slowly. “Another?”
She nodded and a smile spread across her face. “I have chosen you, Tristan. No matter the obstacles, I want to be by your side. I love you.”
He moved closer, cupping her cheek in his palm. “Oh, my lovely Gwyneth, I do not deserve you. Yet, my heart is drawn to you. God used your voice to bring me back to life. Now I vow to love, honor and protect you until my dying breath.” He shifted off the bench and onto one knee, groaning briefly because of his healing leg. “Gwyneth, Princess of Daireann, will you be my bride?”
She nodded, wiping happy tears. “I will.”
He kissed Gwyn’s hand and smiled up at her. “Now, will you be so kind as to help me stand up again?”
They both chuckled as she pulled him up. Then, once situated on the bench again, he pulled her into a passionate kiss. Enveloped in Tristan’s arms, everything felt right. After years of waiting, she had found the one God intended for her.
CHAPTER TEN
Invitations
Kingdom of Kiely, Ardena
Three Weeks Later
King Leland smiled as his wife, Queen Fiona, came into his study with their three-year-old daughter in tow. “What a beautiful sight to behold this morning. My two rays of sunshine.”
Clare rushed into his arms, beaming from ear to ear. “Papa! Niall taught me how to fish.”
He kissed the top of her curly head of chestnut hair and grinned. “Oh, did he now? How many did you catch?”
Her smile fa
ded. “Only one.”
“Well, everything takes practice. One is a very good start.”
“Aye, Papa,” she agreed, her smile returning. “Can I go with Niall tomorrow, too?”
“We’ll see. Now go ahead and play with the dog while I talk to your mama.”
“Okay, Papa.” She turned and patted her leg. “Artair…wake up!”
The large gray wolfhound lifted his head from the corner of the room where he’d been laying, hearing his name. Then he bounded off with Clare into the other room.
Alone with his wife, he pulled Fiona into his arms and gently smoothed back her chestnut brown hair. “How are you truly faring, my love? I know ‘tis difficult to juggle Clare’s antics while carrying another, soon to be born.”
“I’m doing as well as can be expected. Clare’s nurse is always there to take over when I need her.”
“Good. I’m glad to hear it.”
Fiona smiled and took his hand, moving it to a spot on her belly where the child kicked. “I feel movement whenever you speak. He must already love his papa as much as I do.”
Leland chuckled softly, resting his forehead against Fiona’s. “You keep saying he. How do you know we are having a boy?”
She shrugged. “Clare keeps calling the baby that. I suppose she has convinced me, too.”
“We only have a few months before finding out if she’s right.”
Fiona nodded. “I can hardly wait.”
“Aye, me too.” He released her and moved back to his desk, picking up a piece of folded parchment. “I’ve received a letter from my cousin.”
Her eyes widened. “Tristan? I trust it’s good news? Have his memories returned?”
Leland grinned, barely able to keep his excitement at bay. “Aye and he is to wed Princess Gwyneth of Daireann in a little over a fortnight. He has invited us to attend.”
A smile bloomed on her lips. “Oh, what delightful news! We both know, ‘tis not safe for me to travel in my condition. Clare and I shall remain here in Kiely. We’ll miss you terribly, but you should go celebrate with your cousin.”
“Thank you, my love. I will return in a month, before our child is due. I’ll ask Niall to stay behind to protect the kingdom, in my stead. Also, being so close to the birth of our child, it will ease my mind knowing you’ll have a trusted physician nearby. I’ll leave Artair here as well. He’s not as limber as he used to be since his injury last year while defending you and Clare. I fear the journey would be too taxing on him.”
They glanced into the other room and Fiona chuckled, noticing the wolfhound had sprawled out on the floor, allowing little Clare to place her cloth dolls all over him. “I don’t think Artair will object. Those two are inseparable.”
Lady Sibeal had barely finished preparing supper when Niall came through the door of their quaint cottage. “Welcome home, my husband.”
He grinned while crossing the room and pulling her into his embrace. “I never tire of hearing you call me that, my wife.”
She chuckled, heart thundering in her chest. “Well, I hope you haven’t. It has only been a few months since our wedding, after all.”
After sharing a long kiss, he released her and inspected the bread cooling on the table and a pot of stew hanging over the fire. “Everything smells delicious. After being absent all day, I’ve worked up an appetite.”
“I wish I could take all the credit. Aunt Edna was over earlier and taught me how to knead and bake the bread.”
“That was nice of her.”
She nodded and put her hands on her hips. “If not for her, you would have come home to scorched bread and bland stew. Being a countess, my mother never taught me how to cook.”
“Bland stew and burnt bread would have been fine, too.”
She scoffed and gave him a doubtful glance. “You’ve been so kind in dealing with my cooking mishaps, but I do wish to make my husband edible meals.”
He pulled her into his arms again, lifting her chin until their eyes met. “I do not expect you to master these things overnight, my love. What I care about most is your happiness. Do you feel at home in this cottage Leland lent to us? I know it is small, but with time I will earn enough money to build us something bigger and closer to the village.”
Sibeal nodded. “Aye, ‘tis perfect for the two of us. I love the peaceful setting in the woods. Soon we’ll have our own herbs and vegetables growing outside, too. Aunt Edna brought some seeds and we used the little plot of land Leland already had cleared away.”
He kissed her cheek. “It sounds like you were quite busy today.”
She sighed and rubbed a stiff muscle in her back. “Aye and I have a feeling I will be sore in the morning, too.” He chuckled and sat at the table as she brought the stew over. They said a prayer and then tried some of the meal. Sibeal was pleased when he complimented the taste. “What kept you so late today? Has something gone amiss in the village?”
He took a drink of cider and looked at her. “No, I was called to the castle. Leland will be leaving for Daireann tomorrow.” He quickly filled her in on Tristan’s marriage and that their lost king had regained his memories.
“I’m glad to hear King Tristan is alive and has found happiness. Will he be returning to Kiely?”
“I’m not certain yet. All I know is King Leland will be gone for a month. Queen Fiona will be the regent, but I’ll be in charge of the army and ensuring the kingdom is safe from any threats in his absence.” He reached across the table, taking her hand in his. “I’m sorry. This means more time away from each other.”
Sibeal’s heart sunk, but she managed a smile. “I understand, Niall. There is nothing you need to apologize for. The kingdom will be in good hands with you in charge.”
“Thank you for understanding.” They ate in silence for a while before he looked up again. “Have you visited the tower this week?”
She nodded, her happy mood fading. “My mother is the same as always…trying to convince me to plead with King Leland to release her.” She shook her head while absentmindedly stirring the vegetables in her stew. “As much as it hurts to see her locked in the tower, I know it is where she must remain. I am grateful to Leland for sparing her life after her treasonous actions. She will always be a danger to Queen Fiona and her daughter.”
“I know it must be painful for you, Sibeal. I wish there was another way.”
She nodded. “We’ll have to keep praying. I know from experience God can change any heart. You remember how jealous and conniving I was when Fiona and Clare first arrived here. My mother had me convinced marrying Leland was my only path to happiness. I was willing to do whatever it took to make him love me.”
“But God led you down a different path, didn’t He?”
“Aye, first by using my father to see the good in me…and then you.”
Niall lifted her hand and kissed it. “I always have and always will, Sibeal.”
Tears brimmed in her eyes, drinking in his look of love. “I know. ‘Tis why I believe my mother could change for the better…if I keep praying and believing.”
“Aye, we must never give up hope.”
Fiona came into the nursery to tuck Clare in for the night. It was no surprise to see Artair sprawled out by the foot of her bed. The wolfhound had taken it upon himself to watch over her during Leland’s absence and Fiona was glad to have him around.
“I miss Papa,” her little girl mourned as Fiona kissed her cheek.
“I’m sorry, my darling. I miss him too, but he will return before you know it. I’m sure he’ll also bring you back some gifts from Daireann. Would you like that?”
“Aye, but I’d rather have Papa home.”
Fiona smoothed her daughter’s unruly chestnut curls. “Me too. Now try to sleep. Perhaps we shall write him a letter tomorrow.”
Clare smiled, seeming to accept her compromise and her eyes grew heavy as Fiona sang her a short lullaby. Before long she drifted off to sleep.
Fiona journeyed to the adjoining royal cha
mbers and crawled into the large four-poster bed, thinking of Leland. It warmed her heart Clare had come to think of him as her papa in such a short amount of time. The long nights of fearing Clare would grow up without a father—or worse—discovering the cruel monster her birth father had been before his death—were long behind her. Leland was a wonderful father and husband—a gift from God she’d never expected. It made his month-long absence even more difficult. It had only been a sennight since his departure and her heart already ached for his return.
Fiona closed her eyes moments before the child in her womb kicked, jolting her back to consciousness. “You miss Papa as well, I suppose?” she whispered, rubbing the spot on her belly where the baby had kicked. “We forgot to say our evening prayers. Shall we pray for Papa to have a safe journey?” After the baby kicked again, she eased herself out of bed and knelt on the floor with her eyes closed. “Heavenly Father, I come to you with a thankful heart. You have bestowed so many blessings upon us. Thank you for my husband, daughter and the baby I carry. Thank you for keeping us safe. Please protect Leland along his journey and bring him back to us safely. Protect him from enemies who would seek to bring him harm…”
Fiona’s prayer was interrupted when a guard knocked on the door. When she called for him to enter, the man’s face looked tense with worry. “Your Majesty, you must stay in your chambers and bar the door until someone comes for you.”
She stood on trembling knees, holding the bed post for support. “What has gone amiss?”
“Enemy soldiers from Órlaith have infiltrated the castle grounds. Lady Kyna has been freed from the tower.”
Niall bowed before Queen Fiona, weary from pursuing the enemy through the mountains until the dawn. “I apologize, Your Majesty. The enemy soldiers have escaped with Lady Kyna. It happened with such haste, taking the guards by surprise. We tracked them as best we could in the darkness, but lost their trail. We were able to capture one of the intruders. He has been questioned.”
She paced in her study. “How did they enter unnoticed?”
Lady Gwyneth's Hope (Ladies of Ardena Book 4) Page 5
