A VOW TO KEEP (The Vengeance Trilogy)

by Lana Williams

  “I’ll be certain to keep that in mind.” Alyna’s face heated with ire, but she held her tongue. For now.

  “See that you do.” She glanced down at Nicholas. “And see that you keep that child under control. My duties are difficult enough without the added problems a child brings.”

  Nicholas squeezed her hand. Alyna bent down and picked him up. “My son will not present problems for anyone. I am the person responsible for his well-being. Not you.”

  Lady Florence sniffed. “There’s no need to take that tone with me.”

  It was all Alyna could do not to give the discourteous woman the berating she deserved. She decided it best if she spoke with her grandfather about Lady Florence’s position here before she said anything more. While it might have been fun to discover a long lost relative as she had so few, this wasn’t how she’d envisioned it. After looking at only a few rooms in the keep, she knew that Florence was not fulfilling her duties as steward. That much was obvious. “Perhaps your time would be better spent seeing to your duties rather than touring the grounds.”

  Florence gaped like a fish gasping for breath. “How dare you! I’ll discuss this with Lord Blackwell at the first opportunity.” Head held high, she departed.

  Alyna released the breath she wasn’t aware she’d been holding. She hated confrontations of any sort. At least she’d held her own with the unfriendly woman.

  Nicholas tapped her hand. “Mama, she’s not nice.”

  “Nay, she certainly is not.” She looked at him. “And I think it would be wise if we avoided her as much as possible.”

  Nicholas’s expression grew thoughtful, then he solemnly nodded as he stared at where Florence had gone out of sight.

  At times like this, Alyna would give anything to know what her son was thinking. She couldn’t help but wonder if Florence had left her chamber filthy in an attempt to make her feel unwelcome. Surely she was reading more into the woman’s actions than warranted.

  “Come. Let us give Enid a hand. There is much to be done.”

  ***

  “Ah, my lady, there you are,” Enid exclaimed as Alyna and Nicholas entered the chamber.

  Two other maids paused in their cleaning to curtsy. Alyna greeted them and looked about the chamber. They’d already improved its appearance. The bedding had been changed and the bed curtains removed. “You’ve worked wonders. What can I do to help?”

  “Not a thing. Beatrice and Mary are all the help I need.”

  The maids beamed at Enid’s praise.

  “Come this way, my lady.” Enid pulled Alyna into an adjoining chamber where a large tub of steaming water sat along with a change of clothing.

  Alyna sighed with pleasure. Just the sight of the steaming tub was enough to make her feel better. “Are you certain I can’t help clean first?”

  “Indeed I am. Take your time. Nicholas and I will sweep the floor in the other room. Won’t we, Nicholas?”

  “Aye!” he exclaimed.

  Alyna shared an amused look with Enid. “Any chore that involves something that resembles a sword is fine by him.”

  “I’d best supervise so the dirt goes out of the solar and not back in,” Enid said as she followed Nicholas out of the room and closed the door behind her.

  Since Enid seemed to have things well in hand, Alyna gave into the temptation of the water. The pleasure of the bath melted away the memory of the uncomfortable scene with Lady Florence. She’d speak with her grandfather about Lady Florence’s role at Northe Castle as soon as she saw him. The lady did him no favors by acting as steward. She would also like to know if the woman was truly her grandmother’s sister.

  Nicholas’s laughter from the next room made her smile and curbed the temptation to dawdle in the warm water. A sniff of the pot of plain, harsh soap made her long for some of the herbal soap she made herself. That would be near the top of her list of things to be done.

  She scrubbed every part of her body twice over, then washed her hair twice for good measure. That done, she stood and rinsed from head to toe with the bucket of clean water Enid had set aside.

  Luckily for Alyna, Enid had brought the bag Alyna had packed in preparation for their departure from Montvue. The maid had set out one of her better gowns in a rich blue. In no time, she was dressed in clean garments. The matching slippers had seen better days, but would be covered by her gown, so shouldn’t matter. The bath had washed away the fatigue along with the dust from the journey, and Alyna felt renewed.

  Nicholas was next in the tub and only Alyna’s promise to take him outside after his bath kept him from splashing in the water for the remainder of the day.

  Before long, Alyna was outside, watching Nicholas play. She kept a wary eye out for Lady Florence, but luck was with her and the woman did not make an appearance.

  The afternoon spring sunshine warmed Alyna as she sat on the grass and leaned against the stone wall of the keep. She closed her eyes and tipped her head back to let the sun bathe her, a rare pleasure.

  For just this one moment, she would let peace and happiness fill her heart. She would be grateful that God had brought her little family back together and that she had avoided marriage to Lord Tegmont, at least for the present. And she’d been reunited with her grandfather. It appeared as though he cared for her, and that she might be able to stay here for a time.

  She heaved a sigh and opened her eyes. The reality of her situation was not as pleasant, for in truth, little had been resolved. Her grandfather had yet to explain why he’d sent for her, or why he thought her marriage to Tegmont was unwise. If nothing else, at least she knew her distrust of Tegmont was correct. How would her betrothed react when he discovered she was gone? What would he do to her father for breaking the marriage contract?

  At last she allowed the worry she held surface–had her grandfather snatched her to use as a pawn in some game? Did he intend to marry her off to someone else? If he chose to, there was little she could do, other than escape again.

  She reminded herself not to worry over things that had not yet come to pass. Instead, she’d enjoy this moment.

  As she watched Nicholas play, she said a prayer of gratitude to Myranda. Nicholas was such a joy to her. He was fascinated with the wooden knife Royce had given him, both as a weapon and a tool to dig in the dirt.

  What would the healer say now about the future for her and Nicholas? Were the predictions she’d foretold yet to come or had she managed to avoid them because of the choices she’d made? Had she already overcome all she needed to in order to find happiness? Alyna rubbed her arms to erase the goose bumps that appeared along with her doubt.

  Visions of Royce filled her mind for the hundredth time since his departure. Somehow his absence made her restless. She shook her head. She was concerned for his safety. That was all. She didn’t miss him; she barely knew the man. Yet while he’d been near, he’d managed to wrap her in a comforting blanket of protection, something she hadn’t known she was missing until he’d given it to her. Just a feeling of well-being. That was all.

  By now, she knew she’d imagined the breathless attraction she’d felt. That had been nervousness at the change her life was taking. Nothing more.

  Nicholas saved her from her own thoughts as he stood before her, feet braced wide apart. One hand rested on his hip while the other held his dagger in a fierce grip. From the determined expression on his face, she knew he was prepared to do battle with any foe foolish enough to get in his way.

  Alyna couldn’t help but chuckle. The number of times he made her smile each day was countless and so precious. He dashed off, attacking some imaginary enemy.

  “Nicholas, don’t run with that,” she called after him.

  A distant call from the main gate announced someone’s arrival, and Nicholas paused to listen. Without warning, he flew as fast as his small legs could carry him toward the entrance.

  “Nicholas, hold,” she demanded. When he didn’t obey, she ran after him, heart pounding at the vision of him trampled
when the visitors entered through the portcullis.

  ***

  “Do you feel as though we were led by the nose upon a merry chase?” Hugh asked Royce as they neared the portcullis.

  “That I do. Odd how they always seem to be one step ahead of us.” Royce considered the matter as they neared the entrance to Northe Castle.

  “Trouble is brewing. Of that, there is no doubt.”

  “Aye. But what is it they want? And who are they?”

  “Patience and persistence will no doubt bring you those answers as they have in the past. Those two qualities have become your strengths.”

  Royce could only hope they’d hold him in good stead not only with this challenge but with his next, the most important one he’d ever face–vengeance at last.

  But this puzzle had to be solved first. He owed that much and more to Lord Blackwell.

  He’d feared he was being led away from Alyna soon after they’d left her. It would ease his mind to see her for himself. He was concerned for her safety. That was all.

  And that was surely the reason she’d been on his mind so much since he’d left her in Sir Edward’s care. He’d chosen Sir Edward deliberately, knowing the knight would do his best to convince Lady Alyna of Royce’s unworthiness. Royce well knew Edward considered himself superior.

  Once he’d confirmed Alyna’s safety, Royce planned on staying as far away from her as possible. Then the inappropriate desire he had for her would end. It had to. He did not need the distraction and complication an attraction for Lord Blackwell’s granddaughter could cause.

  Royce led his men through the portcullis then reined his horse to the side while they passed into the outer bailey. He removed his helm and tossed it to his squire, who waited nearby.

  As soon as the men were inside the curtain wall, he’d head for the stables. He wanted to see his tired destrier groomed and fed before seeking his own food and rest.

  His thoughts elsewhere, Royce directed his horse toward the stables behind the others. The small child was underfoot before Royce saw him. His heart in his throat, Royce jerked the reins back, using his knees to urge his horse away from the boy. He feared for one brief moment that the tired horse would not respond.

  Nicholas stopped, unafraid. His blue eyes looked up with absolute trust at Royce. The horse reared as Alyna snatched the boy into her arms and backed away. Royce had the large animal back under control within moments, but not so his temper.

  He dismounted and stalked around the front of the horse to confront the woman who haunted his thoughts, day and night. “What do you think you’re doing? I nearly trampled him!”

  Alyna stiffened and clutched the boy tighter. “And you, sir, should be better able to control that great beast of yours.” Her amber eyes flashed, making it clear she did not appreciate his reprimand.

  Royce moved closer, intent on flaying her further when the little boy held out his hand. Taken aback, Royce stared at the small hand for a moment before grasping it in his own rough and callused one.

  Nicholas smiled up at him, his bright blue eyes compelling Royce to hold his gaze. The boy placed his other hand on Royce’s cheek before looking at Alyna. “He’s good, Mama.”

  Royce looked at Alyna, puzzled by the comment, still holding his warm little hand. “What does he mean?”

  Alyna’s face flushed. “I have no idea.”

  But Royce was certain she knew more than she admitted.

  Before he could question her, Nicholas patted his cheek, drawing his attention again. The boy’s dark hair resembled Alyna’s, but that was where their similarities ended. Royce would’ve sworn an old soul resided within him. The boy seemed to examine something deep inside Royce and find it pleasing. Royce couldn’t help but smile. “Nicholas, you gave me a scare.”

  He grinned, and his eyes looked again like those of a little boy. “I wanted to see you.”

  Royce squeezed the boy’s hand, and a warm sensation swelled within him. It erased a good deal of the fear and anger the near disaster had caused. Alyna’s pale face reminded him of the danger the boy had been in. “You must be more careful around my horse, Nicholas. One stomp of his hoof would break you in half.”

  “Nay,” the boy denied with an earnest expression. “A different horse will hurt me.”

  Startled, Royce looked to Alyna for explanation. Based on her alarmed expression, he didn’t think she understood either. “What other horse?”

  “A big, black one,” Nicholas answered.

  “Indeed? Well, you’d best take care around black horses, then.” Royce glanced at Alyna and decided it best to change the subject. “And you, my lady, how do you fare?”

  Alyna lowered her gaze. “I am well, thank you. Was your mission successful?”

  “Unfortunately not.” She looked quite different than the travel worn lady he’d left behind. She was even more beautiful than he’d remembered. “Were you able to send a message for your servants?”

  “There was no need. They arrived yesterday, much to my relief.”

  “That worked out rather neatly, didn’t it?” Too neatly, he thought but pushed the notion aside. Unable to resist touching her at last, he tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear, lingering there for just a moment. Just long enough for his finger to slide along the delicate alabaster skin of her jaw. Long enough for him to realize he hadn’t imagined the desire touching her produced. He dropped his hand, amazed he’d so quickly forgotten his intention to stay away from her.

  More troubled than he cared to admit, he muttered an oath under his breath. He gave Nicholas a pat on the shoulder, nodded to the lady, and walked away before he did something he’d regret.

  His squire had led his horse to the stable, so Royce followed. Glancing around the grounds, he caught sight of Lord Blackwell, watching from the steps near the keep. Not certain how much of his encounter with Alyna his lord had seen, Royce could only guess that Lord Blackwell had no desire to see a landless knight with tenuous prospects pay court to his granddaughter.

  Again he pledged to stay away from the lady. No good could come of it. Not only did he owe much to Lord Blackwell, he didn’t need any diversions from his plans to avenge the murder of his mother and father.

  “Sir Royce,” Lord Blackwell called out. “I would speak with you. Anon.”

  Royce drew a deep breath, glanced over his shoulder to where Lady Alyna still stood watching him, and moved to answer his lord’s summons, stamping out the tug of desire that still lingered.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  “Rosemary can be used in an amulet to ward off evil

  or ill humors, but it does not appear to work on everyone.”

  Lady Catherine’s Herbal Journal

  “You seem quite friendly with my granddaughter, Royce.”

  “My lord, I would explain. I have no intention of–that is to say, I would not be worthy of–” Royce shut his mouth before he said something that either insulted Lord Blackwell or put more weight on the situation than merited. “She is special, my lord.”

  “Indeed, she is.” Blackwell stood with hands clasped behind his back, his head tilted to the side, as though he found Royce’s bungled explanation of great interest. The amber eyes that looked so much like Alyna’s seemed to wait patiently while Royce sorted out what he wanted to say.

  Royce sighed and changed the subject entirely. “I fear we were not successful in catching the thieves.”

  The older man gave Royce a considering look. “I’m certain you caused them some worry and grief?”

  Royce allowed himself a small smile, relieved Lord Blackwell was willing to discuss a different matter. “Indeed. Next time they will not be so lucky.”

  “We will hope there won’t be a next time.” He gestured for Royce to follow him and led the way into the keep. “Perhaps you’ve scared them off permanently.”

  Royce pondered the idea then shook his head. “I think not. This is not the first time they’ve attacked us. Their persistence tells me we have something
they want, and they’ll come back time and again until they get it. I just haven’t discovered what it is.”

  “There is the possibility they’re connected in some way to the other situation we’re pursuing.”

  “The thought crossed my mind as well.” Royce kept his voice low. “Did Lady Alyna mention to you the message she sent here before I went to fetch her?”

  “Nay. We didn’t receive a message from her.”

  “That’s what I told her. I don’t know what could’ve come of it.” He held open the door for his lord. Edward stood on the other side as though on the verge of leaving.

  “My lord, Sir Royce,” Edward greeted them as they entered the keep. His gaze lingered on Royce. “I see you’ve come back empty-handed, eh?” He laughed. “They outsmarted you, Royce?”

  Royce turned to look at Lord Blackwell, wondering if his lord was thinking the same thing he was. More than once, the thieves had information that could’ve only come from within the walls of the keep. Someone privy to their whereabouts and their plans had to be sharing details. Could Edward be that someone?

  Lord Blackwell looked at him blankly for a moment, then a dawning awareness spread over his expression, and he raised a brow in question.

  Royce shrugged in response. He turned to Edward, wishing he could place his fist in the younger man’s face rather than respond to his comment. “We weren’t able to catch them.”

  Edward laughed again.

  Royce found it to be a most annoying sound.

  “I thought you would have the situation well in hand by now.” Edward’s smirk loosened the tight hold Royce held on his temper.

  As Royce opened his mouth to respond to the insult, Lord Blackwell spoke.

  “I fail to see what amuses you about the situation, Edward. Perhaps you’d like to give us your opinion on how best to proceed.”