Florence stepped closer to Alyna, took her hand, and smiled warmly. “I’m so glad we had this chance to clear the air. I know we’re going to get along well. Lord Blackwell will be pleased to hear we’re working together.”
Without saying a word, Alyna pulled her hand from Florence’s grasp. She had no intention of working with Florence in any capacity. There were several people at Northe Castle that she did not care for, and Florence was one of them. Yet if the woman had her grandfather’s trust, Alyna worried she’d somehow convince him to send her and Nicholas away. Did she risk too much by not befriending Florence?
The door pushed open and saved her from a response.
“Mama?” Nicholas’s sleepy voice beckoned her.
“Come here, darling.” She picked him up and he burrowed his head in her shoulder, his body still warm and pliant with sleep. She held him tightly and turned back to Florence. “I’m sure your many duties are pressing, so I’ll let you return to them.”
Florence glanced at Nicholas as though he was an oddity of some sort and paused at the door. “Please let me know if you need my assistance with Matthew.” She smiled again and pulled the door shut behind her.
Alyna snuggled Nicholas’s neck. “What are you doing up so early?”
“I don’t like that lady,” he answered, his voice barely audible.
Alyna could tell from his even breathing that he was nearly asleep once again. “I don’t like her either. But I’m not sure what we can do about it.”
Nicholas adjusted his position, placing an arm around her neck and snuggled in tighter. “I’ll know soon.”
CHAPTER TWELVE
“White willow is excellent for fever.”
Lady Catherine’s Herbal Journal
Lord Tegmont strode into the hall at Montvue, pleased at the trepidation on Lord Garyle’s face as he rose to greet him.
“Surely you’re not surprised to see me,” Tegmont said as he removed his gloves and tossed them on the table. Alyna’s father had proven useful on occasion but recent events made Tegmont question his loyalty.
“I’m always pleased to see you,” Garyle said nervously, sidestepping the question.
Tegmont let the lie slide past. “I heard a rumor you lost something that belongs to me.” Anger pulsed through him, stealing what little patience he had. “When did you plan on telling me?”
“I assume you speak of Alyna?” Garyle sank to the bench at the table and reached for his drink.
With one sweep of his hand, Tegmont sent the cup bouncing across the table and leaned forward within a hair’s breadth of Garyle’s face. “Do not try me. Where is she?”
The old lord shook his head. “I do not know. We’ve searched the area but found no trace of her.”
“Did she leave on her own accord?”
“Mayhap. ’Tis difficult to say.”
“Explain yourself or you’ll be feeling the prick of my sword deep in your gullet.”
Garyle swallowed hard. “Two of my servants are also missing, the two most loyal to her. And that damned boy.”
“What boy?”
“’Tis no concern of yours. I would’ve made her leave him behind when she married you.”
“You had better find her and soon, else I will take Montvue from your sorry hands and leave you with nothing. Do you hear me?”
Garyle nodded, the fear on his face convincing Tegmont he understood. Blast the man for his incompetence. Tegmont did not need this complication, not with all his other plans moving forward.
For a brief moment, he wondered what had caused her to leave. But as quickly as the question formed, it fled, for the answer didn’t matter.
Alyna would be his. She’d end the curse that had befallen him and all his carefully laid plans would come to fruition.
***
Late that night, Alyna dozed in the chair beside Matthew’s bed, her dreams mixing in strange combinations with his moans. She woke with a start when his hand rattled the basin on the small wooden table beside the bed, her mother’s herbal remedy book still on her lap.
Matthew continued to stir restlessly, tossing and turning in his own bout with the night but didn’t wake. She put down the book and stretched to relieve the crick in her neck.
Gunnell had checked on him earlier in the evening, but had left soon after to tend to her two children. Alyna had assured her that she’d send for her if Matthew’s condition worsened.
She rose and touched his hand, then his cheek. Heat radiated from his body. She wet a cloth and wiped his face and neck, then rinsed the cloth again and laid it across his forehead.
From his restless movements, she knew it was time to try to get him to drink something for both his pain and fever. The healer had made it look easy when she’d trickled it into his mouth earlier.
After mixing the dried herbs with warm water and wine, Alyna placed the small wooden cup on the table and sat on the edge of the bed. She lifted Matthew’s head and cradled him against her and tilted his head back.
Matthew’s eyes opened, glazed with fever. “Ah, Lady Alyna.” His words slurred, whether from the fever or the medicine he’d taken earlier, she didn’t know. “How very beautiful you are, my lady.”
Alyna was surprised at his words, but even more surprised when he nuzzled his cheek against her breasts. He sighed as though content and closed his eyes.
Certain he knew not what he spoke or did, she ignored his foolish behavior. “Matthew? Matthew, I need your assistance.”
The young man smiled up at her, eyes still closed. “For you, I would do anything, my lady.” Alyna felt his body relax against her.
Concerned he wouldn’t remain awake long enough to drink the potion, Alyna reached for the cup. “Matthew,” she called, and shook him gently. “Drink this. It will help you feel better.”
Obediently, he took a small sip, only to grimace at the taste. “Nay, my lady. I do not care for it.” He looked up at her with a dazed but worshipful expression. “But I do care for you.”
With a strength that belied his weakened condition, he pulled her head down with his good arm and placed a kiss upon her lips. Shocked, Alyna tried to pull back, but with one hand pinned under him and the other holding the medicine, she had no choice but to endure the pressure of his mouth on hers until she worked herself free.
Matthew’s grip loosened, and she was able to straighten to move out of the knight’s range. She shook her head, then looked up to find Royce standing at the foot of the bed watching her.
His eyes narrowed with suspicion. “You seem to have a habit of kissing men, my lady.”
Embarrassed and annoyed, Alyna glared at Royce. “Quite the opposite, sir. They have a bad habit of kissing me.” She waited a moment, but Royce continued to watch her. “Are you going to just stand there or are you going to help me?” She now understood why some women chose not to marry. It took a saint to put up with a man’s foolish ways.
He lifted a brow but complied with her request. “What is it you’re doing? Some new method of healing?”
With a huff at his lack of wits, Alyna spoke in the slow and even tone she sometimes used with Nicholas. “I am trying to get him to drink this medicine. He doesn’t find it to his liking.”
Royce lifted the vessel from her hand and passed it under his nose. From his expression, ’twas obvious he didn’t find it to his liking either. “What is this concoction? Is it supposed to help him or put him out of his misery?”
By this time, the injured knight had fallen back asleep and looked quite comfortable nestled against Alyna. Frustrated with both of them, she held out her hand for the cup. “If you’re not willing to help, simply say so.”
Against his better judgment, Royce moved closer and knelt down with the potion in hand. Remnants of the jealousy he’d felt seeing Matthew kiss her plagued him though he knew it had been harmless. The dark smudges under her eyes, evidence of her long bedside vigil, softened his ire. He shifted his focus to Matthew rather than the beautiful lady
beside him. Or at least tried to.
A change of view did little to distract his attention from her. The fragrance that followed her everywhere drifted up to wrap its beckoning scent around him. Matthew snuggled against her breasts, looking as content as a newborn babe. Her smooth alabaster skin swelled at the neckline of her bliaut, hinting at the curves that lay beneath.
Damn the woman.
And damn Matthew for enjoying the very place he desired to be.
This task would best be done quickly so he could leave. He lifted the younger man’s head to allow Alyna to free her arm, but froze when he realized the back of his own hand now lay against her breast. Desire surged through him, and he clenched his teeth to repress it. He eased his hand to a safer location, then opened Matthew’s mouth, noting the unnatural heat of him. His condition was obviously worsening, just as they’d expected.
Alyna appeared to be as anxious as he to finish the deed and nearly choked Matthew in her haste to give him his medicine. After several attempts, they got him to swallow the majority of the potion.
Royce stood and backed away before he did something he’d regret. He wasn’t sure what had awakened him in the middle of the night and prompted him to check on Matthew, but he wished he hadn’t given into the urge. He’d known she’d be here. Before he’d entered the room, he’d told himself that he only wanted to check on Matthew’s condition, that it mattered not if Alyna was the one who tended him.
Now, as he looked at her, he admitted the truth to himself. Any chance to be in her presence drew him like a moth to a flame.
Yet this couldn’t be. He had to stop. Why couldn’t he accept that? Instead, he tortured himself by seeking her company at every turn.
Hell’s teeth. What was he to do about it?
For now, the answer was a simple one. He’d remove her from his presence as quickly as possible. “If you’d like to get some rest, I’ll remain with Matthew.”
“Oh, truly?” Alyna appeared tempted by his offer, but looked at him with doubt. “Well, I suppose it will be all right. Gunnell should be here soon after dawn to check on him, but let me know if you need something before that. Are you quite sure?”
“Aye.”
She gave him a tired smile, her face pale. She rubbed a shoulder with one hand and arched her back.
He kept his hands fisted at his sides, determined to resist the urge to help ease her stiffness.
She adjusted Matthew’s covers one last time, then glanced at Royce as she walked out the door. “My thanks, Royce.”
Royce couldn’t ignore the ache in his chest her departure caused. What was she doing to him?
***
Exhausted, Alyna went upstairs to her chamber, her steps slower on each stair. She couldn’t help but remember the sleepless nights when Nicholas had been a babe. Thank goodness she’d had Enid to aid her.
Her chamber was empty, but as dawn had arrived, she assumed Nicholas had awoken hungry, and Enid had taken him to the kitchen to find something to break their fast. Too tired to worry much over their absence, she moved directly toward the bed, taking time only to remove her slippers. She settled her head on the pillow and drew the covers over her.
As she snuggled down into the comfort of the bed, a familiar scent caught her attention. Royce. She opened her eyes, only to realize the scent came from her gown. The fresh aroma curled deep within her and filled her with a now familiar longing. Her attraction to the knight continued to deepen, despite her attempts to halt it.
The man annoyed her and fascinated her, all at the same time. He acted as though he was attracted to her one moment, then ignored her the next. He kissed her as though she was special to him, but kept his distance at other times.
What was she to do with such a man?
One long look from those gray eyes was enough to make her toes curl. He brought out feelings of which she hadn’t known she was capable. The whole business was maddening.
She must’ve dozed off, for a knock at the door startled her awake. Hoping it wasn’t a servant sent to inform her Matthew had worsened, she rose and went to the door, conscious of her bare feet.
The strange woman curtsied, a servant by the look of her clothes. “Beg your pardon, my lady. Lady Florence requests your presence in the hall.”
A wave of irritation filled Alyna. What could the woman possibly want? “I’ve been up all night with Matthew. I’m certain whatever she needs can wait until later.”
“I’m sorry, my lady, but she asked me to tell you that it is of the utmost importance.” The maid didn’t look apologetic in the least.
“What is your name?”
“My name, my lady?”
“Aye, your name. I don’t believe I’ve seen you before.”
“I’m new here.”
Alyna waited for an answer but none seemed forthcoming. The maid reminded her of a muted version of Florence with her narrow face, thin lips and displeased expression as though unhappy with the errand she’d been sent upon.
At last, she seemed to realize Alyna waited for a response. “Oh, I am called Hilde, my lady.”
If Alyna didn’t know better, she would’ve thought the maid was being deliberately obtuse. Her exhaustion must be getting the better of her. She yawned and looked longingly at the bed. More sleep would have to wait. For some reason, she suspected Florence was up to no good, and she had best find out what it was as quickly as possible.
She put on her slippers and moved to the door where Hilde waited. “Let us see what Florence wants.”
Her face void of expression, the maid gestured for Alyna to go first.
“You lead the way, Hilde.” For some reason, she didn’t want the maid behind her.
“As you wish, my lady.”
Hilde made her way to the great hall with Alyna a short distance behind. Alyna realized she must’ve slept longer than she thought for morning had come in full.
As she entered the hall, she noticed Beatrice and Mary, the two servants who had assisted in cleaning the hall. They stood to one side, anxious expressions upon their faces. Alyna immediately went toward them to find out what was wrong.
“Alyna,” Florence called to her from nearby.
“In a moment,” she answered with a brief glance at the insufferable woman, determined to find out what was wrong with the maids first.
Beatrice gasped. “Oh, my lady! Please don’t make her angrier than she already is.”
“’Tis true, my lady,” Mary agreed. “Lady Florence is not pleased with us.” The older woman touched Alyna’s arm. “I am so very sorry, my lady.”
“Whatever for?” Alyna was puzzled by her apology as well as her behavior. “What’s wrong?”
“Alyna.” Florence’s impatient tone commanded her attention. “I would speak with you anon.”
Already irritable, Florence’s words only angered Alyna further. “I will be with you in a moment.” She turned to glare at her aunt, but the sight over the woman’s head made her catch her breath. “What happened?”
One of her grandmother’s beautifully woven tapestries now had a gaping hole near the center of the design. The bright colors that had been revealed by the cleaning had faded in several spots.
“We don’t know, my lady.” Beatrice sniffed.
“It makes no sense,” Mary added, wringing her hands.
Florence moved toward Alyna, a condescending smile on her lips. “Alyna, my dear, I realize you were only trying to help, but...” As though at a loss for words, she turned and gestured toward the damaged tapestry. “It appears as though your skills lie in some area other than cleaning.”
Alyna felt her cheeks flame as dismay and embarrassment washed through her. How could she have been so careless as to ruin the tapestry? Her grandfather would be so disappointed in her. She quickly thought back to the day they’d cleaned the hall but could think of nothing they’d done that would have caused any harm.
“I know you meant well, but really,” Florence continued, shaking her head. “I c
an’t allow this to happen again.”
“I can assure you that nothing we did caused damage to the tapestry.” Alyna didn’t know what had happened, but she did know it wasn’t her fault, nor was it Beatrice’s or Mary’s. She gave the two servants a look of reassurance. They looked rather startled at her show of support.
“Then how do you explain this?” With flourish, Florence raised her hand to gesture to the tapestry.
Alyna looked closer at Florence. If she didn’t know better, she’d think the woman had somehow planned all this. Alyna glanced around the hall. A small audience was even in attendance for the event. It seemed this was the price she’d pay for not being friendlier to Florence.
Anger consumed her, and it felt so much better than the hot wave of embarrassment had. “I have no explanation for it.” She took a step toward Florence. “I do know that nothing that I, nor the servants who assisted me in cleaning this hall, caused that harm.”
Alyna turned to Mary and Beatrice. “Please see that the tapestry is taken down so we might examine it to determine the cause.”
Florence took a step back and glanced at Hilde, who stood near her side. She looked at Alyna and scoffed. “Dear child–”
“I am not your child, and I do not wish you to refer to me as such.”
“Well, really.” Florence folded her arms. “I am simply trying to fulfill my duties. I’ve tried to befriend you, but you rebuff me at every turn. ’Tis not my fault that you cleaned the hall with such disastrous consequences. Whatever will I tell Lord Blackwell?”
“If you had been fulfilling your duties, the hall would already have been clean, and my interference wouldn’t have been needed.” Alyna refused to fall prey to Florence’s tactics. She would not take the blame for the damaged tapestry, nor would she allow blame to be placed on those who had aided her. “I will be the one to speak to my grandfather of this. You need not concern yourself with the matter any further.”
“As steward–”
“When you act as a steward, I will give you the respect due a steward. If you truly cared for my grandfather, you would be of more assistance. As you so kindly pointed out to me, he has many other things on his mind and shouldn’t have to worry about whether or not a chamber is prepared for a guest.”
A VOW TO KEEP (The Vengeance Trilogy) Page 14
