A VOW TO KEEP (The Vengeance Trilogy)

by Lana Williams

  CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

  “Mix lemon balm and honey in steaming

  water and sip to calm an upset stomach.”

  Lady Catherine’s Herbal Journal

  Alyna hurried into the cold, dim hall of Larkspur, hoping to find Nicholas, but the room was empty. She spun to face Hilde. “I demand to see my son.”

  “You’re in no position to demand anything.” Hilde sank onto a nearby bench.

  The great hall was so huge, even the sound of Alyna’s breath echoed in its vastness. She scanned the area once more, wishing she’d find Nicholas tucked in a corner. One lone tapestry graced a wall, its scene a faded memory. Tables and benches lined the far side of the room. The massive hearth could have easily heated the entire hall, but no fire burned to welcome the arrivals.

  Unwilling to wait, Alyna moved toward the stairs, intending to search for Nicholas, but one of the men who had escorted her blocked her path, his hand on the hilt of his sword.

  “You’ll have to wait for his lordship,” he advised.

  She eyed the man, trying to decide what her chances were against him.

  “I don’t want to hurt you.”

  Realizing she wouldn’t be of any help to Nicholas if she were injured, she moved to pace in front of the hearth, too anxious to sit.

  When it seemed she could wait no more, she heard footsteps approaching. Lord Tegmont entered. Alone. She swallowed tears of disappointment. “Where is my son?”

  “Alyna, my dear, I’m so glad you’re here.” Tegmont had a gracious smile on his arresting face. Handsome to some perhaps, but not to her. His dark hair held a sprinkle of gray at the temples, and a few wrinkles creased the corners of his dark eyes since she’d last seen him. Those lines weren’t from smiling.

  Alyna clenched her jaw in an effort to keep from screaming at him. Instead, she asked again, “Where is Nicholas?”

  He lifted her hand in his. “I’ve waited far too long for your arrival. You can’t imagine my...disappointment when I learned you intended to delay our wedding.”

  She tried to tug her hand free to no avail. Delay the wedding? Surely he knew she’d intended to avoid marrying him altogether. What kind of game was he playing? “I want to see Nicholas. Now.”

  Tegmont’s lips tightened. “If you want to see the boy, then you’ll have to comply with my wishes.”

  Fear curled in the pit of her stomach. Though she already knew the answer, she forced herself to ask, “What wishes?”

  “To fulfill our agreement, of course.”

  The fear unfurled, leaving her knees weak. “I am not going to marry you.”

  He smiled, continuing to grip her hand. “Your father bound you to the terms of our betrothal. Your agreement isn’t necessary. In fact, I find it rather appealing that you escaped me for a time. It shows your strength and spirit. You’ll give me fine sons.”

  “We wouldn’t suit,” she argued, swallowing the bile in her throat at the idea of spending the rest of her life with him.

  “Oh, but we will. I’ve watched you grow into a fine lady.” He reached for her, narrowly missing her breast when she jerked back. “A fine lady indeed.”

  “I won’t marry you,” she insisted, despite the realization that he could force her to do so.

  “You will if you want to see your son. He’s most anxious to be reunited with you. He seems rather frightened by all this,” he said with a smile as though Nicholas’s fear amused him.

  “Please. Return him to me,” she begged. “We’ll leave and cast this from our memories. No one need ever know you’ve taken us against our will.”

  Tegmont tipped his head back and roared with laughter. “That doesn’t concern me in the least. I’ve done far worse. Believe me.”

  Alyna stared at him with mounting horror. How could she have forgotten for even a moment what he’d done to Royce and his family? Tegmont would have no remorse in killing Nicholas or her if he so desired.

  “Thank you, Hilde, for accompanying my bride-to-be,” Tegmont said as he turned to look at the maid with a broad smile. “I shall reward you soon.”

  “I look forward to it,” the maid said with a slow wink. She’d loosened the hair around her thin face, no doubt in an effort to look more attractive.

  Alyna closed her eyes in disgust. No wonder the woman didn’t act like a servant.

  Tegmont returned his attention to Alyna. “No need to be jealous, my dear.” He drew a finger down the side of Alyna’s cheek, his dark gaze holding hers. “I will make plenty of time for you. We have much to do before we marry.”

  “Of course.” She forced a smile and willed herself not to pull back from his touch. Her only hope was to delay him as long as possible, and pray that somehow, she and Nicholas could escape. “It would relieve my mind considerably if I could see Nicholas. I’d be better able to focus on our plans.”

  He chuckled, sending a chill down Alyna’s spine. “Perhaps you could give me a token of your affection to show me your sincerity. After all, I’ve waited so long to have you here with me.”

  Alarmed, Alyna paused. She hadn’t expected him to make such a request. But she would do anything to keep Nicholas safe.

  Anything.

  She pushed aside her fear and put a tentative hand on his chest. Though she looked closely, she could find little resemblance to his nephew, the man who held her heart. Perhaps she could pretend he was Royce for just a moment if she closed her eyes. But even with her eyes shut, Tegmont was all wrong. The wrong scent. The wrong height. The wrong man.

  Memories of Royce sent a pang of longing through her so sharp, her breath became a sob.

  Tegmont grabbed her arms and gave her a shake. “You stupid woman.”

  Alyna took a deep breath to collect herself. “My lord, please. It’s just that I miss Nicholas dearly.” She moved closer and rose on her toes to place a brief kiss on his cheek. Hopefully that would suffice for now.

  She drew back to find him looking down at her, his expression watchful. Scared her performance hadn’t fooled him, she smiled, holding on to her emotions by a fine thread.

  Apparently appeased with her offering, he returned her smile and tucked her hand in the crook of his arm. “You must be exhausted from your journey here.” He led her to the stairs. “I’ll show you to your chamber, and later we’ll arrange a reunion with the boy.”

  “I’d prefer to see him now.”

  “I’ll have a bath sent up to you,” he continued, as though she hadn’t spoken. He held her arm tightly as they moved up the stairs in unison. Tegmont took the side near the wall, leaving Alyna to walk near the edge that towered high above the entrance to the keep. As they approached the third floor, he gave her a small push, sending her perilously close to the edge of the stone steps.

  Alyna caught a dizzying glimpse of the stone floor far below and gasped, stumbling back into Tegmont’s arms.

  He laughed in delight. “Just a little jest, Alyna. Although I must say, my last wife didn’t find it very funny. Or was it the one before that?” He paused as though trying to remember. “No matter.”

  The light in his eyes erased her doubt that he’d murdered his previous wives, perhaps even with the help of these terrible stairs. Though her knife remained strapped to her thigh, it would be of little use until she located Nicholas.

  He pulled her closer, and they mounted the last two steps to reach the third floor. He led her through a sparsely furnished chamber and continued into another that held only a narrow bed and two small chests. “This is where you’ll be staying for now.”

  It mattered naught to Alyna. She saw no sign of Nicholas. Did she dare ask Tegmont again or would that only anger him?

  She pulled away from him and stepped forward as though to examine the room more closely. Anything to be free of his touch. She stood near one of the chests and heard a thump come from within it.

  “What was that?” Tegmont asked as he turned in the direction of the sound.

  Alyna had the oddest feeling. She
turned quickly and looked at the lord. “Only me. I stubbed my toe against this chest.”

  “Be more careful, my dear.”

  If he called her that one more time, Alyna swore she’d pull out her knife after all. “Of course.”

  “Your bath will be here shortly. After you’ve had a chance to rest, we’ll discuss the details of our marriage.”

  Alyna nodded then watched as Tegmont shut the door behind him. The lock turned in the door. So she was to be a prisoner here. No less than she’d expected.

  She waited several long moments until she heard the sound of Tegmont’s footsteps fade. Then, she hurried to the chest that had made the odd sound. With care, she opened the lid and found exactly what she was looking for.

  ***

  Royce lay on the cold, hard ground, the sky above him radiant with stars too numerous to count. So numerous that Royce was certain their brilliance was the reason he could not sleep.

  Nay, in truth, a night as black as tar would not have suited him any better.

  He’d tried to close his eyes and will himself to sleep. In the past, he’d easily been able to shut down his mind and gain a few hours of rest before a battle or a tournament. The rest his body and mind needed could be the difference between life and death.

  But not this night.

  Royce knew Blackwell was as anxious as he to get to Larkspur, but the lord had insisted on stopping for a few hours of rest. Both the men and the horses needed it. Still, the urge to ride on had nearly overwhelmed Royce. His normal patience had deserted him.

  The news of Alyna and Nicholas missing had devastated him. He couldn’t stand to think of them both in Tegmont’s hands. Though reluctant to delve into his heart to understand why he felt this way, it was past time he did so.

  Alyna’s gift of her innocence was beyond measure. Her passion had surprised him, but he’d been even more surprised by the absolute need he’d had for her. Never before had he experienced such emotions, such completeness of his soul. He shifted uncomfortably at the thought, but the truth could not be denied.

  Only one explanation could account for how he felt.

  Love.

  Warmth rushed through him at the realization. Aye, he loved her. His love burned as brightly as the stars above him. Their passion for each other would last forever. He was certain of it.

  He wanted Alyna by his side. Always.

  He should never have left her without explaining himself and his intentions. Did she know Tegmont was his uncle? Why had he never told her? The only excuse he had was that a lifetime of keeping secrets was not easily changed.

  Royce reasoned she’d be safe in Tegmont’s hands, at least for the moment. His uncle had nothing to gain by her death. Although Royce worried over Nicholas’s safety, Tegmont was smart enough to use the boy to get Alyna to comply with his wishes. Royce could only pray–something he hadn’t done in years–that his uncle hadn’t forced Alyna to marry him already.

  Daniel had told them that Tegmont had a servant named Hilde whose description matched that of the maid who’d recently come to Northe Castle. He’d also said Tegmont had mentioned a lady who supplied Tegmont with information as to Royce’s whereabouts. Royce knew that had to be Lady Florence. Though they’d looked briefly for her before they left, she was nowhere to be found.

  Royce knew his goal of vengeance must end. He could not have both revenge and guarantee Alyna’s safety. His uncle had outsmarted him, and that knowledge stung, but he no longer cared. Even if he didn’t regain his family’s holding, he would still have Alyna and that was all that truly mattered.

  He would set aside his vow for Alyna and Nicholas and make a new vow to protect them. On the morrow, he’d offer the evidence he’d gathered, including Daniel, to Tegmont in exchange for Alyna and Nicholas’s freedom.

  He closed his eyes and spoke the words that burned in the back of his throat: Mother and Father, I am sorry that I failed you, but I hope you understand.

  From the depths of his worry and despair, a strange sense of peace came over him. He realized his parents would have applauded his choice, for he was choosing love over hatred, the living over the dead. Aye, they would definitely approve, for love always won the day.

  ***

  “So what do you intend?” Hugh’s quiet voice broke through Royce’s thoughts as they made their preparations to break camp the next morning.

  “I intend to get Alyna and Nicholas back.” Royce refused to think about anything past that. Or the fact that without Larkspur he had little to offer Alyna. How could he propose marriage? He had accumulated some wealth, but a landless knight was no match for a lady. Even if Lord Blackwell would approve of the match, the king would not.

  But all of that mattered little. What did matter were Alyna and Nicholas. Tegmont could not have them.

  “How? Are we announcing ourselves at the gate?” Hugh asked.

  Royce turned his attention back to Hugh as Lord Blackwell joined them. “I know a way to get in. There’s a secret passage that leads to the kitchen. If it’s still open, I’ll find Alyna and Nicholas and get them to safety. Then, I’ll confront Tegmont and offer the evidence we’ve gathered, including Daniel’s silence, in exchange for Alyna and Nicholas.”

  Hugh’s brow wrinkled in confusion. “If you’ve already got them, why offer Tegmont all the information we have?”

  “We need him to break off the betrothal to Alyna. It’s not enough for us to have her. The king could easily demand we give her back to Tegmont to fulfill the terms of the betrothal. We can’t risk that.”

  Hugh nodded in agreement, but Blackwell said nothing. The lord gazed at the horizon, deep in thought. He shook his head. “There has to be some other way. Tegmont can’t be allowed to get away with his crimes. The king’s safety may depend upon it.”

  “We’ll have to rely on Pimbroke to advise the king of the danger he is in,” Royce said. “Perhaps he can convince him of Tegmont’s guilt.”

  Blackwell’s amber gaze met Royce’s. “You can’t give up your future. You’ve spent a lifetime on your quest. Larkspur should be yours.”

  “Nothing matters now except Alyna and Nicholas. Nothing, including my wish for revenge.”

  “Are you certain?” Blackwell asked.

  While he appreciated Blackwell’s concern, Royce had already reconciled himself to what lay ahead. He only hoped Blackwell thought him worthy of Alyna. If he didn’t, Royce would work harder to earn that honor, no matter how long it took.

  Royce swallowed hard and told Blackwell what he’d held back for too long. “Aye, because I love her. I would spend the rest of my life protecting her and Nicholas if she will have me.”

  Blackwell grinned and placed his hand on Royce’s shoulder. “Nothing would please me more.”

  “Tegmont will get his due, either in this lifetime or the next,” Royce said.

  “Preferably this one,” added Blackwell.

  “Offer Daniel, but don’t keep your silence,” Hugh suggested, unwilling to let it go.

  Royce shook his head. “Tegmont is a clever man. There’s little chance he’ll agree to that. We need leverage to force him to call off the wedding. The word of a thief is not enough evidence to condemn him, and he knows that.”

  Blackwell looked away, obviously frustrated with the situation.

  Royce touched Blackwell’s arm. “My lord, all will be well. We’ll have them both back with us soon. That is what truly matters. Let us finalize our plans and be off.”

  ***

  “My lord asks that you wear this kirtle, my lady.”

  Alyna eyed the pretty garment with trepidation. The deep blue of the fine linen was faded and the delicate lace that trimmed the neckline had yellowed with age. Alyna looked at the nervous maid. “Why?”

  The maid’s gaze darted around the room. “My lord feels it will look very nice on you.”

  Alyna smiled at the young woman, hoping to encourage her to loosen her tongue. “Can you tell me anything about it? It would ease my
mind to know its history.”

  “I believe it is the very same one each of his wives has worn on the day of their wedding. ’Tis tradition, he said.”

  Alyna closed her eyes as dread coiled through her. She’d hoped to escape with Nicholas by now. But it seemed Tegmont was well aware of her goal, for he had her guarded every moment of the day and night.

  The two days since she’d arrived had been spent either in Tegmont’s company or locked in her chamber with a guard outside the door.

  The only thing that kept her sane was Nicholas. The situation might have been comical had it not felt as though her life hung in the balance. Nicholas had escaped the chamber Tegmont had put him in and remained hidden with her since her arrival. Tegmont continued to put her off with flimsy excuses whenever she asked to see Nicholas. He obviously had no idea where her son was and from the little she’d overheard, the servants had torn the keep apart looking for him. A guard had even searched her chamber while Nicholas had hid under the back of her kirtle as she stood in the corner.

  Nicholas enjoyed the game and for one so young, remained remarkably quiet whenever someone entered her chamber. Even now, he was tucked in the chest near her feet. She’d managed to find an extra blanket to cushion his hiding spot.

  Alyna smiled again at the maid. “The garment must be very special to Lord Tegmont.”

  The maid returned her smile with a shy one of her own. She lowered her voice and leaned toward Alyna. “Some say it’s the very tunic his brother’s wife wore the day she said her vows.”

  “What happened to her?” Alyna was curious to hear what the servants thought had happened to Royce’s parents.

  The maid peeked over her shoulder at the door, then stepped closer to Alyna. “The lord, the lady, and their young son all died in a terrible fire in the great hall. That was many years ago, of course, but there are still a few here who remember it well. Lord Tegmont forbids anyone to speak of it.”