A Loyal Heart

by Jody Hedlund

  “If you would rather not, I understand.”

  He closed the distance between us so that he was only a foot away. He lifted his hand and brushed my cheek with his knuckles. “I’d like honesty between us, Olivia.”

  He spoke my name like a caress, and the tenderness in his eyes broke down any further resistance I might have had. “During the ambush on our way to Tolleymuth, my manservant Cecil passed along my father’s instructions to me.”

  Although Aldric’s irises darkened, his expression remained patient and nonjudgmental.

  I took a deep breath and continued. “My father learned that Lord Pitt has the Holy Chalice in his possession, and he commanded me to find it for him.”

  “Why?” The question was hard and demanded the truth.

  “My father believes the tales about the chalice’s healing power, that whoever places his lips upon the same cup that our Lord used will be healed of any ailment. He hopes it will cure my brother Charles of his illness and prolong his life.”

  Aldric studied my face, and I did the same to his, wishing I could read his thoughts as easily as he seemed to be reading mine.

  “He told me he would not pay the ransom to Lord Pitt until I found the chalice.”

  “I’m not surprised he would sacrifice you for his own cause. And that makes me detest him more.”

  “Not for his cause. For Charles.” But even as I protested, I was assailed with doubts. Yes, Father wanted to find a cure for Charles. But I suspected he wanted the chalice because of the prosperity and power it could bring him if the holy relic truly did contain the power it was rumored to have.

  Aldric was silent for a long moment, taking in everything I’d revealed to him. Sprinkles of sunlight danced like fireflies in the lengthening shadows, but the light did nothing to illuminate his face and make it more readable. I couldn’t tell if he was angry with me. And I prayed he wasn’t.

  When he reached for my hand and slipped his fingers into mine, pressing his palm against mine, I released a breath. I had no wish to create a rift between us, and I was relieved he still accepted me.

  “You must put the chalice out of your mind,” he said quietly. “Lord Pitt no longer has it in his possession.”

  “How can you be certain?”

  “Because I have it. Lord Pitt gave it to me, and I have locked it away where it will remain safe.”

  I watched the shadows flit across his face, and tried to take in his revelation.

  “Someday soon,” he continued, “after you have become my wife, we will give Charles a chance to drink from the chalice.”

  He was under no obligation to allow Charles such an opportunity, not after the trouble I’d caused. The prospect was more than generous and showed Aldric to be a man of honor, integrity, as well as benevolence. If I had to bind myself to one of Lord Pitt’s knights, I could ask for no better man than this one standing before me.

  “I have never met a man as noble and kind as you.” My voice wavered with emotion, and I lowered my eyes in embarrassment.

  He lifted our intertwined hands until the back of my hand pressed against his mouth. His warm breath and even warmer lips seared my skin, drawing the air from my lungs and forcing my eyes back to his.

  As he held my gaze, something inside me crumbled, perhaps my last wall of resistance. And I realized I had no desire to oppose marriage to this man. I wanted to spend my life with him. Though we were of different stations, and though he might not be able to offer me the status and social connections that a union with Lionel Lacy could provide, I would be much richer in the things that really mattered—like honor, integrity, friendship, and even love.

  Was I falling in love with Aldric?

  The very possibility made my heart pound at double the speed. I wanted to say something, but the feeling was so new and delicate I dared not voice it yet, even to myself. I needed time to understand and test whether it was real and not just an infatuation of the moment.

  At a crackling in the brush behind us, Aldric’s body stiffened, and he reached for his dagger, likely without even realizing he’d done so. He lowered my hand and scanned the thick brush and trees around us. Except for the crashing of the waterfall not far away, the woodland was silent.

  After a moment, he relaxed and sheathed his knife. “My squires are keeping watch as I instructed,” he said wryly. “Perhaps too well.”

  “You could send them away,” I suggested. “After all, I am equal to their strength and skill and can defend myself.”

  “No, my lady,” he said turning and resuming our trek. “They are much needed. Not as a defense against outside forces, but as a protection from within.”

  “How so?” I asked as I hiked after him.

  He was silent for a moment, then replied in a tight voice. “I would defend your honor at all costs, even from myself.”

  At his answer, I couldn’t keep from smiling. I liked knowing he was attracted to me—at least enough that he wanted chaperones.

  I was about to tease him for his weakness when we stepped out of the woods and entered directly into a spacious cave that shimmered with a glassy light. The air was damp and cool. And the ground was wet and slick.

  Aldric reached for my hand. “Watch your step, my lady.”

  I held on tightly, though I had no need to since I was nimble and sure-footed. The steady drip of water was rapidly drowned by a loud rushing. Within seconds, I found myself standing in a cavern with water pouring down a wide opening in a steady wall.

  “Where are we?” I asked above the roaring. But as soon as the question was out, I’d already guessed. He’d brought me to the backside of the waterfall.

  The water was powerful and glorious all at once—the movement swift, the spray cool, and the color iridescent. I watched with awe. When my gaze connected with Aldric’s, I could see the awe in his eyes too. We needed no words. Silent reverence was enough.

  When finally we moved to leave, the awed silence was a comfortable companion for the ride back to the castle. Not until we reached the door of my tower prison did we finally venture to speak again.

  “Goodnight, Olivia,” he whispered.

  As earlier, the sound of my name falling from his lips sent sweet pleasure wafting through my chest. When he raised my hand to his lips and brushed a feathery kiss across my knuckles, the pleasure rippled out to my limbs, down to my fingers and toes.

  “You may tell Lord Pitt you have sufficiently wooed me,” I whispered in return.

  “Have I now?” he replied as he released my hand. In the torchlight, his eyes were especially dark and murky.

  “Yes, you most definitely have.”

  He hesitated but then seemed to force himself to take a step back. He glanced over his shoulder toward the stairwell. His men were waiting at the bottom. Was he wishing he’d asked them to accompany him? Was he tempted to do more than kiss my hand?

  As much as I longed for him to close the distance between us and wrap me in his arms, I respected that he wanted to remain a man of honor. I retreated into the lonely tower room, wanting to aid his intentions toward me.

  “It was a beautiful evening,” I said, reaching for the door and beginning to close it, “one I shall never forget.”

  He made no move to stop me. Rather he watched me with an intensity that sent my heart spiraling out of control.

  I closed the door and leaned against it. The oaken slab was cool against my hot skin. I listened for his descent, but heard nothing.

  Finally, the key rattled in the lock and was followed by his footsteps descending the stone steps. As they faded away, I slid down to the floor, my knees no longer able to support my weight.

  I realized with startling clarity that he hadn’t needed to lock the tower door, for I wouldn’t run away even if given the opportunity. I had no desire to leave him. Not this night. Nor forevermore.

  Chapter

  17

  “Admit it,” Pitt said as we strode across the bailey toward our waiting mounts. “I was righ
t and you were wrong.”

  “About what, my lord?” I replied, although I knew very well about what.

  The July morning had dawned warm and promised to provide sunshine for our hunt. Through the open gatehouse, a mist hovered over the moat and the open field beyond, a vision almost as fair as the waterfall of the previous eve.

  I filled my lungs with the scent of damp grass mingling with the wood smoke from the early morning hearth fires. The day brimmed with promise. My heart was lighter than it had been in a very long time, and I anticipated the hunt more than I had any others.

  Because of Olivia. But I would not say so to Pitt.

  “I was right that you’re enamored with Lady Olivia,” Pitt said with a nod in her direction.

  She waited near the stables beside my men. Although I would have preferred to fetch her myself, I’d had too many other details to orchestrate in preparation for the hunt. Now as I took her in, my chest swelled with an emotion I didn’t dare name.

  “She is a fair sight,” I conceded.

  “She’s more than that.”

  Pitt was right. Olivia was ravishing in the deep purple gown that made her red hair and creamy skin radiate. A belt of golden hoops cinched her waist and matched the fillet that graced her head like a crown, adding to her elegance. A light silk cloak was pinned closed at one shoulder with her mother’s brooch.

  Pitt stopped abruptly and watched my face, a slow grin transforming his scar and the gruffness of his countenance into delight. “I think you’re looking forward to the wedding.”

  I wanted to keep walking, to ignore his teasing. But I respected him too much to show him any discourtesy. The best I could do was remain silent and, in so doing, refuse to indulge his whims.

  His eyes widened. “Saints above, Windsor. You’re in love.”

  “No.” The denial fell from my lips too quickly. I realized my mistake as soon as I spoke.

  Pitt’s laughter boomed around the inner bailey, drawing attention from everyone who’d gathered for the expedition, including Olivia.

  I steeled myself with my most severe expression and prayed Pitt wouldn’t repeat himself. I didn’t want to have this discussion anywhere at any time, much less here in the open where Olivia might hear things she shouldn’t.

  As Pitt’s laughter diminished, he clamped a hand on my shoulder. “Well, it’s about time is all I can say.”

  I shook my head. “You’re getting ahead of yourself, my lord.”

  “I don’t think so.” He resumed his stride toward our horses. “In fact, maybe I ought to lock her away from you until the wedding.”

  If he changed his mind about allowing Olivia to go on the hunt, she’d be sorely disappointed. “Have no fear. She’s like a sister to me.”

  “Sister?” Pitt guffawed. “Not in the least. I won’t ask any questions if you need to break away from the hunting party from time to time.”

  I had no doubt Olivia could hear Pitt’s statements, and I was too chagrinned to look at her, especially in light of his last insinuation that I’d attempt to get Olivia alone. And for what? So that I could kiss her again?

  If I’d wanted to kiss her, I would have done so at the waterfall or even when I’d accompanied her back to the tower.

  As it was, I’d resolved to keep our physical contact to a minimum so that I didn’t awaken any more desire between us. I was already having difficulty tearing myself away from her. Last night at her door had been pure torture.

  “Perhaps it would be best if she rode her own mount,” I suggested.

  “I stand by my original agreement, Windsor. She rides with you or not at all.”

  Clearly, he hadn’t meant his statement about locking Olivia away until the wedding. He intended to push us together as much as he could to ensure that I would follow through with the wedding.

  And would I follow through?

  I’d wrestled with that question long into the night, tossing and turning on my bed until my body had been tangled in my coverlet as helplessly as my mind was tangled with how to proceed.

  At my approach, my men cast their gazes to the ground. Even so, they couldn’t hide their humor or smother their grins quickly enough.

  Olivia appeared busy with the bay dogs circling among the mounts, their tails wagging in frenzied excitement and their wet noses bumping anyone who might pay them heed. I could only pray she’d been too distracted to listen to Pitt’s embarrassing comments.

  “My lady,” I said, admiring the gracefulness of her body as she straightened. “Are you ready to commence the hunt?”

  “Of course. Very much so.” She peered up at me eagerly, her green eyes innocent and wide and beautiful.

  I assisted her into the saddle and a moment later took my place behind her.

  “Will you allow me a boar spear of my own?” she asked.

  “You’ll have no need.”

  “Then you plan to share yours?” She glanced at the special weapon tucked into my sword belt.

  There was no way I was letting Olivia get anywhere near a boar. Once the bay hounds chased and cornered the wild pig, the beast would be viciously dangerous. When it began its charge, only the most skilled of the hunters would attempt to make a kill shot. And today, with Olivia on my mount, I had no intention of being in the midst of the fray.

  “You must earn the right to use a boar spear,” I said.

  “How can I earn the right if I am not allowed to have one?”

  I should have guessed Olivia wouldn’t be content merely watching a boar hunt, that she’d want to participate for herself. She’d already proven she was unconventional and saw no need to be like other ladies. While I appreciated her spirit and determination, everything within me resisted the prospect of her being anywhere near harm’s way.

  In fact, the more I recollected the way we’d met in her chambers at Ludlow and the realization that I could have killed her, I wasn’t sure I ought to encourage her swordplay any further. Yes, I appreciated that she could defend herself in an emergency. But beyond that, I had no wish for her to engage in combat.

  Or in a dangerous hunt.

  “You must be content to watch, my lady.”

  “You must trust me,” she retorted. “If you teach me, I shall learn the hunt as well as any man.”

  I urged my steed toward the gatehouse with a force that caused Olivia to lean back into me. Thankfully after only a few minutes of holding herself stiffly, she settled in and relaxed, and for a while we rode in silence. I suspected she’d put the matter of using my boar sword from her mind—at least for now—and had resigned herself to observing the hunt rather than participating.

  “It’s beautiful,” she said taking in the mist, the way the morning sunlight speared the droplets so that bright beams cascaded onto the heathland grass causing the dew to glisten. “Almost as beautiful as the waterfall.”

  “I was thinking the same.”

  She curled her hand around mine, which was resting lightly at her waist. At the gentle pressure, I released my tension. We might disagree on her participation in the hunt, but she could let it go for now and simply enjoy being together. I marveled at her ability to do so and vowed to do the same.

  “So I am like a sister to you.” While the words had the inflection of a statement, I could hear the question within them, the one asking me to clarify our relationship.

  How could I clarify what I didn’t understand?

  “I was hoping you didn’t hear my conversation with Lord Pitt,” I admitted.

  “It was difficult not to.”

  “Yes, I suppose so.”

  She was silent a moment, as though waiting. “Well? Do you view me as a sister?”

  I flipped her hand over and let my fingers slide through hers, closing mine slowly but securely. Then I bent toward her neck and let my nose touch her ear before following with my mouth.

  She drew in a sharp breath.

  “Would I hold you this way if I viewed you as my sister?” I whispered against her ear, taki
ng too much pleasure in the brush of her flesh against mine.

  “Good,” she whispered back. “I have no wish to be your sister.”

  I straightened and forced myself to remain in control. On my left flank, Pitt rode his mount, observing me. He would tease me mercilessly this eve during the feasting if I didn’t use extreme caution with Olivia. In fact, even if I behaved admirably with Olivia, he’d still tease me.

  Nevertheless, I was in for a long day if I didn’t bridle my feelings for Olivia. I would fare best if I kept our friendship rather than her beauty at the forefront of my mind.

  As we rode deeper into the hardwoods and thick brush, the bay hounds caught the scent of their prey, and we picked up our pace to follow them.

  They led us on a wild chase that ended where I thought it would, in a marshy area containing overflow from the river. In the heat of the summer, the wild pigs wallowed in the ponds and marshes and springs to keep cool. Soon enough, we located the hounds, baying at a thick hedge. The leader of the pack lunged into the overgrowth every so often.

  At the shouts and excitement of the arriving hunters, the hounds dove deeper into the brush. A moment later, the enraged squeals of the boar rose above the barking. The noblemen among the group dismounted, their boar spears at the ready.

  Against me, Olivia tensed. Her hand in mine tightened. And she ceased to breathe.

  When the boar burst through the brush, she gasped her excitement. A large grayish brown beast with bristly hair that stood on its back, charged at top speed. The hounds fell away, having done their job and no longer needed.

  “The creature is much bigger than I imagined.” Olivia’s entire body seemed to quiver with anticipation.

  Pitt was at the ready and made the killing blow to the creature, stabbing it through its dense hide and thick bones so that it lay lifeless at his feet.

  We dismounted to offer congratulations and sip ale that the servants poured, resting in the cool shade and laughing over tales of past escapades. After the break, we climbed upon our horses and once again meandered through the woodland, letting the bay hounds take us where they would. This time, we rode for a while before the bays caught the scent of another boar and began their wild race.