A Stormy Knight

by Amy Mullen

  Suddenly, he was gone from her. He was standing over her looking down with an odd expression on his face. Cool air washed over her where his warmth once was. "'Twould seem this part of our relationship will not be a problem. If only I can find a way to keep you out from under my feet otherwise, this will do."

  Gemma, trembling and shocked at her response to his kiss, sat up. She grabbed her other boot and threw it at him. It sailed over his head and joined the other, landing harmlessly on the floor near the wall behind him.

  "And we will have to do something about that temper of yours."

  She said nothing. He walked calmly out of the room, leaving her to her thoughts and to catch her breath.

  Chapter Six

  Nicholas was short on men he trusted until more of his own arrived. He had to settle with putting his best men on watch and on patrol throughout the castle in key spots. No one was immune from scrutiny. Someone employed by the de Vere family might have poisoned Blaise de Vere himself, and he had to be wary of everyone.

  Exploring the castle, he familiarized himself with the layout. He needed to know where all the outbuildings were, which towers were used for watch, and where someone might step in undetected. It was now dark and he was weary, but there was much to be done. Memories from long ago when he had been inside the walls were dim, but it was much as he remembered.

  There were more private chambers in the solar than there were in other castles, and the layout was bigger than most. He understood why Phillip Bigod was pressing Gemma for marriage. With her father out of the way and her brother missing and by all accounts dead, Phillip would be free to take over. That one should be studied more carefully.

  He tried to keep his mind on the matter at hand, even as the fresh memory of kissing Gemma distracted him. It lacked nothing. She stirred him as no other woman before her had done. It was vital that he hold her at bay lest she put a spell on him, and before something else befell his family because of her. As surely as he wanted her then, he wanted her now.

  His stomach twisted as he remembered how young and foolish he had been all those years ago. She was so beautiful. Her flowing brown hair, kissed by the sun, fell to her waist in waves. The brilliant green of her eyes was the first thing anyone noticed about her, even by the dim light of the moon. When younger, she was cute and sweet, and she had grown into a great beauty. Even her nose was straight and pert. Marriage to her seemed a better proposition than it had just a few hours ago.

  She put on a good show back then because he had believed she truly cared for him. He vividly remembered the night they came to take his family away, accusing them of being spies for the Empress Matilda. His mother's screams still echoed in his mind. Henry released them from servitude and granted them a small manor near London just recently, and they had been momentarily reunited.

  At first he had feared the worst — he and his family would be put to death. Instead, his parents were forced into slavery, and Nicholas was sent elsewhere. Stephen saw something else in him, however, as he was quickly plucked from service and fostered with a wealthy family at Chepstow Castle. Nicholas saw his chance at freedom. He worked as hard as he could to gain respect and skill, all of which had served him well. It was those things that would now help him with his current endeavor.

  He groaned as he remembered the fire in her eyes just moments ago. The swing of her hips and the way her dress, as simple as it was, showed off just how desirable a woman she had become. Her lips were pink and plump, her cheekbones high yet delicate, and she was every bit the lady he always imagined she would be. It was as if he could still taste her, as if he had never stopped kissing her.

  She barely came up to his shoulders, but her presence was full of energy, like a reckless fireball streaking across the sky. The vitality he had seen in her years ago had grown into a passion not unlike the pain he had known all these years. It was that pain which made him a valuable knight, not caring for his own well-being. He often charged in where even the bravest of his peers faltered.

  His true passion was to avenge his parents and to make Gemma feel the same pain he had lived with all these years. Truth be told, after seeing her today, it would seem someone had beat him to it. Her life had not been an easy one.

  He strode into the inner bailey, searching for the positions of the wells, learning quickly the best ways to move about the keep and the many outbuildings that housed the smith, the laundry, the ale house, the chapel, stables, and others he could not yet identify. There were barracks for the men-at-arms, the last being something not all castles could accommodate. This stronghold was impressive and secure. What was he missing?

  The serene facade around him hid a terrible secret. He vowed to solve it and restore his life along the way. Now, he was in control of adversaries both known and unknown.

  Was Gemma his enemy? His urge was to conquer her. Their kiss had proven that. She evoked feelings within him so strong he was overcome, but he would not submit to them. He would give in to the lust as she would soon be his wife, but he would never allow her to reach his heart again. That part of his life was over. The woman would bear his children. Otherwise, she meant nothing to him.

  He tried to focus on the task at hand. He had to find the tunnel Gemma had used to meet him. He decided to block it off but changed his mind. Perhaps someone was gaining entry that way. He would have it watched instead.

  Blaise was a fool if he left it open. It was a getaway for the family within the walls during times of war but, if discovered, was a breach that could easily see the castle fall into the wrong hands. He knew where it came out, as he had watched Gemma emerge from it many times. The boulders and trees hid the exit from view. One would never know it was there. However, he had to find where in the castle it began. Everything within Nicholas told him the tunnel was the answer.

  He just had to wait for someone to use it.

  Chapter Seven

  The silence was deafening after he left her room. Gemma remained where she was on her bed. The situation was dismal. After their conversation and the kiss, it was obvious he hated her, and there was nothing about this marriage that was going to be pleasant. It became apparent he was going to demand everything she had to give. She still had five days, and she was going to try to find a way out before it was too late to turn back. It was time to go see her father. He hadn't responded to anyone, but perhaps this news would rouse him out of his deep slumber.

  She stood and ran her fingers through her long hair and tied it back with a bit of ribbon, smoothed out her dark kirtle with shaking hands, and left her quarters to go see her father. The priest was sitting with him, deep in prayer. Gemma hesitated and then waited until he was done. Within a minute, the prayer session was over, and he beckoned her to her father's bedside.

  "I have not seen much improvement, I fear," he said as he patted her father's hand and gestured for her to sit on the stool placed on the other side of the bed. "Hesse has been by with Isabel, who seems agitated and troubled. 'Tis understandable, as she is not sure what to make of your father's current state. You should see her next, Gemma. It is well past when she should be sleeping, so mayhap you can calm her fears so she may rest."

  Isabel! In the confusion, she had forgotten about her little sister. She must go see her and try to soothe her worries. In the meantime, she wanted some private time with her father. "May I be alone with Father? Just for a few moments. I know 'tis late," she said.

  "Of course," the priest said as he rose and ambled toward the door. "I will be in the hall. Hopefully Leda has food left over for my meal so I may bring it here. I fear I have not eaten much at all today. I did not want to leave your father. Everyone else has eaten, though I hear you were not there for the evening meal."

  "Take your time. There are two men outside the door who can watch over Father if you have not yet returned when I am done," Gemma said softly, ignoring his statement about missing the meal. She took her father's hand and turned her attention toward the large man in the bed. He appeared
weaker than he did earlier in the day.

  "Father Darius, wait," Gemma said before he could exit, "are you sure 'twas poison?"

  "Either he has responded badly to shock, or he was poisoned. He must awaken soon, as he can only go so long without water before he will lose this fight." The priest walked from the room, a grim expression on his face, and plodded toward the steps leading down to the great hall.

  Gemma groaned and tightened her grip on her father's hand. "You must wake up, Father. I need you so much right now. I am trying to be strong but much has happened. Henry has sent Nicholas de Reymes to the castle. The king has ordered we wed so he can secure the castle and find out who is behind the recent tragedies we have endured."

  Her father did not move. She sighed. "I love you, Father. You have always been so strong, and it hurts me greatly to see you this way. You must wake up soon. Please, try to wake up. Come out of your slumber and help us all. I do not know what Nicholas plans to do, but I fear he is angry and he may not be kind to our people." Or to me, she added silently.

  Father Darius arrived with food in hand as she stood to go see her sister. The nursery was down a long passageway that ran along the curtain wall. It was located above the barracks where the soldiers slept. One could not get from one floor to another without going out through the bailey and back through the great hall. This was another built in protection should the castle be breached, another hiding place for the family.

  Through the back of the nursery was another tunnel that went out into the outer bailey by the orchard. Gemma did not think anyone but she knew it existed, much like the one that went out into the woods. She had traversed it only once but did not make it far in her second attempt. It was too daunting and far longer than the other. If she wanted to, she could go through the nursery, down the first tunnel, into the passageway which ran along the outer curtain wall, and then through the one that ran out into the woods without any detection at all.

  As she walked toward the nursery, she made a tough choice. She would present her marriage to Nicholas as a good thing. Her sister was but nine years old, and she did not need the worries of the adults weighing on her shoulders.

  Isabel was still awake. She was sitting on her nurse's lap, and they were telling each other a story. This was one of Isabel's favorite games to play before she retired for the night. Hesse started the story with just one sentence, and they took turns adding to it. The story always ended up in nonsense, which was why she loved it so much.

  With a forced smile, she entered and sat down. "Isabel, I am so sorry I have not been to see you yet. How was the food this eve?"

  Isabel stood up from her nurse's lap and studied her sister. "What kind of question is that, Gem? You never ask me if I like the food. You always insist I eat it whether I like it or not."

  "Fair enough," Gemma said, her mood lightening. Her little sister was nothing if not bright. "I guess I was trying to make conversation. I came to talk to you about Father."

  The younger sister paled a bit. "Is he sick? Is he going to die like Mum did?" she asked, her lower lip trembling.

  Gemma reached for her, swept her up in her arms, and held her tight. Isabel sobbed as she held on to her older sister. "I cannot bear it, Gemma, I cannot."

  "I know, sweet one, I know," she cooed, hoping to find the right words to calm the scared little girl. "I think Father is tough, and whatever has him in this state now will not hold long. He is a strong man. Be sure to ask God for mercy in your prayers tonight."

  She felt Isabel relax a bit in her arms, which allowed her to take a deep breath. "I have good news though if you would like to hear it."

  Isabel struggled to be let down and wiped her tears with her sleeve. "What is it?" she said, standing near her bed. She sat and Gemma followed. "Are you finally going to show me the tunnel like you promised?"

  Hesse appeared puzzled and almost spoke, but Gemma shot her a look that told her to remain silent.

  "Well," Gemma's eyes when from Hesse to Isabel, "I have something even better. In five days, I will be wed."

  Isabel stared at her sister. Finally she said, "Does that mean you are leaving? Will I be all alone with no one but a father that sleeps?"

  "Nay, silly," she said as lightly as she could, "we will stay right here. I will wed Nicholas de Reymes, a strong knight sent here by King Henry to protect us."

  "And?" the younger sister said.

  "And, you will be with me. You can help me dress and do my hair. Do you think that sounds like fun?"

  "Aye!" Isabel's eyes lit up a bit. "When can I meet Nicholas?"

  "On the morrow, dear sister. I am sure he will join us to break his fast. Be on time and presentable."

  Isabel nodded and hugged her sister tightly. "I am awfully tired, so I think Hesse and I will turn in now," she said, sounding more mature than her years. "I will see you on the morrow."

  Gemma kissed her sister and left the room, knowing she was in good hands with Hesse, who would probably have to field a barrage of questions she did not know how to answer. She walked back down the passageway in the dark. The reed lights had burnt out while she was with Isabel.

  A trunk was sitting outside of Gavin's room, and it was obvious it belonged to Nicholas. It served to remind her that her brother was missing, and Nicholas de Reymes was here to stay. Her younger sister changed everything. If he was offering protection for the child, she had to take it no matter what it might cost her in her own life. Issy was more important than anything.

  Chapter Eight

  Gemma woke with the sun the next morning. The world seemed remarkably still. She had slept better than she had in a fortnight and was feeling pretty good until the events of the day before came rushing back to her.

  Somewhere between the kiss she had shared with Nicholas and her visit with Isabel, she had accepted she would become his wife. Logically, it was a good idea and even a beneficial match. The future of her family depended on his protection. Her heart, however, was left in danger. She did not want to forgive him, she did not want to forget what happened, and she did not want to live happily ever after sharing his bed.

  She checked on her father before heading down to break her fast. Father Darius was up and about. He shook his head solemnly when Gemma peered into the room, indicating to her there was no change. Isabel was coming down the passageway with a death grip on Hesse's hand, so she backed out of the room. Her eyes were wide with the question Gemma knew she must answer.

  "Come, Isabel. Let us see if Leda needs assistance with the morning meal. She always needs smart, young ladies to taste the bread and the fresh fruit. No one wants to eat bugs," Gemma rambled on with forced lightness, trying to shield her sister from so much of the pain she had lived with for so long.

  "Is Father awake?" Isabel said.

  "Nay, sweets," Gemma said while taking her other hand momentarily, "not yet. We must not give up hope, all right? Father would want us to make sure all is well while he is sleeping."

  Isabel nodded and pulled Hesse toward the steps to go out to the kitchen to see Leda. The kitchen was always a hub of activity with so many working to make sure each meal was on time and well presented. This kept Isabel busy and occupied, at least until food was served. Gemma had some time before eating, so she headed out to the garden to catch some early morning air.

  When she heard the meal horn sound, she walked back up to the main hall. All of the trestle tables had been put into place, linens laid out, and most were waiting to eat when she arrived. She peered into the darkness of the hall. As her eyes adjusted, she saw Nicholas at the high table sitting next to her sister. Hesse was at a trestle table, indicating Nicholas had dismissed her.

  To her relief, he had not taken her father's chair. He seemed sure of himself as the new lord of the castle. She wondered to what lengths he would go to cement that idea to those who lived within the walls of Blackstone. Isabel was giggling, a sound she had not heard come from her normally lighthearted sister in days.

  She sat
down warily without looking at Nicholas, and the food began to arrive. Isabel was still giggling. Though she had expected him to dismiss her as a child and a nuisance, he appeared to enjoy her company. There were a lot of new faces. These had to be the men who had come with Nicholas.

  Food was placed before her. Isabel insisted on saying grace, announcing to all since Father Darius was with Father she could do it for him. Gemma felt eyes on her as she ate. Everyone must have heard by now who Nicholas was and why he was there. She suspected half of the people were living in fear and wanted someone to help them. Her betrothed, as it turned out, was a mixed blessing.

  Over the hushed tones, Nicholas cleared his throat and beckoned a man to his side. It was Willis Gromme, his newly appointed seneschal. Gemma kept her eyes cast down. He said something she could not quite hear. Willis nodded, bowed in her direction, and left the great hall with long, hurried strides.

  "I hope you at least let him finish breaking his fast before you sent him off," she said through her teeth. "Do you have a heart at all?"

  He said nothing as he stared her down with his dark eyes. Isabel studied them in confusion, and she realized she had better try harder to get along with him, at least with others around.

  When he finally said something, he spoke to Isabel rather than Gemma. "Isabel, when you are finished, you can find your nurse and pick some flowers to cheer up your sister. She seems to be walking under a thunder cloud on this lovely day."

  Isabel giggled in delight, obviously already under the spell of his considerable charm. "May I be excused now? Hesse is waiting!"

  Nicholas nodded and Isabel ran to get her nurse, leaving the two of them alone at the dais.

  "I see you have charmed my sister," Gemma said.

  "Would you rather I abuse her and make her scared of me?" he asked.