by Jody Hedlund
“You have captured his heart,” the queen said, looking first at Rex and then at me.
“He’s an admirable man.” I picked off a piece of the tart crust and took a small bite.
“I did not love the king right away, either,” the queen admitted softly. “But he was persistent and loved me until I could not help but love him in return.”
I nodded. For all of King Ethelwulf’s mistakes, I certainly couldn’t fault him for the love and tenderness he bestowed upon his wife. It was obvious with his every interaction with her that he cherished and revered her.
Perhaps he was a good husband, but I wasn’t convinced he was a good king. My parents had told me of his cruelty during those early days of his reign, the stories of how he’d sent whole families to the gallows for the slightest infractions. He’d tortured and killed so many that the streets of Delsworth had run red with blood.
From what I’d witnessed of the people and conditions during my ride through Mercia, I suspected he could still be just as cruel and harsh. And the times I’d caught him looking at me, I’d sensed a cool detachment and sharp calculation, as though he were trying to figure out how he could use me to his advantage.
“Rex will love you as well as the king has loved me,” the queen continued. “And he will give you little choice but to love him back, even if you are reluctant to do so.”
“He has many good qualities.” Even so, had I done the right thing in making our marriage public and attempting to win the support of the people? During the short ride back from the chapel, I’d waved and smiled at all who gathered along the roads and hung out open windows. I prayed they’d see me with Rex and opt for peace rather than revolt. If my marriage to Rex could help prevent a war, then that’s what we needed, wasn’t it?
Self-doubts crowded in again as they had since I’d made up my mind to go through with the ceremony. Deep inside, I knew Father wouldn’t have wanted me to give in to the enemy and undermine Adelaide’s rebellion. Instead, he would have instructed me to think about my duty to the country, the people who needed freedom, and the true peace that could happen only after it was earned through hard-fought toil and tribulation.
Though I wanted to let my attention drift to Rex again, to reassure myself of his goodness and kindness, I broke off another piece of my tart. Had I allowed him to charm me too easily?
After all, I’d never had the solicitude of a handsome man—or any man—before. Had he wooed me into doing exactly as he’d planned? To use our wedding to distract the people from their discontentment with the king? That had to be it. With our countries on the brink of war, it was too far-fetched to believe he’d be interested in me as anything more than a means to an end.
What have I done?
My insides quivered, and I searched the perimeter of the room, mentally calculating my best route of escape, before focusing on the table in front of me. I couldn’t leave. The damage was already done. Would any of the people of Mercia fight with Adelaide against King Ethelwulf now?
At a short blast of a trumpet, the guests grew silent and turned their attention to our table. Only then did I notice that Rex had risen and moved to the front of the raised dais.
When all eyes were on him, he spoke in his usual clipped and commanding tone. “Upon this, my wedding day, I should like the chance to bestow upon my bride three wedding gifts.”
I sat up straighter and exchanged a glance with the queen. Her eyes reaffirmed what she’d said moments ago about her son loving his wife well. At her nod, I stood and skirted the table to stand next to Rex.
I had to squelch my misgivings. Whatever might happen, I was here now. Even though my fears urged me to run away, somehow I had to gather the courage to stay and seek peace here, right where I was, in any way I could.
“The first is . . .” He motioned toward a squire, who hurried forward carrying a tasseled cushion. The squire bowed and held out the elegant pillow. Rex gingerly retrieved something and then turned to me. “A ring made of the finest ruby.”
Before I realized what he was doing, he’d kneeled in front of me and reached for my left hand. Gently, he slid on the ring, a ruby surrounded by dainty pearls. It glinted in the candlelight and reminded me of the much larger ruby my parents had saved for me as proof of my royal lineage.
He looked up at me, his eyes apologetic, as though to say he wished he could give me back my other ruby, but that for now, this would have to take its place.
I nodded. Maybe I wouldn’t have the ruby and the life my parents had envisioned for me. But I could make something of this new life and do some good here, couldn’t I?
When the ring was finally in place, Rex pressed a kiss against my knuckles, reminding me of our kisses from the church. As his eyes lifted to mine, their smoldering blue told me he was thinking of the same. “It shall signify my heart, that you shall have it forever.”
Delighted murmurs rippled through the guests, followed by clapping. They approved of his gift. His gaze stayed upon me, beseeching me for the same. With such an offer, how could I accuse him of using me or doubt his sincerity?
I wasn’t quite sure how to show I accepted his gift, so I did the first thing that came to mind. I tugged him upward until he stood once more, then I reached for his hand and pressed a kiss to his knuckles in return.
At the touch of my lips on his work-roughened skin, the blue in his eyes turned a shade darker, making my stomach dive with pleasure. As I released his hand, I couldn’t release his gaze.
“The second gift is . . .” Without breaking our connection, he motioned another squire to the dais. This one brought a cushion, too, and Rex retrieved the item at the center. “A key.”
My first thought was that he was returning the key he’d taken from me—the one to the ancient treasure. But at the sight of the object, I realized it was smaller and plainer.
He held it out to me. “This will allow you to enter the scriptorium, and there you will be able to read any book you wish.”
I sucked in a breath and couldn’t keep my fingers from trembling as I took the key—from both anticipation and the thrill of such a present. He wasn’t just giving me a few books to replace the ones I’d had to leave behind. He was supplying an entire room filled with them. The gesture was not only sweet, but it spoke of his respect for my thirst for knowledge.
If I’d harbored any lingering qualms about his intentions, this offering easily banished them. My heart swelled with admiration so that I couldn’t contain a smile. “Thank you, Your Highness. You are as generous as you are kind.”
Again, the guests clapped, clearly enjoying the display of Rex’s affection as much as I was.
“The third gift is . . .” Rex turned and beckoned to a final squire waiting in the shadows of the great hall. The young man strode forward quickly, but rather than a cushion, he carried a medium-sized wooden box. As he stopped in front of Rex, he bowed but didn’t hand over the box. Instead, he held it out and allowed Rex to remove the lid.
“A new friend.” Rex glanced inside before beckoning me to step closer and take a look for myself.
A new friend? I rose on my toes and peered in. At the fluffy bundle of fur curled up in a bed of hay, I gasped my delight. At my slight noise, a pair of dark eyes opened and a little nose poked up to sniff the air.
“She may not be a fox,” Rex said hesitantly, “but I’ve been assured this breed of dog is close.”
I reached inside and lifted out the puppy. The sight of the adorable creature earned the applause and endearments of the guests. Her fur was a rich, thick red mixed with patches of white—almost like the ruby on my new wedding ring. As I studied her pointed ears and snout, she examined me in return.
She seemed to waste no time in accepting me, raising her head and greeting me with several sloppy licks. At the exuberant kiss, I laughed and buried my face in the puppy’s neck. Above the creature, my gaze locked with Rex’s, which was filled with pleasure and something infinitely warmer.
Sudden tears
stung at the backs of my eyes. Rex’s consideration was beyond anything I’d ever known. He didn’t have to do any of this for me. He wasn’t obligated. Most men wouldn’t have gone to the trouble to bestow any gifts, much less three that were so meaningful.
My fears from moments ago had been unfounded. I had no need to escape, for this was where I wanted to be. With him. I wanted to thank him, but I suspected any effort I made would fall short. “I wish there was something I could give you.”
“I expect nothing in return,” he said. “I only pray one day you might be able to freely offer me your love. That is all.”
My heart had yielded a little more with each gift, and now, at his bold declaration, my entire body turned as soft and warm as the puppy in my arms. I wanted—no, needed—to show him how much I already did care and how grateful I was for his thoughtfulness.
I stepped toward him. With one arm around the puppy, I lifted my other to his neck, hooking him and bringing him down so that my mouth met his. Although I was inexperienced in kissing, I pressed to him nevertheless, hoping he could sense everything I was feeling. As his lips responded gently, I melted even more, so that I was afraid I might not be able to stand if I let go of him.
As he fitted his hands at my waist and started to deepen the kiss, the puppy squirmed, released a yip, and then reached up to lick my chin. With a laugh, I broke away from Rex to find that he was grinning and his eyes radiated contentment and happiness. The guests were laughing and smiling, too, clearly enamored by our interactions.
From the corner of my eye, I caught sight of the king bestowing a smile on his wife before he lifted her hand and kissed it. For the first time since I’d met him, his dark eyes lost their edge and filled with tenderness.
With how well everything was going, how could I have made a wrong choice in staying instead of joining the rebellion with my sisters? If the rebels could see the prince the way I had, they’d work toward a more peaceful resolution to the conflict too. Perhaps Providence had even placed me here for that very reason.
Chapter
12
Rex
I stood in the passageway outside Emmeline’s chamber door and blew out a taut breath. Father Patrick, several of the king’s closest advisors, other clergy, and a physician waited nearby with eyes downcast, as embarrassed as I was by our mission.
With my hand poised to knock, I hesitated.
The wedding at the church and the feasting in the great hall had both gone well. Emmeline was finally beginning to trust and like me. If I went into her chamber now, I was sure to lose all the ground I’d already won. And I didn’t want that to happen. I had only to remember her laughter and her kiss to know I wanted more of that, not less.
I dropped my hand and then spun on the men behind me, giving them my fiercest glare. “I do not care what tradition requires. I shall not subject my wife to your scrutiny.”
None dared to meet my gaze . . . except for Father Patrick. He nodded, his eyes brimming with understanding. “Your Royal Highness, if I might make a suggestion?”
I crossed my arms and continued to scowl.
Father Patrick cleared his throat. “Allow me to enter the princess’s chambers and pray over you both, then we shall all be on our way.”
Several of the advisors began to object, but the priest spoke louder, cutting them off. “As I have been traveling with the prince and the princess these many days and have seen their growing affection, I am quite confident they shall have a true marriage. You have witnessed the affection this day, too, have you not?”
I wanted to protest Father Patrick coming into Emmeline’s chamber. She’d find his presence odd and embarrassing as well. But the priest’s suggestion was reasonable and would hopefully satisfy the other men.
By now, Emmeline had likely heard our commotion and was wondering what was going on. I held up my hand for silence. “Father Patrick may accompany me, and he will report back to you.”
Under my harsh censure, the men again lowered their gazes. No one dared to contradict me. I suspected a few of them would inform the king of my break from tradition, but after witnessing Emmeline initiating a kiss with me after I’d given her my gifts, how could the king disapprove overly much?
Whatever the case, Emmeline was my wife, and I would place her needs above tradition. I could only hope the king would understand since he felt the same about Mother.
Without another moment of hesitation, I knocked. I didn’t wait for Emmeline’s invitation to come in. Instead, I swung the door open and stepped into the chamber.
She was kneeling in the middle of the floor and in the process of tossing a rag ball across the room, sending the puppy scampering after it. She laughed as the puppy fumbled, tripped, and then slid into the rushes that covered the floor. At the sight of me, however, her smile turned suddenly shy.
She stood and reached for the coverlet on the end of the bed, pulling it free and winding it around her frame, but not before I realized she was already wearing a nightgown. One of her maidservants rushed to her side and aided in draping the blanket over her, providing a measure of decency.
When her eyes landed upon Father Patrick behind me, her smile faded away completely, and she backed up a step, wariness tightening her features.
“Everyone leave us,” I growled, glaring once again, not only at Father Patrick but at the servants.
The maidservants scurried to obey. Father Patrick raised a brow before retreating into the passageway.
Emmeline had returned her attention to the puppy, who’d retrieved the ball in his mouth and was carrying it to her. She kneeled, picked it up, and quietly praised the pup, before lavishing her with scratches behind her neck and ears. The puppy’s tongue lolled, and her mouth curved up as though she were smiling.
Emmeline held the ball out, spoke a short command, then tossed the object. The pup took after it again.
Although the scene was adorable, I had eyes only for Emmeline. Her maidservants had plaited her hair into one long, thick braid down her back. Even by the low light of the wall sconces, I could see that her cheeks were flushed and her eyes were filled with tenderness for the pup.
“Have you decided upon a name for her?” I knelt next to her.
Emmeline watched the pup hop onto the ball and this time roll end over end. “I have taken to calling her Ruby.”
“Her coloring lends itself to such a name.”
Emmeline’s gaze shifted to her ring, and she caressed the shining jewel at its center. “I chose the name to remind me of the one who gave her to me.”
At her shy admission, my breath snagged. And when she sent me a sideways look full of admiration, my pulse tripped before racing forward at double the speed.
This time when Ruby trotted to us with the ball, Emmeline directed the pup to drop it in front of me. “First you must praise her and earn her trust, then you can command her.”
I did as Emmeline instructed, and soon the pup was obeying me as readily as Emmeline. After several minutes more of play, I finally sat back on my heels. “Emmeline, I regret that I must impose upon you tonight.”
Her shoulders stiffened. Apparently, she guessed what I was insinuating.
“As we have only just met, I would like to give you more time.” I glanced at the open door and grew agitated once more that everyone was waiting outside. “If our situation were different, I would have commanded your privacy.”
She kept her gaze squarely focused upon Ruby, rolling the pup over to her back and scratching her belly.
I leaned in and lowered my voice. “The men have come to usher me to my marriage bed, but I shall only allow Father Patrick inside the room.”
Her fingers began to tremble, and she quickly pulled them from Ruby and tucked them within the folds of the coverlet still draped around her.
Before she could hide her hands away completely, I reached for one and held it tightly. “Emmeline, I promise after he departs, I shall sleep on the floor. I would leave you to yourself entire
ly if I could. But such an arrangement is the best I can offer under the circumstances.”
Even in the low light, I could sense her mortification and wished to alleviate it. But I’d already conceded enough.
After a moment, her hand relaxed within mine. “So we shall playact for everyone but shall privately remain chaste?”
“Rest assured, I shall not be playacting.” I stroked my thumb along her wrist and relished the smoothness of her skin.
“And what if I am?”
“Then ’twill not be playacting for long, Princess.”
She ducked her head, but I could see a smile tug at her lips.
I lifted my fingers to her cheek and drew a path from her ear to her chin. “And I shall certainly not sleep on the floor for many nights.”
When she didn’t protest, I took courage and stood, drawing her up with me. “Father Patrick, you may come inside now.”
My faithful priest entered the room again, his robes billowing and his brows high as though questioning whether everything was in order.
I nodded and drew Emmeline to my side. “We are ready.”
From my pallet on the floor, I held myself stiffly. In the bed, Emmeline’s shifting and turning and soft sighs only made me all the more aware that we were alone in her bedchamber on our wedding night.
Had I been too rash in my decision not to share the bed? Though I’d sent away all the servants, there was still the chance someone could open the door and catch me on the floor. If word leaked that we had not shared the marriage bed, I had no doubt the rebels would use the knowledge to cast suspicion upon the authenticity of our marriage and work against all we’d accomplished through the union.
My thoughts strayed to the crowds during the afternoon when we’d exited the chapel. I’d scooped Emmeline up and carried her to my steed to the roaring approval of onlookers. Throughout the ride back to the castle, people had strained to get a glimpse of the princess. All it had taken was one look at her smile and her beauty for them to be smitten. I’d seen it on face after face. Everyone loved her and loved us together.
