by Jody Hedlund
As we rode into the outer bailey and through the gatehouse, I studied every wall, tower, window, and crenellation with renewed awareness. The fortifications were strong and crawled with soldiers. How would Father and I sneak past all of them? I’d just have to pray Father remembered every nuance and crack in the castle from his days as an elite guard, and that he’d have a plan for making our escape.
A long wooden bridge spanned the moat—a moat that had once been full of poisonous snakes and maybe still was. Father and Mother had loved to tell me the story of their running through a tunnel that ran under the moat while the snakes hung down from the ceiling like vines. From what I’d been able to glean from castle servants, the king had filled in that passageway long ago.
The fortress stood on a slight northern rise with the town spreading out below like a footstool. Beyond the town walls, at an even lower elevation, the churning waters of the East Sea crashed against the rocky shore. In the distance, dozens of ships blockaded Delsworth’s harbor, trapping King Ethelwulf’s ships as well as merchant vessels.
Even if the king’s fleet was cut off, the sea and its high crags provided a measure of fortification, particularly on the southern and eastern sides. To the north of the castle, a heavily wooded area acted as another defense.
The only direction an advancing army could easily attack was from the southwest. However, the invading army would first need to conquer the town before being able to take the castle. Apparently, that was Adelaide’s strategy because her camp spread to the southwest as far as I could see. The plains were covered with hundreds of tents, horses, and campfires, the smoke curling up into the early morning, and crews assembling siege engines along the perimeter of the camp closest to Delsworth.
The early-morning sunshine turned the bright-red royal standards into flaming flags. With the golden lions rearing up, I recognized the insignia. The emblem belonged to the House of Mercia, my family.
My family. I sat up straighter and examined the tents more closely, searching for the larger ones that would signify royalty. I’d finally meet Adelaide today and possibly Maribel. What would they think of me? After I’d already sabotaged their rebellion with my marriage to Rex, would they despise me? Consider me weak?
As I looked out over the plains, the magnitude of Adelaide’s resistance efforts impressed me, even if I didn’t agree with her methods. She’d gone from a young, unknown woman in hiding to a respected and revered queen in a little over a year.
What was the secret of her success? Would she be a merciful ruler? Better than Rex? A part of me wanted to cling to the hope that Rex could yet be different, that he might let himself be controlled by goodness instead of by evil. However, as he rode ahead of me with his shoulders and back stiff and proud, I feared I’d misplaced my trust.
Our ride through town was solemn. The cheering crowds from just days ago were long gone. Most were hidden away behind closed shutters. Only a few shopkeepers dared to show themselves.
The king and Rex had to be taking some satisfaction in their successful scheming, since the people of Delsworth hadn’t thrown open the city gates to welcome Adelaide. They’d effectively used the public wedding and display of affection to manipulate the emotions of the people the same way they’d manipulated mine.
The very remembrance served to stir the anger in me once more so that by the time we reached the southern city gates, my determination to fight had started to return.
When Rex drew his steed alongside mine and lifted his visor, I was ready to hold myself together. I could sense him waiting for me to turn my attention upon him. Instead, I looked straight ahead at the imposing iron grill of the closed gate.
“We shall ride out together,” he said, “with the white flag signifying our peaceful intentions.”
“Very well,” I replied with equal formality.
“If your sister agrees to give you an audience, I and several others will accompany you to the meeting and will request the privacy of a tent. Though the key belonged to Maribel, the queen now keeps it in a pouch at her waist. That means you will need to figure out a way to cut it loose when she is not aware.” He held out my knife.
I took it without looking at him. “I pray I succeed, not for your sake, but for the soul of the poor innocent man you tortured, so his suffering will not be in vain.”
Rex didn’t respond. He hesitated as though wanting to say more. But after a moment of tense silence, he urged his horse forward and signaled to the gatehouse guard to begin raising the portcullis.
As we rode out of the city, several knights moved to the front and unfurled white flags. Across the grassy plains, shouts rose from Adelaide’s camp and within seconds a small party of armed knights gathered and began to ride toward us, their swords drawn, their shields positioned.
Though I was surrounded by Rex’s men, a knot twisted in my stomach. This wasn’t what my parents had risked their lives for—so that I’d betray my family and undermine the fight to regain the throne. They hadn’t raised me to cower in fear and bow to the demands of my enemy.
But here I was, married to the enemy and plotting with him to steal from my sisters. A braver woman wouldn’t have placed herself into this situation. A woman of valor and integrity would have stayed strong amidst the pressures and done what was right no matter the consequences.
“I’m sorry, Father,” I whispered. This wasn’t his fault. He’d done all he could to shape me into a worthy princess. But somehow, I’d failed. Instead of being courageous and daring the way he’d wanted, I’d only brought trouble on everyone.
Ahead, Adelaide’s soldiers drew to a halt and shouted something to Rex. He responded by motioning his knights with the white flags to cross the remaining distance to deliver his message.
As the soldiers handed over Rex’s sealed note, I held my breath, praying that perhaps Adelaide would refuse. Maybe she’d realize the king was plotting something, that he wouldn’t send me to negotiate peace without having ulterior motives.
Long minutes later, the knights carrying the white flags trotted back. “Your Highness,” one of them called. “They have agreed to a meeting with the princess. They will set up a tent here outside of camp.”
As the rebels made short work of erecting a tent, I wished for Inglewood Forest where I might disappear. But with nothing around except open sandy grassland with opposing armies on either side, I had to move forward, plunging further into the deceitful plans.
Finally, Rex nudged his horse ahead of the rest, and the soldiers accompanying us gave me little choice but to move with them. With Adelaide’s small army of men watching our approach, I made myself sit higher, knowing they must despise me for marrying Rex. The closer we drew, the more my stomach churned with the need to be sick.
When we halted several lengths away, a broad-shouldered man at the front and center of the group lifted his visor. He bowed respectfully toward Rex. “Your Highness, I am the Earl of Langley, the husband of Queen Adelaide.”
Adelaide’s husband? I focused on him more intently, studying the little bit of his face I could see through the opening of his great helm. He seemed a young and handsome man with strong features and even an aura of dashing. His eyes—a light brown—shifted to me.
“This is my wife, the Princess Emmeline,” Rex said in a hard, almost superior tone. “The future queen of Bryttania.”
One of my guards nudged my horse forward, giving me no choice but to pull alongside Rex. Was I imagining things or did the earl’s eyes seem to soften upon me, perhaps even grow tender? “It is good to see you, Princess Emmeline.” He spoke with warmth. “Your sisters have been awaiting this day for a very long time.”
“Both are available?” I asked.
“Yes. And they will be thrilled to meet you.”
Thrilled at meeting me? The notion was new and disconcerting. Nonetheless, my racing pulse slowed just a little.
“She is here to negotiate peace,” Rex said brusquely. “Not engage in a reunion.”
“Can we not a
ccomplish both?” the earl asked.
“With so much at stake,” Rex said, “peace talks must take precedence.”
Why was he opposing it? He must know the extra time would allow me more opportunity to steal the key.
His eyes met mine in a warning glance, bidding me to remain quiet. Was he offering a mild protest so they wouldn’t suspect we were scheming?
“The queen will want to spend time with her sister first.” The earl’s voice took on an edge that showed him also to be a man of power and strength.
Under different circumstances, I might have appreciated Rex’s ingenuity. He’d gotten the earl to give me the perfect opportunity to steal the key. But at the moment, the sickness in my stomach returned. I was an awful sister, and if Adelaide and Maribel only knew it, they wouldn’t want to meet me.
As it was, I’d have to go forward, engage in the introductions, and pretend to be friendly, all the while plotting how I might further undermine and destroy them.
Chapter
15
Emmeline
My lungs constricted at the prospect of finally meeting my sisters. Although my parents had always talked fondly of my family, I’d never developed an interest in finding them. I suppose in some ways I’d known the introduction would thrust me into danger and bring an end to my idyllic life.
In the distance, the rebel camp was already busy with men assembling siege engines, along with squires and their knights engaged in various morning rituals—breaking their fasts, sharpening weapons, polishing armor, and drilling for battle. Others stood at the edge watching our proceedings, vying for a glimpse of the crown prince and his wife.
Next to me, Rex sidled close enough that his leg brushed against mine. The tightness of his grip on his reins and the stiffness of his demeanor told me he was on high alert, aware of every movement and every possible threat.
Even with the retinue of his men fanning out behind him, he was in very real danger here so near to the enemy camp. They could capture him, hold him as a prisoner, and perhaps use him as a bargaining tool to make King Ethelwulf capitulate to their demands. I had no doubt if the roles had been reversed, Rex and King Ethelwulf wouldn’t have hesitated to use the situation to their advantage.
In spite of my anger, I had no wish for any ill to befall Rex. He was after all, still my husband, and a small part of me longed for him and the special bond we’d shared, however briefly.
I chanced a glance at Rex. Through the slits in his helm, his eyes met mine. They issued an assurance that he intended to keep me safe and would fight to the death for me if need be.
Even with the rift that had opened between us, I knew I hadn’t misjudged him entirely, that underneath the complicated layers, goodness and kindness existed.
“Your Majesty,” the Earl of Langley spoke to the group of his knights mounted and waiting on the opposite side of the tent. “I present to you Prince Ethelrex and Princess Emmeline.”
I looked around for the queen, but no one moved except one knight. He dismounted, strode forward, and stopped near the tent next to the guards who had set up the meeting place.
Perhaps the queen was already waiting for me inside?
The knight glanced first at Rex and the men behind us. Then he slipped off his helmet.
I stifled a gasp as I found myself looking not upon a man, but upon a woman with long, blond hair that flowed over her shoulders now that it was free from confinement.
Was this Adelaide?
Her gaze shot to me, filled with such hope I had no doubt this was my older sister. She studied my face, taking in every detail.
“Emmeline, welcome,” she said, warmth and excitement reaching out to embrace me. “This is a joyous day to finally meet you.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.” I bowed my head. “I’m grateful for this opportunity to meet you as well.”
Adelaide shifted her attention to Rex again, who lifted his chin. He’d never bow to Adelaide. He likely expected her to show obeisance to him instead.
For a long moment neither Adelaide nor Rex spoke. Adelaide’s weapon hung casually at her side, but her grip was tight. Likewise, Rex’s fingers flexed around the hilt of his sword. His body radiated tension, and his horse whinnied as if warning against impending doom.
“Prince Ethelrex,” Adelaide finally said, narrowing her eyes upon him. “I admit I did not expect the king to send his son to negotiate peace.”
Rex removed his helm, revealing his rugged countenance, piercing eyes, and warrior-like intensity. “The king did not send me. I came of my own accord so I might ensure my wife’s safety.”
“You are afraid we shall not let her return with you?”
“She is mine, and I shall fight to the death anyone who touches her or tries to take her from me.”
Adelaide wouldn’t seize me, would she? What purpose would a separation from Rex achieve? Even if she wanted me to stay, I wouldn’t—not with Mother and Father languishing in the castle dungeons.
The queen studied the prince’s face. “You married the princess for political gain. Now that you have influenced the people in your favor, you have no more need of Emmeline.”
Of course, the king and prince still had need of me. Today’s mission proved that. Likely, they’d continue to make use of me as long as they could. But I couldn’t say any of that, not now. Not with my parents’ lives at stake.
“Royal marriages may start as political arrangements,” Rex replied. “But they can become more.”
“Then your intentions toward my sister are noble?”
“I have pledged her my life and love before both God and man. I shall never be swayed to break my vow.”
With so public a declaration, I didn’t dare look at Rex lest he see that he was softening me much more than I wanted. Even if he genuinely wished to honor our marriage vows, I couldn’t forget he was putting his aspirations and his father’s whims above my needs.
When Adelaide shifted to scrutinize me, I refused to give way to the need to squirm. Instead, I forced myself to remain calm and unexpressive as my father had trained me.
“I should like very much the chance to visit with Emmeline,” my sister said, waving to an adjacent tent. “Perchance Emmeline would join me for refreshments?”
“I would be honored,” I said.
Rex was off his horse and beside mine before I could begin my descent. With his hands fitted securely around my waist, he lifted me down and steadied me. Even then, his fingers lingered, drawing my eyes up to his.
Crinkles at his temples reflected his worry. “Be careful.”
I wanted to retort that if he was worried about me, then why was he making me steal? Why wasn’t he more concerned about helping me find a way to free my parents instead? I lifted my chin in defiance.
Too late, I realized my mistake. Before I knew what he was doing, he swept down and captured my mouth in a kiss like none we’d yet shared. His lips were demanding and possessive and desperate all at once, so that I lost my bearing and grasped his arms to keep from buckling. His hands upon my hips drew me closer. Even though his armor separated our bodies, I was still very much aware of our proximity, his strength, and his passion. How was it possible one touch could make me as wobbly as a newborn fawn?
He broke our kiss as sharply as he’d begun it, pulling back a fraction so that his breathing bathed my now swollen lips. “If you need me,” he whispered, “call my name. I shall remain close at hand.”
His lips were so near I could almost feel them and was surprised by how much I wanted them against mine once more. Thankfully, he released me and took a step away before I could make a fool of myself and rise up to kiss him again. Instead, I dropped my focus to the grass and didn’t dare look at him. I was supposed to be angry with him, not fall into his arms.
What must Adelaide and her husband think of our display?
With heat rising into my cheeks, I followed Adelaide to her tent, bending past a flap and entering a spacious interior. With the canvas
pulled back at a hole in the ceiling, sunlight flooded the grassy floor and showed a table surrounded by several rudimentary benches.
“Please, sit.” She motioned me to one of the seats while she retrieved a jug and two cups from the center of the table.
Tentatively, I lowered myself and folded my hands in my lap. With her back to me, I took stock of her armor and wondered how I would be able to get to her leather pouch beneath the iron layer.
“When did you discover your identity as a princess?” She poured amber liquid into one of the cups.
“I’ve always known.”
Her gaze swung to me, and I dropped mine to the tabletop, hoping she hadn’t read my thoughts. “Then Sister Katherine didn’t find you and tell you?”
“No. Was she supposed to?”
“She sought me at my home in Langley and next found Maribel at her convent in the Highlands. In both cases, she led King Ethelwulf right to us.”
“Yes, my father kept me apprised of the happenings. He always brought back news after one of his trips to the market.”
“Father?” Adelaide poured liquid into the other cup.
“Lance was like a father to me and Felicia a mother.”
Adelaide set the jug back on the table, corked it, and then handed me a cup. Accepting it from her, I noticed again how beautiful she was even in her armor with lines of sweat and dust upon her face.
I sipped the liquid to discover a sweet but spicy ale. Adelaide, too, took a drink, all the while assessing me.
“They raised me to know everything about my family and history.” I offered the explanation I expected she was looking for.
She lowered her mug to the table and wiped the rim with her forefinger. “I was surprised to receive the news that Prince Ethelrex spared their lives.”
Although I sensed Adelaide had many questions about what had led me to marry the prince, she watched me without condemnation. At least none yet.
“He vowed to let them go unharmed if I handed myself over to him.”
She nodded.
“I had no choice but to marry him or watch them suffer.”
