“The joust. We haven’t had a celebration like this since before Malcolm came to power, but ‘tis customary for the princess to give the winner a kiss on the cheek and the award.” He paused at Fiona’s look of horror. “However, given the circumstances, it would be appropriate for you simply to give out the award.”
Fiona gave a slow nod, still apprehensive about the idea, but not wanting to disappoint her brother. “Very well, I will attend the tournament.”
Tiernay’s face lit up and he kissed her hand before standing to leave. “Thank you, Sister. I am forever in your debt. Now, Airell waits for me downstairs. I must go meet her.”
Tiernay left before she had an opportunity to change her mind and Fiona walked back to the window to observe the people below again, letting out an apprehensive sigh.
God please give me the courage to do what I need to for my kingdom. Calm my fears and anxiety. I put my trust in you.
Airell sat with her dear friend, Reagan, at an outdoor table in a secluded section of the courtyard, enjoying an early lunch. Their husbands stood chatting nearby. She smiled, watching them lean against the terrace wall by the sea in the same way. “You would never be able to tell they are related.”
Reagan chuckled at her joke. “Ewan has been looking forward to spending time with his cousin and I am glad to see you again, my sister.”
Airell leaned forward and squeezed her hand for a moment. “Me too. I’ve missed you so much since you left Daireann. Now this all seems like a dream to be here, together again with our families. God has blessed us both so much.”
“Aye, He has.” She looked across the courtyard and smiled. “Well, I hope you are ready for a break in the peace and quiet. Here come the children.”
Airell grinned and craned her neck to watch her twin sons and Reagan’s daughter being carried by their nurses. “Wonderful. They will have time to play together before we leave to see the joust.”
They moved to a shady spot on the grass covered with a blanket and pillows. After transferring the children to their mothers’ care, the nurses took their leave.
Airell smiled, watching Reagan cuddle her daughter, Briana close. “She is so precious…your mirror image.”
Her friend chuckled while kissing the unruly auburn curls on top of her daughter’s head. “Aye, ‘tis true I’m afraid. I do hope she will not despise me for inheriting my wild mane of hair when she grows up. It has always been a great pain to brush out.”
They shared a chuckle and Airell shook her head. “You both have lovely hair. She is blessed to look like her mother.”
“Thank you.” Reagan turned to watch Airell’s boys toddling nearby. “I see Arlan is fair like your side of the family, but your youngest, Bradan, is darker and favors your husband.”
Airell nodded while watching them. “Aye, they are both so different, but special in their own way. Bradan is bold and a bit wild at times, while Arlan is quiet and gentle, like his namesake.” She paused for a moment, deep in thought about her precious children and their traits. Then she turned back to Reagan who wiped away a few stray tears. “I do hope it does not grieve you that I gave my eldest Arlan’s name.”
Reagan gave her a sad smile and reached for her hand. “Oh, of course not, my sister. It pleases me you did. While the pain of his loss still sweeps over me unexpectedly at times, ‘tis not as sharp as before. I will always miss him, but God has given me peace, especially after finding Ewan.”
Airell gave her a knowing look and wiped her own tears, relieved to hear her friend had found peace and happiness in her new life with her husband. “I am glad to hear my prayers have been answered. I will always miss my brother as well. At first, I thought naming my eldest after him would always be a painful reminder of his loss, but both of my boys remind me of God’s blessings.”
“I agree.” Reagan turned to watch Airell’s toddlers romping around in the grass. “They are so precious. Arlan and I talked so much of having children. He would have been pleased to meet his nephews and learn of his namesake.”
Airell nodded and they remained silent for a while, enjoying the beautiful summer day until their husbands joined them. Tiernay sat on the blanket and kissed her cheek. “‘Tis almost time for the joust, my love. Have you seen any sign of my sister? I thought she was supposed to join you for lunch.”
Her brow furrowed as she shook her head. “I’m afraid not. I stopped by her room and knocked on the way here, but she didn’t answer.”
Tiernay smiled. “I’m certain everything is fine. Perhaps she is with Mother. Fiona said she would attend and I do not wish to pester her, even if she does not come. ‘Tis not wise to rush my sister.”
“Aye,” she agreed.” I will present the winner with the award if she decides not to attend.”
He kissed her hand. “Thank you. I know our people will be delighted to see their beloved queen. Well, I suppose we shouldn’t keep our people waiting.” He stood and offered his arm to help her up. Then after the maids came to collect the children for their nap, they linked arms and led the way to the tournament with Reagan and Ewan following close behind.
CHAPTER TWO
A Joust
Fiona paced in front of her mother’s window with her sleepy daughter in her arms. She had already dressed in a flower-print burgundy gown and had her hair pulled into two intricate braids, trailing down to her waist, ready for the tournament. However, now fear paralyzed her. “I do not believe it would be wise for me to attend the festivities today. Clare has been sneezing. I don’t feel comfortable leaving her. You know how foul-tempered she becomes when she doesn’t feel well.”
“‘Tis only the pollen from the lilies blooming in the courtyard,” her mother, Queen Ciara, assured her. “I always sneeze around this time of year as well. She will be fine. If it will ease your mind, I will stay and watch over her until you return. It is important for you to attend. Your brother is counting on you.”
Fiona stopped pacing and considered her mother’s words. She certainly did not wish to let her brother down. He had done so much for her. It was the least she could do for him and their kingdom to put aside her fear for a few hours and make an appearance.
“Very well,” she whispered before kissing her daughter’s chestnut curls. Fiona paused to breath in the calming scent of rose water from her bath that morning and then transferred Clare into the safety of her mother’s arms. “I’ll return soon. If her cold worsens, please send someone to fetch me straight away.”
Her mother smiled and sat in a nearby chair with her granddaughter. “Aye, you have my word.” She shooed her away in a playful manner. “Now you must leave without delay or you’ll be late. Try to enjoy yourself.”
Fiona drew in a sharp breath, while fastening a matching burgundy cape over her shoulders. Enjoy herself? With the people in the courtyard, she only hoped she would survive. However, Fiona said a quick prayer for courage as she left the room, and felt peace wash over her while leaving the castle, accompanied by a few of her ladies and guards. She could do this with God’s help.
After walking through the courtyard, her entourage descended into the valley where the tournament stands had been set up. The people cheered when she appeared, waving banners and throwing roses and petals where she walked. Fiona’s cheeks blushed and she managed to smile and wave, realizing Tiernay’s words had been true—their people did love her. She had been isolated from them for so long, limiting her outings to the castle grounds, she had forgotten what it felt like to have the people cheer at the mere sight of her. It reminded her of how much she cared about them as well. Her uncle, King Malcolm, had oppressed them for so long, but now they were beginning to enjoy the prosperity under her elder brother’s rule. He was a God-fearing, generous king and they had every reason to celebrate today. She was glad to be a part of it.
When they reached the elevated platform reserved for the royal family, she breathed a sigh of relief, seeing Tiernay and Airell smiling at her. Her brother descended the stairs and kissed h
er hand. “Welcome, Sister. Thank you for coming.” He led her to the seat on the end, next to Airell and then took his place of honor on the platform again.
Fiona greeted her cousin Ewan and his new queen who sat on the other side of her brother. Then her sister-in-law turned and smiled at her. “I’m so glad you could attend, Fiona. This is going to be such a grand event with us all together like this.”
Fiona smiled back and squeezed her hand, finally managing to relax. Airell always had such a cheerful and calming presence. She had become like a real sister to her since she came to Brannagh. Fiona was thankful her brother had found a queen worthy to share his reign with.
After Tiernay greeted the crowd and called for the tournament to commence, she watched on the edge of her seat as the competitors thundered past on horseback with their lances. The long wooden weapons had blunted tips, but hit the other knight’s armor with such force, Fiona flinched every time.
Once during the competition, she heard a dog bark and her eyes scanned the crowd, catching a glimpse of gray fur. However, in the blink of an eye, it was gone.
When it came down to the semifinal round, Fiona noticed one knight who stood out from the rest. He had appeared after the main introductions. He was tall, strong and agile on his horse. He also never took off his helmet. She turned to Airell in curiosity and pointed toward the mysterious competitor. “Who is the knight with the golden emblem on his armor?”
Airell furrowed her brow as she studied him. “I’m not certain. I know one competitor dropped out only a half an hour before the competition. He was a stand-in.”
“Why does he not show his face?”
Airell grinned and whispered into her ear. “I’m guessing he is of royal blood. If the other competitors knew his true identity, they might withdraw out of respect.”
Fiona nodded. “Well that simply won’t do. We must remain quiet about our suspicions. I am intrigued to see what happens with this mysterious knight.”
Her sister-in-law winked with a playful grin. “Aye, me too.”
They shared a chuckle and continued watching the knight with the golden emblem. Fiona grimaced when he took a hard hit to his right shoulder, but he recovered by the final round, switching to his left arm to remain in the competition.
Fiona closed her eyes when the knight rode forward to meet his competitor for the last time. However, she opened them at the last minute and peeked through her fingers. To her surprise, he hit even harder and with more accuracy using his left arm. When he unseated his competitor and won the competition, the crowd stood to their feet and cheered. He rode up to the royal platform and dismounted his horse to accept his prize.
Tiernay stood and offered his arm to Fiona, reminding her of the responsibility she’d agreed to. After descending from the platform, a servant approached with the golden trophy and handed it to her.
The knight knelt before the king as he approached. “May I be the first to congratulate you on your victory,” her brother said. “Now, please remove your helmet and my sister, Princess Fiona, will present you with your prize.”
The knight obeyed, removing his helmet and sweeping his shoulder-length brown hair from his face. Fiona gasped, recognizing the handsome face and calming brown eyes of her rescuer in an instant.
At first, she felt faint and could only stare at the Earl of Kiely kneeling before her. He smiled and she smiled back, handing him the trophy. Then, as if stuck in a trance, Fiona leaned down and did something even she never expected—she kissed him.
Leland had never intended to participate in the tournament. He had only traveled to Brannagh to speak with King Ewan about his cousin, Tristan. However, in a strange turn of events, a knight from his village had fallen ill moments before the joust and Leland had volunteered in his stead. He’d thought himself mad for competing when the first lance struck him. His shoulder still throbbed, but when he spotted Fiona sitting with her family, he developed an unexpected desire to win the competition.
Now, as the tingle of Fiona’s tender kiss lingered on his cheek, he didn’t regret a single moment. She was even lovelier than he remembered from two years ago with her burgundy gown bringing out the subtle auburn tones in her hair. He was rendered speechless for a few moments as her hazel eyes stared into his while the crowd cheered in the background.
“What a surprise this is, my dear friend!” King Tiernay exclaimed, his voice pulling Leland out of his daze. He motioned for him to stand and they shared a brotherly hug. “What brings you here?”
“Only passing through.”
Tiernay smiled. “Well, you must join us for the feast tonight and stay for a sennight at least.”
“It would be an honor, Your Majesty.” Leland thanked him and then bowed for the cheering crowd one more time before turning back to Fiona and kissing her hand. “Thank you for presenting the prize, Your Grace. ‘Twas a privilege to be in your presence, as always.”
Fiona’s cheeks blushed to almost the same shade as her burgundy gown. “Thank you, Milord. I am glad to see you again as well.”
Leland bowed before the King and Princess of Brannagh again and then took his leave. Artair ran from the sidelines to meet him as he walked. The dog had been patiently awaiting his return and Leland patted him on the head as they walked away.
His physician friend, Niall, met him as he came back into the tent. “Allow me to look at that shoulder. You took a bad hit.”
Leland nodded and took his armor off, wincing with the movement. “‘Twas pure folly to enter in the competition. I’m not sure what I was thinking.”
Niall chuckled as he inspected his right shoulder. “I believe you were thinking of a princess’s kiss as a reward.”
Leland nodded, feeling even more foolish. “Perhaps you are right.” Seeing Fiona again had taken his breath away, yet now his apprehension took over. He had entertained the thought of returning to Solas Castle to see her and Clare many times in the past two years—and while the search for his cousin, Tristan, had taken him close on numerous occasions—he had talked himself out of each opportunity.
“Your arm has popped out of place. Brace yourself. This is going to hurt,” Niall warned.
Leland held his breath as his friend pulled his arm up with a swift movement. He grunted and then the pain lessened. “Thank you, my friend. You’re a miracle worker.”
Niall chuckled while fitting his arm with a sling to keep his injured shoulder still. “I’m not sure about that, but you’re welcome. You’ll need to wear this sling for at least a few days until the swelling goes down.”
Leland thanked Niall before watching him leave the tent. The pain in his arm reminded him of his mistake. From that moment forward, he couldn’t allow anything to distract him from his mission to find his cousin. King Ewan had information about his whereabouts and tonight he would meet with him. Tonight, he would be one step closer to finding Tristan.
CHAPTER THREE
Clues and Setbacks
The evening after the joust, King Tiernay invited Leland to sit at a place of honor at the royal table, conveniently across from King Ewan and his queen. However, he was patient and carried on light conversations with everyone for most of the feast, knowing the right time would present itself.
He noticed Fiona glancing up at him from a few seats away, but whenever their eyes met, she looked down at her lap. She was even lovelier than during their afternoon meeting in a royal blue gown, her hair pulled into an elegant braided bun and curls cascading down both sides of her face. Having her there made it hard for him to think clearly, wondering how she’d been in his absence. Her infant daughter, Clare remained in his thoughts, too. She had to be a little over two years old now. Did she resemble her beautiful mother?
When everyone else stood to mingle with the other guests, King Ewan leaned forward and spoke in a low voice. “Now might be a good time to discuss the matter we spoke of in my letter. King Tiernay said we could use his study for privacy.”
Leland nodded and stood from
the table, following Ewan and his guards out of the banquet hall and through a maze of hallways.
When they reached Tiernay’s study, Ewan requested the guards stay outside and they entered the quiet room lined with shelves of books and stacks of scrolls. A desk was positioned near the back of the room with a velvet cushioned chair behind it, but Ewan chose an armchair by the hearth. He motioned for Leland to take the one across from him.
He breathed a sigh of relief at King Ewan’s casual preference of the seating arrangements. Leland was a tall man, but the northern king’s large, muscular stature and raven hair with warrior braids intimidated most people. Leland was no exception, but with him sitting, he seemed more approachable.
The Rhonan King locked his fingers together and leaned forward with a smile. “I hope you’ll forgive me for not being more specific in my letter. I did not want the information about your cousin to fall into the wrong hands. I thought it best to meet with you in person to explain the details.”
Leland nodded, feeling his pulse quicken. “I understand. Thank you for your discretion in this matter, Your Majesty. I apologize you had to go through such lengths to find me. I have been traveling all over Ardena in search of information. I had almost given up before a messenger delivered your letter. It took a long time for him to find me, but I came here without delay after hearing you were coming to Brannagh.”
“There is no need to apologize. I am only thankful my correspondence arrived safely in your hands. King Tristan became a good friend of mine in prison and I simply wish to help him reunite with his family.”
Leland’s eyes widened. “He lives?”
Ewan’s smile widened. “Aye, he was very much alive when we parted in South Rhona.”
A rush of air escaped Leland’s lungs at the news. “Oh, praise be to God! I had nearly given up hope.”
“Aye, there is much reason to hope. We were in neighboring prison cells on one of the Gràinne Isles and spoke for many months through an opening in the wall. I am grateful to God that King Tristan was there. He helped me remain sane through those long lonely months. We encouraged each other.”
Lady Fiona's Refuge (Ladies of Ardena Book 3) Page 2
