A VOW TO KEEP (The Vengeance Trilogy) (41 page)

He came up behind her, and she threw a wary glance over her shoulder. He reached out and touched the thin veil that covered her braided hair, held in place by a narrow silver circlet. “I waited a long time for this day, Alyna. You captured my interest at the feast we shared years ago. Your beauty has only grown.” He moved to her side and drew his finger along her neck.

The urge to step away from him was great, but it would reveal her fear. She needed to hold her ground. If only she could find some way to turn his desire for her into disgust. “Surely, you can find another woman to wed.”

He stepped closer. “I will not be denied what is mine because of your sudden nervousness.” His fingers curved over her jaw. “You are mine in every sense of the word.”

The priest cleared his throat. “Shall we begin then?”

Alyna pulled back from Tegmont and glared at the priest in disbelief.

“Aye,” Tegmont agreed, his dark gaze locked on her face.

With sudden clarity, Alyna knew what she had to do. “I fear I have not been completely honest with you, my lord.”

He raised a brow. “Is that so?”

Alyna cleared her throat, the knot in her stomach tightening. She realized she was taking a huge risk. Rather than gain her the freedom she desired, it might cause him to fly into a rage and harm her. That was something she couldn’t allow. Nicholas needed her. “I must tell you my heart belongs to another.”

Tegmont leaned down, his face only a hand’s width from hers; his warm breath reeked of garlic. “Who might that be?”

She hesitated. How much should she dare to tell him?

The door to the chapel opened, but it did not reveal anyone Alyna wanted to see.

Lady Florence entered with Hilde directly behind her.

“What are you doing here?” Tegmont demanded.

“Lord Tegmont.” Florence greeted him as though he was a long-lost, dear friend. “I waited for a message from you telling me to come, but it never arrived.”

Alyna could see the effort Tegmont made to hold his temper.

“I told you that I’d send for you when I needed you,” he said.

Florence stopped in front of him, a desperate smile on her face. Her blue eyes seemed to plead with the lord for...for what? Alyna wondered.

“Matters at Northe Castle have changed and made it impossible for me to remain there.” She glared at Alyna as she put her hand on Tegmont’s sleeve. “I’m not certain what Alyna may have told you, but I have much to share with you.”

“Your information is no longer of value to me.” Tegmont removed her hand from his arm. “I have all I want from there now,” he said, gesturing toward Alyna.

“Her? You wanted her?” Florence’s gaze caught on Alyna’s gown. “Where in the world did you find that old rag? I would think you’d spend more time on your appearance when you’re in the presence of someone as important as Lord Tegmont.”

Alyna merely smiled, certain of what Tegmont’s reaction would be to her comment. Though Alyna didn’t completely understand how Florence had come to be at Larkspur, she could venture a guess. Florence had been the one feeding information to the thieves. That meant the thieves were connected to Tegmont. And that had to mean Tegmont knew Royce lived. But why would Florence choose to help Tegmont? What had he promised her?

Tegmont rubbed the bridge of his nose as though trying to find patience. “I’m afraid you’ve interrupted us at a very inopportune time, Lady Florence.” He gestured toward the priest.

Florence at last realized what she’d interrupted. Anger distorted her features. “How dare you! You made promises to me! You said
I
would be your wife!”

“I’m afraid I cannot break my betrothal to Alyna.” Tegmont took Alyna’s hand and tucked it in the crook of his arm. “After all, it was made first. But, if you’d like, you can stand as a witness to our vows.”

Florence sputtered in outrage. “After all I’ve done for you, this is how you repay me? I thought it was Royce you were after, not her. You promised me you’d set her aside. Does your word mean nothing?”

With a lopsided smile on his handsome face, Tegmont answered, “I meant what I said at the time. Now, if you’ll excuse us–”

“I will not!” Florence glared at Alyna. “Why would you want her for a wife? Has she told you she’s given herself to another man? To Royce? Did she tell you that?”

Alyna gasped. How could Florence possibly know?

A flush of rage filled Tegmont’s face.

Florence’s expression turned from anger to triumph. “You’ve been less than honest with Lord Tegmont, haven’t you, Alyna?”

“I was just–”

“You know not of what you speak.” Tegmont waved a hand in dismissal at Florence, not giving Alyna a chance to talk.

Alyna tried again. “Lord Tegmont, I told you I have not been honest with you.”

“See?” Florence pointed at Alyna. “Listen to her.”

“You just advised me not to believe what she says,” Tegmont reminded Florence.

Alyna tugged her hand from Tegmont’s arm, wondering if there was a chance of escape while the two of them argued.

“Well, now she’s trying to tell you the truth,” Florence argued, her face flushed. “Can’t you see for yourself? She gave herself to your nephew, the very man you’re trying to kill.” Hands on hips, Florence waited for his reaction. “How can you be sure she’s not carrying his bastard?”

Alyna caught herself before she put a hand on her stomach. She’d nearly forgotten that possibility. Could it be true?

“Shut your mouth, Florence. You know nothing.” Tegmont’s face tightened with rage. He turned to Alyna. “That cannot be true.”

“I told you I will not marry you. My heart belongs to Royce.”

“Nay!” Tegmont yelled. “I will not have it! You will pay for your treachery.” He shoved Florence back and raised his hand to strike Alyna.

***

Royce paused as he, Samuel, and Nicholas entered the great hall. Memories of his parents swirled about him.

His mother smiled down at him, her vivid blue eyes full of laughter. His father shared a look with her, smiling in return, then ruffled Royce’s hair, something he’d done frequently. Royce swore he felt his hair stir under the pressure of his father’s hand.

“Royce?” Nicholas touched his hand. “Let’s find Mama.”

Royce looked up at the wooden beams overhead. No evidence remained of the fire that had destroyed his home and nearly taken his life.

“Lord Royce? Are you unwell?” Samuel studied him with concern.

“Nay. I’m fine.” Royce scrubbed a hand over his face. How odd to be called Lord Royce after all these years. “There are many memories here.” He looked at Nicholas. “Let us find your mother.”

Royce kept the boy’s hand firmly in his and followed Samuel outside to the small chapel in the bailey.

He flung open the door to find Tegmont’s hand poised above Alyna, preparing to strike. “Halt!”

Tegmont looked up and saw Royce. An incredulous expression came over his face. “Nay!”

Royce wondered if his uncle denied Royce’s entrance or his existence.

Tegmont grabbed Alyna and held her before him. “How did you get in?”

“Let her go,” Royce commanded. He gestured for Nicholas to remain beside Samuel then walked forward slowly.

“Stay back!”

“Let her go.” Royce continued forward.

“Nay. She is mine. The betrothal agreement holds. She is mine.”

Fear lit Alyna’s eyes. She wore a faded blue gown that looked oddly familiar. The tightness in his chest eased for the first time since he’d learned of her disappearance. He hoped his presence brought her the same comfort.

Royce glanced around the room and was not surprised to see Florence with Hilde behind her. He did not bother with a greeting, for they would be dealt with soon enough. He briefly wondered what lure his uncle had used to gain Florence’s loyalty.

“Your quarrel is with me,” he told Tegmont. “Release Alyna.”

Tegmont regained his composure. “Well, if you insist, you can stay and witness our vows along with Lady Florence.” He looked down at Alyna. “See, my dear, I told you the boy would be here.”

Alyna tried to wrench free, but he held her firmly.

“Mama?” Nicholas seemed to sense the danger and remained behind Royce rather than going to his mother.

“Stay with Royce, Nicholas,” Alyna said.

“There will be no wedding vows said here today.” Royce glanced at Nicholas to make sure he stayed back, then took another step closer. “Alyna, come to me.”

Alyna moved forward, only to be jerked back by Tegmont. He put his arm around her neck to keep her more firmly in place. “I just heard the strangest thing, Royce.” Tegmont stroked a hand down Alyna’s veil-covered hair. “I heard you forced yourself on my betrothed. I believe the law allows me to punish you for that.”

Royce looked at Alyna. Had she told him of their afternoon together? Surely not. Did she understand how he felt? That he loved her? That he would give his life for her? He needed to make certain he had the chance to tell her all that and more.

“I suggest we make a trade,” he offered Tegmont.

“What could you possibly have that I want?” Tegmont drew his hand slowly down the front of Alyna’s body as he smiled at Royce.

Royce’s hand found the hilt of his sword. It was all he could do not to stride forward and wrest Alyna from the man’s arms. Apparently, some of his desire must’ve shown on his face, for Tegmont smiled and curled his arm tighter around Alyna’s neck.

Royce tried to keep his focus on Tegmont. “I have someone I think you know well.”

Caution filled Tegmont’s eyes. “Who might that be?”

“His name is Daniel. He has many colorful tales, all about you.”

Tegmont scoffed. “I don’t know anyone named Daniel.”

His denial was a bluff, Royce was certain. “He has some interesting details about a band of thieves that have caused Lord Blackwell much distress.”

Tegmont’s eyes narrowed.

The nervous priest who stood behind Tegmont took several steps back toward the alter.

“Why are you bothering me with this?” Tegmont caressed Alyna again. Alyna flinched; disgust warred with fear on her face. “I have more important matters to attend to.”

Royce clenched his teeth. Protesting Tegmont’s actions would only give him more power, something that would not aid Alyna. “I think Lord Pimbroke would be interested in speaking with Daniel if you’re not.”

Tegmont’s composure disappeared at the mention of Pimbroke. “You bastard!”

“Let Alyna go. Now.”

“Let her go, my lord,” Florence pleaded. “You and I can continue with our plans.”

Tegmont shook his head. “You are of no value to me anymore. Be gone with you.” He looked back to Royce as he withdrew a knife from his belt and held it at Alyna’s throat. “She will die before I let her be yours.”

“Is that why you killed my mother?” Royce eased closer. “Because she wouldn’t agree to become yours?”

Tegmont’s eyes went wide with alarm. “You know nothing of what you speak.”

Royce took another step. “I think I do. I have had many years to consider what you did and why.”

“I did nothing! They were killed in a terrible fire.” The whine in Tegmont’s voice disgusted Royce.

“A fire you set before you murdered them both. Have you forgotten I was there? A witness to your crime. Surely you remember, because you left me pinned under a burning beam to die.” Royce held Tegmont’s gaze as he moved closer still.

Tegmont’s gaze darted around the room nervously. He jerked the knife against Alyna’s throat, and she gasped in pain. “It was an accident. It was all an accident.”

“Nay. It was all you.”

“Your mother was a beautiful woman. She should’ve loved me, not my brother. He had everything. Why should he have had your mother, too? She was supposed to be mine. Our father was making the arrangements when my own brother stole her from me.”