Once Upon A Time (Historical Romance) (13 page)

"I do not know why you thought you had to say goodbye in person," Ruyen said, slipping his hands into his leather gauntlets.

"I see your months of prison have not curbed your impatient tongue." Henry shrugged. "Nevertheless, I want to explain some things to you."

"I'm listening."

"You know that Queen Jilliana will be going to Falcon Bruine with you?"

"So she says. I have wondered how you convinced her to do that."

"It was simple. I told her that if she did not accompany you and Princess Cassandra, I would send you and your sister back to the Tower. Unlike you and me, she can be reached through her heart."

"Is this the only reason she goes with me?"

"It was the only weapon I could use to make her agree. She is a most unusual woman."

"You have no idea," Ruyen muttered.

"There is one other thing I wanted to make sure you understand. My troops will accompany you to the coast and see you on board ship."

Ruyen's jaw tightened. "Just keep them out of my way."

Henry laughed and walked to the door. "You will hardly notice them. Convey my respects to your mother."

He watched Henry leave. The man was certainly cunning—allowing them to leave, but still keeping them under his control. Ruyen walked to the door and pushed it open, but Henry was nowhere in sight and neither was the guard who was usually posted there. His heart grew lighter and his footsteps hurried—he was going home!

When he walked out of the castle, he found his sister already mounted and waiting for him.

"Look you there," she said happily indicating the horse he was to ride. "We shall all be riding white steeds, is it not wondrous?"

He pushed his booted foot into the stirrup and slipped into the saddle. "Do you feel well enough to attempt the journey home?"

"Oh, yes, Ruyen. I want only to leave this awful place forever."

A crowd of Londoners had gathered to watch the amazing spectacle. Jilliana moved among her people, many of whom she had not seen since entering the castle. She smiled at each in turn and spoke to them. As she would approach a knight or a baron, they would go to their knees and bow their heads, paying homage to her.

This is the scene Ruyen witnessed when he joined the Talshamarian escort.

"It is touching to see how they adore Jilliana, is it not?" Cassandra asked.

He could only nod.

Sir Humphrey placed Jilliana on her horse and she rode to Ruyen. "Tis a most glorious day," she said, smiling.

"I never thought we would be leaving."

"I told you to have faith."

Their eyes locked and neither spoke for a tense moment. Cardinal Failsham came forward and gave his blessings and Jilliana turned to him.

"Your Eminence, will you not be coming with us?" she asked.

"Nay, Your Majesty. I go directly to Talshamar to prepare for your return. If God be willing, I shall be there to greet you when you arrive." His eyes went to Ruyen, "My blessings on you as well, Prince Ruyen."

"Until we meet, Your Eminence," Jilliana said, and then turned her attention to her husband. "If you will lead the way, we shall attempt to keep pace."

"God only knows I hope that I can keep pace with you," he said brusquely.

Jilliana looked past him to Cassandra and she spoke to the girl. "If you find the journey too tiring, you must inform me at once, and I will see that you have time to rest."

"I will not slow you down," Cassandra informed her, her cheeks flushed with excitement. "I feel completely recovered."

The people who had been gathered to observe the strange occurrence now moved back to allow the thundering horses to pass. Amid cheers and smiles, Queen Jilliana, Prince Ruyen, and Princess Cassandra rode past the Tower, each knowing that impregnable fortress could easily have been their permanent home.

Jilliana spoke to Ruyen. "I am glad to be quit of this place."

"On that we are in agreement."

He watched the way her transparent veil fluttered in the breeze and how regally she sat her white palfrey. If anything, she was even more beautiful than when first they had met—was it possible for a woman to become lovelier with the passing of each day? His lips firmed.

Why was she always on his mind? Had she woven a spell about him as she had the poor, unsuspecting Henry?

On they rode until they left London behind. Later in the afternoon storm clouds had gathered overhead and it soon began to rain, but the travelers did not slow their pace. Across the green English countryside they silently wound their way.

Jilliana looked upward, allowing the light rain to fall on her face. She felt satisfaction because she had accomplished all that Eleanor had asked of her.

She glanced over at her husband, who seemed cold and distant, a reluctant lover for certain. But he had kept his word, and she hoped she would soon have the baby she so desired.

14

Despite the hooded cape Jilliana wore, she was soaked through and very weary. It had rained unceasingly since they had left London.

She looked worriedly at Cassandra, fearing that the arduous pace they were traveling, as well as the rain, would cause her illness to return. She was relieved when the girl smiled at her.

Some time ago, Ruyen had dropped back to ride with Sir Humphrey. She supposed he preferred her knight's companionship to hers, but she did not care. It had been uncomfortable having to suffer his silent, brooding manner.

She glanced up at the sky, unable to gauge the time. They had stopped for an hour to eat, and twice since to rest the horses. She hoped they would soon stop and make camp.

Sir Humphrey, who always seemed to anticipate her needs, rode to her side. "Our camp is just ahead, Your Majesty. You will soon have a place of comfort and a well-prepared meal."

"How was this accomplished?"

"I have sent people ahead of us to make certain that your resting place each night will have every comfort."

She smiled at him. "It seems you have once more thought of everything."

He glanced up at the sky, noting that the rain was falling heavier now. "Let us hasten, Your Majesty, lest you suffer a severe soaking."

Sir Humphrey led the way off the high road, much as he had the night of Jilliana's coronation. Like a miracle, the rain stopped and the clouds parted to reveal a full moon.

When they reached the campsite, there were many fires burning and she could clearly see colorful tents, with each noble's banner waving in the breeze. The tents had been cleverly arranged in a wide circle, and she knew that the biggest and most grand, which was situated in the middle of the circle and bore the gold and white banner of Talshamar, would be her tent.

Sir Humphrey helped Jilliana dismount while Ruyen aided Cassandra. Then Ruyen disappeared while Sir Humphrey led Jilliana and Cassandra to the large tent.

Miraculously, Netta had arrived earlier to make everything ready. She now came forward and helped them remove their damp cloaks.

Cassandra was looking about the tent that had been prepared for Jilliana and Ruyen. Clean rushes had been strewn on the floor so they could keep their slippers dry. There were stools, tables and a cot large enough to accommodate two people. Everything had been done for their comfort.

"Does Your Majesty wish to rest, or will you dine now?" Netta asked.

"Let us dine. Then I want only to go to bed, and I do believe Cassandra should be served her supper in bed."

"Must I?" the girl asked in a disappointed voice.

"Yes, you must. You're just over your illness, and today was very taxing. We do not want you to have a recurrence of the fever."

"I suppose you are right. I would not want to become ill and slow our progress."

Jilliana could see the girl's disappointment. "As you grow stronger, you will be able to do more. I cannot forget how ill you were, and I want you to regain all your strength before we reach your home."

"Jilliana," she said in a voice that was no louder than a whisper, "it will not be a happy reunion when we reach the island. Eventually my brother will have to challenge my mother. Is that not sad?"

"I cannot help but think your mother will give up her title as regent in favor of her son. Having never known my mother, 1 do not really have experience of that kind of relationship, but I do know that my mother died that I might live."

"Aye, I am aware of the history of Talshamar. Queen Phelisiana's bravery is known and admired throughout Christendom." Cassandra ducked her head, her eyes filled with shame. "My mother is nothing like Queen Phelisiana. She would never give her life for either me or Ruyen. She worships power and …and although I have not said so to Ruyen, I believe that she betrayed him and our father."

While they were talking, Netta had been helping Jilliana into a burgundy gown, and because her hair was wet she wore it unbound and uncovered, wearing only a narrow jeweled crown.

Jilliana patted the young princess's hand comfortingly. "Surely you are mistaken about your mother."

"Nay, I am not, although I wish I were."

Jilliana wanted to distract the young girl, for if she spoke true, it was a great tragedy and could explain much of Ruyen's distrust. "How would you like it if I sent a minstrel to play and sing while you dine?"

Cassandra's eyes brightened and she touched Jilliana's sleeve. "I would like that above all."

"Allow Netta to help you into a dry gown, and then I shall send the minstrel to you. He is quite entertaining and Netta will remain with you."

Netta placed jeweled bracelets on her queen's wrist. "Princess Cassandra's tent is next to this one."

"Will you remain with her tonight should she need you?"

"Aye, Your Majesty. I shall go now to take her food. Sir Humphrey has asked that if you are agreeable, he would like you to join your nobles to sup."

"Yes, inform him that 1 will join him shortly."

Netta had reached the tent opening when Jilliana spoke to her. "Will Prince Ruyen be present?"

"I believe that Sir Humphrey has arranged for His Highness to dine with his sister."

Jilliana nodded. She understood that Sir Humphrey and her nobles wanted to talk to her in private.

When Jilliana entered the tent where her nobles had gathered, they all rose. She smiled and spoke to them, now able to put names with most of the faces.

Sir Humphrey led her to the head of the table, and when she was seated, her nobles remained standing until she indicated that they might also sit.

As vassals began serving food in an abundance that astounded Jilliana, she looked about her. Each noble was richly dressed. She had heard that Talshamar was a wealthy kingdom, and if they were any indication, it must indeed be prosperous.

Jilliana could see the expectancy on the faces of those gathered, and she realized it was time for her to speak to them as their queen.

"My lords of Talshamar, I know you must be wondering about me, and about the plans I have for Talshamar."

Everyone had stopped eating, their eyes on her.

"Having been away for so long, and having no memory of Talshamar, I am going to need the help of each of you. I welcome your guidance and advice. If you have questions, this would be a good time to state them."

A knight she knew as Sir Royce spoke. "Your Majesty, many of us do not understand why you are going to the Isle of Falcon Bruine, rather than to Talshamar."

"I understand your concern, and I will answer you thus, being as forthright as I can. I am certain that Sir Humphrey has explained to you that if I return to Talshamar without an heir, it would surely bring King Philip of France down on us. I will not have my people suffer a war if I can prevent it. So, I will go home only when I have given birth to a child."

"That is why you married Prince Ruyen?" Sir Royce asked.

"In part, it is, and I would say further, that any of you who wish to go home can do so now with my blessing. I see no need for you to be away from your families."

She looked down the long row of faces. "Do any of you wish to return to Talshamar?"

There was silence, so Sir Humphrey spoke. "If you wish to go home, you are free to do so, and with honor. Many of you will be leaving us when we take ship. I do not think Queen Melesant would allow so large a force to land on Falcon Bruine."

Still there was silence, until Sir Royce voiced his thoughts. "There are none here willing to leave you, Your Majesty. We all travel to the Isle of Falcon Bruine, to leave only when you are ready."

She felt a warmth surround her heart. If she could have embraced each of the nobles, she would have done so. "I am honored by your devotion, and I pray every day that I will be worthy of it."

The look of reverence on each rugged face proved that they thought her most worthy.

After eating a hearty meal and joining in conversation with her lords, Jilliana asked about their families, their children, and their estates. Slowly she was beginning to knit together in her mind a tapestry of her beloved Talshamar and its people.

When the last of the food had been cleared away, she sent a page to fetch Ruyen, and when he entered, she indicated that he should sit beside her. His face was inscrutable, his manner distant. No words passed between them as Jilliana turned once more to her lords.

"I would ask a boon of each of you. Will you not also extend your loyalty to my husband, Prince Ruyen?"

"Aye."

"Aye."

"Aye," came the steady reply as the pledge came from each man in turn.

This had come so unexpectedly that Ruyen was taken by surprise. He could think of no reply for such an honor.

"I thank you," Jilliana said, coming to his rescue. "I know His Highness also thanks you for your loyalty."

Now Jilliana rose. "My lords, I know you are weary and would seek your beds, but I would ask you to remain a bit to witness a ceremony that comes from my heart. I want to honor one who has been steadfast and has suffered greatly by being absent from his home and family on my behalf."

All the nobles rose, cheering while Sir Humphrey turned eyes on her, clearly touched by an honor that had come to him so unexpectedly.

"Rise, Sir Humphrey, and stand before me," she said, wishing her voice would not tremble, at this, her first official act.

He stood before her, his eyes questioning.

"If we were in Talshamar, we would have a proper ceremony. As it is, Sir Humphrey, I stand before your peers to bestow upon you, here and now, the title, earl of Baldridge, and furthermore, I hereby bestow upon you the title of palatine—which is only given to those of distinguished bravery—with the right to sit in my presence, and always to speak your mind. You will henceforth have all the privileges of the earldom of Baldridge, along with all the lands, castles, and moneys thereof. This I do in gratitude for all you have sacrificed for Talshamar, and for its queen."

Sir Humphrey remembered Jilliana questioning him on what titles had passed to the Crown because the family had died without issue. He had not known until now the reason for her interest.

She reached forward, taking his sword from its scabbard. "Kneel, Sir Humphrey."

He complied, lowering his head, fearing the others would see the tears gathering in his eyes. He could not remember a time when he had cried in his life, with the exception of the night Queen Phelisiana died, and now.

"I would have bestowed this honor on you in the splendor of Talshamar so that all might witness my gratitude for your devotion—but alas, that cannot be."

Touching his shoulder with his own sword, she smiled at him. "Arise, Lord Baldridge and face your peers."

He rose, fearing to look at her, lest she see his tears. "I will ask that you remain beside me to be my counsel, adviser, and keeper of the Great Seal of Talshamar."

He dropped back to his knees, taking the hem of her garment and raising it to his lips. "I have always been your liege man, and will serve you until death closes my eyes."

"Come," Jilliana said, smiling, "let us not speak of death tonight. Let us have wine to toast this happy circumstance. I wish all present to pay homage to his lordship."

There was merriment within the tent. A minstrel entertained them with his lute and sang to them Talshamarian songs.

For the first time Jilliana felt as if she belonged to this people, and she was honored to be their queen. She watched with satisfaction as the other nobles hailed Humphrey, offering their heartfelt congratulations.

"How does it feel to be lady bountiful, to bestow honors on men who worship you already?" Ruyen asked, smiling dryly. "And as for your lords' loyalty, I neither sought nor welcome it."

She raised her face to him. "I would ask that you keep your dislike for me between the two of us. I do not believe my subjects would understand or approve."

He frowned at her. Dislike? He did not dislike her— why should she think such a thing?

She rose and everyone turned to her. "I will wish you all a good night. But you must not allow my absence to interfere with your entertainment."

Ruyen rose to walk beside her, following her into their tent. He watched as she set her crown aside and unhooked her overskirt.

"Jilliana."

She turned her head, watching him closely. "Yes."

"I do not dislike you."

"It seems to me that you do, Ruyen. I have known only your contempt since our first meeting. 1 know the reason for it, but I do not condone it."

He came to her, taking her hand. "How can you think I dislike you, when I admire you greatly?"

His hand was warm on hers and his fingers slid between hers. His voice was deep with feeling when he spoke. "At this moment 1 find myself reliving the night you gave yourself to me. You have so befuddled my mind that I can think of little else."

Dare she trust him? What about his Katharine? "Are you so easily befuddled, Ruyen?"