Once Upon A Time (Historical Romance) (24 page)

Cassandra was frantic. The castle had become a fortress as her mother's troops prepared for war. The captain-at-arms would know what was happening, and she decided to pretend she was in her mother's confidence, thus gaining his trust.

She stopped in the garden and hurriedly picked an armful of primroses so she would look like she had been out for an afternoon stroll. With slow steps, she rounded the keep and confronted the captain of the guards, a burley man with hard, mistrustful eyes.

"Sir Arindel," she said, pretending a calm she did not feel. "Were you not surprised by what happened today?"

"Nay, Your Highness, the queen instructed me on what was to be done as soon as she learned of Prince Ruyen's treachery."

Cassandra was trembling with dread, but tried not to show it. "Yes, I cannot understand why my brother would go against our mother's wishes. But what was done with Queen Jilliana's men?"

"Pity to say, Your Highness, some of them were slain, the others are in the dungeon." He looked shamefaced. "I do not keep with attacking unsuspecting men. It would have been a slaughter if I had allowed it to continue. As it was, five of them died fighting valiantly."

She could only think of Sir Edward. Oh, please God, she thought, do not let him be among the dead.

"I will just go to the dungeons and see the men who have survived."

"I fear Her Majesty would never allow that. Her orders are that no one is to see the prisoners."

"You could take me there. I am very curious."

"I dare not, Highness."

"Then tell me where the encounter took place. I would like to see it for myself."

"They were lured to the walled garden, where they were told Queen Jilliana would be waiting for them. It was there we set upon them. And unless their bodies have been moved, the dead are there yet. Now if you will excuse me, Your Highness, I must see to the fortifications."

When he turned away, Cassandra dropped her flowers and ran down the path to the walled garden, praying all the while that she would not find Sir Edward among the dead.

Shoving the gate wide, she entered the garden and at first she saw nothing that would indicate a conflict. Moving down the yew hedges, she stood on tiptoes, and the sight that met her eyes made her feel faint. Several bodies were lying on the grass, obviously dead. She cried out when she saw that one of them was indeed Sir Edward!

Frantically, she ran down the row of hedges until she found an opening and squeezed through. With a heartbreaking cry she fell on her knees beside Sir Edward, lifting his golden head onto her lap, her tears falling on his face.

"Oh, please do not be dead," she cried, clutching his limp hand. She raised that hand to her lips and kissed it, then looked at it, puzzled. The hand was still warm. He could not have been dead long.

Just then he groaned and opened his eyes. She heard footsteps coming down the path and quickly stood, withdrawing her jeweled dagger from her belt and waiting for the intruder.

Although the man was from Falcon Bruine, he was her mother's guard. She glared at him while crying so hard that her words were coming out in gasps. "Have you no shame for what you have done?"

The guard did not answer.

"This man still lives, and I will not allow you to touch him. If you try, I shall drive my dagger into your heart! If my brother were here he would slay you himself."

"Nay, Your Highness, have no fear of me. I'll not harm the man. My name is Rob Gilbert and I will help you. You know my father. He is the forester and his cottage is in the woods. I shall take this Talshamarian there."

"How can I trust you not to go to my mother?"

"I give you my pledge that I will not do that."

She nodded, having no choice in the matter. "Why are you here?"

"Because Queen Jilliana asked me to see that her men were properly buried."

"You have seen her? She is well?"

"Yes, Highness. But if we are to save her knight, we must hasten. I will bring a cart to carry the bodies out of the castle and convince the guards that I am taking them to the church graveyard. Pray that I can convince the guard and thus sneak this man past him."

Hope rose within Cassandra's heart. "Yes, do—please hurry."

She turned back to look at the ashen face of the man she loved. "I will come to your father's cottage tonight and treat his wounds."

Cassandra was frightened and she wished that her brother was there to help her. It would not be easy to go against her mother, but someone had to.

"Ruyen, where are you?" she cried. "I need you to tell me what to do."

26

Cassandra walked along, leading a packhorse, a dark-hooded cloak covering her hair and shading her face. She hunched her shoulders as she neared the gatekeeper. When he waved her through, thinking she was a villager, she hurried in the direction of the woods.

Night was almost upon her and she hoped she would not lose her way.

"Your Highness," someone called to her.

Cassandra was relieved to see Rob Gilbert just ahead.

"I have been watching for you, Highness, so I could lead you safely through the woods."

She was grateful for his assistance, for in truth she had dreaded the dark woods. "How fares Sir Edward?"

"My father has dressed his wounds, and while deep, they are not of a dangerous nature."

"Think you we can trust your father not to account to my mother?"

"Aye. My father served your father faithfully. His loyalty is now to Prince Ruyen, the rightful king."

Cassandra nodded in satisfaction. "Then take me to Sir Edward at once."

They moved down the twisted path and deep inside the woods. At last Cassandra could see a faint light in the distance. When they reached the cottage, Rob Gilbert opened the door and waited for her to enter.

She recognized his father, William, and nodded at him. "How is your patient?"

William pulled a curtain aside, and to Cassandra's relief, she saw that Sir Edward was sitting upright on a straw pallet, while a woman she thought to be Rob's mother spooned thin broth into his mouth.

He quickly came to his knees, his eyes burning with challenge. "I warn you," Sir Edward threatened, "I shall not be taken alive."

"You need not be concerned, Sir Edward, you are with friends. I have come to help you."

"I trust not anyone of the Rondache family," he said bitterly.

William Gilbert stepped forward, placing a restraining hand on Sir Edward's shoulder. "I'll not have you insulting Her Highness, when it was her that seen you was brought to us. She's saved your life."

"We have no time for distrust," Cassandra said, handing Sir Edward a pouch.

The knight looked at the princess as if seeing her for the first time. She had thrown off the hood of her cape, and her raven-black hair glistened in the soft light that came from the one lantern in the cottage. Her features were so soft, and so evenly placed that he was sure she must be an angel sent to earth to guide him.

"The pouch contains all the gold I could obtain to aid you on your flight, less the amount I gave a ship's captain to take you away from Falcon Bruine. Do you think you are strong enough to sit a horse?"

Sir Edward stood with the aid of Rob Gilbert, but he still felt weak. "I must get to my queen."

"You cannot help her. You are but one. She is being kept prisoner by my mother. But Jilliana is in no danger until she has given birth to the baby since my mother is interested only in the child."

When Sir Edward took a step, he stumbled and would have fallen had not Rob steadied him.

"You must be well enough to travel. It is not safe for you to remain here," Cassandra said, going to him and touching his forehead, then nodding in satisfaction when she discovered he had no fever.

"It grieves me to leave my queen."

"You can better help her if you do as I tell you. You must go to Salisbury Castle and seek Queen Eleanor's aid."

"Queen Eleanor cannot even help herself, how can she help my queen?"

"Jilliana trusts her above all others—she has told me this. If she trusts the English queen, there must be a reason. Go to her."

Sir Edward was struck by the intelligence of this young girl. He noticed how fiery her eyes had become as she spoke to him. She was not a girl, but a brave young woman with a loyal heart.

"When does the ship leave?" he asked, heartened by her calm assurance.

"Soon. Rob will go with you and see you safely on board."

"Pardon, Your Highness," Rob said, smiling. "I have never left the island, but have always wanted to. I will accompany Sir Edward, if you will allow it."

Relief showed on her face. "Aye, he has need of you. You will have my gratitude for your devotion."

Sir Edward stood up straight, managing to keep his balance, and trying not to think about the pain. "I will not fail in my duty."

"You must not," Cassandra said. "Jilliana's life may depend on your success."

"Let us leave now," Sir Edward stated firmly.

Cassandra nodded. "Rob, you should skirt the village, and draw as little attention as possible. Have you clothing for Sir Edward?"

Rob studied the man for a moment. "Aye, we are of the same height; he can wear my clothing."

It was but a short time later that Cassandra watched Rob help Sir Edward onto the back of a horse. She rushed forward when he slumped over.

"You are too ill to travel." There was distress in her voice as she touched his shoulder. "If only Ruyen were here, he would know what to do."

"Why is he not here, can you tell me this?"

"Civil war is about to erupt between my mother's followers and those who are loyal to my brother. I fear your queen has been caught in the middle."

Sir Edward straightened, and placed his hand on her silken head.

"Do not distress yourself, and have no fear for me. I will rest once on board the ship, and be healed before I stand before Queen Eleanor."

"I do not know how you will gain entrance to her castle since it is guarded. But you must find a way."

He brought her close to him, his lips brushing against hers. "I shall see her, and I shall return, my angel. Will you be waiting for me?"

In wonder, Cassandra reached up and touched her lips, her heart thumping against her breasts. "I shall be waiting."

Jilliana languished in her chamber, seeing only the queen's servants. She had heard nothing of the fate of Humphrey and the others. At first she hoped that Ruyen would relent and come to release her, but as the hours passed, that hope diminished.

She had thought him noble and honorable, but he was not. He was no better than his devious mother, and had intended all along to betray her.

Thus far she had refused to eat. She sent word to Melesant that not one morsel of food would pass her lips until her men were released from the dungeon and she was allowed to leave Falcon Bruine.

A battle of wills developed between Queen Jilliana and Queen Melesant. Jilliana was prepared to give her life and that of her unborn child to gain freedom for her men.

She heard someone at the door and turned her face weakly in that direction. Escobar Hernandez slid the bolt aside, entering without knocking, a smug smile on his thin lips.

Jilliana weakly eased herself to a sitting position and glared at the odious man. "I did not invite you into my chamber. Leave at once!"

He gave her a disparaging glance. "I am sure you would rather talk to me than Queen Melesant. She is not as understanding as I."

"I want my maid with me now!"

He poised his hand and gave her a malevolent smile. "Only the queen decides that."

"Return to your queen and tell her that 1 do not care to speak to underlings."

Escobar's eyes hardened. "You will talk to me or no one."

"Then it is no one."

He pulled up a stool and sat beside her. "You must see reason. The queen has asked that—"

Jilliana moved off the bed and walked to the window, as if dismissing him. She was so weak she feared she might faint, so she gripped the window ledge, leaning heavily against the wall.

"Her Majesty wants you to eat. She has authorized me to tell you that the kitchen will prepare you any delicacy you desire."

Jilliana still did not acknowledge his presence, presenting him with her back.

She could hear his exasperated sigh. "You will talk to me sooner or later."

She faced him now, her head tilted high. "Minister, tell your queen that I refuse to eat."

"She won't like it."

"I can imagine that. It would be difficult for her to explain to Henry how I starved to death on the Isle of Falcon Bruine. He will be most displeased when Talshamar passes to French rule. Remind Queen Melesant that the motto on my family's escutcheon is
Before dishonor, death
. Also remind her, underling, that my mother died by that creed, as will I."

Escobar was not adept at hiding his feelings. His neck and face stained a deep red. "You would not do this. Think of the child."

"I will speak no more to you, sycophant. Take my message to your taskmaster."

Escobar wrenched the door open, angrily locking it on the other side. He had hoped he would be the one to induce Queen Jilliana to eat, thus endearing himself to Melesant once more.

In his dealings with the Talshamarians, he was finding them to be far too arrogant for his liking. He had little doubt that this woman would starve herself just as she threatened.

With misgivings, Melesant watched Escobar approach. "You saw Jilliana?"

"Aye, but she is a stubborn wench. I like her not."

"I am certain that she feels the same sentiment for you, Escobar."

"She refuses to eat. She's ready to die, sacrificing the child she carries unless you release her men and allow them all to leave."

Melesant turned around, her robe flaring out about her, her face a mask of rage. "I will not have it, I tell you.
I will not
! She will obey me!"

"I think she won't."

"What do you know, little man?" Melesant cried, taking out her anger on him. "You, who were born a commoner, cannot possibly understand someone born to the purple."

He could have reminded her that she was not of royal blood either, but he dared not. He knew she envied and hated the young queen because she had been born to rule.

"I know of nothing you can do to make her eat."

Melesant paced back and forth. "I have to think. There has to be a way. I must have the baby, or all is lost."

"She's asked for her servant. Perhaps that woman could entice her to eat."

"You do not know these Talshamarians, if you believe that. It's more likely that the woman would die with her mistress just to foil me." She raised her fists toward the ceiling and shook them. "I detest all Talshamarians!"

Escobar took several quick steps backward. "We could slay her men. That might make her yield."

Melesant looked at him with surprise. "Excellent! You have come upon the very thing that may well defeat her."

He blinked, not understanding. But the queen was pleased with him and that was all that mattered.

"Escobar, think you she will oppose me if I threaten the lives of her men?" Her eyes gleamed with pleasure. "I would enjoy cutting the heart out of the man Humphrey myself."

Melesant threw open the door to Jilliana's chamber and entered with a flourish, anger showing in every jerky step she took.

Jilliana weakly stood, holding on to the bedpost for support. "I wondered how long it would be before you came, Melesant."

"Then you know why I am here."

Jilliana faced her, unafraid. "Allow my men to go free and I will willingly stay on Falcon Bruine."

"You will remain, willing or not." Melesant pushed Jilliana back on the bed and stood over her. "Heed my words, Queen of Talshamar. I have been informed that you are not eating. If you do not eat, your men will suffer for your willfulness."

Jilliana rolled to the other side of the bed and stood once more. "What do you mean?"

"Just this. For every meal you miss, one of your men will miss a finger ... and I shall start with your watchdog, Humphrey."

Jilliana's face paled. "You would not dare do such a foul deed. It is inhuman!"

"Oh, I will do it right enough. I seldom make idle threats. I shall have your maid bring you anything you want to eat. If you refuse, try to imagine Lord Baldridge's screams as his fingers are lopped off. Think about this: if you miss three meals, he loses three fingers."

Jilliana felt the room spin and she eased herself back on the bed. "I will eat. Please do not harm my men."

Melesant laughed triumphantly. "I admire you more than ever, because you are not too proud to admit when you are beaten."

Jilliana wanted to lie down, but she did not want Ruyen's mother to see how weak she felt. "I find no shame in relenting to save those I care about."

Melesant turned away in satisfaction. No matter how Jilliana tried to hide it, she was in torment, and that brought her great satisfaction. She left abruptly, slamming and bolting the door behind her.

Jilliana dropped her head in her hands, trying to gather her shattered thoughts.

Now the tears that she had held back swam in her eyes. She sobbed until the last remnant of her strength was spent.

Her situation was desperate. There was no hope for her or her baby. She was the prisoner of a madwoman!