Once Upon A Time (Historical Romance) (32 page)

He placed his hands on the chair and lowered his head as waves of regret washed over him. It was not an easy task to send his own mother to her death.

It was much later when Ruyen entered the nursery and found Cassandra standing over a sleeping child. When she heard him, she swung around, her jeweled dagger clutched in her hand. When she saw it was her brother, she dropped the dagger and ran into his outstretched arms.

"Oh, Ruyen, it is over. Falcon Bruine is free."

He held her away from him, taking in her appearance. Her face had matured in the last year and she was lovely. "You might want to go to our mother's chamber and tell her good-bye. I am sending her to England."

They stared at each other for a long moment, knowing the consequences of his actions. "Do not blame yourself, Ruyen. It is the only thing you could do."

"You know that there is to be war with the Castilians?"

"I had heard their ships have been sighted. It cannot be avoided, Ruyen, but we shall win against them."

He moved around Cassandra and glanced down at the sleeping child. Her head was covered with golden curls and she looked so like an angel, soft and pink. He could not resist touching her tiny hand. He was overcome with a rush of emotions. There was a lump in his throat he could not swallow.

Cassandra touched his arm. "Ruyen, there is more that I must tell you. To save her daughter, Jilliana drafted a decree that prevents any female from becoming queen of Talshamar."

Ruyen closed his eyes. "So that is what mother meant. It must have taken great courage for Jilliana to disown her only heir. She gave up everything for the baby." He looked at his sister. "I thought all women were like our mother. Jilliana has proven me wrong, time and time again, and so have you."

"You love Jilliana," Cassandra said.

"Even if I do, there can be no future for us. Too much stands between us."

"What will you do?"

"I prepare to fight the Castilians. They will be on our shores within a day." He lifted his sister's chin. "If I fall in battle, you must see that the child is safely reunited with Jilliana."

She nodded solemnly. "It will be done."

Jilliana felt her knees go weak and she lowered herself onto a chair. "But I saw him fall," she said in disbelief. "He died holding my hand."

Cardinal Failsham knelt before her. "His sister says he lives and I believe her. Does this make a difference in what you must do?"

She thought for a moment then shook her head. "No difference at all. The attack goes forward. Everything is in readiness; we sail for Falcon Bruine within the week." She motioned for him to sit beside her. "But you will not be going, my dear friend. I have need of you here."

"Are you only saying this because I am ill?"

Jilliana laid her hand on his. "Nay. I do this because if anything happens to me, my people will need your wise counsel."

She stood. "Now, if you will excuse me, I want to see Humphrey and the men who were imprisoned."

Jilliana hurried out of the library to the anteroom where Humphrey and the other knights waited for her. Her face brightened and she went first to Humphrey, clasping his hands.

"This is a happy day for me, dear friend. It gladdens my heart that you are safely home." She turned to the others, speaking to each in turn. "I have ordered the kitchen to prepare each of you your favorite meal, and I have sent for your families so you can be reunited."

Humphrey's eyes moved over her face fondly. "We are hardy enough to sail with you to Falcon Bruine," he told her.

"I will need you all with me, so rest and regain your strength. Later, I want to hear the details of your release." She looked about the room with a puzzled expression on her face.

"Where is Netta? Has she already gone to the village to see her husband?"

Humphrey's expression was one of sorrow. "She did not survive the ordeal, Your Majesty. Melesant was particularly harsh with her because she helped you escape. Her last words were of you."

Sadly, Jilliana turned away. Here was another sin to lay at Melesant's feet. Sweet, loyal Netta dead. How could that be?

"Have someone go to her family and tell them the sad news. Impress upon them that she died well."

Later, when she entered her bedchamber, Jilliana sat for a long moment pondering the sad task that lay ahead of her. It was not her wish to go to war. It had been forced upon her. Therefore, it must be won at all costs. But her heart was singing. Ruyen was alive.
He was alive
!

Then she thought of the battle that was to come and it brought an ache to her heart. She would be forced to march across Ruyen's island, slaying his people. If only there had been another way, but Melesant had left her no choice.

Jilliana would free her daughter, whatever the cost.

35

As the early morning mist cleared, Falcon Bruine fishermen were the first to spy the scarlet sails of the Talshamarian ships. A messenger was sent to the castle to inform King Ruyen, while the villagers took refuge within the protective walls of the castle.

Troops were massed at the gates, but Ruyen did not send anyone to intercept the Talshamarian fleet that was fifty ships strong.

Lord Markem had expected resistance at their most vulnerable spot, as they disembarked from the ships, but no one opposed them. Horses were brought ashore for the advance guard, then they were followed by the foot soldiers.

It was late afternoon when the last of the arms and equipment were unloaded and they began the march to the castle.

Jilliana rode between Lord Markem and Humphrey. As they neared the village, they had still encountered no resistance. But there were signs of battle all about them. Many of the cottages had been burned and in fact were still smoldering.

"What do you think has happened here, Lord Markem?" Jilliana asked, looking to her general.

"There has been fierce fighting, and I would say quite recently."

"But who?" Jilliana asked fearfully, because it looked like Ruyen's followers had been defeated.

"I would suspect civil war," he replied. "There must have been a great loss of life."

Cautiously, they left the village behind, still encountering no one. When they were in sight of the castle, Lord Markem ordered the tents erected and a command post established. Guards were placed a horse length apart, their eyes ever watchful for signs of trouble.

They made preparations to attack the castle in the morning with the rising of the sun.

It was almost evening when Jilliana emerged from her tent. To everyone's astonishment, she was dressed in silver chainmail, which was covered with a scarlet surcoat. The Great Sword of Talshamar hung from a silver belt at her side, and she carried a silver helm beneath her arm.

Humphrey looked at her with growing dread. "Just what are you about, Jilliana?"

"Queen Jilliana," she reminded him, with her chin set in a stubborn line. "I am going alone to the castle to ask for an audience with Queen Melesant. I must try one more time to get my daughter back before blood is spilled."

"Then I shall accompany you."

"No. You are needed here, Humphrey. I go alone."

"But, Your Majesty," Lord Markem added his protest to Humphrey's, "you must not put yourself in danger. Allow me to go in your stead."

She clamped her helm on her head and secured the strap. "I go myself, and I go alone. Bring me a horse," she ordered. "If I have not returned by morning, attack the castle."

Both men would like to have prevented her going, but knew it was useless to try.

Jilliana's prancing palfrey was led forward. The white horse wore a long silver panoply, which covered most of its face and fell short enough so as not to entangle the animal's legs.

"I still do not like it," Humphrey said, helping her shove her foot into the stirrups and mount astride.

She placed a hand on his shoulder. "If there is any chance to avoid war, I must take it. We are the stronger force and will breech that wall without difficulty before noon tomorrow. We have no quarrel with the people. It is their queen I want."

Humphrey nodded and stepped back. She was after all his sovereign and she must be obeyed.

With a low snort and the clamoring of the silver bridle, her horse moved slowly away from camp. All eyes watched with concern as Jilliana rode across the open ground between the Talshamarian camp and the castle.

Her horse pranced and tossed its head, and she pushed her booted foot more securely into the stirrups.

As she neared the outer wall, there were more signs of battle. The acrid smell of smoke burned her nostrils and black swirls dissipated into a blood-red sky. Jilliana was concerned that they had seen no signs of life since their arrival.

Tense moments passed as the Talshamarians watched their queen ride bravely toward the enemy's stronghold. In each man's heart was the desire to protect her—to die for her if the need arose.

When Jilliana reached the wall, she called out to the sentry. "I am Queen Jilliana of Talshamar. Lower the bridge. I will have word with your queen."

There was no answer, but the spiked gate lowered with a loud clinking sound.

Jilliana tried not to show her fear as she rode past armed men. It was so silent that the sound of her horse's hooves echoed through the courtyard. No one attempted to stop her progress. When she reached the castle, a man held the reins of her horse while she dismounted.

"I will speak to your queen," she told him.

He motioned for her to follow him.

Jilliana's spurs made a tinkling sound as she moved across the stone floor. She did not hesitate, lest she lose her courage. Perhaps she had been foolish and was allowing herself to fall into Melesant's hands once more.

When she approached the throne room, a man-at-arms threw the doors open to admit her. Still no one had spoken a word to her.

Cautiously, Jilliana entered the room, her hand resting on the hilt of her sword, though she knew not what she would do with it if there was trouble.

She stopped, and her eyes went to the end of the long room. Melesant was not present, but on the dais, dressed in a purple surcoat and wearing the crown of Falcon Bruine, sat Ruyen and oh, her heart sang at the sight of him. His dark eyes seemed to look past her helm, right into her heart.

Cassandra stood beside him and smiled softly at the baby she held in her arms.

Jilliana did not stop to consider her actions. As she ran toward her daughter, she threw off her helm and removed her gauntlets, dropping them as she went. When she reached Cassandra, she took the baby from her, tears of happiness filling her eyes.

Ruyen motioned for the guards to close the door, and he watched longingly as Jilliana rained kisses on their daughter's face. It was as if the child knew her mother, for she squealed with delight.

"Oh, Cassandra, she has grown so! I missed too much of her life."

"Not so much, Jilliana," Cassandra assured her. "She is but one year old tomorrow. And I can tell you everything you want to hear."

"I am taking her home with me." Her eyes dared Ruyen to oppose her.

Ruyen had been on the battlement, watching as Jilliana had ridden toward the castle. God had never created another woman such as her. Every deed she had ever done had called on courage that few men possessed. Yet she had seemed fearless as she entered the castle alone, still thinking that his mother was queen.

"Take your baby and return home, Jilliana," he told her. "No one will stop you."

She raised her eyes to his and saw love shining in the dark depths. Her heart was thundering in her breast. "Not just yet, Ruyen. There is something I would ask of you." She handed the child to Cassandra. "Take her to Humphrey so he may know that all is well."

"Is Edward with you?" Cassandra asked hopefully.

"Yes, and he will be most happy to see you."

Cassandra smiled brightly as she gathered her niece in her arms and hurried out of the room. She hoped that Jilliana and her brother would come to an understanding because they loved each other.

When they were alone, Jilliana turned her attention to her husband. It was hard to act queenly when all she wanted to do was run into his arms. She loved him so desperately that it was painful for her to look into his eyes after believing for so long that he was dead.

"You seem to have recovered from your wounds," she remarked, making polite conversation. Why was she so nervous?

He smiled. "I was fortunate."

"Where is Melesant?" she asked, her eyes going to the crown that sat atop his head.

"I believe you will understand why I could not pass a death sentence on my own mother. Therefore, I sent her to England."

Jilliana nodded in satisfaction. "I could easily have driven my sword through her heart, and was prepared to do just that. But I know that Henry will do what you could not."

Ruyen wished he dared reach out and touch her shimmering hair to see if it was as soft as he remembered. "What a bloodthirsty wench I married. Must I fear for my life lest you run me through?"

She casually moved to the second throne and sat down, throwing her leg over the arm—most unqueen-like. "There was a time when I would have done just that. With regret, but I would have done it all the same."

"But now?"

"You know that I could never do you harm."

He leaned his head back and turned to look at her. "What do we do now?"

"War between our countries has been averted."

Ruyen smiled. "So it seems."

"I thought it strange that we were allowed to land on your shores unopposed."

"Jilliana, that is because my armies were ordered not to spill one drop of Talshamarian blood."

"I can see that they spilled someone's blood. With whom did you do battle?"

He could hardly concentrate on what she was saying. He ached to touch her, but she seemed so distant. "First, I battled my mother's troops, who offered little resistance, and then a Castilian fleet that came ashore and offered considerable resistance. As you can see, I was victorious."

"I am glad, Ruyen."

Ruyen stood up and walked down the few steps that took him onto the stone floor. "I was not sure if I would have to battle a beautiful, blue-eyed hellion who came charging at my castle to take on my armies single-handedly."

He had his back to her, and Jilliana would have sworn that he was afraid to face her. She rose and moved to stand just behind him.

"I thought I would never see you again, Ruyen."

He turned slowly to face her. "So, Jilliana, do we war, or do we make peace?"

"I told you that I have something to ask of you. 1 have a dilemma that only you can help me with."

He shook his head. "I remember your last dilemma. It ended in my giving you the daughter you wanted. Being a father is new to me, but I find it difficult to let my daughter go. We have become quite good friends, she and I." "That is part of what I want to talk to you about. You know that our daughter cannot become queen of Talshamar?"

"That was an ingenious plan." There was pride in his voice. "You outwitted my mother, and that is no easy task."

"Ruyen, will you hear what I have to say?"

"A small voice warns me against it, but go ahead,

Jilliana."

"It is really quite simple. When Philip of France learns that Talshamar has no ruler after me, he may well decide to press his claim."

Ruyen narrowed his eyes. "What are you asking of me?"

"I need a son. Two would be even better."

Every muscle in his body tensed. "Are you asking me to be the father?"

"You are my husband. Who else would I ask?"

He started laughing and she stared at him. This was not the reaction she had expected.

"Jilliana, Jilliana, is there anyone like you?"

"Ruyen, I also want you to rule jointly with me in Talshamar. That would be my protection in the event that you can only give me daughters."

"What!"

"I will promise to be as little trouble to you as possible. If I ask it of my Talshamarians, they will readily accept you as their sovereign."

Ruyen's eyes moved over her face lovingly. He had feared that after today he would never see her again. He could hardly hide his joy at what she was proposing. He spoke with humor: "If bedding you is the only way to save you, I will consider it, Jilliana."

"You would not regret it, Ruyen." Then her eyes danced with laughter. "Of course, I may have been a bit rash in promising not to cause you trouble. For some reason, I have always been a trial to those about me."

He moved back to his throne and sat down. "Jilliana, call me a fool if you will, but I have decided to help you with your dilemma. It may be difficult for us to be together because I will never abandon Falcon Bruine."

"Of course you will not. You shall be king of both. I am not suggesting that we unite the countries, we shall merely unite the crowns." She startled him when she reached up and gently touched his face. "I am ready to swear fealty to you as I would not on the day we were wed." She dropped to her knees, her eyes raised to him reflecting sincerity. "I pledge my devotion to you in all things, King Ruyen."

He took her arm and lifted her up to him. "Is there more that you will pledge to me?"

"Aye, Ruyen, I pledge you my heart."

He drew in his breath. "You still love me?" he asked in wonder.

Her eyes were shining and he could see the truth in their depths. "I never stopped loving you, Ruyen. Not even when I thought you were dead. Now, I offer you the crown of Talshamar, asking only one thing of you."

He wanted to scoop her into his arms, to crush her to him. "And what would that be?"