The Lady of Fairhaven (36 page)

Although he had longed for an opportunity to lay his case before the king, he had always intended his bride to be would be standing at his side while he fought for their future.

“
Luke mounted Storm. The two giant destriers pounded their hooves in competition for superiority. Both knights reigned in their beasts and the creatures started out for the meadow beyond the gate.

Luke and the King’s knight rode silently for some time ahead of the guards. The two spoke little as the countryside dissolved behind them. Finally, Luke’s frustration could bear no more test. “Are you aware of what matter the King wishes to speak with about?” Luke asked.

“
No.” the other answered.

“
It is just that my lady may be in grave danger, and I feel compelled to go to her if this summons is merely a routine matter.

The knight smiled. “All of the King’s messages are of the utmost importance. His eye winked at the rider next to him.

“
Yes, I can clearly see the logic in it,” Luke said.

Luke’s mind drifted to their stolen kisses. Her hair had smelled of fresh lavender when he had been so blessed to breathe in her sweet fragrance. And the skin on her face and hands were like silk, teasing his warrior-roughened hands. His hands fidgeted with Lightning’s leather reigns in frustration. How he longed to spur his steed into a full run to the place where Gillian hid.

By day’s end, Luke sat uncomfortably rigid in the saddle. Storm responded impatiently, pawing and prancing as if waiting for an attack. The companion knight sensed Luke’s unease and ordered camp to be made for the night.

Luke angrily tossed and turned. Unable to assist Gillian in whatever trouble had overtaken her, he lay wide awake, with his anger building every minute sleep eluded him. By morning whatever sleep had overtaken him was insufficient to improve his mood. He spent the following day as angry as the first.

By the end of the third day, the troop had arrived at court. Insisting that the King had need of his presence as soon as he arrived, Luke was bound to appear straight away. Indeed he had no time to run his comb through his hair nor even remove his chain mail.

Luke’s stride had eased as he neared his audience with the king. At least he could be on his way to locate Gillian as soon as he finished here. There would be little reason to keep him. Luke speculated that news of his father’s death had reached the sovereign’s ears, and he wanted to express his condolences and receive Luke’s pledge of allegiance to him. He half expected to find his brother in attendance.

The thought of his dead father had tumbled over and over in his mind. Grief over losing his sire and despair over losing Gillian, perhaps for good, clenched his heart. He braced himself against the emotions he knew were to assail him over the next few hours. Outside the great hall, courtiers milled around watching those entering and leaving.

Whispered conversations enveloped him as he and the companion knight strode purposefully through the crowd. Intrigue and conjecture no doubt girdled this unkempt warrior’s presence at court. Ladies watched with lust hungry eyes as they spied their newest prey march forward toward the King’s chambers. A few emboldened maids made their way on an intersecting course, their generous breasts jiggling as giggles shook the ample flesh of several winsome ladies.

Flattered by the attention, Luke smiled and nodded as he proceeded through the throng of ladies and lords. A few scornful looks greeted him as well. Unaccustomed to the look of a fast traveling knight, some ladies found his state of appearance unpalatable and turned away in disgust.

Luke assured himself that his family had also been called to accompany him to the audience. His eyes scanned the room. Brocades, velvets, and silks of every hue tantalized his eyes. The low cut bodices and teasing lace tempted his manly desires even though Gillian held his heart.

Somewhere in the crowd a gasp of surprise hissed over the din of murmuring prattle. Looking toward the sound, Luke found a vision in pale blue linen staring in shock at his visage. Her mouth formed a perfect circle as the color drained from her face. Plainly dressed in a gown that had been stitched up more than once, Gillian stood, starring at Luke.

Luke veered toward her, blown off course as if at the mercy of some unseen gale. Gillian struggled to remain unmoved but her hand stretched out grasping a nearby arm and her fingers bit deep into the flesh of the lady standing close to her. The woman let out a subdued shriek as Gillian swiveled and retreated toward the large doors. In two quick steps, Luke reached Gillian and grasped her arms. His arms closed protectively around her waist as he held her lovingly in place.

A shallow chirp of surprise wafted over the din of the crowd as his touch stopped her. Her mouth opened for speech but failed to release any sound.

The companion knight swerved over to the two and attempted to redirect Luke back on his path. But Luke was undaunted in his mission to speak with the lady, for whom he had nearly driven himself mad with worry over for the past three days. Looking for some stability in a world spinning with noise and people, Gillian’s hands pressed against the solid surface of his chest. She forced her clutching hands to finally push away from the strength and protection of the knight’s hug.

Tears blinded her from further escape. Silently they slid down her cheeks as she tried to hide her embarrassment. She loved him desperately but he had spurned her. Now his slightest touch was melting her will to leave him and her crumbling resolve was public record.

“
Gillian, please do not go. I was out of my mind with worry about you. I thought you had been captured,” Luke said. Concern etched his features.

“
I was. The King’s knights came upon us and insisted that we accompany them. For what purpose, I have yet to learn. I just want to go on my way. As soon as I have the King’s leave, I will travel to the abbey to live out my days,” Gillian said. Her voice continued to crack with emotion.

“
Nay! You must not!” Luke barked. “You shall stay under my protection.”

“
Certainly, you can see that is impossible. I must be rid of the turmoil I bury inside.” Gillian’s voice whispered for Luke’s ears only. “The abbey may be the only place I will be able to find peace.”

“
This is not finished,” Luke said. His companion knight and escort had placed a meaty hand on his shoulder and was pulling him gently away from the woman. In a matter of moments Luke was pulled back through the crowd.

Gillian watched the two stride away, bodies blending into the crowd with the exception of their heads towering over the courtiers, as they made progress toward the king’s guarded inner chamber door. Luke glanced back once again. His eager search back toward her proved fruitless. She had sidestepped behind another slender woman standing nearby. She was lost in the crush of people desiring a closer look.

But Gillian had been summoned to court and had no permission to leave. She must await the pleasure of the king. Whatever indignities she must suffer, she hoped she could endure quietly without the whole of England sharing in. At the moment just assuming anonymity in the crowd would do.

Not long after, the doors swung wide and out strode Luke and the knight, passing another petitioner entering. Luke’s eyes renewed their search of the gathering. Lines of concern etched his brow and his mouth was turned down in a grim line. He spoke quietly to his companion and the other man replied. The first smile he cracked in days shown with profound relief.

Searching the room for Gillian was no easy matter. No doubt she was still in the room, and knowing Gillian as he did, he moved back to the front. If avoidance wasn’t an option, he was aware she would take the straightforward approach. It didn’t take him long to find her resting on a bench near the front corner of the room. Her eyes were closed as she leaned heavily against the wall. Without fanfare, Luke knelt in front of his love and gently stroked the hands that were neatly folded in her lap.

Luke whispered silkily into Gillian’s ear. He wished for more contact. He longed for a kiss or an embrace or even a gentle caress, but half of Christendom was watching his every move like a hawk.

“
Gillian, my love,” Luke said tenderly. His eyes flicked nervously around at a dozen set of eyes staring at him. Nervous beads of sweat popped out on his forehead. Never had he lost his nerve like he had at this very moment. “If we are allowed, would you marry me?”

Rather sadly, Gillian said, “Aye, you silly warrior, you know I would. I long to be near you. If I could climb inside your skin I fear even that would fail to be close enough. I have made no secret of my feelings for you.”

“
True enough,” Luke responded with a grin. Even now she was spunky. “But there is the matter of your marriage to my father. The only way the marriage may be annulled is to have your maiden’s status proved to the satisfaction of the king.”

Luke was not sure what reaction he anticipated from his ladylove. How strong her love might prove to be was still to be demonstrated. As much as he wanted her to affirm her love for him he wondered what price it would exact. Clasping her small hands in his, he pressed a kiss to her knuckles. Half praying, Luke closed his eyes and waited for some sign of acceptance or rejection.

“
There are no assurances, my lord,” Gillian said in muted tones. “Accidents have been known to happen…” She stopped. “When is this thing to take place?” Her voice warbled slightly.

“
Now,” Luke said softly.

Placing one foot in front of the other, Gillian began walking. “Where?”

“
In the King’s chambers.”

Gillian shuddered. She contemplated the humiliation she was now suffering. Holding her hand on his offered arm was impossible for the uncontrollable shaking. Instead, the steadying grip of his free hand held hers snug and secure.

“
What have you to say, Sir Luke?” she asked.

“
Naught,” he responded. For what could he say to her? This was her decision alone.

“
Very well,” was all she said.

They walked to the doors leading to the King’s inner chambers. At that point, Luke’s way was barred. Only Gillian was allowed forward. Helplessness was a foreign feeling, but one he was now learning much too well. Not knowing what to expect, he had anticipated staying with her until the end. Of course, that might have added to her mortification.

Remaining outside was intolerable. As soon as Gillian was led through and the doors shut in front of him, Luke found himself feeling very alone.

After a few moments, Luke’s attention was directed at a commotion at the far end of the building. He paid little attention to it until he heard his name called.

“
Luke, someone called,” what do I have to do to get your attention, take you down and slap you?”

Luke immediately recognized the voice. He smiled as he turned and faced the man. It widened even more when he saw his companions.

A few minutes later Gillian was led from the chambers. Her face was pale with unshed tears still glistening in her exquisite hazel eyes. In a few purposeful long strides, Luke was at her side. He wrapped a supporting arm around her waist. Every fiber in her body trembled and one step nearly faltered.

“
I can not be put off,” Luke said. “What was the decree?” You must tell me.”

“
The decree is yet to be decided,” she said. “But since you must know, my maidenhood is still in tact.”

But Luke could still see the tears forming in Gillian’s eyes. Concerned, he asked, “But you do not appear satisfied. Mayhap you have doubts about our marriage. Please speak, I must be told.”

Luke was right, and Gillian’s pale expression showed it. “Please understand. My hesitation was never a concern for our love for each other but that of you family. Will they ever be able to forgive me for what I have done to them? I fear they will never accept me because of my being the cause of their father’s death.”

“
Mayhap you should ask them,” came a reply. But it was not from Luke. It was from someone standing behind Gillian.

As she turned, Gillian recognized Alyssa, and Edward. It was Edward who had spoken. He bowed low and raised his hand for Gillian to grasp. Out of habit, she raised hers in response. Grasping her hand, Edward gently kissed it but instead of letting go, he placed his other on top. Pulling himself closer, he said very softly, “We love you Gillian, with all our hearts. I want you to never doubt that love for as long as you live.”

As he let go, his younger brother advanced and also pledged his love. But it was Alyssa that proved the most caring. She barely waited for her brother to let go of Gillian’s hand when she stepped forward and gave Gillian a deep hug.

It was not customary for such affection to be displayed in court and Gillian was delighted. But her response was cut short when a young man approached.

“
Your presence is requested within,” the dispassionate voice said. The companion knight had returned and was motioning for them to walk to the front. Gillian and Luke held each other tight as they walked toward the door, but Gillian could not help looking back at her friends as they waved her on.

The doors swung wide again and the two disappeared into the king’s inner chamber
.

Nearly one week had passed since Gillian and Luke had appeared at court. Gillian still picked at her food, but at least the pounds weren’t still dropping off. Although cheerful in countenance, the ordeal had put her off her routines for several days.