Velvet & steel (22 page)

Beltane felt his confidence slip as Royce grew closer. Royce's eyes were no longer calm gold, but looked as molten and hot as the heart of a raging volcano. Beltane felt the heat of them, and something deadly shot through him like the bite of a sword. He would not fight this man ... he could not. He tasted death and the taste was bitter.

Still, he did not need to fight. Lynette and Creganwald were his. He need only control his temper and there would be nothing Royce could do, unless his own honor meant little to him.

Many glanced at the king, who was watching but seemed not to be disposed to stop the confrontation.

William was, in fact, mentally urging Royce on, as was Robert. But Lynette was imagining Royce fighting ... perhaps dying. She could see his strong body covered in blood. Had it been in her power then, she would have given herself to Beltane rather than see harm come to Royce.

"You are a thieving and dishonorable snake, Beltane," Royce said loud enough for all to hear. "By some stealth you have tried to take what is not rightfully yours. I find you a coward, and a knight whose honor should be stripped from him to prove to all knights that your breed cannot wear the spurs of knighthood and stain them with dishonor."

Beltane's face was growing colder and more furious by the second, and Tearlach was glaring at him, willing him to control his fury.
Hold that ugly temper, Tearlach prayed. Don't be a fool and fall into his trap! Don't let him force you to lose what we have done so much to gain.

Beltane was trying to do just that, but Royce continued the verbal assault until Beltane knew every knight was looking at him and wondering if he was too much of a coward to defend himself. It seemed as if Royce had some unique power to touch the deepest fury in Beltane.

"You were a coward at Hastings and you are a coward now. You use someone else to force your claims where they are not wanted, and you have not the heart to fight for what you want." Royce continued toward him, but Beltane was trying to remember Tearlach's admonitions. He would hold Creganwald if he did not respond to Royce's pressure.

Royce had drawn off his gauntlet as he walked toward Beltane and now he was close enough to challenge. He struck Beltane across the face with the gauntlet, and the sound exploded in the silent room.

Beltane had reached the end of his tolerance. Fury gripped him; every word of caution Tearlach had uttered was forgotten. He could not tolerate this treatment and keep any kind of pride. He struck back. And when he did, Royce smiled. Tearlach groaned with disgust, and both William and Robert controlled their smiles of satisfaction.

A collective sigh drifted over the entire crowd as the two men faced each other. It was only then that William spoke again.

"It seems there has been a challenge presented. What say you, Beltane?"

"This bastard has no claim to Creganwald!"

"And I say," Royce said quietly, "that Beltane is still a coward, and that he has too much fear to fight for what he wants. Instead he will hide behind thievery and lies to keep it from being known that he is not strong enough or honorable enough to place at risk what he has tried to steal." Royce looked calm and firm, while it was obvious that Beltane seethed. "I claim Creganwald and I claim the right to contest your possession by right of arms. Will you hide, Beltane, or will you face me and see who will be master there?"

"What is mine I can hold, bastard!" Beltane hissed through gritted teeth. "I will see you dead and take greater pleasure in enjoying the spoils. I shall think of you while I enjoy the wench and bring Creganwald under my rule."

William revealed nothing of his feelings, but he, too, could have struck Beltane for his arrogance. William did not relish the way he had been forced into this matter. But he did relish the battle that was to come.

"Then there is little more to be said," William said. "Beltane, as the one challenged, you have the right to choose the weapons."

"I choose the broadsword," Beltane snarled as his hate-filled gaze met Royce's.

"Royce?"

"Aye, I will fight him with any weapon of his choice."

"Then broadswords it will be. The battle will be held on the morning after next."

"Until this is decided," Tearlach said coldly, "it is wrong for the maid to stay beneath Royce's roof. She may become Beltane's, and he would want her unspoiled ... unless ..."

Royce turned his dark look on Tearlach, and would have liked to cross swords with him as well for the public insult to Lynette. But he knew how clever Tearlach was, and he didn't want Lynette to face the sharp sword of the man's scorn. Already her cheeks were pink with embarrassment at Tearlach's words.

"You need not worry about the maid," William inserted quickly before Royce could answer. "She will remain with me until this is decided."

But this situation did not make Royce feel any better. He wanted Lynette at his side. He did not want to give her up even to the protection of the king. It took William only a moment to recognize this, and he smiled.

"Do not worry, Royce, she will be in good hands." That Royce was not too pleased with him was just as obvious to William, but he could bear the cold look, until the time came when a full explanation could be made.

It was Robert's hand on Royce's shoulder that kept him from saying the words on his lips. He turned to look at Robert.

"Keep faith in your own self, Royce, and we will find an end to this that will satisfy even Tearlach himself." Robert spoke quietly, and Royce held his gaze for a long moment trying to read the message there. Robert had a great deal of explaining to do.

Royce could not believe that Lynette would not lie beside him this night. He looked at her and his arms felt empty already. Her wide blue eyes watched him closely, for she feared that he was about to lay down his life for her. She wanted to cry out, to ran to him, and to hold him close so that he would not make such a sacrifice.

But already the king was dismissing the entire party, and when he held out his hand to her, there was little she could do but to place hers on it, cast Royce a look of worry, and leave with the king.

Royce left with the few who had arrived with him, but Robert was not among them. He had felt it wise to find another place to rest until the night had passed and with it some of Royce's anger.

"You damned fool! Don't you realize you could have had Creganwald and the maid if you had just kept hold of that uncontrollable temper of yours? You played into his hands like a child, and now you must fight him."

"I will fight him and I will kill him. This has been a long time in the making, but I will take his slurs and accusations no more."

"And if he wins?"

"He will not."

"You will have no revenge on him. If you kill him, his life is done and nothing can make him suffer. If he kills you, he wins Creganwald and the wench, and where will your revenge be then?"

"My revenge ... or yours?"

"Ours, you arrogant idiot. I had found the way to make him suffer for untold years to come. Every night he would have had to think of her in your bed, and every day he would have longed for the wealth that had slid from his hands so easily. Now you have handed him the possibility of having all and neatly turning the tables on us."

"I regret what happened, in the face of what you say now. But how was I to stop him and the things he said? He would blacken my name."

"All you had to do was laugh in his face and accuse him of jealousy and of being unable to lose with honor. No one would have faulted you, and you would not have had to lift your sword. You would live to enjoy, and he would have lived the balance of his life in torment. Fool!"

"Is there no way out of this?"

"When you answered his challenge before the king's eyes?"

"I will have Creganwald and Lynette, and we can find another way to strike back at him."

"Has the woman bewitched you?"

"I would have her." Beltane's voice was more firm and final than Tearlach had ever heard it before, and he knew that Beltane was not going to be his tool in this matter any longer. ... He wanted the maid.

"I want Creganwald." Tearlach's voice was just as firm. "The manor is strategically located. I want the power to hold it, and to use it for more than you would ever guess. If my plans are ruined because of your heated loins ..."

"Be damned to Creganwald! There is room there for you and any force you care to rally. I will enjoy its fruits and the fair Lynette. You can make use of its location at your will, I care naught."

"I advise you to win this battle, Beltane. And if you do and you can make him cry mercy, we can still have what we both want. Defeat him... but let him live."

"You can trust in that. I know Royce's way of battle. Have I not watched him thousands of times? I know his weaknesses as well as his strengths. I will bring him to his knees for you. Will that satisfy your revenge?"

"Aye," Tearlach said quietly. "Aye, bring him to his knees ... then leave the rest to me."

Royce knew he was going to miss Lynette beyond anything, but he had forgotten Cerise. He could have groaned with dismay when he saw her waiting at the top of the stairs.

Her face was bright, and she flew down the stairs to throw herself into his arms. When she had kissed him soundly, her next breath was for Lynette.

"Where is Lynette, Papa?"

"I'm afraid she has to stay with the king's party for a day or two."

"Why? Are they getting ready for the wedding?"

"No...not just yet."

"But, Papa—"

"Cerise, Lynette is fine. In a few days you will see her again and help with the preparations for the wedding. Does that satisfy you?"

Royce could see at once that it did not satisfy her at all, and that she had begun to worry about Lynette's return. But he had no answers, for he was just as worried. He would defeat Beltane ... he could not lose her.

Lynette took supper with William and Matilda and a number of the knights and ladies. She was silent most of the meal, and William knew she was not happy with him.

That night Lynette found her bed colder and emptier than it had ever been. She prayed for Royce. As she drifted off to sleep, she recalled a few words spoken to her by Matilda just moments before she climbed the stairs to her chamber.

"Have heart, Lynette," Matilda had said in her soft and gentle voice. "All is not always as dark as it seems. Royce is a strong and able fighter."

"I do not want him to raise his sword and face death for me."

"What cause other than those they love the most brings men to battle? Consider the alternative if Royce did not answer Beltane with a challenge. Do you think he would allow you to go so easily?"

"You do not understand ... I would give myself if it would keep him from harm."

"And dishonor him more? Would you have him surrender all he has desired just to keep himself from harm?"

"I would have him live and not see bloody wounds upon his body."

"Aye, I would never see William raise a sword again. But if his honor called, and he had to defend this land and all he has won, I would gladly stand and wave good-bye, and give him my love and my blessings."

"You are of much stronger fabric than I." "Nay, I am not. Listen to me, child. When the time comes, you will dress in your best. You will tend your hair and make yourself as beautiful as you can. You will take your seat beside William and me, and you will smile, and show the man you choose that you have as much courage as he. Do not let him go into this battle with the sight of tears upon your face, for it will weaken him. Trust me in this... you will serve him better with a smile than with a tear... and you might be surprised at the outcome."

Matilda had patted her arm and left her standing and watching after her. Lynette considered her words and saw the truth in them. Royce needed her as much as she needed him, and she would not weaken his arm for worry about her. She would do as Matilda had said ... she would smile... and she would pray.

The next morning Lynette woke to the sound of activity below. She rose, aware that she had slept long. But she had not really found sleep until much of the night had passed.

Thoughts of the night past still lingered in her mind, for to her surprise she had felt close to Royce. It was as if she had wandered with Royce to a place of dreamlike quality.

Royce, too, had been caught in something his logical mind could never explain, for he felt Lynette reach for him and opened his mind to the misty apparition that appeared there. She spoke to him.

His eyes closed, he walked with her and touched her hand. He could taste the sweetness of her ...

She felt him, knew he was beside her, and put her hand in his and felt his strength, and parted her lips for his kiss ...

He held her close to him and knew the warmth of her giving body ...

The pale mist swirled about them as they melded together and found the perfection of their united heartbeats, and the will that created the power to cross the barriers of place and time.

It was a dream, he knew... she knew ... but it was so real that neither of them could ever deny that they had found each other in the mist of dreams and had renewed their vows to each other there.

Now day was upon her, and she bathed and prepared herself to face the people in the hall below. This would, she knew, be the longest day of her life.

But as she reached the bottom of the stairs, her eyes scanned the crowd and touched on... Royce!

She had thought she would not see him again before... but he was here, and she was so glad that he was. She knew the moment he sensed her, for he turned and looked toward the stairs.

She crossed the room to stand near him.

"Lynette." He breathed her name softly, and she could feel his presence enfold her and calm her. "Are you well?"

"Aye, and you?"

"I dreamed—"

"Yes, I know."

"Was it real or a wish?"

"It was the most wonderful of realities. We are bound, you and I, and nothing, no one will change that ... no matter what the outcome of the duel."

She watched him smile. "There is only one outcome possible. Beltane will lose all he has planned on and more."

"I know."

"You have faith?"

"In you? Always. Do not fear for me, my love."

"By the time another day passes, you will belong to me. Have no fear of that."

She had no time to answer, for another voice sounded nearby.

"Have you come to bid her farewell, Royce? Such a touching scene." Beltane's voice was taunting "You needn't worry, I will show her how to dry her tears, for she will be too well occupied to think of the bastard who tried to reach for what belonged to his betters. Once I have removed you from her thoughts, I will replace you with other... warmer ones."

Royce's eyes narrowed, but he did not respond. He had come only under the king's sufferance, and in the hope of seeing Lynette again and confirming his dream of the night before. She had known, he could see it in her eyes, and he did not intend to give any excuse for the king to change his plans again. If William chose to end the challenge and give Lynette to Beltane, that was his right. Royce could not risk that eventuality.

"There is nothing for you and me to say to each other, Beltane. On the morrow, my sword will speak for me. Have you seen a priest? Mayhap your soul needs cleansing before you give it up."

Royce's cool arrogance grated on Beltane's nerves, and he would have attacked him where he stood, but another voice interrupted his flaring fury.

"There is many a wager put on a different ending to your duel." Tearlach's voice was calm, and both Royce and Lynette knew that this was the more fearsome enemy. This man did not lose his control, nor did he allow his anger to govern.

"Tearlach," Royce said calmly, "you have sent the wrong dog to hunt your victims for you. Why do you not call him off until you can teach him better?"

There was a low growl from Beltane, and a soft and malicious laugh from Tearlach.

"You are overconfident. Beltane is a seasoned swordsman, and his sword has let more Saxon blood than most. He will try to let some Norman as well."

"He will try," Royce said casually, "and he will fail. You should find better to carry out your plans."

"Ah, such arrogance. But pride is often broken when it is too confident."

Lynette was aware of Beltane's heated gaze upon her and did her best to ignore the way his eyes crawled over her. Royce was just as aware, and the stoked fire within him grew hotter.

Just then the king and Matilda arrived, and with them Robert, who came to Royce's side at once. His arrival sent Tearlach and Beltane away to converse in private. Royce would have liked nothing more than to overhear what they were saying, but he turned to Robert.

"You were missed last night," Royce said to him with a touch of amusement. "What kept you away from us?"

"I was unwilling to test your humor," Robert laughed. "And I wanted to hear what was being said among those at court and across the city."

"You knew of the king's plan and did not think it of enough interest to tell me?" Royce looked into Robert's eyes. His favored friend did not drop his gaze.

"I do not deny that I knew, but will you judge me before you know my reasons? Has your trust in me failed now?"

"Nay, Robert, there is nothing that would cause that. I but ask your reasons."

"And I would answer that my reasons must be mine alone for a while longer. In time you will know."

Lynette had been watching Robert closely and now she smiled as his regard turned to her. She could see his contained sense of relief, and she too wondered at the cause.

"Robert, will you remain close to me tomorrow? There are those whose company I would not share."

"Aye, lady, it would be my honor. But have no fear, for I well know the weight of Royce's sword, and I have faith that we will see Beltane on his knees."

"And you think that is enough?" Royce's voice was so cold and unfeeling that alarm coursed through both Lynette and Robert. "You think if he begs for mercy he should be allowed to live and continue his nefarious conspiracies?"

"Killing him will serve no purpose. Shaming him and teaching him that you are powerful enough to hold what is yours is enough."

"No, it is not enough." The few words were said with such a chill that both Lynette and Robert were shaken. This duel was not to prove his rights; it was to kill a man who had reached to touch what Royce considered too beautiful for his merest glance.

"Royce ..." Lynette began, but the look Royce turned on her was enough to make the words freeze in her throat. He was containing a terrible anger, and she had a small taste of its fury when she looked into his eyes and saw no mercy there. She cast a helpless look at Robert, who began to search for words to calm Royce.

But they remained unspoken, as the press of the crowd began to grow. Royce knew he could not be alone with Lynette. He had come to feast his eyes on her again and to be near her for as long as he could. There was nothing more to be gained here. Motioning to his knights and to Robert, he made his way out of the hall.

Lynette watched him go and could have wept, had she not known there were eyes that watched for this weakness. She would not allow her enemies that pleasure. She meant to find her way to her own chamber, and remain there for the balance of the time until the sun rose tomorrow. Climbing the stairs, she slowly walked toward her chamber. She opened the door and found Beltane there.

She tried to back away, but he was too swift, and she found herself dragged inside and the door pushed shut. Instead of the fearful reaction Beltane had hoped for, Lynette was filled with fury.

"You fool! Do you dare dishonor the king's word like this? He will have your head." She spat the words at him.

"Nay, Lynette, I would only speak with you in private."

"I have left the hall to seek solitude. There is nothing we have to say to each other. Leave! I would hate to take the pleasure of killing you from Royce."

"You are sharp of tongue, but I have come to see whether you value Royce's life."

"More than you could possibly imagine," she said coldly.

"Then tell the king that you agree to my claim, and I will not kill Royce front of your eyes."

"I could not claim a lie before the king and before Royce, for he knows my heart and that I am his."

Beltane took hold of her shoulders and forced her against the stone wall with such speed and force that the breath was nearly knocked from her.

But Lynette knew one thing for certain: she must show no fear. She regarded him coldly and would not let him see the fear that was making her heart pound and her knees weak.

"Beltane," she said with all the regal bearing of a princess, "you would do well to leave me be. William will not tolerate such treatment of a maid in his court."

"I would treat you as a woman should be treated," he whispered as he pressed his lips against the soft flesh of her throat. "I would give you all, Lynette, a life at court Royce could never even dream of." His breath was hot against her skin, and she could feel the heat of his body as it pressed urgently against hers. "You should have been mine."

"I would never have been yours!" Lynette began to struggle in earnest. No one knew of Beltane's presence here, and if he were to claim she had invited him in, maybe he would be believed. "You are making a fatal mistake."

"No mistake." He laughed raggedly and continued to press her against the wall. His hands roamed over her and his large body was too solid for her to move.

"Beltane." The one word was spoken so clearly that it echoed in the room. Both Beltane and Lynette spun about to see the intruder, Beltane with a curse and Lynette with a gasp of relief. Robert stood in the open doorway, and his stony gaze caused Beltane to drop his hands from Lynette and back a step away. Lynette almost sagged to the floor. "Will you never learn what does not belong to you? William will be less than pleased to hear of this."

"What good will it do to run to him?" Beltane blustered. "He will do nothing. The wench beckoned me inside."

"Liar!" Lynette almost shrieked.

"Aye," Robert agreed. "It is the thing he does best. Do not worry, Lady Lynette, none will believe it. I don't intend to tell anyone about finding you here, and not because I think anyone will believe your lies. It is because I don't want anything to interfere with your meeting Royce tomorrow. The duel will settle all."

"Aye, settle all. There will be time for my pleasure with the wench when I have disposed of Royce." Beltane cupped Lynette's chin in his hand and swiftly kissed her. She slapped his hand away and glared at his smiling face. If she had had Royce's sword, she would have struck him down.

When Beltane had left, Lynette turned to Robert. "What brought you here, Robert? I have never seen anyone more welcome in my life."

"I knew when Royce left that Beltane would grasp the first opportunity to corner you. As soon as I missed you in the hall, I came to look for you."

"How I wish this day was over." She paused, for when this day was finished, tomorrow would dawn. Robert could see where her thoughts traveled and he rested his hand on her shoulder.

"Do not worry, Royce will not come to harm."

"Beltane intends to kill him."

"His intentions will count for little when they meet. Royce will be the victor, Lynette."

"He could be injured... perhaps ..."

"Nay, will you take my promise that he will come to you without another scar to mar him?"

"I will try."

"Lynette, if it bothers you to remain under Beltane's eye here for the rest of the day, will you consider going riding with Alaine and me?"

"That would please me very much."

"Good, I will meet you in the stables as soon as you can change your clothing."

He watched her smile and was satisfied that he had taken her mind off Beltane and the situation for a while. He would never let her see that he was not quite as assured of Royce's success as he claimed to be.

The afternoon was pleasant, and both Robert and Alaine believed that Lynette had relaxed.

But Lynette played the same game as they. For she knew that no matter how skilled knights were, when they faced each other with broadswords, and the desire to kill in their hearts, one of them would most likely die. The thought sent a shudder through her. She smiled, and laughed, and chatted with Robert and Alaine, and all three hid their fears from each other behind a gaiety they could not feel. Tomorrow loomed like a specter.