Velvet & steel (25 page)

When Robert drew his horse up beside the column of travelers, he was surprised to find not only Beltane but Oriel as well.

"Lady Oriel," Robert said. "I am surprised to see you here... and in this company. What do you here, Beltane?"

"I but bring the lady to her brother," Beltane answered much too quietly and with too much pleasure to suit Robert.

"Robert," Oriel said with a smile, "I would seek my brother to tell him good news."

"Good news? Such as?"

"That is between my brother and me," she replied coolly.

"That is between Royce and you, if you desire entrance to Creganwald. As far as you are concerned, Beltane ... I do not think you will find welcome here. Mayhap you should consider turning the Lady Oriel's safety over to me, and leave now."

"I think not, Robert. It is best to lay this before Royce."

Robert did not like the confidence with which Beltane spoke. Nothing would bring about Beltane's welcome at Creganwald. He meant to speak again when the sound of approaching horses stopped him. Royce would put an end to it.

When Royce brought his horse to a halt beside Robert, his face was an unreadable mask. He glanced once at Oriel, then his gaze fixed on Beltane.

"Have you come to finish what was begun?" His voice was cold.

"Nay, Royce," Oriel said before Beltane could reply. "I have asked Beltane to escort me here, since there was no one else free to do so. I come to tell my brother news that will, I think, give him reason to be pleased. Am I no longer welcome here?"

"We have crossed swords, Royce," Beltane said, "and there is no cause for us to do so again. I have come in peace."

His voice was oily smooth, and Royce did not trust him for a minute. But he could not call what he said a lie either. He was a knight of William's and had come to make Oriel's travel to her brother safe.

"What is the purpose of your journey?"

"Let Oriel speak with her brother first. If you still choose for us to leave, then I will argue the point no further. We come with William's blessing and to put an end to our ... difficulties."

Royce could do little other than agree, but he had a feeling Lynette was not going to be pleased. He glanced at Robert, who wore the same puzzled expression.

"It has been a long journey, Royce," Oriel said softly.

"Come, then, and find rest and food," Royce replied. He drew his horse aside, and he and Robert fell in together to start the ride back.

"I would not trust either one of them," Robert grumbled.

"I do not," Royce said beneath his breath. "But mayhap it is better to have an enemy where you can watch him. If he has business here, I would know what it is. I'm sure Giles will be pleased to see Oriel, but even he was full of questions. I bade him stay at Creganwald and see to its safety, just in case this is a trap of sorts and others wait to attack from elsewhere."

"They will find our new walls hard to penetrate."

"Just so," Royce said thoughtfully. "Mayhap they seek a way in ... or a weakness."

"Aye."

"Ride ahead, Robert. Send two groups out to check the countryside. I won't be taken by surprise, no matter how strong my walls." Robert started away, and Royce called to him again. He rode back to Royce's side. "Tell Lynette of our visitors. Let her be prepared as well."

During the ride back to the castle, Royce tried to consider what motive Beltane could have, but there was no answer.

Lynette was both as surprised and as wary as Robert and Royce had been, but there was little to be done. She welcomed their first guests and sent orders to the kitchen for food to be prepared.

Giles welcomed Oriel with pleasure, but he was annoyed to see Beltane there. He wanted to question his sister alone, but it was close to the evening meal and there was no opportunity for private conversation. It had not occurred to him yet that Oriel had deliberately kept her distance from him.

The dinner seemed much too pleasant to both Robert and Royce. Beltane paid only as much attention to Lynette as any guest would pay. His attention seemed to be more on Oriel.

The surprise came at the end of the meal when Beltane rose to make a toast. He saluted the king first, and then when all had drunk, he raised his horn again.

"I give you another toast. To the reason that brought me here. To let Lady Oriel talk to her brother... and get his consent to our marriage." Oriel smiled as if she had held a wonderful secret and was satisfied at its outcome.

Her brother and the others at the table received this news with different degrees of shock.

Giles looked from Beltane to his sister with a gaping mouth. Robert's hand froze around his horn of ale, and Royce and Lynette sat stunned.

"We have petitioned the king already and he has decided to come here. I'm sure that his visit is primarily to see what you have accomplished, but Oriel would be married with her brother in attendance, and to have William present would be an honor to us all."

His listeners struggled to hide their distress, and Beltane nearly laughed at their attempts. The rest of the evening was highly pleasurable for him. He had gained what he wanted, entry into Creganwald castle. Once his plans were accomplished, he had another surprise for these fools.

Giles was worried, for of everyone present, he was the one who was most uncertain whether Oriel and Beltane really meant to marry. Some mischief was at work here. He was sure that Beltane had drawn his sister into something that even she did not fully understand.

He meant to get his sister alone and renew the warning he had made her. He had worked long and hard for Royce's trust, and he was not going to let her greed and her feelings for Royce ruin all he had won. But questioning Oriel left him even more worried for she seemed docile and calm.

"I know that Royce and Lynette are happy, and now I seek happiness for myself. It is what you claim you always wanted me to do."

"I did not know you looked upon Beltane so. He is Royce's mortal enemy."

"That is over and settled. He regrets it. He paid me court, and we found we had much in common. Do you not wish me to be happy also, Giles?"

"Of course I do. I just don't want you to make a mistake. I don't like or trust Beltane."

"Mayhap once we are wed and all the problems have died, you will see a different man. For my sake, brother, try to let the old enmity die... let us find some peace."

Giles agreed with the sentiment... but he did not see Oriel's satisfied smile after he left.

Lynette had not planned on visitors at all and certainly not Beltane or Oriel. She had been on edge all day and had planned a special evening alone with Royce. It was time to tell him what she had known for some time, that they were expecting a child.

The presence of enemies in the castle would made it harder to tell him news he did not want to hear in the first place.

Royce did not share her dreams yet, and her pregnancy would make things between them strained for a while. She refused to admit that she was a bit frightened herself and desperately needed Royce's strength to see her through childbirth.

Now she waited in their chamber, after preparing herself very carefully. Royce was still in the great hall, sharing drinks with his men and his unwanted visitors.

If her pregnancy caused a breach between them, then she would have to stand it. until the child was born safely. Only then would Royce accept it.

She was so caught up in her thoughts that she did not hear the door open and Royce enter. He stood by the door for a minute looking at Lynette, studying her thoughtful expression and wondering where her mind lingered.

She sat with her hands limp in her lap. her head bent slightly forward. Her golden hair fell about her. shielding her eyes from him.

He felt something new... different and... almost lonely about the way she sat so silently. Lonely? He could not think that. They had been happy, he knew he made her happy. There was only one subject they skirted and never spoke of. He crossed the room and knelt before her chair, startling her from her thoughts. He watched her smile and lift her arms to rest her hands on his shoulders. Of course there was nothing to worry about.

He stood, drawing her up with him and into his arms. With pleasure he accepted her kiss, and lost himself in it for a moment.

When he released her, she remained with her arms about his waist. "Royce, are you tired? Would you like me to massage the tiredness from your shoulders? You need only lie across the bed and—"

"Nay," he said softly. "I would lie upon the bed with you and ease more than my tiredness."

"Come then," she replied warmly. "Let us see to your easing."

"Always you are here, and always you know what will make the day's end perfect."

They lay together enjoying the freedom of their pleasure. Sharing long and lingering kisses and sensitive touches.

"Royce, there is something of great importance I must talk to you about."

"You mean the presence of Beltane. He will not make a move that I do not know about. As for Oriel, I believe Giles is going to do his best to keep her from the terrible mistake of wedding such a man. I cannot believe she has chosen to do so."

"Perhaps she has not."

"Then you think she and Beltane plan some deceit?"

"Aye, but what the purpose of it is, I cannot tell."

"They wanted access to Creganwald ... but why?"

"I wish we could have sent them away."

"This wedding is favorable to William and Oriel as our own is to us; how can we send them away? They came with no one of arms and in peace. I suspect William sees a chance to make peace between his own."

"It is easy for William. He does not have to have the vipers in his own nest."

"We will let it go for a while, but do not worry, there is not a moment when they will not be watched. If they seek to betray us, we will teach them a final lesson they will not forget ... if he lives through it."

"I would see them gone," Lynette said, and the tone of her voice caught Royce's attention.

"Lynette, you said there was something of importance you wanted to talk to me about. Was it about Beltane? Are you frightened of him?"

"Nay, I am not afraid ... not of him."

"But you're trembling."

"It is not from fear, Royce, but excitement."

Royce turned and rose on one elbow to look more intently into her eyes, and suddenly he knew. He knew without words. She watched his face pale a bit and sensed his struggle for control.

"You are going to have a child." It was a statement, not a question.

"In the midst of winter, when the yuletide is over. Oh, Royce, don't turn from me! Don't be angry! I could not bear it if you didn't want it or me. I love you, Royce, and this child will be the most beautiful expression of my love."

"I could not turn from you, my love. It would tear the heart from my body to be without you. I am the one who is afraid. Lynette ..."

She reached out a hand and laid it against his cheek. "You must not fear. I will be well, and we will have a beautiful son. You must see, Royce, that I am strong and willing. I would give you some peace from your nightmares by showing you that what happened once will not happen again."

He caught her to him and kissed her as if she would disappear. The kiss grew, and her joy grew with it. She did not know that the blackness of the fear was upon him, and that he had to cling to her to keep his sanity. She was happy, and he would not change that no matter how it tore at him. He would hold her now, and as often as he could, for he was afraid their joy might not last. Perfection rarely did.

Assured that making love to her would not hurt her or the baby, he proceeded to make such gentle and tender love to her that it brought tears to her eyes.

Later, when she fell asleep, he lay chilled with the darkest of thoughts. He could not lose her ... he could not!

He would send out word that he wanted the best of doctors and mid wives. He would fill Creganwald with them if he could. Royce realized that all the doctors in the world would assure him nothing, but he would feel better. He meant to have the best care for her, even if it meant searching the whole of England for them. He could not lose Lynette ... he could not.

Royce felt her body warm and safe in his arms, and gently laid his hand on her belly. Within her still slim form his seed grew. Perhaps she was right; perhaps it was a son.

The only person with whom Royce shared the news of Lynette's pregnancy was Robert, who was overjoyed. Robert was as certain as Lynette that Royce would have a beautiful son.

The castle was now crowded with people, and Lynette expected some problems to arise, especially with Beltane present. But nothing did. Beltane kept his distance from her and was polite and easy when they did cross each other's path.

But hardly another week had passed before other visitors began to arrive. Some were from William, and Royce knew that William might come any day.

Royce was pleased and worried at the same time. The king's arrival might mean ridding himself of Beltane sooner. But it also might mean danger to William if what he and Robert thought was true. He wanted desperately to find out what Beltane was planning, but that knight gave no sign of doing anything but preparing for his wedding.

Robert had one of his men keep Beltane in view at all times, and he was a bit disappointed that Beltane gave him no cause to eject him from the castle. As far as Robert was concerned, it was the calm before the storm ... but he could not figure out where the storm might come from.

Giles was the one who noticed that, for people who planned to marry, Beltane and Oriel spent little time together. He mentioned his observation to Royce and.Robert.

" 'Tis entrance to the castle they had in mind, but why ... why?"

"It is strange, isn't it?" Royce said thoughtfully. "It's as if they were expecting someone."

"The only person expected is William, or so Beltane said."

"I do not trust Beltane. I would lay the blame on Tearlach, but he is many miles distant. I have word he is within his castle walls. Robert, do you think there is a plan afoot to harm William when he arrives?"

"It is a good place for some kind of treachery. Mayhap they intend to find some way to lay the blame on you if they succeed."

"Good Lord, Robert ... do you think they plan murder?" Giles asked.

"I do not put anything past them. But how? We are well armed, and surely the king will come well escorted."

"Some form of treachery. By damn! I feel as though the answer is under my nose!" Royce slammed his fist in his palm.

"Most likely it is, and we'll feel like fools if it has been staring us in the face all this time and we have never seen it," Robert replied thoughtfully.

"All we would need is for Tearlach to come." Giles's voice was heavy with disgust at the thought.

"Good Lord, don't suggest such an idea. Let the spider remain in his web," Robert replied.

"Well, it would answer questions, wouldn't it?" Giles said. "We could be reasonably sure that both your life and William's were in danger."

"A trap." Royce considered all he knew of Beltane and thought the idea plausible.

"And you to take the consequences should something happen to William here," Robert replied angrily.

"How well they made use of Oriel. I wonder what they promised her," Royce mused with a grin that faded at Robert's next word.

"You," he said bluntly.

Royce turned to look at Robert in shock; then he laughed... but his laugh faded before Robert's grim look.

"We have to do something now," Royce said.

"What?" Giles asked.

"We are going to take better precautions with our defenses."

"What better precautions can we take?"

"I'll tell you exactly what we're going to do... and what I think could be happening." Royce went on to explain a plan that widened Robert's eyes in surprise.

"I'll see that it is done," Robert said. "I'll be careful that it doesn't slip that any number of our men are to be away."

"Lynette is already fretting under my guard. I shall have to take her riding, and keep her with me as much as possible."

***

Lynette was indeed feeling the weight of Royce's concern. She felt him hovering and wished for time to ride out alone. But he had made it clear that she was not to leave the castle unless he or Robert and a few knights were with her... to see she came to no harm.

Her body did not yet show any signs of her pregnancy, and Royce had urged her to keep it a secret until Beltane and his men had left Creganwald.

But as the days went on, she felt more and more stifled. When finally Royce suggested that she ride out with him and Cerise the next day, she grasped the idea quickly. She needed even the smallest taste of freedom.

Beside that, she needed time to talk to Royce, for they never seemed to be alone anymore and she was afraid it was her pregnancy that was forcing them apart. He came to bed late at night, and was up very early in the morning. Tomorrow, she vowed to herself, she would find what was in Royce's heart no matter what she had to do.

It was a night designed for stealth. The moon was nearly obliterated by black clouds, and shadows made it easy for anyone who did not want to be seen to lurk within them.

No one, not even the guard Royce had set, saw the lone man who slipped from the manor and clung to the shadows until he was well away. He carried a message from Lady Oriel, who had given him coins to keep his silence.

He had not taken a horse for the simple reason there would be questions he could not answer. A horse had been left for him at an appointed place by those who waited to hear his words.

He found the horse, and two hours' hard ride later found the camp he had been told to look for. He carried his message to the man for whom it was intended, and a few hours later slipped back inside the castle.

The day promised to be beautiful and Lynette rose early, thinking she might need to remind Royce of his promise to take her riding. But he hadn't forgotten, for he and Cerise were waiting for her. Cerise was excited and her excitement was communicated to the two adults.

They rode out with Giles and Ferragus a short distance behind them.

"Do you think we need a guard, Royce?" Lynette asked.

"I would not take the pleasure from them." He smiled. "Giles feels it is Oriel who brought danger here, and he would be the first to protect you from all harm, even if it is imaginary."

"Are we in danger because of Beltane's presence?"

"Beltane is a nuisance, and when the wedding is over we will suggest, firmly, that he go."

"Maybe then we can find some quiet. I swear the castle seems full of noise, and there is always someone underfoot."

Cerise had dropped back a bit, to listen to a story Giles was telling her, and Lynette had the opportunity she'd been waiting for.

"Royce ... are you still angry about the child?"

"No, Lynette, I was never angry at you. I find it hard to admit I am afraid of something. Can you not understand that I can only see myself losing you?"

"I have faith," she said simply. "And I love you more every day."

"Do you think that makes it easier?"

"Does it not?"

"No. Love is so precious... you are so precious. When you claim your love for me, it only makes the thought of what is to come harder to bear."

"We will be fine parents," she said, smiling up at him. "We will love so much the child will be smothered."

He laughed and turned to look into her eyes. "How is it, Lynette, that you have a way of easing troubles?"

Cerise rode up beside them again, and her sparkling eyes told of her pleasure in the smiles she saw on their faces. For that one precious moment the three of them were complete .. . like three separate pieces formed into a whole. It was at that moment that they were struck. Struck by a force that three men, one woman, and a child could never hope to fight. Royce drew his sword at the first sound, as did Giles and Ferragus, but none of them expected a force as large as this.

Royce glared at the armed knights that surrounded them. He knew their colors... Tearlach. A moment later Tearlach rode from the forest.

"What treachery is this, Tearlach?" Royce growled.

"You will find the answer to that soon enough, my friend," Tearlach answered. His gaze moved to Lynette and Cerise, and Royce forced his horse between them and Tearlach. But Tearlach only laughed.

"I am afraid the odds do not seem to be on your side, Royce."

"Lay one hand on them and to hell with the odds."

"Oh, I do not want to harm them, nor do I want to harm you."

"You lie as usual."

"Nay, no lie. You are going to return to Creganwald with your two men."

"And leave Lynette and Cerise with you? You must be mad to think I would do that."

"Oh, you will leave her with me," Tearlach said softly, "or you will see her dead here and now, before your eyes. Do as I say, or pay with her life."

"How could you expect me to trust you?"

"You have no choice." Tearlach smiled, for he knew quite well he had a force Royce could never hope to vanquish.

"What do you want?"

"William draws near."

Royce began to deny this, but Tearlach only smiled.

"There is no need to lie. I have been watching and planning for a long time. There are those who would give much to see him .. . gone."

"Robert was right," Royce said softly. "You do plan murder. You will not succeed."

"I? I plan murder? Nay, Royce. You plan murder."

"No one would believe that, and you can never make it happen."

"Can I not?" Tearlach chuckled, and it was a sound that made Lynette shiver. Cerise drew closer to her. "Take them." The order was given coldly, and Tearlach's men hastened to obey. Although all three men fought with every bit of their strength, they were overcome and held while Lynette and Cerise were dragged away.

Royce had known fury in his life and his share of hatred, but at this moment he would have slaughtered Tearlach like a pig if he had had the opportunity.

Tearlach knew this and he smiled, for it was just what he wanted. "Now, do you intend to listen to me ... or must we go on to other means? There is only one way you will ever see your daughter or your wife again."

"What do you want?" Royce's voice was deadly.

"I will tell you my plan... and you will do exactly what I say."

"Where are you taking Lynette and Cerise?"

"To a place where you will never find them if you search a million years, and believe me it is a place that will be a nightmare for them. Your daughter promises to grow into a lovely thing. She will make an excellent ... toy for a man I know, and as for Lynette... Beltane has his own plans for her."

"Don't harm them, Tearlach, or there won't be a place in this realm you can hide."

The men surrounding Tearlach shifted uncomfortably. They had heard of Royce's reputation and weren't happy at the thought of facing his anger.

"Listen to me well, Royce, for I will say this only once. You will return to the manor. There you will go on as usual until William arrives. When he does, you will have a celebration. While that celebration is in progress, you will open the lower gates and the hall to the men waiting outside. They will do the rest."

"And when Robert or one of the others asks for Lynette and Cerise?"

"You may tell them the truth, but if they take action, your wife and daughter will die."

Giles and Ferragus held their rage in control. Both knew the result of hasty action... but both knew that Royce would not allow his loved ones to die. Giles had to ask one question that burned within him.

"My sister, Oriel... has she something to do with this?"

"Ah, sweet Oriel. How easily persuaded she is. Beltane has had his way with her. It seems the wench is hungry for love. Promises of position and a rich husband have served us well."

Giles's face became mottled with rage, and if Royce had not put out a restraining hand, he would have attacked ... and he would have been cut down.

"Hold, Giles, don't play into his hand. In time we will see what courage Tearlach has. William is no fool, Tearlach."

"Nay, he is not. But it is up to you to convince him to enter... and disarm. After that, it will be a simple matter to get your ladies back."

"I want you to know this, Tearlach." Royce's voice was stone cold. "If one bit of harm comes to mine, if you touch the slightest hair on their heads, you will wish to die long before you do. On that you have my oath as a knight."

Tearlach said nothing, but a ripple of fear went through the company. The cold eyes of Royce, his reputation, the display of his ability in the duel with Beltane were enough to give them second thoughts... and Tearlach knew it.

"I have given mine as well. Do as you are told and no harm will come to them. It is William we want."

After he spoke, there was dead silence. Then Royce spoke again.

"I want to talk to Lynette alone for a minute."

"I see no reason for that. Do you hope to stall for time?"

"No, I just want to tell her not to worry, that she will be free within a short time."

"Aye, console her." Tearlach's smile was deadly. "But the fulfillment of the promise depends on you."

"I know."

"Let them share a moment alone," Tearlach commanded his men, and they parted to let Royce by, closing ranks so that Giles and Ferragus could not follow.