Candace C. Bowen - A Knight Series 01 Read online

  Reina would never agree to such a thing, any more than he would. Henry left him with no other choice. “So be it, Sire.”

  “The Archbishop of Rouen has been approaching the barons. If he seeks an audience, you are to meet with him. Find out his plan to sway the barons. Your wife is to pay close attention to his entourage. Should either of you learn anything of import, send word through a footman and I shall arrange a private meeting.”

  Fulke stood to dip his head. “It shall be so.”

  Henry frowned suspiciously. “It is unlike you to mollycoddle, Fulke.”

  “No more than it is for me disagree with you, Sire.” He replied lightly.

  Nodding his head thoughtfully, Henry said, “Keep me informed.”

  “Of course, Sire.”

  Reaching the door, Henry called, “Pray you have a son Fulke. Women are nothing but trouble.”

  He turned to bow again. Rising, he briefly closed his eyes to pray for a girl.

  Resigned to his course of action, he rushed through the passages. Turning a corner, he drew up short when he encountered Reynold standing with a group of nobleman. Fury the like of which he had never before known surged through him.

  Seeing him, Reynold stopped speaking mid-sentence. Staring wide-eyed at Fulke’s hand resting on the hilt of his sword, he stepped back in alarm, drawing the nobles’ attention to Fulke. Surrounded by the larger men, Reynold grew emboldened enough to sneer, “Look who we have here, the once favored churl and of late, cuckold of the king.”

  Fulke barely restrained himself from killing him. “Brave words you speak when you are not alone, Reynold.”

  “What do I have to fear from you, Erlegh?” Reynold replied smugly. “Your days are numbered, yet you fail to realize it.”

  Rushing forward, he grabbed Reynold by his brown velvet tunic. Glaring into his panicked eyes, he snarled, “If your assault went so much as one step further, you would already be dead.” Leaning close to his ear, he whispered, “Come close to her again and you will be.”

  Taking in the reaction of the surprised barons, Fulke turned back to the frightened man in his grip. “Did you not tell your companions that you enjoy raping the wives of other nobles, Reynold? You bear the bruises of an unwilling woman as proof of what I speak.” Shoving him away, he watched with satisfaction as he fell. “Give my regards to your willing wife.”

  “I shall so long as you give mine to yours.”

  Fulke’s roar echoed down the passageways as he lifted Reynold by the collar to slam him back into the wall.

  His legs dangling, Reynold forcefully drove his knee into Fulke’s manhood.

  Winded from the low blow, Fulke dropped Reynold to unsheathe his sword. “Get up,” he ground out.

  “Summon the guards,” Reynold called to the frozen barons standing behind Fulke. “Erlegh has gone mad.”

  Disgusted by Reynold’s cowardly act, they stood in silence to watch the scene unfold.

  Trying another tactic, Reynold said, “The king shall hear of this, Erlegh. He does not abide his nobles fighting.”

  Driving the point of his sword into Reynold’s scrotum, Fulke spoke over his piercing shriek of pain. “The king would be on my side.”

  Reynold covered his manhood as he backed against the wall. “It was an accident.”

  Men-at-arms marched down the passage towards them upon hearing the disturbance.

  “You sniveling coward,” Fulke sneered. “Rise and face me like a man.”

  Spying the guards, Reynold grew emboldened. “The king will toss you in the Tower for this.”

  “It is a chance I am willing to take.”

  “Guards,” Reynold called. “Attend me.”

  Several barons from the group moved to block the guards approach. Speaking in low tones.

  “What are you doing?” Reynold called, “Seize Erlegh.”

  “This is a matter to be settled between men, Baron Reynold,” an elder baron spoke up from behind Fulke. “You must answer for your dishonorable act.”

  “It was an accident,” Reynold reiterated. “I did not mean to kick him.”

  Fulke sheathed his sword to drag Reynold to his feet. “I will give you one last chance to fight with honor. I suggest you take it.”

  “What does a common born like you know about honor?”

  “Wrong answer.”

  Slamming his fist into Reynold’s face, Fulke felt the satisfying crunch of his nose re-breaking.

  EIGHTEEN

  Before Fulke closed the door to their chamber, Reina had her arms wrapped around him. “Did you tell him about the babe, Fulke?”

  “I told him, my love.” He hated himself for it, but he lied to her. “The king sends his best wishes.”

  “Then he is sure to send us back to Castell Maen soon.” Hope flared in her eyes.

  Drawing her into his embrace, Fulke rested his cheek on her head. If it were only that easy. He released her with a smile. “You are to remain at my side for the remainder of the assembly.” Relieved Reina could not hear the emotion clogging his voice.

  Running her hands up his chest, she returned his smile. “I intend to remain at your side for the remainder of my life, my lord.”

  Bending to kiss her, he wrapped his arms around her, lifting her high against him. Slowly letting her slide down the length of his front, he closed his eyes at the intense feeling of pleasure it invoked.

  When he opened his eyes, he found her own heavy with desire. “Stay with me a while, my lord?"

  “I shall stay with you forever, Reina.” Sweeping her off her feet, he carried her to the bed.

  He kept his tender gaze fixed on her as he straightened to undress.

  Standing naked before her, he felt the heat of her gaze sweep over him. His breathing spiked as desire washed away the coldness of his meeting with Henry.

  Reina slid further back on the bed, licking her lips in anticipation.

  Kneeling beside her, he slid his hands to the hem of her skirts. Sliding them up past her waist to remove them entirely, she pulled him down on top of her. “I am sorry my lord, I cannot wait.”

  She wrapped her legs around him, running her hands down the length of his back. He entered her as she gasped her orgasm against his lips. Lifting her arms above her head, he possessed her with his body and soul. Believing he could never come close enough, he thrust into her until with a rasping moan he spent himself.

  With a last lingering kiss, he slipped from the bed to dress.

  Summoning a bath for Reina, he excused himself as soon as she eased into its warmth to soak.

  After updating Albin on his meeting with the king, he returned to find her on her side resting in her chemise.

  Her eyes fluttered open to smile at him as he sat on the edge of the bed.

  “Get some rest, my love.” Pulling his boots off, he settled down to ease her back into his arms.

  Curling up against him, she placed her hand over his heart. Fulke covered it with his own as he stared blindly at the canopy above him. Lost to his grim thoughts.

  A footman knocked to announce the feast would begin within the hour. In need of fresh air, Fulke hastened to prepare himself, leaving Reina in the able hands of a trio of young women.

  His breath steamed the air as he strode past nobles heading inside for the feast. Along the side of the building, he entered the empty gardens. Bleak as his own thoughts, he stood in the twilight, staring at the brightening stars.

  Bowing his head, he prayed for strength. As if in answer, the wind picked up as a warm breeze caressed him, swirling the hair from his face. With a sudden intake of breath, he heard the sound of gulls on the wind and caught the briny scent of the sea on the breeze. Sensing his family’s comforting presence, he closed his eyes, lost to the happy memories of his boyhood home.

  With a small smile at a cluster of twinkling stars above him, he felt the burn of tears as he made his way back inside.

  Reina was waiting when he returned. In a dark blue silk kirtle, with red
velvet trim, gold embroidery and white linen under gown, he had never seen her look so beautiful.

  Her hair, braided and coiled at the crown with the veil flowing down her back, made the line of her graceful neck too tempting to resist. Wrapping his arms around her, he bent his head, tracing the base of her throat with his lips. Reluctantly pulling away, he said, “Pregnancy suits you, my lady.”

  Twining her fingers through his wind-tousled hair, she reached up for his kiss. “Then we shall have to work at keeping me that way, my lord.”

  “You are insatiable,” he said huskily.

  “I am in love, my lord,” she replied.

  Fulke spotted his stoic men standing in the passage outside the hall. Guiding Reina away from them, he escorted her through the doors. One glance at their glum faces and she would know something was amiss.

  Following a servant to their seats, he fought a pleased grin. He could not have handpicked a better place for Reynold to be seated. Turning a cold stare on him at his place at the next table, he held Reina’s chair out.

  Catching the eye of Stephen of Blois, Fulke acknowledged him with a curt nod before taking his seat.

  Fair to bursting with visiting nobles, thanes and varied clergy, the knights entered to stand with secondary retainers at the back of the hall. Spotting his men blending in with the crowd, he caught Albin’s eye.

  Albin briefly held a fist to his heart.

  Dipping his head in response, Fulke turned back to Reina, to wait.

  Matilda entered on the arm of a frowning Geoffrey. Arrogantly sweeping her purple silk kirtle to the side, she seated herself in the chair he held for her. Waiting for him to take his seat, she rudely presented her back to him by turning to King David.

  With a glare at Matilda’s back, Geoffrey turned to Adeliza as Henry made his way to the dais.

  After a number of lengthy speeches, huge platters of food began to move through the tables. The hall soon became deafening with the sounds of revelry, drowning out the minstrels in the gallery above.

  Once Reina had eaten enough, Fulke boldly leered at Arabella drawing Reynold’s furious gaze. He arrogantly dipped his head before turning back to Reina.

  Making sure he had Reynold’s attention, he tipped her chin up.

  He spoke the truth as he gazed tenderly into her eyes. “You are the greatest thing that has ever happened to me, Reina. Your love has saved me.”

  Her eyes flaring in alarm, she nervously glanced around. Squeezing Fulke’s hand, she drew his attention to the next table.

  Reynold’s narrowed eyes gleamed with a vengeful fervor as he shoved his chair back to make his way to the front of the hall.

  He overlooked Arabella’s stunned look of disbelief as Fulke spotted his men pushing their way to the front of the crowd.

  Reina’s hand trembled in his as she followed Reynold’s zigzagging path through the tables. Taking a deep breath of his own, he willed her strength.

  Reynold ignored the contemptuous glances from those seated above him on the dais as he stood boldly before the king. His bellowed charge rang throughout the hall. “Sire, treachery abounds within your court!”

  Absolute silence reigned as all heads turned as one to the dais. Music flowing from the balcony came to an abrupt halt as the minstrels leaned over the rail for a better look. Servants carrying heavy platters stopped midstride, craning their necks towards the king.

  Reina turned panicked eyes on Fulke before returning her gaze to the dais.

  King Henry leaned forward, his eyes narrowing dangerously. “What treachery is this you speak of, Baron Reynold?”

  His back to Reina, he bellowed, “I speak of the fact that Baroness Erlegh can understand everyone in this hall.” He glanced around to take in the stunned faces of those around him. “I speak of the fact that Baron Erlegh himself knows this.” He paused, returning his gaze to the king. “I speak of the fact, that they have both played you false, Sire!”

  Emboldened by the king’s piercing gaze, Reynold glanced around at the gaping nobles, calling loudly, “See for yourselves that of which I speak. Watch her expression closely as she is trapped in her own treasonous game.” Whirling in Reina’s direction, he snarled, “The king should have your heads for your treachery, your ladyship.”

  Her eyes flaring wide, Reina clutched at Fulke, exactly as expected.

  A roar of sound suddenly filled the hall, ending abruptly when the king slammed his fist on the dais. “Silence!”

  His furious gaze bore down on Reynold, before shifting to Fulke. Without breaking his gaze, he shouted, “Guards, attend me.”

  The sliding of steel from scabbards rang in the silence as guards swarmed from their posts throughout the hall.

  Tipping up his chin, he called, “Seize Baroness Erlegh on the grounds of treason.”

  Fulke met Albin’s stunned gaze as he moved forward with his hand on the hilt of his sword. Shaking his head to still Albin’s hand, he slid his own blade free. With sword raised, he swept Reina behind him to face the looming threat.

  Nobles seated around them toppled chairs, tripping over each other in their haste to retreat. Moving in, the guards formed a half-circle around them, hindered by the table from fully surrounding them.

  Fulke’s men stepped forward, hands on hilts, eyes on Fulke.

  “Hold!” the king shouted. Seething with rage, the king’s gaze bore down on Fulke. “You dare draw your sword in defiance of my command, Baron Erlegh?”

  “The lady is innocent, Sire,” Fulke called for all to hear. “Surely you know this.”

  “Lower your sword or I shall have you both cut down on the spot,” Henry raged.

  Left with no other choice, Fulke sheathed his blade.

  Before he could turn to Reina, four guards seized him, dragging him from her side.

  “Clap them both in the dungeon,” Henry called, “I shall deal with them after the feast.”

  Fulke fought against his guards the moment Reina was seized. “Sire, surely your guards can show more respect for a noblewoman.”

  “Ease up on the woman, she is no threat,” the king conceded.

  As soon as her guards loosened their grip, Reina broke free. Flinging herself at Fulke, she wrapped her arms around his waist, clinging to him in fear.

  Wrenched away by the guards, she stared at Fulke as they pulled her back. “You are my life,” he mouthed.

  Tears streaming from her eyes, the guards half carried her from the hall as she struggled against them.

  Surrounded by guards, Fulke looked towards his men. Talan fought against Albin’s hold as Gervase and Guy restrained Warin. Staring hard in their direction, he forcefully shook his head until they reluctantly stopped struggling. Pulling free of Albin’s grip, Talan fisted his hand over his heart as the rest of the men straightened to follow suit.

  Acknowledging with a sad smile, he followed the guards from the hall.

  Things had just gone horribly awry.

  NINETEEN

  Fulke sat alone in the dark of a barren dank cell, deep below the castle. The sounds of those he knew had been tortured, maimed and left to rot in cells echoed eerily through the passages. Listening to the poor wretches praying for an end to their suffering, he thanked God for his only consolation; Reina could not hear it. The cries of despair overwhelmed him for those poor souls, knowing he had never heard of Henry granting a reprieve.

  Believing his own life forfeit, he sank to his knees, praying the king would spare the lives of Reina and their unborn child.

  A key grating in the lock had him rising to face the door. If they were coming to execute him, he would go to his death pleading for Reina’s life.

  Two men-at-arms entered holding torches to stand on either side of the door as a third person entered the cell.

  Recognizing the king, he bowed low. “Sire.”

  “Leave us,” Henry commanded.

  Hastily setting their torches in two of the iron brackets lining the wall, the guards departed, closing the door b
ehind them.

  Henry regarded Fulke for a long moment. “I need not say that I am very displeased with you.”

  “I felt I had no other choice, Sire,” Fulke responded softly.

  “What choice have you left me? Henry shouted, “You openly defied me before the entire court!”

  Willing to grovel on behalf of Reina, Fulke calmly faced the enraged king. “You ordered an innocent woman to be thrown in the dungeon for treason, Sire. As a knight of the realm and her husband, I acted solely on instinct to protect her.”

  “It was a spur of the moment decision, damn you,” he raged. “After Reynold exposed her to the court, what choice had I?”

  “I ask you the same, Sire.”

  “Had you heeded my earlier warning about your weakness, we would not be in this situation. Do you realize I am being pressured by my advisors to take your head?” Henry’s questioning shout echoed down the passage.

  “I willingly give it to see my lady safe, Sire.”

  “Fie!” Henry swore, shaking his head in frustration. “My best warrior brought low by a woman.”

  “She is my life, Sire.” Fulke responded softly.

  Henry threw his hands up. “Geoffrey is ranting to anyone who would listen that I set a spy upon him. If I spare your lives, rumor will spread it was I behind her actions.”

  Glancing at the vermin-infested dirt beneath his feet, Henry stormed to the door. Flinging it open, he bellowed, “Fetch comforts at once.”

  As Fulke looked on with surprise, Henry paced the length of the small chamber as guards set about their task. When they were finished, a floor covering, two chairs, a table and various refreshments filled the small cell to overflowing.

  Henry poured himself a cup of wine. “Seat yourself, Fulke.”

  He declined refreshment as he took the chair beside Henry.

  Mentally preparing for Henry’s inevitable punishment, he waited in silence. He only hoped Henry would show enough mercy so he could say goodbye to Reina.

  “It is no secret you saved my life,” Henry began. “I would lay a wager I could find a bishop willing to vow it would be a sin to take your life in return. It is no secret Archbishop Corbeil is particularly fond of you.”