The Dragon Lord (23 page)

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Authors: Connie Mason

Tags: #Fiction, #Romance, #Historical, #Medieval

BOOK: The Dragon Lord
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“Promise you will show respect for the king,” Dominic implored.

Rose sent him a considering look. “It will not be easy.”

“Promise me, Rose. Vow that you will do naught to anger the king.”

“Very well,” Rose said after a long pause.

Her tone of voice did little to reassure Dominic.

“When do we leave?” Rose asked.

“Tomorrow, at Prime. Can you be packed and ready in time? We will travel light, but a cart with your baggage will follow at its own pace.”

“I will be ready, though I like it not.”

Rose went immediately to the solar, and Dominic left to inform Raj of their plans and confer with the steward and Eric of Carlyle, whom he intended to put in charge of Dragonwyck in his absence. After he had spoken at length to all three men, he followed Rose to the solar. He intended to make love to his wife for the rest of the day and far into the night.

The travelers departed the next morning beneath a lowering sky that promised damp weather. Ten of Dominic’s personal guardsmen and their squires accompanied him; the rest were left behind to defend Dragonwyck. Father Nyle was on hand to bless them and see them off. So were Emily and Blythe, who bade them farewell with tears in their eyes.

Dominic saw Rose yawn but could not regret keeping her up most of the night making love to her. During the journey, which he expected to take a sennight, he intended to seek shelter at castles and monasteries along the way, but he doubted that he and Rose would find the privacy they enjoyed at Dragonwyck until they reached Westminster. And even then he could not count on it.

Rose was weary but tried her best to keep pace with the men. She smiled, thinking that she should have refused Dragon when he awoke her for the third time to make love the previous night, but she had wanted him as badly as he’d wanted her. Their lovemaking had been urgent, almost frantic. There was not a place on her body Dragon had neglected as he aroused her to passion with his hands and mouth. Her body still tingled from the aftermath of their last loving.

“Are you all right, Rose?” Dominic asked as he rode up beside her.

Touched by his concern, she gave him a reassuring smile.“I am fine, Dominic.”

Rose watched Dominic closely, sensing a wariness about him. It was not what he said but what he did not say about their summons to London that bothered her. Rose was not looking forward to attending John’s court. She had promised to do naught to anger the king, but concealing her animosity was going to be difficult.

Dominic set a brisk pace, but Rose kept up with little difficulty during the following days. They were fortunate in finding shelter each night, whether it was with an accommodating baron or at a monastery, and more often than not, Rose shared a chamber with the baron’s daughters while Dominic bedded down in the barracks with his men. And of course they were given separate cell-like rooms in the monasteries where they took shelter.

Their party reached the outskirts of London without mishap and headed directly for Westminster. Rose’s nerves were on edge at the prospect of meeting the king, and Dominic looked no happier than she did.

Dominic must have noticed her anxiety, for he said, “Worry not, love. The king is naught but a man.”

“A man with the power of life and death,” Rose shot back. “His summons puzzles me. I cannot help wondering why he ordered me to London.”

“Mayhap he just wants to meet you.”

“You do not believe that any more than I do. What will I do while you are fighting England’s enemies?”

“You will keep to your chamber unless the king summons you. I am leaving Raj behind to protect you.”

“Raj will protest.”

“He will do as I say.”

The gates of Westminster loomed before them, and Rose edged her palfrey closer to Dominic’s destrier. She did not feel safe in this frightening place so far from home.

The party rode through the open gate into the courtyard. They left their horses with their squires and were admitted into the palace by a guardsman who recognized Dominic.

“The king is expecting you, Lord Dragon. Follow me.” He led them through a maze of hallways to the king’s privy chamber.

” Tis so grand,” Rose whispered, gaping at the display of wealth. There was a soft carpet beneath their feet, paintings on the walls and gilded statues.

The king does not stint when it comes to his own comfort,” Dominic muttered beneath his breath.

“Wait here,” the guardsman said. “I will see if the king is ready to receive you.”

The wait was not a long one. The guardsman returned a few minutes later and announced that the king would see Lord and Lady Dragon, but his guardsmen must remain without.

“I go where my master goes,” Raj said, folding his arms over his massive chest and glaring down his nose at the guardsman.

“No harm can come to me inside the king’s chamber,” Dominic said. “Remain in the anteroom with the others, Raj.”

Raj stepped back reluctantly.

Dominic placed Rose’s hand on his forearm and indicated to the guardsman that he was ready. The door swung open, and Dominic ushered Rose toward the ornate throne at the far end of the room, where John sat in pompous glory.

The king sent Dominic a surly look. “You are here at last,” he greeted with none of the friendliness Dominic had enjoyed during his last audience with the king.

Dominic bowed low, and Rose executed an acceptable curtsy. “We left Dragonwyck immediately after your summons arrived, Your Majesty.”

“Introduce me to your wife.”

“Sire, I present to you my wife, Rose of Dragonwyck.”

John looked Rose up and down, then smiled. “A comely lass. I did well by you, Dragon.”

The chamber was filled with courtiers and ladies. They sidled closer to hear what was being said. When the king became aware of the silent listeners, he waved them all away but for Dominic and Rose.

“Leeches, all of them,” John muttered. “Now, Dragon, shall we get to the crux of the matter?”

Dominic gave him an innocent stare.“To what are you referring, sire?”

“I know you invited the marcher barons to Dragonwyck for the Christmas holidays, yet I heard naught from you after they left. Are they or are they not planning civil war? I thought you understood that Dragonwyck came with a price. I can easily take away what I freely gave.”

Dominic darted a quick glance at Rose. They confided naught to me.”

“You lie!” John roared, rising from his chair and shaking his fist at Dominic. “I already know about the Articles of the Barons, and if they think I will set my seal to the document, they are sadly mistaken. I assumed your loyalty to the crown was unshakable, Dragon. Tis the reason I gave you Dragonwyck. I expected you to inform me of rebellious activity among my marcher barons.”

Dominic shifted uncomfortably. “Aye, sire.”

The truth, Dragon. Exactly what did the barons tell you about their plans?”

They showed me the articles and wanted me to join their cause.”

Dominic felt Rose stir beside him and he moved forward to shield her from the king’s scrutiny.

“Ah; now we are getting somewhere. What was your answer?”

“I told them I was loyal to the crown.” It was not exactly the truth but close enough.

The king was only slightly mollified. “Are you sure?”

“Very sure, sire.” Thank God he had not committed himself to the barons.

“Why did you not inform me of this?”

“To what purpose? You already knew about the articles.”

“Did the barons say they intended to march on London? Should I prepare for a civil war?”

“They did not confide in me. They trust me not,” Dominic lied.“Why would the king’s champion throw in his lot with a group of rebellious barons?”

“Why, indeed?” John replied.

Dominic watched with trepidation as John turned his attention to Rose.

“What think you of the husband and protector I sent you, my lady?”

“I would have needed neither protector nor husband if my father were still alive,” Rose retorted.

John’s eyes narrowed. “Your wife has spirit, Dragon. I should think, however, that you would have tamed her by now. I like not her tone of voice.”

“Forgive Rose, sire. She is not yet reconciled to her father’s death.”

“Edwyn of Ayrdale was a traitor,” King John replied. “His execution was meant to teach the barons a lesson in obedience. Unfortunately, it did naught but make them more determined.”

“My father was
not
a traitor!” Rose denied hotly. “He was—”

“Rose, beware,” Dominic commanded, stopping her in mid sentence.

“Heed your husband, madam,” John admonished. “I have little tolerance for disobedient women.”

“There is naught more I can tell you, sire,” Dominic said. “It would please me if you let Rose return to Dragonwyck.”

“I am hardly the trusting soul you think me, Dragon.”

Trusting soul? Dominic nearly laughed aloud at that notion. “Send me to fight your war, but keep Rose out of this. She knows naught about the articles or the alliance of the barons.”

“Lady Rose will remain at Westminster as my guest,” John declared, “and you will leave immediately for the Welsh marches.”

“But, sire—”

“I have spoken, Dragon.”

“My men are weary, sire. We have just completed a long journey from Dragonwyck.”

Staring at Dominic through narrowed lids, John tapped his chin. After a long pause, he said, “Very well, you and your men may have tonight to rest and refresh yourselves. Do not fail me, Dragon.” He waved his hand. “Go now. Find my steward and send him to me.”

Dominic grasped Rose’s arm and would have taken her with him, but the king stopped him. “Leave your lady here, Dragon. I wish a private word with her.”

Dominic gave Rose’s arm a squeeze and hurried off.

“Now, Lady Rose, how much do you know about the Articles of the Barons?”

“Very little, sire,” Rose answered.

“Are you sure? Did you not hear your father talking about them with the other barons?”

“I am a woman, sire. Men do not discuss matters of import with their wives and daughters.”

“Matters of import, bah! I want to know when they intend to march on London so I can prepare. My army is occupied elsewhere, and I cannot afford a civil war.”

“If you wish to prevent an uprising, sire, seal the articles,” Rose suggested.

“You, madam, are impertinent.”

Dominic returned with the steward in time to hear the king’s words and sought to make amends. “Do not take offense, sire. She is accustomed to speaking her mind.”

“You are too lenient, Dragon. Your wife deserves a good beating.” He turned his attention to the steward, a short, balding man who had entered the chamber behind Dominic.“Sir Wayland, find a chamber for Lord Dragon and his lady.”

“Immediately, sire. Please follow me, my lord and my lady.”

“May I have a private word with you, sire?” Dominic asked.

“A moment is all I can spare,” John said impatiently.

“Go with Sir Wayland, Rose,” Dominic said. “I will join you shortly.”

Rose shook her head. “I prefer to remain with you.”

He gave her a gentle shove. “Go, Rose. Please.”

Dominic waited until Rose left with Sir Wayland before turning to address the king. “I would know the truth, sire. Is Rose your hostage?”

John shrugged and studied his fingernails.“A king does what he must to secure his vassals’ loyalty. Your wife will remain in my protection until you prove yourself worthy of my trust.”

“I have ever been your loyal subject, sire. Is my word not enough?”

“I trust no one, Dragon. I sent you to the northern marches to become my eyes and ears and had to learn from my warden that you were entertaining the marcher barons. I wanted you to earn their trust but expected you to report their activities to me. You let me down.”

There was naught to report.”

“So you say. I trust no one these days. I am well aware that my barons are angry because of my quarrel with the pope, and because England has lost most its empire in France.”

Dominic thought the barons had valid grievances but wisely held his tongue. For Rose’s sake, he feared to ally himself with the barons’ cause. He was a warrior, not a politician.

“Consider yourself fortunate that Dragonwyck is still yours,” John continued. He stared thoughtfully at Dominic. “You seem quite fond of your wife despite your initial reluctance to wed any woman but Lady Veronica. Prove your loyalty, and Lady Rose will come to no harm.”

“Do I have your word on it, sire?”

“Aye. Go fight my battle on the Welsh marches. Give me no reason to believe you have betrayed me, and all will be well.”

Dominic did not trust John. The man had no conscience. His cruelty and treachery were legend. The taxes levied on his vassals were unconscionable and his laws favorable only to himself. Dominic had pledged himself to England’s defense and sworn fealty to the king, but if John harmed one hair on Rose’s head, Dominic would sever whatever relationship he had with the king and become a rabid defender of the Articles of the Barons.

Rose paced the small bedchamber, waiting for Dragon to arrive. The thought of his leaving soon to engage in battle was painful. He could be wounded, or worse. Unfortunately, the king’s vassals had little say about where or when they were sent to defend England.

She stopped pacing when the door opened and Dominic entered the chamber. Rose whirled to greet him, but the words died on her lips when she noted his expression. What had the king said to make him so angry?

“What is it, Dominic? What did the king say to you? Were you able to change his mind about letting me return home?”

Rose sensed his desperation and ran into his arms. The king is adamantly opposed to your leaving, love.” He paused, his anger palpable. “He thinks I am lying about my involvement with the Articles of the Barons.”

“Are you?”

“Perhaps,” he said noncommittally.

“I still do not understand why he insists on keeping me here.” Her brow furrowed as a sudden thought occurred to her. “Sweet Virgin, am I his hostage?”

“Rose…”

She pulled away from him. “Tell me no lies, Dominic.”

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