The Dragon Lord (25 page)

“Lady Rose, I heard you were the king’s guest but did not credit it,” Veronica said in a voice laced with mock concern. “Some say you are John’s hostage.Is that true? What did Dragon do to earn the king’s displeasure? To my knowledge, he has never been disloyal.”

“You are correct about Dragon,Lady Veronica,” Rose said coolly. “The king’s suspicions are groundless.”

Veronica’s eyes glittered with malice. “If the king distrusts Dragon, the blame lies with you. Whatever happens to Dragon is on your head.”

Rose’s scathing reply died in her throat when a blast from a trumpet announced the serving of the meal. Immediately servants carried in trays of sumptuous delicacies. Oyster soup, turbot in lobster sauce, veal sweetbreads, roasted swans and peacocks, cakes and pudding made with rose and violet sugar, imported dates, figs, oranges, raisins and pomegranates were but a few of the courses offered. Wine was served instead of ale, and the bread was made of finely milled white flour.

Rose ate sparingly from a trencher shared with Sir Aaron of Trent, the knight who sat next to her. The pompous young man’s avid attention annoyed Rose, and she tried to ignore him as those around her ate and drank with gusto. Hours later, when the platters were empty and the guests had stuffed themselves like suckling pigs, the tables were removed so the entertainment could begin. Rose had hoped to melt into the crowd and quietly return to her chamber, but it was not to be.

“Lady Rose, surely you are not leaving before the entertainment,” Veronica said as she sidled up to Rose.

“Entertainment does not interest me,” Rose claimed.“I suddenly find myself too exhausted to participate.”

Veronica’s gaze slid insultingly down Rose’s figure. “Are you breeding?” she asked sharply.

Her question startled Rose. Long moments passed before she could think clearly.

“Well, are you?” Veronica persisted when Rose failed to reply. ” Twould be unfortunate if you
were
breeding.”

“Why do you say that?” Rose asked when she recovered sufficiently to respond.

“I heard through the gossip mill that the king is considering dissolving your marriage to Dragon. He wants to give Dragonwyck to another as soon as he finds someone powerful enough to influence the marcher barons.”

“You lie!” Rose hissed.

Veronica gave her a superior smirk. “I do not lie. I am not saying the gossip is true, mind you, but all too often it is, especially court gossip. Once Dragon is rid of you, he will wed me. Everything will work out as it should; it was always Dragon’s intention to make me his wife.”

Rose did not dispute Veronica’s claim. Dragon had admitted loving Veronica, and Rose knew he would have wed her had the king not interfered.

Tears filled Rose’s eyes as pain settled around her heart, but she refused to spill them in public. “Excuse me,” she said, turning away from Dragon’s mistress.

“Where are you going? The harpist has just begun to play, and a company of mummers is to perform later.”

Disdaining an answer, Rose turned and fled. Raj sent Veronica a warning glance and followed.

Lillian was still in the bedchamber when Rose arrived.

“I did not expect you so soon, my lady. You look upset. Is aught amiss?”

“Everything is wrong. Tell me true, Lillian, are the servants gossiping about me? Lady Veronica said that members of the court are openly discussing the state of my marriage. There is speculation that the king will dissolve my marriage to Dragon.”

Lillian shrugged. “Gossip is always plentiful at court, but it means naught.”

“Have you heard rumors among the servants?”

After a long silence, Lillian said,“Aye, but rumors cannot be trusted. If I were you, I would not let it worry me. Are you ready for bed, mistress? Shall I help you undress?”

“Nay, thank you, Lillian. I wish to be alone. I will see you in the morning.”

Rose did not immediately undress after Lillian left. She was too upset. She would enter a convent if King John annulled her marriage. She wanted no man but Dragon. She had unexpectedly found love with Dragon despite his love for another woman. She knew he cared for her in his own way, and she would have happily settled for that tiny part of him she could cherish as her own. Putting herself in Dragon’s place, she wondered if an annulment would please him. Would he care enough to feel anything?

Veronica’s words weighed so heavily on Rose, she threw caution to the wind and decided to confront the king this very night. Reasonably certain that the entertainment was still in progress, Rose flung open her chamber door and stepped into the corridor before she lost her courage.

“Where do you go, mistress?” Raj asked.

“Do you never sleep, Raj?” Rose asked with asperity.

“I sleep before your door,” Raj answered.

“I’ve decided to return to the hall and enjoy the entertainment,” Rose explained. “I was a fool to let Lady Veronica’s words upset me.” She squared her shoulders. “I am no coward.”

A smile crinkled the comers of Raj’s eyes. “Indeed not, mistress. Lead the way. I will be right behind you.”

Rose did not try to discourage Raj from following; she knew it would do no good. He would leave her at the door and wait for her until she was ready to return to her chamber.

As Rose entered the hall, her gaze found the king seated upon his ornate throne, a goblet of wine in his hand, listening raptly to the harpist’s haunting melody. Resolutely, Rose wound her way through the crowd of courtiers, knights and their ladies until she stood just to the right of the throne. She waited until the last , strains of music died before stepping before the king and asking permission to speak.

“Now, madam?” John asked irritably. “This is neither the time nor place for serious conversation.”

“I ask but a moment of your time, sire,” Rose said.

John glanced about at the curious onlookers and sighed. “Not here. We will speak in my privy chamber. Follow me, mistress.”

John strode from the hall. When several guardsmen started to follow, he waved them off. “Wait here.”

Rose entered the privy chamber behind the king and waited for permission to speak.

“Very well, madam. What is so important that you would take me away from my guests?”

Rose dragged in a sustaining breath and blurted out, “I heard some gossip and want to know if it is true.”

The king’s expression turned ominous. “You interrupted my evening because of something you heard? How dare you!”

Rose gulped back the lump of fear rising in her throat, refusing to be cowed by a man she despised.

“I beg you, sire, do not turn me away before I pose my question.”

King John’s frown turned into a lascivious smile as his gaze traveled the length of her body. “You are a comely wench; too bad I wedded you to my champion.” He lifted her chin, studying her face with something akin to regret.“I should have made you a ward of the crown and taken you to my bed.”

Rose carefully removed his hand and backed away.“Please, sire, kindly remember that I am your champion’s wife. May I speak plainly?”

“You always do,” John replied sarcastically. “Very well. I am in a good mood tonight, so ask away.”

“Do you intend to set aside my marriage to Lord Dragon?”

John’s smile did not reach his eyes.“Whatever gave you that idea?”

“Lady Veronica relayed the gossip to me with great relish, but I prefer to hear it from your lips.”

“I have no plans to end your marriage, Lady Rose. When last we spoke, Dragon gave me the distinct impression that he is pleased with you. So long as he remains loyal to England and to me, your marriage is not in jeopardy. Does that answer your question?”

Rose breathed a sigh of relief and curtsied prettily. “It does, sire. Thank you for your honesty. Please forgive me for intruding.” She turned to leave.

“Wait! I intended to speak with you on the morrow, but since you asked for an audience tonight, I will impart my news to you now.”

Rose stopped in her tracks, her blue eyes dark with dread. “You have news, Majesty?”

“A messenger arrived early today from the Welsh marches. He reports that the fighting has been fierce and the Welsh outlaws persistent.” He paused.“There is something else you should know.”

Rose held her breath. “Is Dragon … is he all right?”

“As far as I know, madam. However, if Dragon should not survive,I shall exercise my rights as your overlord and wed you to another. But as long as Dragon lives and serves me well, I will not tamper with your marriage.” He waved her off. “Go now, before I change my mind.”

Rose’s mind was in turmoil as she fled the privy chamber.

“Lady Rose, I was told you had retired.”

Startled, Rose whirled and found herself so close to Aaron of Trent, she nearly tripped on him. “Where did you come from?”

“Forgive me for startling you. May I have a private word with you?”

“Another time, perhaps.” She turned to leave.

Aaron grasped her arm, dragging her toward a curtained alcove.“I find it difficult to believe you are as shy as you pretend, my lady. Lady Veronica told me about your many lovers. I aspire to become one of them.”

Rose glared at him with outrage. “Lady Veronica is mistaken. I am faithful to my husband.”

“Lord Dragon is not here. Besides, everyone knows yours was not a love match, that Dragon preferred another. Take me for a lover, I beg of you, and you will not regret it.”

“Release me!” Rose demanded when Aaron’s hand clamped tightly around her arm.

He leered at her. “You need not pretend with me, lady.”

To Rose’s relief, Raj miraculously appeared. “My mistress does not pretend,” Raj said as he wrested Rose away from Aaron’s grasp.

Aaron looked up into Raj’s glowering features and blanched. “Who in the hell are you?”

“Lady Rose’s protector.” He drew a finger across his throat.“Accost her again, and I will sever your head from your body. Do I make myself clear, sir knight?”

Aaron backed away, his fright palpable. “Aye. I meant no harm to the lady. Forgive me, Lady Rose.” He spun away as if the devil were on his tail.

“Thank you, Raj,” Rose said. “That man was becoming a nuisance. I would like to return to my chamber now.”

“Has the king heard from Lord Dragon?”

“Nay. I am worried about him. Think you he is all right?”

Raj tried to reassure her, but his anxious expression gave her scant comfort. The thought of Dragon dying in battle terrified her. Nay, Dragon would not die. He was too young, too vital, too strong and experienced to fall in battle. He would be home soon; for her own peace of mind she had to believe that.

Rose spent the next two days keeping out of sight. She still ventured out to the garden when weather permitted and took her meals in her chamber unless ordered to sup in the banqueting hall. And still no word came from Dragon.

A sennight passed, then another. One night Rose awoke screaming in the darkest part of night. The nightmare she had awakened from was so real, she could smell the acrid scent of blood and hear the cries of the dying. Placing her hands over her ears, she began sobbing.

Suddenly the door opened and Raj burst in, a drawn sword in one hand and a candle in the other as his gaze searched the room for an unseen enemy. “I heard you cry out, mistress. Has someone tried to harm you?”

Rose regarded Raj through a veil of tears.“‘Tis Dragon. Something has happened to him.”

Immediately alert, Raj approached the bed and set the candle down on the nightstand.“How do you know this, mistress? Did the king tell you?”

“I had a dream, Raj, but it was more than a dream. It was so real I could smell the blood and see the carnage.”

“Did you see Lord Dragon in your dream?”

“Aye, as clear as day. I saw him engaged in fierce combat. Men had fallen on the battlefield and were dying. He dispatched his adversary and immediately went to the aid of a knight being attacked by several Welshmen when … oh, God, it was horrible.”

“Tell me exactly what you saw, mistress,” Raj said, clearly distressed.

“I saw a Welshman throw his lance at Dragon. It pierced through a weak place in his mail. I saw Dragon fall, saw blood pouring out of him, and then I awakened.”

“‘Twas naught but a dream, mistress.”

“Nay, Raj, ‘twas no dream. Dragon is in trouble. I feel it in my heart. You must go to him. He needs you.”

“You need me here, mistress. I made a promise to Lord Dragon.”

“Dragon needs you more than I do, Raj. If you do not go to him, I fear he will die.”

The color leeched from Raj’s face. “You sound very sure. Where I come from, premonitions are not taken lightly.”

Relief washed over Rose. “Then you will go?”

“If I leave you, who will protect you?”

“I can protect myself,” Rose said fiercely.

Raj stared at her for the space of a heartbeat, then nodded slowly. “If you command it, mistress, I will find Lord Dragon.”

“I command it, Raj. When can you leave?”

“Immediately.”

“Thank you, Raj. Do not let Dragon die. You are the only one I can depend upon.”

Sleep was impossible after Raj left. Rose paced until daylight, then tried to pretend naught was amiss when Lillian arrived to help her dress.

“What happened to your guard?” Lillian asked conversationally. “He was not outside your door when I arrived.”

“I sent him on an errand,” Rose lied.

Though nothing more was said about Raj’s sudden disappearance, Rose was sure his absence had been noted by others. A manlike Raj was not easily overlooked. But luckily King John was not one to heed the comings and goings of underlings.

Rose worried excessively about Dragon during the following days. Would Raj reach him in time? Was Dragon still alive? Was her dream a premonition or merely the concern of a woman in love? All of Rose’s worries and questions went unanswered as a fortnight passed and no word arrived from either Raj or Dragon.

Panic surged deep within Rose’s heart when she received a summons from the king. She hurried off without bothering to check the condition of her clothing or hair and was immediately ushered into the king’s privy chamber.

“Your Majesty,” Rose said, executing a clumsy curtsy.“Have you news of my husband?”