The Troubadour's Romance (13 page)

The hour grew later and the queen had left the hall when Sir Boltof asked if he might escort
Felise
to her rooms. The courtship had drawn itself out to the farthest limits it could go without a sanction for the wedding. He was clearly making his claim known among their families, and
Felise
felt herself trapped. However she viewed the alliance, it appeared to be well out of her hands. Lady Edrea seemed ready to make some protest, but Lord Scelfton cut her off and gave his loud assent.
“
Aye, take the lass to her rooms and return quickly. You are on your honor, Sir Boltof.
”

Boltof had her arm and was leading her away almost before she could bid her parents and their company a decent good night. He had been into his cups, leaving his gait somewhat uneven, and was riding high on what he sensed was approval from her father.

“
Sir Boltof,
”
she begged,
“
please slow your pace and loosen your grip. I go willingly enough; I am not a prisoner.
”

He slowed abruptly and freed her arm. His manner was instantly humbled.
“
It is your willingness I want more than anything, Lady
Felise
. With a word from you, we can post the banns for our marriage.
”

She almost laughed, for his words were slurred by too much wine.
“
You needn
’
t fear I would rebuff my father
’
s choice for me,
”
she told him calmly, laying a hand on his arm.

“
I would have it be your choice as well, my lady.
”

Felise
smiled tolerantly.
“
Our acquaintance has been brief and
--
”

“
I knew I loved you instantly,
”
he proclaimed.

“
Sir Boltof, you demand much if you would have me pledge my love after but one eve of company. Yet I would not dismiss you. Is that not enough?
”

“
You might show more warmth, lady, to one who pledges so much so soon.
”

A slight chuckle rose to her lips.
“
The better portion of a skin of wine is pledging this night, kind sir. Let us see what the morrow brings.
”
She turned as if she would venture again in the direction of her rooms and found herself quickly pulled into his clumsy embrace.

“
But ... I want you .
..,
”
he whispered urgently.

Felise believed that for all purposes this match was approved. The king would not likely argue the marriage if Harlan could boast Boltof
’
s loyalty and family. She felt his warm, wine-soaked breath on her face and instinctively turned away, while trying desperately to follow her mother
’
s advice. She had no desire to feel his kiss and could not muster the strength to answer him in warmth. There was no instinctive knowledge to help her guide his errant step with grace or disengage herself without hurting his pride.

“
Please, Sir Boltof, would you dishonor me here and now?
”

“
In a short time you will be my wife,
”
he promised, trying to reach around her waist to pull her nearer.

“
The lady protests,
”
she heard a familiar voice interrupt.

Boltof whirled to face the man and Felise was freed in the process. She quickly moved back a pace and saw Sir Wharton and Sir Boltof face each other. Wharton smiled at her, somewhat superior in his sobriety, and gave a slight bow.

“
Has a betrothal been announced, demoiselle, or should you like this knave removed?
”

“
Lord Scelfton himself gave me permission to escort the lady to her rooms. Get thee gone, Wharton.
”

“
Name your reason for this liberty,
”
Wharton demanded.
“
It was not a simple stroll I came upon here. I bid for the lady
’
s hand as well.
”

Felise
stepped backward another pace and looked at the two men in confused wonder. The gallery through which they passed was wide and torches lit the space, but no others traveled there. She saw Wharton
’
s hand go to the hilt of his sword and she gasped, fearing she would see blood spilled over this episode.

The two men faced off as if ready for a fight, Wharton
’
s
tall, dark, and slender frame contrasting with Boltof
’
s stocky, fair appearance.

“
Will you speak, demoiselle, or do you yield to the winner?
”
Wharton demanded loudly.

Felise
felt her anger rise along with her fear. She wanted to shout at them that neither of them had the right to put her at the helm of this trouble, but she trembled too severely to speak. She covered her mouth with her hand and turned, fleeing down the gallery toward the hall that led to her rooms. Behind her she heard the thud of a fist finding its mark, but she had no idea which man had fallen and which would be on her heels. Then another blow and groan from the victim eased her mind, and she went unhindered while they took out their anger on each other.

Holding her skirt i
n her hands, she rounded the corn
er and moved down the dark hall. She brushed against some
one and gasped as her arm was taken.

“
Quickly, demoiselle, this way,
”
Royce commanded. He turned her about and led her swiftly through the hall toward an open chamber filled with light.
“
Whichever of them is still standing in a moment will be right behind you. I have no desire to have to kill either of them.
”
He pulled her in and closed the door quietly behind them, leaning against it.

“
What are you doing here?
”
she demanded.

“
I begged Lord Scelfton to allow me to follow, lest Boltof fall asleep in the hall before you were safely to your rooms. The knight grew drunk on your beauty.
”

“
He gave more attention to his cup than to my face, Sir Royce.
”
She took a breath and fanned her face with her hand.
“
Am I in danger again? Would I be better fixed in the dark hall to await either jackal?
”

Royce smiled in amusement, keeping his hands behind his back against the closed door.
“
I will not accost you, madam, if that is what you fear. I am here by your father
’
s trust, and I have need of alliances such as his. In a moment I will take you to your chamber. Then I shall carry Boltof back to the hall.
”

“
You are certain Boltof will fall? Would you in like help Wharton?
”

“
Wharton is skilled and Boltof is drunk. Both of them are fools.
”

Though momentarily taken aback by this offense, Felise
’
s relief at being temporarily safe from their battle over
whelmed any anger.
“
I couldn
’
t agree with you more,
”
she sighed.

Royce chuckled.
“
They both beg your good favors, lady. One of them may be your husband soon. You have a sorry lot if you think them fools.
”
She dropped her gaze to her feet, for again she agreed. She felt a finger under her chin and she raised her gaze to meet his. There was a softness in his eyes she had not seen before.
“
You want none of this, do you, cherie?
”

“
I wish it were all behind me,
”
she said faintly.

“
Unfortunately, there is much ahead of you before your woes are over. The man has neither been named nor promised and already there is the threat of bloodshed. Aye, it will be months before you can call the matter done. You could beg a quick wedding and at le
ast put the waiting to an end .
.. much like a quick execution.
”

Her eyes glistened slightly. The prospect of a marriage, a strange new home, and a whole new way of life was not a thing Felise could easily accept, whether the process was quick or drawn out. Her voice trembled slightly when she spoke.
“
Please, is it safe for us to leave now?
”

He looked down at her almost sympathetically, taking her arm to lead the way. His voice was firm but gentle, like an older brother
’
s.
“
Lady Felise, it occurs to me that you reside in some danger this last night in Windsor. Bolt your door and keep yourself alert to every sound and movement. Until you are safely wed, guard yourself.
”

“
Surely no one would ..
.
”

He looked deeply into her eyes and she saw his earnest.
“
Yea, demoiselle. You are too much a prize for your own good. Trust only those you are certain would do you no harm.
”

She gave a nod and Royce cautiously opened the door. He looked up and down the dark hall and then led her swiftly up the stairs and to her chamber. Once there, he opened the door himself and gave her a little push.
“
Till we meet again, my lady,
”
he murmured.

She opened her mouth to thank him, but he left her quickly and was out of sight before she could find the words.

She shook her head slightly, thinking that each time she met him h
e came in a different guise. On
e moment he fright
ened her, the next he teased or tormented. He could show his scorn or some display of passionate desire. He was her antagonist, then her protector. She shivered as she contem
plated whether on their next meeting he would wear yet another new cloak.

***

In the dark of night when nothing stirred,
Felise
heard her name urgently whispered. Her slumber was deep and she thought herself in a dream until she let her eyes open and saw Vespera
’
s face above her.
“
Lady
Felise
,
”
the woman urged.
“
Wake yourself. Quickly now.
”

Felise
was slow to rouse. Vespera wore a heavy cloak and Daria was up, stoking the fire and hurrying about the room. She sat up in confusion, pulling the pelts closer to her to ward off the cold.
“
What is it? Is it still night?
”

“
Just before midnight, my lady. We have to take you away to safety. Please hurry and dress yourself.
”

“
Safety? But
--
”

“
Even now Sir Wharton gathers a troop of men to steal you away from Windsor. We must hurry.
”

Felise
threw back the covers and stood shivering at the side of the bed.
“
But why?
”

Daria was flying about the room at a speed
Felise
had never before witnessed. Vespera drew a gown hastily from
Felise
’
s trunk and struggled to hold it for
Felise
.
“
His desire for you is uncommon. While your father and the king wait for a meeting to discuss your marriage, Wharton fears the ch
oice has been made in Sir Boltof
’
s favor.
”

“
They fought earlier this night,
”
Felise
mused, her voice muffled in the folds of her dress. She turned her back for Vespera
’
s aid in the fastenings.

“
Aye, they fought, and Wharton was much the winner. He left the hall to gather his men together. I think his purpose clear.
”

The confusion of this abrupt waking was only slowly clearing.
Felise
spun around to face Vespera.
“
But you need only send for my father,
”
she declared.
“
There is no need to flee ... my father and brothers will...
”