Velvet & steel (3 page)

Gradually her fear became resistance. He might possess her, own her, but he would never have the satisfaction of it, for she would never submit anything but the cold shell of her body. This man would never touch her spirit, never find a place in her heart. This she vowed with all the strength of her soul.

Day after day she expected him, and day after day passed without a sign or a word, until the days turned slowly to weeks. Her trepidation grew into annoyance, and then to anger. Conquered they were, but any decent man would have had enough consideration to come when he was expected. Was he deliberately ignoring her, putting her in her place as slave, someone he would get to when convenience allowed? The thought infuriated her. It was the first time she had really felt conquered, and the thought did not suit her at all. She... being forced to wed, being less than an afterthought to the man who would wed, bed, and forget her when she was with child.

Grimly she watched for him as the days passed, and her anger turned cold. Her father, along with every servant and every peasant, watched and waited. Their pride, too, was shaken; they hated to think that their beloved mistress could be treated this way.

September's cool nights and warm days gave way to the chill of October and then to the frosts and soft snows of November. Then December made the days short and cold.

Still there was no sign of Royce. Lynette had tried to force him from her mind, but she had little success. The insult was infuriating. She began to imagine reasons ... he had been wounded in battle, mayhap he had even died. He was on a mission for his king and had not returned. He was ill... but none of the reasons could explain why a message had not been sent. Obviously, in his eyes she was not worth such consideration.

She arose one morning to see a blanket of white covering the land. The first substantial snow. It was stimulating, and she decided to go for an early morning ride. In the stable she waited impatiently while her mare was saddled.

Cynric saddled the horse as quickly as he could while keeping an eye on his mistress. "It be very cold, Mistress."

"Aye, but the mare likes the run, and the cold suits me today," Lynette replied as she patted her horse.

"I could ride with ye, if—"

"No, Cynric, I really want to ride alone."

"Are ye angry, Mistress?"

"Aye, Cynric, but not with you." She smiled at his relieved look.

"If there be unwanted visitors, we will—"

"No, you will welcome them as visitors to Creganwald should be welcomed," She commanded, then added softly, "I shall take care of the 'visitors' when ... or if, they choose to come."

Then she mounted and rode away from Creganwald. Cynric watched her ride off and was glad he wasn't the one in the unwelcome visitor's shoes.

The crisp air was invigorating, and her enjoyment seemed to be communicated to her horse, for the mare seemed anxious to ran, and Lynette did not try to hold her back. They were some distance from Creganwald before she drew the mare to a walk.

They had crested a hill, and the road to the town lay below her. She sat her horse and gazed about her, pleased with all her eyes fell upon. But after some time she thought she saw movement in the distance. She sat very still until the truth of her observation was proven. She was wise enough to know exactly who was coming toward Creganwald. It had to be her arrogant and inconsiderate lord.

A new anger rose in her. The party came slowly, a procession of relaxed and carefree knights. Lynette's fury grew. It had been nearly four months since word of her marriage had been brought to her, and now he came as casually as if he had just finally decided that she was worth the effort.

Well, let him arrive at Creganwald, let him cool his heels at Creganwald. Let him wait for her, as she had waited for him. Let there be no mistress to see to his comfort. Let him see how it felt to wait on someone else's pleasure.

Determined to stay away from Creganwald for as long as she possibly could, Lynette decided there were necessary things to be seen to among her father's serfs. To the surprise and wonderment of the peasants, she visited every hut and every serf her father's lands held.

It was nearing dark when she reluctantly turned her horse toward home. She would not have chosen to go even then, but she knew her father would be worried, and she did not want servants roused and sent out into the cold night to find her.

The sun was a red rim on the horizon when she arrived at the stable.

"Yer father was just about to send out search parties, mistress," said the wide-eyed stableboy.

"Is he angry, Cynric?"

"Nay, mistress, just worried. There be guests in the house. Knights of King William they be."

"I believe they have been expected for some weeks, Cynric," Lynette said dryly. She had just caught the gleam of laughter in his eyes, and knew that every servant must know she had deliberately absented herself. "I shall go in at once to relieve my father's mind ... and see to our guests."

"Yes, mistress," Cynric replied, but his admiring gaze followed her slim form as she left the stable. This knight who had ridden so arrogantly within the walls of Creganwald had more of a surprise in store than he could have imagined. Cynric turned back to his duties with a smile on his face, wagering with himself that the Sword of William had met his match.

Lynette went inside, and from the hallway she could hear deep masculine voices. They were still at table. She stepped into the light of the room to see a fairly large group of men seated with her father. Suddenly her eyes fell on one, the only one that could be her betrothed. Slowly silence descended on the room, and the tall knight seated beside her father rose to his feet.

Lynette caught her breath. Her eyes widened at the sight of him. He was so ... so immense! His shoulders were unbelievably broad. Her eyes met his across the room, and again she felt another shock. They were gold ... the gold of a coin, and they seemed to pierce her. His dark hair was thick and the color of night. He was ... handsome beyond belief, and Lynette could feel his power even at this distance. For the first time she wondered if she hadn't made a drastic mistake angering this knight. She started across the room.

Lynette stood only a few feet from Royce, and felt as if he were looking down on her from a great height. He stood relaxed, as if this table were already his own. It brought a flush of annoyance to her face.

She knew that to this man she was less than nothing, a minor problem that would cost him time from his normal pursuits. As she studied him she again took notice of how handsome he was. Then another thought came to her. This was a forced marriage; surely he had another woman ... or several women, who held his interest. Maybe he would just go through the motions of the ceremony, then leave her and carry on with his lustier pursuits. This was the best she could hope for.

She soon became aware that, as she was studying him, he was studying her. But his thoughts might have surprised her.

Royce had watched her approach, her head proudly raised and her eyes meeting his. Did he see rebellion there? This was no docile maid who would submit to his attentions, breed a son or two, and leave him in peace with his memories. She was a threat, both to his peace of mind and to his conscience.

It was when Eldwyn rose to stand beside Royce that Lynette realized how truly large Royce was. She had always thought her father the largest man she had ever seen, but Royce stood over half a head taller, and his young, vigorous body seemed to exude an aura of frightening power. She could show no weakness before this man.

Lynette dropped a deep curtsy before him and gave her sweetest smile. All present could plainly see that the smile did not extend to her eyes.

"My lord, welcome to Creganwald. I am sorry I was absent and not here to see to your comfort, but since you did not arrive on the day or even within the month you were expected, I had no reason to believe you would actually honor us with your company."

"Lynette," Eldwyn said sternly.

"Do not condemn her for her anger." Royce smiled. "You are right, demoiselle. It was wrong of me not to send word of our arrival. Had I known your impatience and anxiousness to see to this wedding, I should have arrived with more speed." He watched her cheeks flush with color as a muffled chuckle came from behind her. "But I will rectify my behavior, and assure you the wedding will take place within the next few weeks. I hope you can curb your impatience until then. At least until we can become acquainted."

Now her eyes lit with fury. How dare he imply she was so eager for his bed! This Norman had a complete lack of manners to smile at the laughter of his men!

"You need not hurry yourself on my account, my lord. Were it my choice, you would have chosen your mate among the willing Norman women, who are not so particular with whom they lie."

Her father's mouth gaped in shock, and laughter from several knights made even Royce grin. No, this was no docile maid. He could pique her anger, and thereby keep her at a distance It would serve him well that she found him distasteful; it was the safest way for both of them. But her dislike of the marriage would mean nothing for William; it was her lands he was determined to hold.

It was Robert who rose from his seat around the table and offered her his arm. He was somewhat shocked that Royce had not done so self. Royce was not an inconsiderate man, but Robert knew the reasons for his desire to alienate the girl.

When Lynette was seated between Eldwyn and Robert, she favored Robert with her sunniest smile.

"Thank you. sir knight. It is clear to see that all Normans do not lack fine manners."

"I am Sir Robert Debayeaux, my lady he said, casually ignoring Royce's dark scowl.

"And where have you wandered this day, demoiselle?" Royce questioned.

"Since my father was so ill last winter. I found it necessary to see to the accounts, and to other work about the manor. I have been to the surrounding farms to judge the extent of winter

"You read?"

"And write a fair hand. I can also do sums, and speak both your language and some Latin."

Royce was surprised, but struggled successfully not to show it. He had thought his promised wife would be content with her sewing and household duties. Her learning piqued his interest. It was rare to find a maid who could take an interest in things other than husband and babes.

"It is still to be seen if your accounts are accurate," he replied casually. "William will want a fair accounting in the spring."

"My daughter has been trained, first by her mother and then by my own hand," Eldwyn said stiffly. "She has not made idle claims of her accomplishments."

Royce nodded. "Then tell me"—he looked at Lynette—"how are the preparations for the wedding feast proceeding? I would not want any more wasted time."

"You must have many duties, perhaps many liaisons that will draw you away from here," Lynette said. "If it will hasten your departure, I can arrange for the priest to say the words tomorrow. Then you can be on your way."

At this Royce threw back his head and laughed. "Take what time you need, demoiselle. I have no intention of leaving here until all of William's orders have been carried out." He knew he had to make her position clear or he would have a battle on his hands later. It was better to do it at the start, and give her time to adjust to her fate. "There must be a Norman heir to hold Creganwald in the future."

Royce watched Lynette's face go pale, but to give her credit, she gave no outward sign of her helpless rage. She became quiet, and Royce began to believe she would be easier tamed than he thought. But Eldwyn watched his daughter closely and knew the battle had just been joined.

The meal went on for what to Lynette seemed like hours. Her head had begun to pound, and she fervently desired to be free of this horde of Normans so she could think, form a plan. She would not play the whore for this arrogant beast, or bear his brats. Finally she was free to excuse herself, leaving the men alone to talk and to enjoy their ale.

Royce watched her cross the room and start up the stairs. He had bested her for the time being, but he had been in too many battles not to know this one had just begun.

Lynette climbed the steps slowly, without making any sound. That was why both she and the child that sat huddled on the top step were surprised. The child gave a gasp of shock, fairly leapt to her feet, and raced down the darkened hall into a room.

Lynette followed slowly. No one had told her there would be any children in the group of invaders, and she was curious as to which knight the child belonged. She entered the room and found the child huddled in the center of the bed, her eyes wide and brimming with tears. That there was no maid or serving woman was another shock.

"Who are you, child?" she asked gently. "Is there no one here to care for you?"

"Oriel has gone to get her supper," the child said hesitantly. "Please ... please, don't tell her I was on the stairs. She will be angry."

"Where is your mother, and who is Oriel?"

"My mother is dead, and Oriel takes care of me."

"Then ... who brought you here?"

"My papa."

"And who is your father?"

The child was beginning to realize that the beautiful lady meant her no harm. Besides, she liked her kind eyes, and the gentleness of her voice. Oriel never spoke gently unless her father was present, and she was often cruel. Her father never noticed... of course, her father never noticed her at all. Her head came up, and her tiny chin jutted in pride.

"My father is Royce. He is the greatest knight the king has. He has fought a lot of battles, and he is the strongest knight of all."

Lynette sat on the edge of the bed because her legs had gone weak. Shock held her silent for a minute. This beautiful little girl was Royce's daughter. But she looked very little like him. Her hair was thick and long, and the color of a sleek mink. Her eyes were large and as purple as summer violets. She was already displaying a promise of real beauty. And yet, the Norman had never even mentioned her.

"Are you hungry?" Lynette whispered conspiratorially. The child nodded vigorously. "Have you not supped?"

"Oriel said I was to stay here, and she would see if there were any scraps left in the kitchen for me."

If Lynette had been angry before, she was furious now. This knight had dragged his child with him and never seen to her comfort. He had allowed her to eat leftover scraps from the table. What kind of monster was he?

"Would you like me to bring you something?"

"Oh, no, Oriel would be angry."

"She will not be angry with me," Lynette stated firmly. The child's eyes grew round. "What is your name?"

"Cerise. Are you truly not afraid of Oriel?"

"No, I am not. Now, you come with me. We will go down the back stairs and see what there is for you to eat."

Still not quite believing there was someone in the world not afraid of Oriel, Cerise slid from the bed and put her trembling little hand in Lynette's. Together they went to the Kitchen. Cerise was more than awed by the buxom woman who fawned over her and brought out the food.

"Bless ye, child. Are ye hungry? Well, there's a fine piece or two of the bird from supper and a bit of cheese. I'm sure I can find a sweet to help bring ye good dreams. A child can't find sleep on an empty stomach."

"A piece of bread and some milk, too," Lynette said.

"Of course, of course," the cook replied. A tray was quickly filled, and Cerise carried her mug of milk while Lynette carried the tray. An hour later they were seated in the center of Lynette's bed, nibbling on the cheese and chicken and some crusty bread. Lynette wondered just when the child had last eaten. The thought filled her with new anger. She would face Royce tomorrow and call him the name he so richly deserved.

"How old are you, Cerise?"

"Nearly six."

"When will you be six?"

Cerise paused to think, and Lynette found this aggravating too. Had the child never had any kind of celebration for her birthday?

"I will be six when the first roses bloom," Cerise said brightly. She didn't know the date, but the roses were her way of marking time.

"We shall have to have a celebration."

"Why?"

"Because you are going to be a year older and you are a very special person. Your father will be lord here, and his daughter—you—will one day be Lady Cerise of Creganwald."

Cerise blinked as if this were something of a shock; then she half smiled as if she thought Lynette might be teasing.

"
You
will be Lady of Creganwald," Cerise replied.

"Yes, but when your father and I have wed, we will both be the guardians of this manor. We must help each other to learn all we must learn to be just and kind and to rule well. You will one day be lady here, so you must learn too."

"I will not be lady here. Papa will have Oriel take me somewhere else. We are always going somewhere else."

Lynette could hear the longing in Cerise's voice for the security of home and family. It only made her angrier with the child's careless father.

"No... this time you will stay." She bent toward Cerise conspiratorially. "Perhaps we will see if Lady Oriel won't be going someplace else alone. I've found the lady not to my taste, so we will just have to be friends, you and I, and keep our secrets."

This pleased Cerise, and by the time Lynette tucked her into bed she drifted into sleep quickly.

But Lynette could not find sleep so easily. She didn't know all the truth, but she meant to find it. There was, it seemed, a lot more to this new force in her life than she had bargained for.

Below, men were finding their beds, and the main hall was empty except for Eldwyn and Royce.

"I was informed that you had agreed to this wedding, but your daughter seems to feel differently."

"Lynette has been without her mother for a number of years. It has made her a bit headstrong. But she is a good, obedient daughter."

"I will try not to make this any harder for her than it is already, but this manor must be secured. She must understand her position."

"My lord, no one understands her position better than Lynette. She is a woman of tender sensibilities. She is also a woman of honor, and would not see that honor dragged in the dust. I plead that you but give her time. You will soon discover that she will abide by her vows, once she takes them."

It was not her abiding but his own that Royce was worried about. He did not want a loyal and honorable wife, but a woman who would be content to breed the heir and allow him his freedom. An heir ... the thought of putting another woman through childbirth set his teeth on edge.

Eldwyn rose to his feet. "I must find my bed, Royce. This old body is not as strong as it used to be. Last winter's illness weakened me, and this winter proves overly long. Good night."

"Good night. I will sit here by the fire for a while yet."

Royce sat brooding for some minutes before he realized he was not alone. He turned in his chair and looked across the room at the woman who stood in the doorway watching him. It was Oriel, the woman who had been brought along to care for his daughter. She was young, and the sister of one of his favorite knights. Actually, she was quite pretty, and Royce had been tempted to ease his loins with her once or twice. But his fear of a permanent attachment had forestalled him. Better to use the whores he found along the way; then there was no chance of attachment.

But Oriel did not share his feelings. For months she had subtly tried to get Royce into her bed. She had sensed the few times he had looked at her with desire. She had only agreed to care for his brat so she could be near him. It was worth it just to be near on that one night of weakness when he would turn to her. His own honor would take care of the rest. Then she could find someone else to keep his child out from underfoot, while she shared his time.

It was common knowledge that he couldn't bear to be around the child. She didn't know why, nor did she care. The child was the least of her worries. She watched Royce rise to his feet and walk toward her. He was enough to take away a woman's breath, and a wave of hot desire washed through her.

"The child is well?" he asked.

"Aye. I've seen to her supper, and have tucked her warm and safe in her bed. She is sleeping like a baby. I will be by her side till morning ... unless"— her voice lowered and became seductive—"there is something you request of me."