Montague - The Warlord Part 25

Edward tried to weigh the odds in their favor and had arranged for three English bishops to attend the meeting as well, but a ruling by the cardinal in MacLeith's favor would override the bishops' combined objections. Opposing Cardinal Jerome's judgment of the marriage could also jeopardize Edward's standing with the church, which already stood on shaky ground because of his past criticism of the church's greed.

It was a tangled mess and one Kenric had no liking for. Strategy on the battlefield was a simple affair. Yet no matter how he racked his brain, a sound strategy for this situation remained elusive. The only good news was that Dunmore MacLeith sent his son in his stead, claiming a broken leg left him unable to travel. Kenric suspected that Dunmore MacLeith was remaining entrenched at Remmington should the decision not be in his favor. Appearing at court would render him far too vulnerable.

Kenric was so lost in thought that he didn't immediately notice the strange silence when he entered the main hall of his apartments. The odd way each of the thirty or so men in the hall watched his sister's door finally penetrated his concentration. Only Simon and Fitz Alan seemed oblivious to whatever seemed so fascinating about Helen's door. The two men were engaged in a rather quiet game of dice that ended when Kenric took the seat next to Fitz Alan.

"What goes?" Kenric asked, perplexed by his men's strange behavior.

Simon leaned back in his seat and laced his fingers together behind his head, his smile smug. "You will know soon enough, Baron."

" 'Tis your wife," Fitz Alan explained, putting one hand on Kenric's shoulder to discourage him from standing up. Kenric was already half out of his seat. "She just went into Helen's room wearing one of those new gowns you gave her."

Fitz Alan smiled over Kenric's confused expression. "Do you recall our reaction the first time we saw Lady Tess in the abbey?" When Kenric nodded, Fitz Alan's smile became as broad and smug as Simon's. "You are seeing a like reaction among your men. They are waiting for another glimpse of your angel."

Kenric looked the room over again, seeing a dumbfounded expression on more than one face. His men had seen Tess on numerous occasions. Why would a new gown suddenly cause them to lose their wits at this late date? He lifted his fist and brought it down with a crash on the table, causing the dice to dance off the edge. He brought it down twice more before he had the attention of every man in the room. His voice dripped with barely veiled sarcasm. "Did anyone happen to notice that we have just been joined by Dunmore MacLeith?"

The room erupted in chaos. Chairs and benches overturned as men reached for their swords and searched the room for their enemy. One by one they turned, each expression sheepish as they faced their baron. He stood up and crossed his arms, frowning at them all. "And you call yourselves-"

The sight of his wife stopped him in mid-sentence. The doorway to Helen's chamber framed Tess perfectly, a painting come to life. She looked like a princess in her deep purple gown, with the sparkling jewels that matched her eyes. He understood immediately why his men were acting like idiots. Tearing his eyes away from the vision, he gave his men a stern rebuke even as he crossed the room to take Tess's arm. He pulled her into their chamber before he allowed himself to look at her again. He positioned her in front of the fire and stepped back until his heels touched a trunk. He sat down without thinking, his voice a harsh whisper. "Good G.o.d!"

Tess looked down at her gown then behind her. "You do not like it?"

"The gown?" His gaze traveled from her slippers to the top of her head, then back down again. The dark, rich color of the amethyst gown made her skin glow as pale and delicate as the white roses blooming in the gardens below them, the natural coloring in her lips and cheeks more perfect than any artist's brush could imagine. Her eyes outshone the gems that sparkled with her every movement, and her hair was a cloak of rich, l.u.s.trous gold. Even though the clinging gold mesh of her girdle revealed more of Tess's swollen stomach than it hid, the jewel-trimmed bliaut she wore over the gown effectively concealed her condition. Kenric scowled, wis.h.i.+ng the presence of his child was more obvious, that the court wouldn't have to look so closely before seeing the proof that she was his. "Lord, Tess, you look like an ancient pagan queen come to life. Give me a minute to accustom myself to it."

Tess waited patiently as he continued his perusal. "I look foolish, don't I?"

He shook his head, his eyes glued on her bodice. The neckline was cut no lower than the gowns of other ladies he'd pa.s.sed in the halls on his way to see the king, yet he didn't remember seeing quite so much of them. "Give me a minute, Tess." He suddenly had the insane desire to take her straight back to Montague and lock her in their chamber where no one else but he would ever be allowed to see her. She was sure to cause a sensation tonight. More than one would likely consider the story about kidnapping his bride a fine idea. Perhaps one would even entertain the notion of using a similar tactic to take her from him.

"You look very handsome," she said shyly, walking closer to brush her hand across the shoulder of his white surcoat. Montague's coat of arms was st.i.tched in midnight blue and gold thread on his chest and he wore a deep blue tunic, matching leggings, and boots dyed the same shade. Blue leather armbands tooled with gold covered his wrists up to his elbows and an ornate sword hung from each hip, the blades resting in jewel-encrusted gold sheaths. Kenric looked every inch the mighty warlord and Tess said another silent prayer of thanks that he was hers. Just the sight of Kenric would give the MacLeiths something to worry about. She brushed the hair back from his forehead and placed a gentle kiss there. "I do love you dearly, Kenric, but you begin to worry me. Should I change my gown? Is it not to your taste after all?"

Kenric finally shook himself from his stupor although he didn't take his gaze from his wife.

"Your gown is exactly to my taste, wife. I am troubled only by the other appet.i.tes it will whet. I forbid you to step farther than a pace from my side tonight. Or any other time we are outside these apartments," he added, just for good measure. It was a foolish demand and one he knew must be broken on occasion, but he felt better for making it just the same.

Tess leaned down to kiss his cheek. "I am glad you like it."

"Like it or not, I still need more time to accustom myself to the thing." He couldn't tear his eyes away from her. At this rate, he'd probably shame them both by walking into a wall on their way to evening meal, too busy watching his wife to watch his step.

"Unfortunately, there is no more time. We shall probably be the last ones in the great hall as it is." He wrapped Tess in his arms and gave her a sweet, lingering kiss. Before it could turn serious, he stood up and again wrapped her firmly in his arms, resting his chin on the top of her head. "I will tell you of my meeting with the king, then 'tis time to face our judgment."

Kenric told her of Cardinal Jerome and the threat he represented, relieved yet somehow suspicious when Tess took the news so calmly. She kept repeating that she trusted him to keep his family safe, unconsciously reminding him that it was not only Tess who was at stake. Kenric didn't consider what would happen if the MacLeiths got their hands on his wife and child. It simply would not happen. Ever. He'd already decided that nothing would separate him from his wife, not even Tess herself. If the MacLeiths somehow managed to have the betrothal upheld, or if Tess herself renounced her husband, he would use any means necessary to keep her. If that meant fighting his way through the king's men and fleeing England, he would do it. He'd brought enough of his army along on this journey to ensure as much. Kenric had more than thirty men within the castle walls, yet only a handful of those soldiers realized that the rest of his army was already camped just a few miles outside London. Tonight would decide whether they marched on Remmington, or fought their way to the sea.

Later, as they walked toward the king's hall, Tess began to notice a change come over her husband. His shoulders became stiff, his back as straight and unyielding as a spear. The lines etched around his eyes and mouth seemed deeper, his eyes gradually becoming dark and fathomless. She could almost feel him growing distant from her, as if several feet separated them instead of inches. He still held her hand on his arm, but she felt no more a part of him than the swords that hung at his side. His steps no longer took her smaller ones into consideration and she hurried to match his pace. By the time they reached the great hall, Kenric looked exactly like the stranger she had married. Gazing across a sea of unfamiliar, decidedly unfriendly faces, Tess suddenly realized what he'd done.

Kenric had prepared himself for battle.

27.

Dining with a king was rather like attending a fair, Tess decided, midway through dinner. The entertainment during the meal was quite spectacular. Brightly dressed jugglers, minstrels, and acrobats all vied for the attention of the audience, but Tess couldn't shake the feeling that she and Kenric were the main attraction.

At first she was too fascinated by King Edward to notice the attention she herself drew. There was no question where Kenric got his size, although Edward's piercing blue eyes clearly marked him a Plantaganet. The king's profile was also similar to Kenric's, but it was their mannerisms that were almost identical. The king's orders were given with the slightest movement of his hands. She understood the wealth of meaning behind the king's arched brow, or the tightening of his mouth as he looked around the room.

She followed the king's gaze and soon discovered that nearly everyone else in the ma.s.sive hall was looking at her.

It didn't seem to matter where her gaze happened to fall, there were eyes on her constantly. Most of the women would glance away nervously when Tess caught them staring, but then they would put their heads together and whisper. The men were worse. Often as not, they weren't polite enough to turn away. One young blade even had the nerve to wink at her! She wondered what to do about that outrageous act until she felt Kenric stiffen beside her and start to rise from his seat. Although she didn't look at her husband, she sensed he'd also observed the suggestive wink and intended to warn off her would-be suitor.

The poor man's reaction was almost comical. In an instant he'd dropped his knife and turned over a goblet of wine onto the lady sitting at his side. He didn't pause to apologize for his clumsiness, but bolted from the hall. Tess turned to give her husband a thankful smile but he was already busy glaring at some other man. She sighed and tried to concentrate on her food.

The dinner came in seven courses, each deliciously prepared, but the little amount she was able to eat seemed tasteless. Even the pageantry of the court and the enormous hall, filled to capacity with colorful characters, paled next to Tess's fear of what lay ahead of them that evening.

Gordon MacLeith and three other MacLeith men were seated far across the hall and she felt Gordon's cold eyes on her more than once. She kept her hand on Kenric's leg much of the time, needing to touch him, to a.s.sure herself of his protection.

The meal finally ended and the tables and chairs were cleared away by un.o.btrusive servants. The king's throne was brought in and placed on a large dais at one end of the hall. The king took his seat and was soon surrounded by his advisers and the bishops Kenric had told her about. In the s.p.a.ce of a few minutes, the hall changed from a dining room to a royal court.

She watched in fascination as the courtiers vied for the best spots to view the unfolding drama, many a.s.suming exaggerated poses to show off their clothing and finery. The noise in the hall faded away to near silence as the king motioned to Gordon.

The ladies of the court inched their way forward to get a better view of the young MacLeith, for he was indeed pleasing to look upon. The jewel-green tunic he wore was expertly cut to emphasize his lean body, his leather breeches molded snugly to long legs. There were no battle scars to detract from the smooth, cla.s.sical lines of his face, a face saved from being too beautiful by slightly overstated male features. He had a way of negligently tossing his head that brought attention to his startling white-blond hair, and his deep blue eyes seemed to hold many untold secrets. No matter where a lady's taste might fall, none could deny his physical perfection, or help but compare him against the rough, ma.s.sive darkness of Baron Montague. Tess thought Gordon the ugliest man alive.

While Gordon made his way through the crowd, Edward held his goblet out and a squire rushed to his side to fill the chalice with wine. The king seemed in no hurry to get started and made Gordon wait awkwardly until the squire finished the duty.

"You have Our permission to address your king and state your business."

"Gordon MacLeith, at your service, Your Highness." He bowed low then straightened again, his gaze guarded, his manner challenging. "This eve I represent myself and my father, Dunmore MacLeith, and would pet.i.tion our king on a most grievous matter, the kidnapping of my bride by one Kenric of Montague."

Gordon paused to let the impact of his charge ripple through the audience in waves of murmured comments. He did not turn to look at the crowd, but Tess could almost sense the way he listened for their approval. Then he pointed at Kenric. "Not only did this man deny Tess Remmington her home and loving family, he worsened his crime by wedding her, knowing she was betrothed to another, betrothed to me by your very hand, Your Highness." A more startled murmur went through the crowd, indicating many were not aware of the betrothal. Tess tried to ignore the queasy feeling in her stomach as she wondered how Gordon could say the words "loving family" without choking on them. She prayed the bishops would recognize such blatant lies and was thankful for Edward's disgusted expression.

"For many long weeks we grieved for our Tess, knowing not her fate until we learned by chance from a visitor that she had fallen into Baron Montague's vile clutches. He told us the baroness at Montague was terrified of her husband, that he beat her constantly. We sent messengers to Montague, hoping the baron would see reason and release the woman he held so cruelly into the arms of her loving family and to me, the man to whom she is rightfully betrothed. Our messengers returned empty-handed, Your Highness, turned away without an audience." Gordon sounded so defeated that several ladies in the audience sighed sympathetically. " 'Tis why I stand before you today, my king. To plead the cause of justice, knowing you will return Tess Remmington to my side and punish those who stole her from me. Although she has doubtless been sorely used, we are anxious to have her safely home again where she can forget the terrors of the last few months."

Edward was silent for a several moments, continuing to stare at Gordon as if judging his words. Gordon didn't flinch once under the scrutiny and boldly returned the king's stare. Edward took a slow sip of wine then looked across the room to Kenric. His deep voice carried easily over the whispered words of his courtiers. "Kenric of Montague, you are charged with serious crimes. Do you respond to these charges?"

"Aye," Kenric replied, already making his way forward. He glanced back to make sure Tess was securely flanked by Fitz Alan, Simon, and Evard, then continued until he stood before the king. Although Gordon turned to face his adversary, Kenric didn't acknowledge the Scot's presence with so much as a flickering glance. He bowed low to the king, nodded his head to acknowledge the advisers and holy men, then waited for the king's permission to speak.

" 'Tis a strange tale you have heard this eve, Your Highness." Kenric spoke to the king, but he looked meaningfully at Gordon. "And bound to get stranger still, I warrant. You may as well know now that the charges of kidnapping are simply not true."

Kenric waited for the crowd's reaction to die down to hushed whispers. "Aye, 'tis more than possible the incident appeared a kidnapping to this boy and his father. Yet kidnapping cannot be charged when a knight chances upon a lady fleeing for her life.

"Best you explain this story," the king advised.

"By your order, I did escort Father Olwen to Kelso Abbey in the first month of this year," he began. "After seeing the priest safely to his new home, my man and I decided to hunt for game in the area that night to replenish our supplies for the return trip to Montague. The abbot at Kelso gave his permission to hunt the surrounding forests and it was there we happened upon Lady Remmington. Though the lady was disguised, we recognized her as a woman of some importance from the cut of her clothing. Knowing the forests are no place for any lady, we took her immediately to the safety of Kelso Abbey. It was there we learned her true ident.i.ty and received our first glimpse of the prize we held when she shed her disguise. I think you will agree, Your Highness, that one need but look at my wife to realize why I decided to wed the lady that very eve and give her the protection of my name."

Kenric didn't turn to look at Tess, but knew everyone else in the hall did. The murmurs of agreement didn't grate on him half as much as the appreciative chuckles.

"Your point is taken." The king's smile revealed none of his knowledge of the affair. "But did the lady not tell you of her prior betrothal?"

"She did. Yet when the full circ.u.mstances of her situation become known, I believe you will reconsider her betrothal to Gordon MacLeith."

"A king's betrothal cannot be broken simply because a baron is smitten with l.u.s.t," Gordon sneered at his side.

"Silence!" the king commanded, glaring at Gordon. "You have presented your charge without interruption and will give Baron Montague the same consideration." He waved one hand toward Kenric. "Continue."

"Lady Remmington was kept prisoner at Langston Keep since her mother's death nearly five years ago. During that time she was beaten regularly by her stepbrother, the man who stands before you now. Although it is well within a family's rights to punish a woman in any manner they see fit, my wife was punished not for wrongdoing, but simply for spite. The. last beating she received from Gordon MacLeith was so severe that it drove her from the safety of her home to the treacherous wilds of the forest."

" 'Tis a lie!" Gordon stared at Kenric with such appalled shock that Kenric himself might have questioned the story if he hadn't seen the proof.

Kenric ignored Gordon. " 'Tis the sorry truth, Your Highness. My wife fell unconscious soon after our wedding and 'twas then I discovered the extent of the damage done her. Her back showed proof of no less than fifty lashes delivered by a stout whip. A whip held by Gordon MacLeith. My men can attest to the marks and to the fact that she lay abed with a fever for nearly a week as a result, so ill we knew not if she would live."

"He is lying," Gordon told the king. "If there was any such beating, he did it himself to provide an excuse for his wrongful actions. Aye, I trow he beat Lady Tess many times since so she will lie to protect him, too afraid to speak the truth for fear of his reprisals."

" 'Tis a fact I have never beat my wife and never will. She has pledged herself to me freely and endeavors to please me in all things. A baron does not abuse those under his protection who are loyal and faithful to their lord."

The audience voiced its approval of Kenric's logic and Gordon began to look worried.

"With your permission, King Edward?" Everyone's eyes turned to Cardinal Jerome as he rose from his seat, leaning heavily on his curved staff. The king nodded and the cardinal stepped forward to address the two men. "The matter of the lady's beatings is disturbing, but it is not clearly relevant to the fact of her betrothal. You, Kenric of Montague, have admitted to taking a woman to wife who was legally betrothed to another. Such a binding contract cannot be set aside because of such trivial matters. Gordon MacLeith has a prior claim to the lady and she must be returned to her rightful place unless something was done to invalidate G.o.d's contract. If you lack evidence of such wrongdoing, Baron Montague, your marriage will be set aside by the church."

This time there was no answering murmur in the crowd to echo the cardinal's words. Everyone waited in tense silence for Kenric's response.

"I do possess such evidence, Your Eminence." Kenric didn't turn around, but motioned Fitz Alan forward and took the scroll his va.s.sal held. Kenric handed the doc.u.ment to the cardinal. "In this scroll you will find the sworn statements of four men, duly witnessed by Father Olwen and Abbot Samuels of Kelso Abbey. Two of these men are former MacLeith soldiers stationed at Langston Keep, one is a merchant who called often on Remmington Castle, the other, a former companion of Gordon MacLeith's. My wife has no knowledge of this doc.u.ment, but over the past few months she confirmed much of what you will find inside. 'Tis sworn by these four men that Gordon MacLeith had no intention of taking Tess Remmington to wife in more than name. He did on numerous occasions promise his bride's favors to soldiers in his company for the purpose of getting her with child."

Kenric paused, waiting for the crowd's noisy response to die down before presenting the most damaging argument against MacLeith. "The reason Gordon MacLeith made such promises is that he is incapable of fulfilling a husband's duties himself. 'Tis common knowledge in the MacLeith household that Gordon has never lain with a woman but has maintained a steady string of unholy alliances with young men and boys. He was so repulsed by the thought of being legally bound to a woman that he swore to murder his bride as soon as an heir to Remmington was safely delivered."

The hall erupted into a chorus of startled gasps. The court had never been witness to such open scandal and this time no one bothered to whisper their responses to the sensational disclosure. Gordon paled. Even Cardinal Jerome looked stunned by the announcement and began to quickly scan the parchment to confirm the charges. Kenric didn't wait for things to quiet down but announced his final argument over the noise of the crowd.

"I hereby ask that my wife's betrothal be set aside in light of these facts. Unlike an alliance with Gordon MacLeith, her marriage to me is true to G.o.d's word and He has seen fit to doubly bless our union. My wife will deliver me of a son this fall and she does now carry an heir to the baronies of Remmington and Montague."

If anything, the noise in the hall grew louder, mostly because those who could hear the latest announcement had to relate it to those who could not. A few remarked on the fact that the baron seemed certain his unborn child would be male, but others pointed out that Lady Tess would certainly do her best to produce the boy the Butcher of Wales expected. The king finally held his hand up for silence but had to wait several minutes before anyone took notice. Even then the level of noise only dropped to a low hum. Cardinal Jerome returned to his place behind the king and the four holy men put their heads together, whispering furiously. Edward's gaze bored into Gordon, the corners of his mouth turned downward as if he'd found something repulsive under his shoe. "The charges brought against you are serious, young man. Do you have an answer to these charges?"

"Aye, Your Highness." Gordon didn't have to work hard at affecting the stance of a man bitterly betrayed. "I know not where Baron Montague found men to tell such lies and can only wonder if they are truly who he says they are, for I have three healthy b.a.s.t.a.r.ds residing this moment at Remmington Castle. Never, never in my life have I committed the atrocious acts I find myself accused of." He glanced at Tess and gave her a sickly, apologetic smile. "Forgive me for my indiscretion, sweet, but you must understand what is at stake here." He turned again toward the king. "I do not wish to embarra.s.s my betrothed, yet it is surely my fourth babe that rests now in Lady Tess's belly, if she is indeed with child."

Fitz Alan caught Kenric's arm the instant he reached for his sword. Several of the king's guards rushed forward even as Gordon made sure everyone saw him take several cautious steps toward the safety of the king.

Kenric couldn't look at his enemy in that moment or he would kill him. He kept his attention focused on the king. "My wife was a virgin when we wed, Your Highness, and I swear by all that is holy, she has never known another man in her bed."

" 'Tis time to hear from the lady herself," Edward announced, looking troubled.

He motioned to Tess and the crowd parted to let her through. She didn't hesitate but walked straight to Kenric's side, the side away from Gordon. Many heads nodded their approval at her show of support for her husband. Fitz Alan stepped away and moved to Kenric's left to stand as a buffer between the two enemies.

"We are sorry to subject you to this, Lady Tess, but We would hear whether or not your child could be fathered by Gordon MacLeith."

Cardinal Jerome cleared his throat and the king inclined his head, giving him permission to speak.

"Do not fret, my dear," Cardinal Jerome began, giving Tess a fatherly smile. " 'Tis not a serious sin in the eyes of the church to become intimate with your betrothed before the wedding. He is, after all, the man pledged to you by your king and G.o.d. You must also know that you are now under the king's and G.o.d's protection. The man who calls himself your husband does not have the power to punish you, should you speak the truth. You must tell us with complete honesty if you have ever been intimate with Gordon MacLeith."

"Nay, never," Tess answered, her voice a mere whisper. The king looked satisfied but the cardinal's expression remained doubtful. Tess took a deep breath, knowing her future depended on her courage at this moment. Her next words carried clearly, her voice firm. "I do swear the only time Gordon MacLeith touched me was with a raised fist or a whip. He beat me last because I dared to stand between him and the eight-year-old boy he was attempting to rape. I knew-"

"Lies! Vicious lies," Gordon cut in, acting the outraged innocent. "Only a man such as Montague would pollute a fair lady's head with such vile slander." He turned to Tess, his arms spread in a helpless gesture. "My Lady? What have they done to you? Has he threatened you? Now is the time to renounce him and he will never be able to harm or threaten you again."

Tess moved closer against Kenric's side, unaware she was holding his hand until she felt him give hers an encouraging squeeze. She looked up and found the comfort she needed in his eyes. He wasn't ashamed of her or the awful horrors that were her life with the MacLeiths. Nay, she could see only pride in his eyes and it bolstered her courage.

"I knew he would beat me," she continued, as if Gordon hadn't interrupted. "But until that day I never truly feared for my life with his abuse. Even so, I knew he would kill me eventually and did make my own escape from Langston Keep to be spared MacLeith's monstrous plans. The charges my husband makes against Gordon MacLeith are true. Gordon swore never to share my bed in marriage and did promise I would die painfully after delivering an heir by one of his soldiers. Baron Montague saved me that fate and I entered freely into this marriage. Though I knew 'twas a sin to wed one man while betrothed to another, I was sure my king and church would not recognize a man so unG.o.dly as Gordon MacLeith."

"He's cowed her into lying," Gordon declared. "A woman can be trained to say anything, and Baron Montague has had many months to turn her against me. You can see by the gown and jewels she wears that he has given her the finery women appreciate so she will support his claim. I am only saddened that she has forgotten the tender moments we shared and the promises made between us. Yet I will surely forgive her, for these charges are too vile to come from this sweet lady's lips. They were placed there by another. Every man here knows how savagely the Butcher deals with his enemies. I did not realize 'ere this night the depths this man would sink to. He produces a lie for every truth I speak and lays vile crimes at my door. I can defend myself only with the truth."

"The church is not convinced in this matter," Cardinal Jerome announced, inclining his head toward Gordon to show his preference. Gordon relaxed visibly.

Kenric's blood ran cold. "Your Highness, I would beg a private word with Cardinal Jerome and yourself."

"The man you accuse has the right to hear any additional charges you would bring against him," Edward warned. Cardinal Jerome nodded in agreement.

" 'Tis my wife who needs be spared these words."

"Do you agree to this condition?" Edward asked Cardinal Jerome. Perplexed by the strange request, the cardinal nodded. Tess was just as confused and looked up at Kenric with questioning eyes. He patted her hand, a puny comfort, but the only way he knew to tell her without words that everything would be fine. He prayed he was right.

Kenric had been certain the charges against Gordon would convince the church to set aside his betrothal. He had but one weapon left in his a.r.s.enal. If that failed, he would be forced to fight for Tess, not with words, but with his sword. He almost hoped it came to that, even though it would mean excommunication and exile for them both.

Edward ordered Fitz Alan to take Tess a few paces away and motioned to Gordon to back up several paces. Kenric stepped up to the dais. The two men leaned close to listen to Kenric's whispered words, every ear in the hall also straining to hear. The crowd grew restless as the minutes dragged by. When they finally broke apart, both king and cardinal looked amused by whatever they had learned, Baron Montague appeared uncertain, while Gordon MacLeith looked downright uncomfortable.

Edward motioned Tess forward again with a wave of his hand, but stayed Kenric when he moved toward his wife. "You will stay here, Kenric, by my side, where all can see that you do not interfere with your wife's answers." To Gordon, he said, "Cardinal Jerome, and I have decided that Kenric's words will remain private for the time being, but you will be made aware of them before any decision is made.

"There are a few more questions you must answer, Lady Tess, in light of what your husband has just revealed," Edward told her. Tess nodded anxiously, looking to Kenric for support. He gave her an encouraging smile that didn't fool Tess for a minute. He was worried about whatever was afoot. "First, your husband has said that he was anxious to wed you from the moment you met. Did you readily agree to wed Baron Montague when you first learned of his desire to marry you?"

Tess frowned, trying to puzzle out why the king would ask such a question. She could only a.s.sume the correct answer was "yes," but could not quite bring herself to lie outright to her king. Her eyes s.h.i.+fted nervously as she sought an honest answer that would not d.a.m.n her husband. "I became aware of the wisdom of such an alliance very quickly, Your Highness."

"But did you agree to the marriage from the very start, when the wedding was first suggested?"

Tess paused a moment, long enough to catch a fat strand of hair and begin twisting it in her fingers. "Aye, Your Highness, I agreed right from the start."

Cardinal Jerome looked startled by her answer, the king very pleased. Tess couldn't help but smile over the approval she saw in Kenric's eyes. But the elation she felt was short-lived and soon turned to cold dread.

"Your husband says differently. Are you telling me the full truth, Lady Tess?" Edward questioned gently.

Her hands fell from her hair and she bowed her head in shame. "Nay."

Edward tried to give her an honorable means of excusing the lie. "Did you object at first because of your betrothal to Gordon MacLeith?"

"In part," she replied, still unable to meet her leader's eyes. She was certain she'd never be able to look another person in the eye for the rest of her days, for she would be branded a liar. A liar who lied to a king, no less! She mumbled the full reason for objecting to her marriage, yet so quietly that Edward made her repeat the excuse. Her voice was louder, yet just as pitiful. "I thought he ate little babies for his dinner and drank the blood of his enemies. I did not think he would make the best husband."

Smothered giggles came from several corners but laughter didn't erupt in the hall until Edward's face creased into a smile. But he didn't stop there. Nay, the king laughed outright at her heartfelt confession until tears ran down his cheeks.

"My first impression was quite wrong, Your Highness. My lord Kenric is a very fine husband." She turned to glare at several courtiers who were still laughing. "Kenric of Montague is the very best of husbands! He is the kindest, gentlest man I have ever known." For some reason, everyone thought this was almost as funny. Tess didn't understand that reaction until she realized she'd just called the Butcher of Wales a "kind" and "gentle" man. "Of course, he is also a warrior and can be ruthless and bloodthirsty when the occasion warrants."

This time no one waited for the king to start laughing. Courtiers who stood perfectly posed just moments before now leaned on each other for support. The staid bishops tried to cover their faces with one or both hands but everyone could see their shoulders shaking. Even Cardinal Jerome was smiling and his round belly jiggled suspiciously. Only two people other than Tess found little humor in her remarks. Gordon and her husband. She didn't care what Gordon thought, but she was good and worried by Kenric's glare. She bowed her head and prayed for the floor to open up and swallow her whole.

"I am relieved to learn my kind and gentle baron can be ruthless and bloodthirsty when need be," Edward said at last, though he immediately fell into another round of chuckles that took several more minutes to contain. He finally sighed long and hard, his expression growing serious again. "Now, Lady Tess, you must tell us if your husband has ever beat you."