The Bargain (14 page)

Seeing her in pain unsettled him immensely. He wanted to comfort her, but he refrained, her body language telling him to stay at arm's length. "I do not think it is wise."

Her eyes narrowed and a tear slipped down her cheek. He ached to wipe it away, but instead watched as it fell on the bodice of her gown. "Why?"

His gaze returned to hers. How he yearned to pull her into his arms and tell her all would be right. But how could he promise her anything, especially when he could not give her the one thing she wanted most of all? "Because, Aleysia, you have undermined me at every turn. You conspired against me and very nearly succeeded."

She caught his hand between her small ones. "Renaud, he is my brother, and we both know that he will not be coming back to Braemere." Her voice hitched and more tears slipped down her cheeks. "If it were you in that tower, and Elena were here, would you not expect the same from her?"

Renaud glanced at his sister, who watched them intently. He nodded. "Aye, I would."

"Then will you let me see him?"

Her eyes, so bright with tears, tore at his heart. Though his better judgment told him he was a fool, he could not deny her this one wish, for he knew she would never forgive him if he declined her request. "Tonight I have a meeting with my men-at-arms. You may visit Adelstan during that time, but I will not be gone long. I am trusting you, Aleysia. I am trusting you not to make another mistake."

She smiled then and even shocked him by giving him a hug. "Thank you, Renaud." Feeling her soft breasts pressed against his chest made his stomach coil and hot need rush straight to his groin.

"Return to the hall with Elena and prepare for dinner and your meeting with your brother."

She wiped away her tears with the sleeve of her gown. "Yes, my lord."

CHAPTER 12

"Repeat what you just said?"

Galeran, who had already secured his helmet, glanced at Renaud. "I heard it plainly from Philip's mouth, my lord. He said and I quote, 'How I would love to squeeze Lady Aleysia's full tits—as ripe and sweet as melons while I skewer her with my rod.'" Renaud gripped the reins in his fist.

Galeran laughed under his breath. "My lord, mayhap you should allow me to take the men through their drills while you ease your temper."

"And miss the fun? There is not a chance in hell. Nay, Galeran, I will show someone a lesson he will not soon forget. I promise you that the cocky young bastard will be regretting those words."

Renaud and Galeran crested the hill where the men were ready, lined up in regimented rows, all wearing chain mail. Usually, he did not insist that his men wear armor while practicing, but the Saxon threat was so great, he wanted them in peak condition. Tonight they would all rest well. "Philip, come forward," Renaud called, ignoring Galeran's laugh.

Renaud slid his helmet on and motioned to his squire to bring him a lance.

Philip's eyes widened in alarm, but he followed suit, and put on his helmet. He swallowed hard and took up the lance the squire handed him.

"Maley, you will ride over to that line of trees. When Galeran nods, we will rush each other. You will try to unseat me, and I you."

Maley's cheeks were bright red. "My lord, I—" As though just now realizing he was surrounded by experienced soldiers who would not let him live it down if he bowed out, Philip stopped in midsentence and with a tentative nod, brought about his horse and galloped toward the tree line.

Galeran laughed under his breath. "My lord, he is but a boy."

"That
boy
is no younger than you. Methinks he must learn to curb his tongue."

"Very well, my lord. Good luck!"

Without another word, Renaud kicked his horse into a gallop. His men shouted their encouragement as he passed, and finally he took his position across the field from Philip. He waited for Galeran's nod and immediately shot forward, straight toward Philip, who already looked in danger of falling from his steed.

The blood pumped through Renaud's veins, memories of the younger man's hot stare on Aleysia, coupled with his crude remarks, fueling his anger.

Renaud adjusted the lance as he closed in on the younger man.

A second later Renaud knocked the soldier from his horse and onto the hard-packed ground. Feeling a good deal better already, he rounded back and looked down at Philip, who still had not moved. The helmet had flown off his chestnut-colored locks and lay a good ten yards away. The boy blinked rapidly, clearly dazed, his chest heaving as he fought to catch his breath.

Renaud smiled inwardly as he dismounted. "You must block the blow next time, Maley. Your enemy would kill you with such a hit."

Philip opened his mouth but no words were forthcoming.

Renaud turned toward his men, who applauded their liege lord, grunting their approval.

Galeran strode toward him. "Well done, my lord." He shared a smile with Renaud before reaching out and helping Maley to his feet.

Philip stood and faltered, almost falling back down, making Renaud feel a bit guilty for having hit the boy so hard. He could have tried for a lesser blow that would have been nearly as effective without stealing the boy s breath.

"You have much to learn, Maley. But I am impressed," he lied. "So impressed that I would ask you to be part of my entourage when I leave for York."

Philip looked from Renaud to Galeran, as though he did not fully believe his ears. Galeran looked equally puzzled, and made no effort to hide his surprise.

Maley nodded. "I would be honored to ride with you, my lord."

"That is welcome news, especially when I am in need of another sword while I am away, especially since Galeran will be staying at Braemere."

"My lord!" Galeran blurted, his shock clearly evident to everyone around them. "Are you mad?"

Renaud had expected a strong reaction from his vassal, but not this strong, and not in front of his soldiers. He frowned at Galeran and lowered his voice. "Nay, I am not mad. I simply need you here. Have you forgotten MacMillan's threat?"

Galeran, realizing he had spoken out of turn, shifted on his feet, his jaw clenched tight, reminding Renaud of the boy he'd once been— always eager to please and wearing his heart on his sleeve for all the world to see. "There are others who can look after the fief, my lord. I do not understand why I must stay."

Renaud had injured his friend's pride greatly, but he could not back down now. A good leader never gave in, especially in front of his men. With each second of silence Galeran's cheeks reddened, and Renaud did not know if it was from embarrassment or anger. He gathered the latter as Galeran's jaw locked, the nerve working there.

"Galeran, my sister is here now, and I must be assured of her safety, as well as the safety of Lady Aleysia. I trust you with my life, but more important, I trust you with my sister's and Aleysia's lives. Do you understand why I ask this of you, and
only
you?"

The words seemed to appease Galeran a little, but Renaud could still see the hurt in his eyes. "I would be of more service to you riding by your side. The English could have ambushes set along the road to York, my lord."

Touched by his friend's concern, Renaud laid a hand on Galeran's shoulder to calm him. "I know you would be of great service on this journey, Galeran. You would take an arrow for me. In truth, there is not a man I trust more than you. That is why I ask you to stay."

Galeran released a heavy breath and shifted on his feet.

"We have only just secured this fief. Defend Braemere for me. Do not let my sister or Aleysia out of your sight. I need the peace of mind to know they are in
your
capable hands."

Galeran swallowed hard, but nodded. "Aye, my lord. I shall do as you ask."

Renaud paced before the two women in the solar.

Elena sat in a chair, beside her a young wench whose eyes were red and puffy from crying. She turned to the girl and in a kind voice said, "Heathra, tell my brother what you told my man last night."

The girl looked absolutely terrified, and kept her gaze averted. "My Tom left the village two days ago with a note to be delivered to the Scot."

Renaud stopped pacing. "What Scot?"

"The same who came to Braemere that day."

His stomach turned over. "MacMillan?"

"Aye, that would be the one," the girl said, shifting in her seat.

"And what did this letter say?"

"For the Scot to come back to Braemere. That Aleysia was freeing her brother, and they would find their way back to Scotland. She asked him to meet her and give her safe journey back to Scotland."

Renaud could not believe his ears. "And Aleysia gave him this note?"

"She gave it to the healer, who is Tom's grandmother." The girl looked terrified. "I pray you do not punish either of them. They have known Aleysia all their lives and have always been loyal to her family. Please, do not hold it against them."

Furious, Renaud ran his fingers through his hair. "She is the same woman who gave Aleysia the sleeping draught. 'Tis treasonous what she has done."

Heathra turned to Elena, panic in her eyes.

"Are you certain of this? It was Aleysia?"

"Aye, I have the ring to prove it."

The servant opened her fist, showing a slender gold ring, much like the one he had seen on Aleysia's hand when they first met.

"You may go, Heathra," Elena said, waiting until the servant had closed the door before turning to Renaud.

"Aleysia is desperate, brother. She knows what will happen when you bring Adelstan before King William. We all know his fate."

Renaud shook his head, furious with himself and with Aleysia, remembering her watching him today, pleading with him to let her see her brother. That image mixed with another—her naked in his bed after making love, prompting him to drink the tainted wine. She had played the part well. "She is a witch, that one. And I forever am falling under her spell."

"She is but a woman, Renaud. A woman who has lost much and is about to lose the one person she loves more than life. He is her twin, her flesh and blood, and she knows that he is on borrowed time."

"Why do you defend her?"

"I do not defend her as much as understand her and ache for her. Knowing her plight, even you must pity her."

"Do you think me a fool for keeping her with me?"

"Never," Elena said, taking his face between her palms. "You care for this girl. I know you do, and you feel protective of her. I see it every time you look at her, Renaud. It kills you to have to bring Adelstan before William."

He nodded. "It does. Never have I questioned my king. I have always done what I was told, and gained my riches because of it. And here when I have Braemere within my grasp, I am wondering at what cost will I win her?"

"When you say 'her,' of whom do you speak—the fief or the woman?"

He shrugged. "Both."

"And I can give you no reassurance. I do not know the answer. Who of us can see the future?"

"Do you know what she asked of me earlier today?"

Elena shook her head.

"She asked if she could see her brother tonight for the last time."

"And you said yes?"

He nodded. "Aye."

"Then you should allow her to do so. She does not know that you are aware of the message."

"But how can I trust her?"

"Renaud, she is under constant guard. What can happen? Act as though nothing has changed between you. You are leaving in a few days' time, and well she knows it. Allow her to see her brother, spend an hour or so, and then that will be the end of it. You will go to York and she will be here on your return."

"You're right. There is nothing I can do now, but hope that the message never makes it." He stepped away, toward the windows, taking in the fresh air.

"Do not be too harsh on her, brother. I would do the same if it were you in that tower. I would die trying to get you out."

"I know you would, Elena. And I would do the same for you."

She walked to him and put a gentle hand on his shoulder. "She will never forgive you if her brother is killed, and we both know he will be. Mayhap it would be best if you hand her over to the Scot."

"I will not!" The words echoed inside the chamber, surprising even him with their force. It apparently shocked his sister as well, for she laughed lightly.

"Then there is your answer, brother. Perhaps William will listen to reason and spare Adelstan. Will he pledge homage to William, do you think?"

"I think not. He is as stubborn as his sister. Perhaps more so."

"But if he were given the choice of homage or death?"

"I do not know."

"Mayhap you should ask him?"

Renaud was surprised at Adelstan's appearance. The young man appeared gaunt, his skin a grayish color. He knew Adelstan had been fed, but wondered if the boy had eaten any of the food that had been prepared for him. Renaud guessed not, for he had lost a stone during his short imprisonment.

It would be so much easier if Adelstan were not Aleysia's twin. In truth, had Adelstan not been Aleysia's brother, then he would not be here now, asking a Saxon traitor to make a pledge to King William. But the eyes staring at him now with distrust and venom, mirrored his sister's, unsettling Renaud. "We leave for York by week's end."

Adelstan took a deep breath and released it, but showed no emotion.

"I have come to give you an opportunity."

Adelstan's eyes narrowed. "An opportunity?"

"Aye, it could spare your life."

"Go on."

"Would you swear homage to King William?"

Silence filled the chamber and for a moment Renaud thought Adelstan had not heard him.

Running a hand through his straggly blond hair, Adelstan replied, "Nay, I would not."

"Even if it meant your life?"

The Saxon nodded. "Even if it meant my life. I will not become Judas to my people. Not after all that we have fought for."

"Think you they would deny this opportunity if given the chance themselves?"

Adelstan nodded. "Aye."

"You know King William will remain in power."