To Capture Her Heart (19 page)

The solution would be simple if Roreck hadn't threatened to kill the person she loved most if she didn't administer the potion, she would simply refrain from doing so. But, the thought of losing somebody, anybody she loved, scared her more than losing her own life. She thought back to her father's death and how much it had scarred her. She had never been the same since. What if Rorerck meant to kill her mother, leaving her an orphan? A pang of sadness caused her heart to ache at the thought. Was her mother the person she loved above all others?

The day wore on in tireless monotony as her mind ran in pointless circles trying to come up with a solution. Gavin hardly spoke to her the entire time. It would have bothered her far worse had she not been preoccupied with her own troubling thoughts.

They had barely broken out of the forest when Brigit finally stirred. Her heavy eyes peeled open as she turned her head to look at Gavin. She looked disoriented for several seconds before a wide, goofy grin broke out on her face.

“The potion worked!” she squealed, her hands pawing at Gavin's arms.

“Nay, it did not,” he said forcefully, trying to pry her hands off of him.

“Oh, but it did. You are holding me in your arms, and we are riding off into the sunset.” That much was actually true.

“Are we running away to1 elope, my love?”

“I am not your love and we are not eloping. We are returning to Herfordshire Castle.” His discomfort was amusing Gwendolyn more than it aught.

“How thoughtful of you to speak to King Terric about obtaining my hand. I'm sure he will consent, though Queen Rosalind will have a time of it trying to find a chambermaid to replace me. I daresay I am one of the best.”

Gavin sighed in frustration. He looked as if he was about to throw Brigit from the horse. “You did not take a love potion. I am not in love with you. The clever witch swindled you, taking your money and giving you a sleeping potion instead. You slept all night through and almost the entire day today as well. Nothing we did could wake you.”

Brigit looked confused. She looked to Gwendolyn for confirmation. “Have I truly been sleeping so long?”

“'Tis true, you have. I was beginning to get worried about you.”

Brigit's face fell as she tried to comprehend what they were telling her. Gwendolyn felt sorry for her as the disappointment replaced confusion on her face.

“I spent all of my savings on that potion,” she stated. “I have nothing left.”

“How very foolish,” Gavin said, shocked that she would do such a thing.

“Foolish, indeed,” she reprimanded herself. “I was so desperate for you to love me, I wasn't thinking clearly.”

“Apparently,” he mumbled.

Her eyes were wide and hopeful as she braved asking, “Do you think, perchance, that you could still come to love me, in time?”

Gwendolyn squirmed in her saddle. She wasn't sure whom she felt more sorry for in that moment—Gavin for having to crush Brigit's tender hopes, or Brigit for being so obtuse. Gavin clearly held no tender feelings for her, as was made apparent on multiple occasions.

“Brigit,” Gavin stammered as he withdrew his arms from around her and rammed his hands into his hair. “I'm very flattered by your attentions, but I would be lying if I said that I could ever return your feelings.”

“But why?” she moaned.

Gavin sighed, his hands still woven tightly into his hair, as if he was afraid that if they didn't have something to do, they'd be forced around her once more. “'Tis hard for me to explain. I just can't.”

His answer wasn't good enough for Brigit. “Is there somebody else who lays claim to your affections; is that what you are telling me?”

An awkward silence ensued and Gwendolyn was determined to break it. Guiding her horse forward she said, “Nay, Brigit, Gavin needn't explain his reasons to you. Mayhap it's just that—“

“There is someone else,” he cut her off.

Her hand whipped towards his. Intense brown eyes bore into her own, and for a second, she forgot how to breathe. Was he only trying to appease Brigit? Or mayhap he was referring to Clarice, his former fiancée? Her mind whirled with the possibilities. Or perhaps he was referring to someone else altogether. Nay, she'd be foolish to hope that he was referring to her.

She quickly lowered her head, hoping he hadn't seen any spark of hope flash in her eyes. She hated how her voice shook as she spoke. “Now that it's settled, let's be on our way. I'm most anxious to be home before nightfall.”

Then, without bothering a backward glance in their direction, she galloped off towards Herfordshire Castle, unwilling to let Gavin's intense stare confuse her even further. Or give her cause to hope.

Chapter 23

A Failed Attempt

Gwendolyn reached Herfordshire Castle before the others. She directed her horse to the stables, where she dismounted and gave the beast over to the stable lad's care. As she headed for the keep, she saw Gavin and Brigit making their way to the stables, both of them on their own mounts. Apparently Gavin had insisted that Brigit ride her own horse for the remainder of the journey.

She turned as they approached, waved one hand and hollered, “Thank you for your assistance,” before fleeing to the castle.

She felt bad for not giving Gavin a more personable goodbye, but she didn't think she could face him at the moment. He caused so many conflicting emotions within her, emotions she didn't have time to try and decipher when she had bigger problems to worry about. Taking a fortifying breath, she made her way inside.

She found her family supping in the dining hall, a leg of lamb roasting on the spit above the fire. Though it smelled delightful, her stomach turned at the thought of eating.

Terric noticed her first, quickly rising from the table to greet her. “Gwen, you are back. I wasn't sure when to expect you.”

“We only just arrived,” she spoke quietly.

“Come and sit. We must hear all about it,” Rosalind said as a servant was already setting a spot for her at the table. “Did you find your gift?”

How was she supposed to explain?

Her mother was soon by her side, slipping her arms around her in a warm embrace. “We missed you,” she said, placing a kiss to the top of her head, her heart clenching at the loving gesture.

“And I missed you. I hope none of you take offense, but I'm incredibly tired and wish to rest. Can we speak of the festival in the morning?”

“But of course,” her mother said. “Would you at least like some food before retiring?”

“Nay, I think I will just go straight to my bedchamber, but thank you.”

“Is everything well?” Terric asked, a look of concern on his face.

Gwendolyn forced a smile. “Of course, I'm just dreadfully exhausted.”

“Very well, but I expect to hear a full account of your adventure in the morning.”

“Your wish is my command, King Terric,” she teased, turning to leave.

As soon as she was alone in her chamber, she threw herself across her bed and sighed. Her body was exhausted but her mind wouldn't seem to quit. She didn't have the energy to feign excitement for her family’s sake, nor did she have a desire to be scolded by them if she were to tell them the truth of her adventure. She could already hear Terric's disapproving “I told you so” in her mind.

Looking up at the deep purple canopy above, she tried to decide what she was going to do. There was no doubt in her mind that Roreck and Loreena would find her and kill her if she didn't do as they instructed, or worse, kill someone she loved. It seemed as if her only choice was to give the potion to Rosalind. Her eyes grew heavy, sleep overcoming her as she decided with finality that that is what she would do. Tomorrow she'd give the potion to Rosalind.

***

“Has Gwendolyn still not come down?” Terric asked as he strode into the room.

“Nay,” Millicent answered. “She must truly be exhausted from her journey.”

“'Tis not like her to sleep in so long,” he muttered as he took a seat next to Rosalind, filling his plate with the delicious food before him.

Rosalind wiped her mouth with the corner of a linen napkin. “Nay, 'tis not like her at all. I've never known her to sleep this late. Mayhap I will go up and check on her.”

“Please do, I am most anxious to hear about the festival,” Millicent urged.

Rosalind rose. “Very well, I will go to her now.” She closed her eyes, thought of Gwendolyn's room, and within seconds, had transported to the exact location she had imagined.

Rosalind entered the room at the same time a chambermaid was setting down a steaming mug of barely tea on the table next to the large canopied bed. The maid reached forth a hand and gently shook Gwendolyn awake. “I am here to attend to you, my lady.”

Rosalind watched as Gwendolyn opened her eyes and stretched her hands high above her head before kicking her legs out of the covers and throwing them over the side of the bed.

Rosalind stepped forward, “I will take it from here.”

The maid startled, putting one hand to her heart. “You gave me a fright, Your Highness. I'm still not used to you appearing so unexpectedly.”

Rosalind laughed. “My apologies, I didn't mean to frighten you.” The maid curtsied deeply before fleeing the room.

Rosalind went and sat next to Gwendolyn on the bed, taking her hands in her own. “Tell me all about the festival. Did you find your gift?”

Gwendolyn was slow to answer her inquiry. Rosalind searched her face, unsure the reason her usually lively friend was being so somber. “You didn't find your gift,” she guessed, feeling sorrow on her dear friend’s behalf.

Throwing her arms around Gwendolyn's shoulders, she pulled her close. “I'm sorry, so sorry.”

Gwendolyn chuckled nervously, pushing her way out of Rosalind's embrace. “You do not have to be so dramatic.”

“Well, I'm anxious to hear of your adventure. 'Tis not like you to be so quiet. Your silence only led me to think that...”

“I didn't find my gift, but it's much more complicated than that.”

“Tell me. I want to hear everything.” Rosalind's violet eyes were alight with curiosity.

Gwendolyn stood, shaking out the wrinkled skirt of her gown, the same gown she had ridden in all day yesterday. She was sure she looked a fright. She walked over to the small sitting area before the fire, indicating for Rosalind to follow her.

Once they were both seated comfortably, Gwendolyn began telling her about the festival, omitting anything about Gavin or Roreck and Loreena. “I must admit that it wasn't at all like I imagined it would be.”

“Whyever not?
“Well for starters, I expected to be more impressed. The first people we encountered at the festival were three old men selling colorful rocks.”

“Rocks?” Rosalind asked skeptically.

“Aye, rocks. They claimed that if you swallowed a bag full of them on the night of a full moon you'd gain eternal life or eternal youth, or something else as equally ridiculous. And people were actually purchasing the stones!”

Rosalind giggled, both hands covering her mouth in delight.

“Then there was Brigit.”

“I'm so sorry your brother made you take her with you, I know how unpleasant she can be.”

“You have no idea. Gavin truly had a time of it trying to put up with her, though most of the time I found it highly amusing. We had an encounter with a walarute...”

“You didn't!”

“We did! But Gavin slayed the monster as if it was something he did every day. It truly was impressive to watch. It especially made an impression on Brigit, who decided right then that she was madly in love with Gavin, our hero.”

“Nay!”

Gwendolyn's hands were flailing wildly as she spoke, her excitement picking up as she continued. “I would not have believed it, had I not seen it with mine own eyes. She completely changed character, fawning over him as if she was a young, besotted lass.”

“You cannot blame her for finding him attractive, can you?”

Gwendolyn blushed. “Nay, one certainly cannot blame her. Anyhow,” she quickly changed the subject, “Brigit came across a witch selling what she claimed to be a love potion, and wouldn't you know it, she spent her entire life's savings on the potion in hopes that Gavin would fall head over heels in love with her.”

“I can't believe it!”

“Well you must, for she did. You should have seen the look on Gavin's face when he realized what she had done. I can guarantee you he was more scared of the potion actually working then he ever was of the walarute.”

Rosalind couldn't help the mirth that filled her at the thought. Imagine! Brigit, her stuffy chambermaid acting like a besotted fool. They both began laughing so hard that tears fell down their faces. She would have paid a hefty amount to have seen the display for herself.

***

It felt so good for Gwendolyn to be laughing, to be feeling something besides fear and anxiety gripping her heart. When Rosalind began hiccupping, she realized it would be the perfect time to administer the potion.

“Let me get you some tea,” she said as she rushed nervously to the table next to her bed.

With her back to Rosalind, she discreetly slid the vile of potion from the pouch around her waist. Her hands shook as she uncorked the bottle and poured the entire contents into the barely tea. Shoving the now empty bottle back into her pouch, she grabbed the mug with both hands and returned to Rosalind.

“Here, drink this.”

Rosalind took the proffered mug. “Thank you.”

Gwendolyn stood still, anxiously waiting for Rosalind to drink the tea, but before she took a drink she gestured towards the chair and said, “Please sit. I insist on hearing the rest.”

Gwendolyn started backing away slowly, never taking her eyes off of Rosalind. “I think you've pretty much heard the highlights. There's not much left to tell.”

Rosalind was in the middle of bringing the mug to her lips when she hiccupped again. Lowering the mug without taking a drink she said, “Nonsense. Do not keep a single detail from me. I did so wish to go with you, but Terric wouldn't let me, once he found out about the baby.”

“The baby? What are you talking about?” Gwendolyn asked in confusion.

Rosalind sat forward in her chair, her eyes alight with excitement. “I haven't told anyone but Terric yet. I am with child!” She smiled happily then lifted the mug once more to her lips.