Knight of Her Heart (Conquering the Heart) (24 page)

Turning to Lisette, he raised her hand briefly to his lips. “I must see to this.”

“I know your forces have been growing daily,” she said, unable to suppress the anxiety that bubbled in her blood. “The knights at Romsey do outnumber the force Winchester has despatched, don’t they?”

“You have naught to fear, my lady. My forces now number close to six score and, as you say, grow daily.” He returned his attention to Bradford. “I will suit up and ride out to meet their leader.”

Icy fingers of uncertainty tickled down Lisette’s spine. “Will you not send Sir Bradford in your stead, my lord?”

“Nay, Lisette.” Holding her gaze, he reasoned, “’Tis not Bradford they have come to parley with and I must address their leader in person.”

“But—”

“Fear not, my lady. No matter what their business here, they will not incur the wrath of the king by slaying me as I ride to greet them.” With the back of his hand he gently caressed her left cheek. The tenderness of her lover’s touch made her heart swell. “Besides, their visit here has spared me a ride to Winchester which would have seen us parted.”

Another knight rushed into the hall. “Lord Romsey. Sir Richard of Winchester presents at the gates and demands an audience with you. He has ridden forward alone, with his troops well back.”

Sir Richard...His half brother...

This was good news, she reasoned. Surely, if Sir Richard was prepared to ride forward alone, the knight did not intend to mount an attack on Romsey Castle.

“Raise the portcullis and allow him entry.” As he released Lisette’s hand, Rowan called forth his squire. “Bring the surcoat with the Romsey Coat of Arms.” Clearly he meant to underline his title as he met his half-brother knight to knight. “Bradford, I shall greet Sir Richard in the outer bailey. My lady, you are welcome to be by my side if you are recovered well enough.”

Lisette’s head drew back in surprise that Rowan would welcome her. Putting all her gratitude into the smile she sent him, she gave him a slight nod. “Thank you, my lord. I shall join you when you are ready.”

That Rowan had considered her and would allow her to stand with him to greet his half-brother was a major concession on his part to include her in his life. It also meant that she wouldn’t be sitting in her solar, waiting and worrying. Although ’twas an unusual practice, her father would have included her mother this way. Dared she hope that she and Rowan would achieve the same level of unity and partnership that her parents had shared?

Shortly afterward, the sound of the ratch raising the portcullis clanged through the outer bailey. Rowan was by her side, a splendid warrior in the rich, red surcoat that was emblazoned with the crest of Romsey. The crest was a crowned lion and stag holding banners either side of the Romsey coat of arms. The current Earl of Romsey stood proud and looked every inch befitting of his station and of his motto
Quae Recta Tene
—“hold fast that which is right”. 

Also dressed in tunics bearing the crest of Romsey, lines of knights stood to attention on the perimeters. Rowan was obviously intent on displaying the strength and number of his own forces. The men were so impressive, Lisette was in awe of them. But ’twas the Lord of the Castle who held her attention. Despite being concerned that a force of men were outside their walls, she could not stop the pride she knew that Rowan was her husband. Her lover. Again she thrilled when she looked at him for he was a man worthy of her love, her admiration and respect.

When the portcullis was fully raised, there was a clip-clop of horse’s hooves. The sound grew louder on the cobbled stones of the entryway and a figure appeared, fully-suited in his armour and astride a mighty white destrier.

Curiosity bubbled inside Lisette as the knight halted his mount and swung athletically out of his saddle. A squire from Romsey immediately came forth to take the reins of the magnificent horse.

After a quick glance around him, Richard removed his shining helmet and tucked it under his left arm. Their visitor was not completely at ease, Lisette noted, for his right hand remained close to the hilt of his sword.

“Sir Richard.” Rowan stepped forward, partially obscuring Sir Richard from Lisette’s sight. “Welcome to Romsey Castle. I am Lord Rowan, Earl of Romsey.”

Lisette shifted so she could observe all the interactions between the two half-brothers who met for the first time. Although she could not see Rowan’s reaction, she registered Richard’s guarded expression. She allowed herself to study the newcomer feature by feature as he stepped forward and clasped the hand Rowan offered. 

Almost the same height as Rowan, Richard had the same chiselled masculine features—the same firm jaw and high hewn cheekbones. Where Rowan’s eyes were deepest moss-green, Sir Richard’s were brown. About the same age, both brothers possessed a commanding, intimidating presence. Both were warriors, each silently taking the other’s measure in those first few moments of meeting.

Then the strong column of Sir Richard’s throat worked up and down twice as though he struggled with his emotions.

Lisette had to bite her lip to stop the tears from forming at the poignancy of the occasion. Whatever had brought Sir Richard to Romsey, ’twas clear that the momentous event of meeting his half-brother was not lost on the visiting knight. As Rowan had his back to her she was unable to observe whether he was similarly affected.

Although she was unsure what character of man Richard was, and whether or not a bond of brotherhood could be forged between them, that two such noble warriors had been denied their kinship all these years rent at her heart.

Finally, their hands unclasped.

“I have heard much about your honour and bravery, Lord Rowan, and have long wanted to meet with you. ’Tis unfortunate that, because I have served King Henry closer to home on our northern borders, our paths have never crossed.”

“I have heard of your fine service to our king,” Rowan replied, his deep voice steady. He turned toward Lisette. “Sir Richard, I honour you in introducing my wife, Lady Lisette, Countess of Romsey.”

Richard stepped forward and took the hand she offered. He assessed her, before he drew her hand to his lips and bowed in respect.

Despite Sir Richard being a man God had favoured with stunning good looks, Lisette knew not the slightest attraction to him. It reinforced to her just how strongly she had committed her love to her husband.

“Come, Sir Richard. Let us speak in my solar.” Rowan offered his arm to Lisette. “My lady will join us.”

’Twasn’t a request of Sir Richard’s agreement but a statement of fact that Lisette would be a party to their conversation. Again she cheered inwardly at her inclusion, for she knew that Rowan was paying her great respect. Even Sir Richard seemed slightly taken aback that she would be present at their parley, but he masked his reaction quickly. The brothers spoke of inconsequential things as they walked inside and toward the staircase at the corner of the hall which led to Rowan’s solar.

Once seated in the solar, Sir Richard’s manner became grave. “I have been sent by the Duke of Winchester to discuss your unprovoked attack on one of the villages under his protection.”

Stunned by Sir Richard’s statement, Lisette sat forward on the edge of her chair. She’d not heard of a retaliatory strike being ordered by Rowan and could not believe for a second that Rowan was responsible for commanding such a vengeful attack against innocents.

Rowan’s mask of impassivity slipped for just a moment before he drew himself up from where he had been seated. Without a word, he walked to a chest. Lisette expected him to open the chest, but he paused in front of it and turned back to his half-brother. “Tell me, Sir Richard, what makes the duke think I was responsible for an attack on his village?”

“A knight was seen riding through the village shortly before the fire broke out. He wore a tunic which bore the crest of Romsey.”

As shocking as the news was, Lisette judged that Sir Richard’s tone was not accusing or threatening—more just that he was stating the facts as they had presented.

“A discarded Romsey banner was also found next to a quiver of arrows that had been dipped in oil,” Sir Richard continued. “Flaming arrows were used to start the fire.”

“That news is most disturbing,” Rowan stated in equally serious tones. “You rode through Romsey. You would have witnessed the destruction that a fire caused to the dwellings on the main road.”

“Aye,” Sir Richard agreed warily.

“The fire was started just a couple of nights ago.” The Earl of Romsey uncrossed his arms, lifted the heavy lid on the oak chest and withdrew the torn banner of Winchester. “This was caught on a tree branch just south of Romsey. ’Twas found soon after the fire broke out.”

The disbelief emanating from Sir Richard as he jumped to his feet was too stark to be feigned. Lisette deduced that both Rowan and the Duke of Winchester were innocent of the crimes that had been perpetrated against their respective villages. Some darker power must be involved here, toying with both of them while innocent people were harmed in the evil game.

“The fire in Romsey was caused by a hail of burning arrows,” Rowan pressed on. “’Twas a full moon and one of the village men has sworn he saw an archer who wore the Winchester crest on his tunic.”

“The Duke was not responsible for the attack on your village.” Sir Richard’s words were full of conviction and his hands clenched into fists at his sides.

“Fear not, Sir Richard, I did not believe it to be so. Once I had accomplished further restoration to the village, I would have paid your father a visit to resolve this matter.” Rowan threw the torn banner back into the open chest as though the fabric was contaminated. “The news you bring—the suggestion that I have been in any way responsible for an attack on your father’s soil—makes it clear there is a third party involved.”

Sir Richard nodded. “My father could not fathom why, if you held a grievance against him, you would choose to wait until this moment before you struck.”

“I bear your father no ill-will.”

“He regards you as a man of honour. He told me that if you held a grievance he would expect you to seek him out personally.”

Rowan inclined his head. “For a man who does not know me, he judges me well.”

“You are the king’s first knight. Tales of your honour and bravery are sung by every troubadour in the land and supported by men who have fought alongside you on the battlegrounds.”

A rueful smile touched Rowan’s lips. “The troubadours are romantics, out to weave a riveting story that captures the attention of fair maidens and matrons alike. I am certain many of their tales are grossly exaggerated.”

Lisette mentally refuted his humility. All she had witnessed in Rowan’s actions supported the man her husband was reputed to be.

“The attacks on the villages were by order of a coward, and by one who fully intended to set the seats of Romsey and Winchester against each other. Can you think of anyone who bears you such malice?” Sir Richard pressed.

“Aye. The attack was clearly personal and meant to cause friction between our two seats. You speak truth that only a vindictive coward would plot such an act.” With one hand he rubbed his chin thoughtfully. His brow furrowed. “There is only one I can think of who would aim to use my personal connection with the house of Winchester to cause me grief.”

“Malin of Baddesley,” Lisette whispered.

Both men swung to where she was seated. It seemed to her that they had been so engrossed in their conversation they had forgotten her presence.

Rowan crossed the room to stand by her side. Placing a hand on her uninjured shoulder, he told Sir Richard, “My lady is right. Malin is the only individual I can think of who would conduct himself in this cowardly manner.”

Sir Richard paced the room. His profile was almost identical to Rowan’s and right now the menacing expression he wore also reminded her of her formidable husband. “My father...” Winchester stopped and turned toward Rowan. “
Our
father despises Malin of Baddesley with a passion. He was outraged when he received the news of your mother’s murder and I believe, in part, he blamed himself for her death...for acting upon the infatuation they shared in their youth.”

Rowan’s fingers tightened on Lisette’s shoulder, revealing his inner tension. “I have sworn revenge against Malin for the death of my mother and my step-father. King Henry has urged me to wait, but with this information I shall approach the king and ask that he grant me the right to arrest Malin.

Moving forward, Sir Richard positioned himself so he could clasp Rowan’s shoulders.

From where she was seated, Lisette could see absolute sincerity in Richard’s face.

Deep sentiment underlined each word as Sir Richard said, “You have one half-brother who is your sworn enemy. I make a sacred oath that you have another half-brother who is your sworn ally.”

Hesitating for only a second, Rowan stepped forward and embraced his brother heartily. “Your allegiance is reciprocated, brother.”

Lisette could not stop her lip from trembling nor could she hold back the tears that gathered and spilt down her cheeks at the sight of the two brothers bonding. As strong as Rowan was, he would benefit from forging this closeness with his brother. The protective wall he kept around his emotions was tangible. She thought that Rowan carried a great deal of loneliness and hurt. ’Twas unsurprising given all he had been through, but this connection with the house of Winchester may help heal the scars on his soul. Ultimately, Rowan would be stronger and more whole if he weakened the wall that had kept those around him from getting too close. She had sensed only that morning at the breaking of their fast that Rowan had reinforced the mental barrier that was erected between them. One day she intended to claim victory for breaching that defensive wall.

“I need to convey to you a personal message from our father.”

Rowan nodded.

“Our father asked me to tell you that he did not claim you as his son out of respect for your mother and her husband,” Sir Richard stated.

Rowan inclined his head again. “I understand there was great respect between the two men.”