Reckless (Age of Conquest #5) - Tamara Leigh Page 0,103

so desperate for peace he handed you over.”

William did have a few good qualities, Nicola acceded. “Though the Danes have departed England, it sounds you believe the earl will return for me.”

“As it seems possible, your sovereign but wishes to take measures to ensure your safety.”

He did not look to Sir Guy nor speak again of Estienne Lavonne, but it was not necessary. She understood perfectly.

That understanding, as well as a cramp, once more set a hand on her belly—and drew William’s regard. “You are gracious, my king. Now if you will permit me, I shall seek my rest.”

“Permitted, Lady Nicola.”

All the way across the hall, she felt her kin’s disquiet more than the curiosity of the dozens who were their audience. Thus, she was not surprised Guarin intercepted her partway up the stairs.

“Nicola!” He pulled her around. “What message this—placing your hand on your belly?”

She smiled apologetically. “Naught intentional the first time—truly, I suffer cramps—and only somewhat intentional the second time.”

“Somewhat?”

She blew breath up her face. “I know how it looked to the king and you, but there is no babe in me. I was not defiled by any Dane, and I should not have to tell you neither did Vitalis spoil me. I remain virtuous, though I can hardly mind William suspecting otherwise if it saves me from his efforts to wed me to a man who will want me even less if he believes the reputation that followed me to England is worse than feared.”

Some of the bunch went out of her brother’s shoulders, though not enough to leave her unprepared for what next he spoke. “What you have alluded to will keep Sir Guy and Baron Lavonne—men well-regarded by William—from being matched with you, but there are less well-regarded men who would also serve the king’s purpose of reining in spirit he believes unbecoming a lady.”

She longed to argue, but already the argument was lost. “Forgive me, Guarin. Again.”

He sighed heavily, embraced her, and escorted her to her chamber.

As she opened the door slowly lest its creak awaken Ardith, her brother said, “It never occurred to me that were you with child, it might be Vitalis’s. Though there was a time he and I were enemies and the road between us perilous, I know he would not force himself on you nor take advantage of your feelings for him.”

She swallowed hard. “I love him and am certain it is no passing thing. No matter what happened this eve in the cellar that William holds close like a secret of the heart, no matter what happens on the morrow, I am grateful you, Dougray, and Maël love me so well I face none of this alone though you are needed elsewhere. Theriot…”

“We will recover him, Nicola. Now go to your prayers for the morrow.”

She eased the door closed, and when she lowered to the mattress and curled onto her side, was grateful Ardith shifted around, gripped her waist, and hugged her back.

Chapter Twenty-Six

For what do you eye Lady Nicola like a dog who sees a bone he thinks to pick clean, Sir Daryl?”

The shame of being so unguarded he was caught watching the harlot nearly earned the speaker a fist to the mouth and a blade at the throat. But that was something one ought not do to a prince, especially with his sire’s men near. Were it only the two of them and Daryl was willing to flee before ensuring revenge on his enemy and bearing witness to it, that would be different.

Transforming a face taut with hatred into one loose with boredom, he looked around at the young man who had stolen upon him amid the din of a hall thronged by nobles, men-at-arms, and servants.

“I am honored you seek my company, Prince Richard.”

The whelp’s mouth tightened. He might be receptive to flattery, but not that which passed the lips of one he believed more inferior for being born a Saxon. “I asked a question, Sir Daryl. Give answer.”

Daryl feigned confusion, something at which his sire had said he excelled when his son disappointed him. Fortunately, much practice gave one facility with both honorable and less than honorable skills.

“Ah, you speak of Lady Nicola!” He peered around the hall as if he did not know she was seated at the farthest table perpendicular to the dais. “Oui, I see her.” He nodded at where she gripped a cup she declined to have refilled. Like all here, she waited on the king who had briefly shown