she followed with Richard at her back toward where Vitalis and her menfolk awaited them at the center of the bailey. As they neared, Sir Guy and two chevaliers appeared, doubtless because her husband remained armed though both sword and dagger were sheathed.
That was confirmed when Sir Guy halted just ahead of William and said, “Your weapons, Sir Vitalis.”
Vitalis, who had not yet looked to her, began unfastening his belt.
“No need,” William said, loosely clasping his hands behind his back. “I know the man he is.”
He ought to, Nicola thought, it having been made clear in the cave and again this day when once more Vitalis swallowed down revenge.
“A worthy demonstration of sword skill, Sir Vitalis.” The king nodded. “You will do.”
“I would like to know the mission Daryl is to undertake,” Vitalis said.
Though slow to answer, William said, “It is work he will find tedious, yet fulfilling since he will be rewarded—if the work is done well.”
“That work?”
William arched an eyebrow.
Grudgingly, Vitalis added, “Your Majesty.”
“Denmark,” the king said. “Now there is goodwill between our countries, an envoy of the King of England will be welcome at Sweyn’s court. At least for a time. As two persons of great interest are there—Countess Gytha and the false abbess, Mercia—Daryl will keep me apprised of their movements and intentions. And take action if necessary.”
Nicola was glad she was not standing before the king. Unlike her cousin who was more stone than her brothers, she could not keep alarm, followed by relief, from her face. Alarm because she feared what action Daryl might take against the two women, relief he would depart England and Mercia was not in danger since, secretly wed to Maël, she was ensconced in the D’Argent home in Normandy.
“For the well-being of England, of course,” William added. “Now, ere you tuck yourself away with your wife to see your injuries tended and enjoy your wedding night, I promised further reward for proving yourself.”
At last, Vitalis looked to Nicola, albeit it with question. But she knew no more than he. Or did she? What was it William had said?
Something precious for something—
“Since you are without surname other than being known as the son of another Saxon, I have decided to give you one that will benefit not only you and your Norman wife but your children.”
Feeling Vitalis’s yoke tighten, Nicola stopped her breath. Unlike many Normans, William himself had taken no surname, but he wished Vitalis to have one and, doubtless, of French origin.
“Boursier,” the king pronounced. “You know the meaning?”
Tight-lipped, Vitalis said, “Scholar.”
“An honorable name I believe will prove an apt reflection of the trust I place in you, especially where my son is concerned.” He looked around. “Richard.”
Now Nicola understood, and the slight smile the prince gave her told he who was somehow precious to Le Bâtard, was not unprepared. Perhaps for this he had accompanied his sire on the ride. Had he proposed it, or was he simply pleased by the proposal?
“You, Vitalis Boursier, shall complete my son’s training at Wulfen.” William set a hand on the youth’s shoulder. “It is his wish as well as mine, but be warned—I expect more from you than he does.”
Some of Vitalis’s tension easing, he said, “What of De Warenne?”
The king looked at the earl who had come off the wall and moved with his household knights toward the inner bailey. “He has done well by me, but his responsibilities in administering the lands awarded him are too great to ensure my second son has not only my blood to aid in holding the realm should it fall to him, but the courage and strength to lead men and himself do battle against those who seek to take it.” He returned his regard to Vitalis. “For now it may seem an affront, but he will be glad of it. What say you?”
“As I do not believe you are asking if I accept Prince Richard as my pupil, all there is to say is that, providing your son is not the same as Daryl—and I do not believe it—neither of us will disappoint.”
“Then we are done here,” William said almost jovially. “Now as you stink much, and I do not believe you would savor hours spent at table on our last night here, especially as I shall enlighten Daryl about his mission, I will have Lady Ardith accommodated elsewhere so Vitalis Boursier and his wife may begin their lives in a manner approved by the Lord.”
Nicola startled at the realization no