Warrior's Ransom (The First Argentines #2) - Jeff Wheeler Page 0,128

the streets, and the people of Kingfountain were cheering loudly that the war was over and the gates of the city had finally been opened.

James, astride a coal-black destrier, sulked as he rode behind them. Judging by his expression, he still had a sour taste in his mouth from the news that Ransom had brought. The sanctuary of Our Lady shone with splendor, and Ransom felt his heart quicken with gratitude as he beheld the spires. The deconeus and his underlings stood at the top of the steps, waving at the riders as they passed by the street.

For years Ransom had worn the badge of the Silver Rose. Now he wore the badge of the Lion, the emblem that Benedict had chosen and was determined to keep. He had on a chain hauberk under his tunic, but he felt no threat of danger.

“They should all go back to their homes,” James said, loudly enough for everyone to hear. “What a nuisance.”

After crossing the bridge, they rode up the hill, increasing to a trot as they ascended toward the castle. The anticipation was so keen it was almost painful, but he tried to remain calm outwardly. Guivret was part of his entourage, but Dawson had been sent to Josselin castle to alert Dearley of the change in their fortunes and to bring him—and hopefully his wife, Lady Elodie—to Kingfountain immediately to attend the coronation.

As they reached the gates of the palace, Lord Kinghorn signaled for the guards to open them. The winches were pulled, and the portcullis began to slowly lift.

“You must tell me the whole story sometime,” Lord Kinghorn said to him. “If your new duties do not keep you too busy, my lord duke.” He gave Ransom a knowing grin that took him back years, to the conversation he’d had with Lord Kinghorn after his fight with James.

“I’m sure he’ll be eager to boast of it,” said James.

Lord Kinghorn gave Ransom a quizzical look. “Did you hear something? I think that was a bird chirping. A bird called Envy.”

Ransom shrugged. “Some birds just like hearing themselves squawk.”

James gave him a venomous look, but Ransom met his gaze with indifference. After the portcullis was lifted, they rode into the courtyard, which was teeming with servants and knights, but his gaze didn’t rest on anyone until he found her. She stood in the threshold with Queen Emiloh, the two of them arm in arm. Seeing her worried face made him want to grin to signal all was well, but he remained solemn. The occasion warranted it.

After they rode in, Ransom and the others dismounted. Silence fell over the courtyard as he knelt before the queen at the bottom of the steps.

“My lady—my queen—by my badge you see that I am now in the service of your son, King Benedict Argentine. He sent me ahead to make you aware of his approach. He is not far behind me and comes to Kingfountain to assume his right as monarch and ruler.”

“Rise, Sir Ransom,” said the queen, smiling at him with pleasure as the people in the courtyard began clapping.

He did and then took her hand, climbed two steps, and kissed her ring. “Your husband is dead,” he said softly, just loud enough for her to hear it over the ruckus.

“I thought so,” said Emiloh, her tone flat.

“You should know that he had regrets at the end,” he said. “I’ll share them when we have a quiet moment.”

“Thank you, Ransom,” she said, although he had no notion what she was feeling. “And Jon-Landon? Where is he?”

“He was waiting at Beestone for Benedict. They are coming together.”

“I see,” said the queen. Although she’d been freed from her tower, she didn’t seem overjoyed. There was still too much grief mixed with her gladness. “Thank you for coming. And what of you, Sir Ransom? I will speak to my son and tell him of your loyal service to our family. I will plead for you and Claire.”

Ransom released her hand and then turned to Claire, smiling at last. He savored the look of excitement, of realization winking in her eyes.

“It’s already done, my lady,” he said to the queen, although he was looking at Claire. “Everything the Elder King promised is to be fulfilled by his son. Our wedding follows the coronation.”

Claire’s eyes were so wide and relieved that she leaped from the top step. He caught her around her waist, hoisting her up above his head and grinning up at her like the biggest eejit in