Warrior's Ransom (The First Argentines #2) - Jeff Wheeler Page 0,129

all the world. The relief he saw in her face, in her parted lips, told him her fears had matched his own. Slowly, he lowered her down and wrapped his arms around her, squeezing her with no intention of letting go.

Her face was just above his, her hair tickling his cheek. “You could have told me, you brute,” she said, tears trickling down her cheeks. “A smile would have been enough. But you had to look so solemn, didn’t you? You wanted me to worry. Admit it.”

“There’s so much I want to tell you,” he said, listening to the cheers and clapping grow louder as they became a spectacle for everyone in the courtyard.

“Kiss me first,” she said hungrily, and when their lips touched, the roar grew even louder. It didn’t matter to him that everyone was there. Only she mattered.

When they parted, he set Claire down and noticed the queen wiping her eyes, smiling at them. He stared back at her, gratitude spilling from his heart. If not for her, he wouldn’t be here. She’d paid his ransom and then called him into service for Devon the Younger. She’d given him the chance to prove himself, to be the man he was today.

He mouthed the words “thank you” to the queen as Claire nestled against his chest.

“We’ll be married soon,” he told his beloved. “And then you can take me to Legault. I long to see it. Where shall we go first? Connaught?”

Claire looked up at him and started weeping, unable to speak through her tears as she hugged him fast and sobbed.

We arrived on horseback at the fortress of Glosstyr last night. I cannot find words to describe how it felt to ride out of Kingfountain and gain my freedom. Ransom’s horse is an ugly beast, but I love it for all its ugliness. I have met his mesnie, Sir Dearley, Sir Dawson, and the squire Guivret of Brythonica. The respect they have for my soon-husband is deep and so is their loyalty. This comes as no surprise, for I know my husband-to-be is deserving of such. I understand Dearley has married the heiress of Lord Kenford.

It has been so many years since my last visit to Glosstyr. Even though we arrived late, the town was waiting for us with torches, banners, and bright flower petals, which they tossed down on us from above. We thanked the knights from Brythonica, who had gathered to Glosstyr after Dunmanis fell. They’ll return home to Ploemeur, but I’ve entreated the duchess to come for our wedding. It is not a distant journey. I hope she will. Ransom said that we can go to Legault after our marriage. He knows how I long to see it. How will the eejit nobles react when they learn we are coming? I don’t know. But I know some of them are afraid, as they should be, and that gives me pleasure. We’ll not let them run about and cause trouble any longer.

It is sad thinking of Da and all that he will miss. Of the grandchildren he will never know. But this is my life now, and it’s time to get started living. It’s about barmy time.

—Claire de Murrow, Duchess of Glosstyr, Heir of Legault

Eventide

EPILOGUE

A Storm by a Tranquil Sea

The sound of the surf crashing on the rocks could be heard through the open arches along the walkway. The smell of it was rich in the air, reminding Alix of the cliffs of Bayree. She walked down the corridor with Sir Chauvigny, feeling the coolness of the air from the open arches mingled with the pleasant warmth of sunlight. It was a beautiful day to be married.

That thought unleashed a ripple of jealousy in her breast. It was Ransom’s wedding day and so most of the castle lay deserted. Everyone was gathered in town at the sanctuary of Our Lady of Glosstyr. King Benedict was there with Emiloh, the dowager queen. Alix wanted to see her mother, but if she got too close, she risked revealing herself.

She paused at one of the arches, looking out at the waves rippling to shore. There were plenty of ships docked at the city, bearing flags from many kingdoms. She recognized the Raven of Brythonica and felt another spurt of anger. Had the duchess brought her son? Were all of Alix’s prey gathered together in one place? Benedict, of course. The boy heir, Andrew. And it was rumored that Jon-Landon had also come, showing he could play the role