for a bride-to-be might reasonably expect more attention than a sister would.
Alicia was still spying on Mariam and Morgan, and she informed them now, “I think he is going to kiss her. But she—Oh! The king is here!” In her excitement, she almost tumbled out the window, for Richard’s rescue had convinced her that he was the greatest knight in all of Christendom. Joanna hastened over to put a steadying hand on the girl’s shoulder and to see for herself.
“Alicia is right. Richard has just arrived, with a few bishops and some of his knights. But he is talking to Mariam, so he will not be up straightaway,” she said, letting Berengaria know she’d have a few moments to adjust her veil or rub perfume onto her wrists. “Mariam is probably asking him if he has heard anything about her sister. Sophia is unlucky enough to be wed to the Cypriot emperor,” she explained to Alicia, who shivered and crossed herself for, if she now believed Richard could walk upon water, she was no less sure that Isaac was the Antichrist.
When Richard strolled into the chamber, Beatrix had already made a discreet departure, taking the reluctant Alicia with her, Joanna was removing the last of the pins from her bodice, and Berengaria was biting her lips surreptitiously to give them color. He shook his head at the sight of the dogs, saying, “Whenever I see those strange beasts, I think I’ve stumbled into a fox burrow.”
“I’ll have you know cirnecos are greatly valued in Sicily,” Joanna said, coming over to give him a quick hug and a critical appraisal. “Well, you do not appear to have suffered any injuries since we saw you last. Does that mean you’ve had no more ‘skirmishes’ with Isaac?”
“Nary a one,” he said, crossing the chamber to give Berengaria a casual kiss. “In fact, that is one reason why I stopped by—to tell you that the Hospitallers have brought me a message from Isaac. He is asking for peace, promising to meet whatever demands I make of him.” Richard’s smile was skeptical. “I put as much store in his sworn word as I would in Philippe’s. But we shall see.”
Both women were delighted, and Joanna moved to a table, pouring wine so they could celebrate Richard’s victory. They knew they would be fearing for his life day and night once they reached the Holy Land, but at least they could enjoy a brief respite until they left Cyprus. Sipping Isaac’s excellent red wine, Joanna realized that this truce would allow them to see some of the island, an appealing prospect after being stranded in Limassol for the past four days.
“The wives of the Venetian and Genoese merchants have been coming by to pay their respects and to tell us how happy their husbands were with your arrival; apparently the only thing that would make them happier would be if you dispatched Isaac to the Devil forthwith. They were telling us about a place called Kourion, a few miles east of Kolossi. It was once the site of an ancient city and there are many ruins still there, including a large amphitheater and a sanctuary for the pagan god Apollo. Could you take us to visit Kourion, Richard? I’ve seen an amphitheater in Sicily but Berengaria has not, and you’ve always been interested in history . . .”
Joanna halted then, for her brother was shaking his head, saying he did not think it would be possible. She was not willing to give up so easily, though. “If you cannot spare the time, then surely Stephen could accompany us? Or is it that you do not think we’d be safe even with his knights?”
“Most likely you would, but I’d as soon not take the risk.”
Joanna fell silent, suddenly realizing what life would be like for her and Berengaria in Outremer—as sequestered as William’s harim girls, under guard as if they were prisoners or hostages. At least her mother had gotten to see the great city of Antioch during her pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Almost at once, though, she chided herself for her lack of faith. Their seclusion would be a small price to pay for the opportunity to walk the hallowed streets of Jerusalem, to follow in the footsteps of the Blessed Lord Christ.
Setting his wine cup down, Richard looked from one woman to the other. “I have something else to tell you. I think Berenguela and I should get married on Sunday.”
They stared at him,