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 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.