Page 7

C aledonian Forest

R olf drummed his fingers on the table, his mind still in London. He should not have attacked Roker. But when the dirty mongrel put his lips on her pale, slender fingers, the rage overtook him. He had been unprepared for that kind of emotion and would have to be more vigilant.

“My lord, you wished to speak with me?”

Rolf motioned to a stool near the hearth. “I need to inform you of the events that have recently taken place.” He paused, gazing into the crackling fire. “It has begun.”

“You have seen her, then?”

“Aye.” He smiled as an ember popped, a streak of white-yellow hitting stone, reminding him of Melissa’s shimmering, blonde waves. “She is everything I’ve seen in my dreams…”

Edric sat quietly for a moment, studying his master’s face. “Quite beautiful, then?”

Rolf nodded.

“This is excellent news indeed, my lord! It has been a long time coming, but your hard work will soon be rewarded.” He rubbed his hands together, a gleam of anticipation brightening his soft brown eyes.

Rolf snorted. “There is one small problem.”

“My lord? Whatever it is, I’m sure you will overcome it.”

He ran a hand over his face. “It appears the lady is betrothed to the Duke of Sunderland. And she seems to be quite pleased with the match.”

“Well then, you must convince her otherwise. The Duke of Sunderland, did you say?” Edric rubbed his chin. “I heard the son has quite a temper when crossed. Quite the opposite of his father.”

“Who was also a favorite of Henry I. So, Roker will try to reestablish his father’s favor with Henry II.” He studied the map in front of him. “His estates border Northumbria, now held by the Scots. As it was an English fief before Stephen died, I imagine King Henry will try to reclaim it.”

“And when we take it back from King Malcolm of Scotland, the duke will hope to expand his own properties. Your father’s lands of Wolfton also border Northumbria.” Edric nodded. “If Giles were here–”

“But he’s not. Since we have not heard from him since he left on the first crusade, I do not expect him to arrive anytime soon.

” Rolf knew his sister, Cristiana, feared their father was dead.

As his only legitimate heir, she continued to oversee the castle and village.

Rolf had taken command of the knights who remained in his father’s service here in England.

They had fought hard to defend Henry and his claim to the throne.

“I hope I have represented our family name well when the King begins to redistribute his holdings. But I will keep a close eye on the duke while I am at court.”

“And in that matter, your horse is ready and everything packed.”

“Excellent. I will send word on my progress. Be sure to report to Merlin.” Rolf rubbed the amulet beneath his tunic without thought. “Your tutelage in soldiering has served me well. If only I could have had such instruction in the ways of seduction.”

“Do not worry much, my lord. I taught you enough about courtly manners so that you should not embarrass yourself too badly. And according to Elsa, you are a most graceful dancer.” He chuckled. “And if you aren’t, just erase their memories.”

***

The sun peaked through the wooden slats, and the sound of Beatrice stoking the fire woke her from another sleepless night.

Melissa yawned and stretched her arms over her head, the memory of her dream—and that kiss— flooding her memory.

Her skin warmed in the chill morning air at the thought of his lips brushing her neck.

It was as if she were living two separate lives.

By day, she was the obedient daughter and polite, well-mannered yet witty noblewoman with her handsome duke.

By night, she turned into an impetuous harlot, trembling at the touch of a striking, enigmatic stranger named Rolf.

Each time she looked into Charles’ eyes, Melissa felt a tiny bit deceitful.

It was a ridiculous but unrelenting sentiment.

“Come milady, you overslept this morning. If you are late, the earl will not be pleased.” Beatrice pulled a deep blue kirtle from the trunk and gave it a good shake. “Your father has an appointment with the King today, does he not?”

“Yea, I must look my best.” She swung her slim legs over the uneven mattress, her toes wiggling into the soft leather slippers. “I must have the gold bliaut with the silver embroidery to wear over it.”

Once dressed, she spun in a full circle. “Will I make the duke fall in love with me today?”

“You are the loveliest young woman I’ve ever seen, milady. The gold cloth illuminates your hair.” The older woman placed her hands on Melissa’s cheeks. “From what Lady Agnes says, he was besotted from the first day.”

“My mother exaggerates. I do believe he is happy with the match, however.”

“And you? Are you pleased with the outcome?”

Her mood clouded for a moment. She thought of her nights then shook the nighttime lover from her thoughts. “Today the sun is shining, and I am to become the future wife of a charming and handsome man. My fortune overflows, Bea. I believe I shall be very content with the arrangement.”

“What of love?”

“Love is an indulgence. I am the daughter of an earl with a duty and a responsibility to my family.” She gave her attendant a quick hug. “I am so fortunate to have a kind and generous man who will respect and treat me well. If love comes from the union, it will be but an added pleasure.”

“Aye, and you have behaved yourself nicely. The poor man has no idea what an independent woman he is getting into the bargain.” Bea giggled as she picked up a comb. “Now sit down and let me work my magic on your hair.”

With the word “magic,” Melissa’s mind returned to her nocturnal life, and she chewed her lip. It is only a complication that needs to be ignored.

***

Charles met them at the entrance of the great hall.

The dark brown overtunic was richly embroidered with golden thread that matched the shirt beneath.

His shoulders filled out his tunic as he bent over Melissa’s hand.

“You are breathtaking, Melissa,” he whispered over her fingers.

Then a little louder, “I fear I must shield my eyes when I look at you.”

With a giggle, she gave a low curtsy. “And you are most handsome, Lord Roker. I fear the other ladies will steal you away from me.”

“Quite the opposite, I assure you. You will never escape me, my lady.” The merriment faded from his eyes. “I have waited a long time for you, Melissa. I am a stubborn man. Nothing will get in my way.”

A shiver crept down her spine. Slight anxiety or excitement? Melissa had always appreciated a forceful man. “I’m sure nothing will.”

Her mother’s timing was impeccable. “Did I mention I wrote to Lady Roker? I am so disappointed she will not be here for the wedding. Mayhap she’ll change her mind?”

“She won’t.”

“But if I—”

“Nay, she is completely distraught over the violence of my father’s death. I cannot fault her, but she is not herself these days.” He paused, as if searching for the right words. “My mother blames herself for his death.”

“But why? How could it possibly be Maud’s fault?”

“She was to ride with him that day to the priory. When she wasn’t feeling well, he went hunting instead…

” Roker shrugged his shoulders. “Her mind does not have the same fortitude as some women. It has sent her into a deep melancholy. I tell you, she surrounds herself with his things and will not remove herself from his rooms.”

“You poor man. Maud is such a dear, gentle woman. Life is often unpredictable.” She made a clucking sound. “We must have fortitude in the face of disaster. I’ve always taught this to my children. Now, what kind of entertainment have you found for us while we wait for the meal?”

Melissa was always amazed at how quickly her mother recovered from adversity.

Those who didn’t know her might consider her shallow.

She could babble on to a courtier, putting him at ease so that tidbits of information dropped from his mouth.

Without a blink, she would tuck those crumbs away for a rainy day.

In truth, Agnes was a practical woman with a layer of steel beneath her determination.

And while she did not condone manipulation, she never shied away from it when necessary.

The morning was spent playing chess and trying to memorize names and faces of those she would come to know at court.

The town watchmen, the Waits, played lively music that competed with the low rumble of voices in the crowded room.

The town’s coat of arms flashed on their silver chains of office as their heads bobbed and shoulders dipped.

Three of the watchmen blew on their wait-pipes and another plucked the strings of a harp, their colorful livery standing out in the dark balcony above.

The music ended and a horn blew to announce the dinner would be served.

“Oh, will we see the King and Queen?” Melissa had yet to see the royal couple and was curious to see them together.

She had never known herself to be a romantic, and the rumors of love were probably just that.

But after finding her own betrothed to be such a pleasant and attractive surprise, there could be a chance…

“We shall see, my dear. I am told they usually eat with the court at the midday. But, who knows? They are royals and can change their mind on a whim,” her father answered, taking her arm and leading the party down the hall to a stone staircase.

She looked over her shoulder before carefully watching her footing up the narrow steps. A flash of annoyance crossed the duke’s face, but it quickly vanished as he offered Lady Agnes his own arm. Melissa tipped her head back slightly to listen to their conversation.

“Are you enjoying London, Lord Roker?” asked her mother.

“Immensely, my lady. I’ve been busy acquainting myself with many of my father’s contacts.”

“What about your family? Will you not miss them during this holiday?”