By Right of Arms by Robyn Carr Read Free Book Online Page B

he is concerned for your health.”
    “My father,” she gasped. “Dear God, does he bring arms?”
    “He is a welcome guest,” Hyatt returned. “And a friend.”
    “But when he learns that you …”
    “He knows Sir Giles is dead, madame. He wished it had not been necessary, as did I. But that is a hazard of war.”
    “He cannot approve your … your …”
    For the first time since she had seen him, Hyatt seemed uncomfortable. He looked away and shifted his weight, but he regained his composure quickly. “He approves my occupation of this hall and lands. The Flemish are not much for your French king.”
    The depth of this betrayal left Aurélie standing mute and awestruck. Did no one understand her pain? Did all the world excuse thievery and murder by right of arms? Even her own father?
    “I do not ask pardon,” he said, the line of his jaw stern and his voice, as usual, calm and even. “You need not forgive me, respect me, or even set aside your grief for me. You will obey me as you value your life, for any survivor of this occupation treads on the lord’s mercy.”
    She watched him as he spoke, noting that there was no struggle to form his words; no regret or vulnerability. He spoke as if giving simple instructions to a falconer or messenger.
    “I have been told you have a grain of wisdom, or I would not trouble myself with such lengthy explanations. Were you a hostile knight or simple village craftsman, I would beat my intention into your foolish skull and mayhap you would die before learning. But lest you think yourself more clever than those able to usurp this keep and town, listen to me carefully.
    “You may cleave to your hate and grief and pain for as many years as you deem it your right, but every action you take, madame, must show me that your desire for peace and prosperity for this land and the sorely molested people equals mine.”
    She looked at him closely. The words did not quite settle. He killed and maimed, yet longed for peace? He brutally ruined towns and families, but desired prosperity? Yet the entirety of his message was not lost. She was certain this was his final warning. He would stop using reason and begin using force if she did not acquiesce.
    “Dress,” he said slowly. “Our concern is no longer winning; the battle is won. Our destiny is in building. By the grace of God, you will never see conquerors cross your bridge again.” He bowed most elaborately. “Adieu, for the moment, Lady Aurélie.”
    As the door to her chamber closed, Aurélie turned glistening eyes to Perrine. “I will never forgive him,” she murmured. “I will not take a breath without praying for his comeuppance.”
    * * *
    She chose a gown of pale cream, trimmed in gold. It was a total departure from the black. She allowed her hair to be brushed until it shone, had it braided and wound around her head. A veil of the sheerest silk, fastened to her head with a modest cluster of pearls, trailed down her back. Her sleeves were wide and flowing, her bodice snug to accentuate her trim figure, and her train pulled around to be attached to her wrist for freedom of movement. That she wore no jewels to adorn herself did not detract from her beauty. The low neckline and her gently swelling bosom embellished her appearance more than any sparkling gem.
    “Let him think I am resigned to healing this burg,” she said to Perrine when her dressing was complete.
    “I beg you, madame,” Perrine whispered. “Take great care with your scheming. This Hyatt is not a man to deceive lightly.”
    “I will use cunning,” she murmured.
    “He sees more than …”
    “Hush!” she commanded. “I am not so simpleminded as to be foolish with my methods.”
    She went to the hall, telling herself that she made this concession for the sake of future vengeance; in no way did she strive to please his eye. Rather than lose her temper and openly fight him, she would try to trick him into believing her behavior obedient. Even docile