Desired by Virginia Henley Read Free Book Online Page A

sail against France. I’m sending twenty of my best. He’s gone back to Windsor for the annual tournament.”
    Christian was dismayed. Twenty ships seemed so few against the might of France. “Surely the tournament will be canceled now that war threatens?”
    Admiral Morley hooted with laughter. “You don’t know Edward Plantagenet. Scotland and France may be threatening war, his debt to the Bardi bankers is nine hundred thousand florins and that’s all spent on past campaigns; now he’s borrowing for the wars that are pending, but nothing will stand in the way of the king’s tournaments.”
    Christian Hawksblood wondered what he was getting himself into. A poverty-stricken country with a debt-ridden king and court made his prospects seem bleak. He gritted his teeth. He had made his decision and he would stick with it for better or worse. With resolution, Hawksblood and company were on the road to Windsor the next morning.
    King Edward entered his wife’s luxurious bedchamber and bent to bestow a kiss on Philippa’s lips. “Sweetheart, how are you feeling?” He pressed a gold casket into her hands and strode across the chamber to peer into the cradle at his newest daughter.
    “Edward, you are too good to me. You shouldn’t give me jewels,” Philippa protested.
    “You give me precious sons and daughters and I give you precious little in return.”
    “Edward, you lavish gifts upon me. All I ask is your love.”
    “You will always have that, sweetheart. Don’t deny me the pleasure of giving you a few trinkets.”
    The queen’s ladies sighed at the king’s devotion. Still in his thirties, he was the handsomest man in all Christendom. Every heart in the room fluttered wildly. He had a smile and a wink for every pretty face, but he was totally devoted to Queen Philippa. He never seemed to notice that her body had thickened from constant childbearing and her face and hair were much faded.
    “I want you to be rested for all the entertainments we’ll have at the tournament. I’ve decided to build a great round tower. Come to the window, love, and I’ll show you.” He slipped a strong arm about her and pointed. “The Upper Ward has only rectangular towers, but the Edward III Tower must be round so that I can re-create King Arthur’s legendary round table. I’ve decided to found an order of chivalry. Only the premier knights of the realm will be inducted. If we start the building now, it should be ready in time for next year’s tournament. We’ll get that beautiful stone from Bedfordshire. What d’you think?”
    “I’ll mention it to Lady Bedford. Have you thought any more about her betrothal?”
    “I’ve had at least a dozen petition me for her hand, but Warrick has spoken for her so the matter is settled. Speaking of betrothals, I think your idea of a marriage between the Prince of Wales and Margaret of Brabant is excellent. We must keep our allies, or France will woo them away from us.”
    “Have you spoken to Edward about it?” Philippa asked.
    “Not recently, but he’s always known that Margaret’s name was on the list put forward by the Council. I’ll send for him.”
    “No need, Edward, he’s already here. I knew the tournament would draw him like a lodestone.”
    “Shall I carry you down to the hall tonight, sweetheart, or I could sup here with you, if you like?”
    “Nonsense. You enjoy the company and the entertainment, and your sons and Isabel will want to dine with you.” She saw that her rooms caged him. He had too much vital energy to play lapdog. He was an indulgent father and themost courteous and loving husband a woman could ever hope for.
    He helped her back to her couch and pressed her hands to his lips. “Thank you, Philippa. I have a hundred urgent things to attend to, but you and the children come first. Never forget that.”
    When he left the Queen’s Tower, King Edward made his way from the Upper Ward all the way down to the residences of his military knights in the