Fatal Truths (The Anarchy Medieval Romance) by Anna Markland Read Free Book Online Page A

hostages in our castle?”
    Alex pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to fend off a pounding headache. His brother had spoken true. He was allowing his feelings for the Scots to influence his decision.
    Laurent talked on, his hand still on Alex’s shoulder. “I didn’t tell you this, but I accompanied Gallien to Stephen’s Easter Court.”
    Alex narrowed his eyes. “At Westminster?”
    Laurent nodded. “ A wide range of nobles gathered for the event, including many of the Anglo-Norman barons and most of the higher officials of the church.”
    Alex shrugged off his brother’s hand and came to his feet. “You had no right to go. There are spies everywhere. Word will have reached Maud and Geoffrey that you were in attendance. They will believe you had my permission.”
    “I’m not that important, Alex. You’re the Comte , not me. People paid me no mind. You would have been as impressed as I was with the new King. He issued a royal charter, confirming the promises he had made to the church, pledging to reverse Henry's hated policies on the royal forests and to reform any abuses of the legal system.”
    Alex shrugged, feeling his determination slipping away. “Anyone can make promises.”
    Laurent persisted. “Stephen portrayed himself as the natural successor to Henry, and reconfirmed the existing earldoms in the kingdom .”
    Alex thought of his cousin. “Gallien would be happy about that.”
    Laurent’s face glowed. “It was a lavish event that must have cost a king’s ransom. Hah! Of course, he’s a wealthy man. He also gave out grants of land and favours to those present, including our cousin.”
    Alex fisted his hands at his sides. “Though his coronation has not yet been ratified by the Pope.”
    Romain shook his head. “But it will be. Stephen’s brother , Bishop Henry has that matter well in hand, and Louis of France is also pushing Innocent to ratify Stephen. He likes the idea of Stephen as a counterbalance to Geoffrey of Anjou. Geoffrey cannot be King in his own right but craves the power he’ll wield if his wife becomes Queen.”
    Laurent grasped Alex’s shoulders. “We will be alienated from our kinsmen if we continue to support Maud. Montbryces have always presented a unified front. Do you want to face Gallien and Étienne on the battlefield?”
    Alex sank back into his chair. It was an argument he couldn’t win. “We have to consider that we could lose Montbryce Castle if Maud decides to retaliate. Geoffrey has already attacked and burned a number of castles in Normandie.
    “ I will ponder the matter. Leave me now.”

CHAPTER SIX
    ALEX STARED IN DISBELIEF AT THE MISSIVE Bonhomme had handed him. “ Zut! Just when I thought things couldn’t get worse.”
    Frowning, Romain strode away from the hearty fire in the gallery where he’d been warming his backside, his hand held out to his brother. “What is it?”
    Alex thrust the parchment at Romain. “ Merde . As if there isn’t enough to cause concern.”
    Romain scanned the document, then laughed. “Good old Marguerite. Our sister has a knack of turning up at the worst time. How did she find out we had Henry and Claricia here?”
    Alex snatched back the letter. “ Who knows? Merci , Bonhomme. Fetch the scrivener. I’ll draft a reply quickly and let her know it’s not convenient to come now.”
    Bonhomme coughed into his fist, but made no move to leave.
    Romain was still chuckling. “Waste of time, mon frère . Once Marguerite has made up her mind—”
    Bonhomme nodded.
    Alex rose from his chair to pace in front of the fire, the crumpled letter still in hand. “You’re probably right, but by all that’s holy, she intends to bring her entire brood. There’ll be work to do preparing chambers, Bonhomme.”
    The Steward nodded and took his leave, his mouth curved in a hint of a smile.
    Romain retrieved the parchment, smoothing out the creases with his thumbs. “ Bien , look at the bright side. The younger ones will be good