Magic in His Kiss by Shari Anton Read Free Book Online Page A

wealth and power at so young an age, and the conceit of it proved irritating.
    Nicole dipped into a deep curtsy. “My lord de Vere. Mother Abbess would have been pleased to know you attend her burial.”
    The earl held out a hand, helping Nicole to rise. “My condolences, Lady Nicole. I know how much you loved Mother Abbess.”
    “As did you, my lord. She always enjoyed your visits. We shall both miss her mightily, may she rest with the Lord.”
    “So we shall,” the earl agreed before
finally
releasing Nicole’s hand and turning his narrowed eyes on Rhodri. “Master harper, I find it right strange to find a Welshman so far away from his native land. What do you here?”
    The demand for an explanation didn’t sit well, but Rhodri saw no compelling reason to withhold an answer. This wasn’t the time or place for a confrontation with an English earl. That place was on a battlefield, not an abbey’s chapel.
    Rhodri bowed as shallowly and swiftly as he dared before answering. “I am
bardd teulu
to the lady’s uncle, Connor ap Maelgwn. He bade me visit the Lady Nicole and report on how his niece fares.”
    De Vere’s glance darted from Nicole to Rhodri and back again. “I cannot believe King Stephen would condone your having contact with your Welsh uncle, particularly now. Does it not seem strange to you that your uncle would send an emissary to inquire of your welfare after so many years of neglect?”
    The back of Rhodri’s neck itched in warning. De Vere had been doing too much pondering during the Mass instead of paying heed where he ought. And he dearly hoped Nicole wouldn’t take offense at the earl’s inferences and blurt out the reason for Rhodri’s visit.
    To his relief, she tossed a dismissive hand. “Since our father’s death, Gwendolyn has kept my uncle Connor informed of mine and my sisters’ well-being. Apparently my uncle thought it time for a more direct report. I confess I am glad he sent Rhodri. His music has lightened our sorrow.”
    “All well and good, but I cannot help but wonder why a Welsh chieftain is so curious about you at a time when you may prove valuable to our king. ’Tis now obvious that Lady Nicole cannot be properly guarded at the abbey. Until I am assured this visit is as innocent as you say, you shall both become my guests in Oxford Castle.”
    Nicole paled.
    Rhodri clutched his harp a bit tighter. “My lord, I assure you, I mean the lady no harm, nor does her uncle. Connor merely wishes assurance of her health and happiness.”
    De Vere crossed his arms. “When the uncle is a Welsh chieftain, and King Stephen is in the midst of negotiating the lady’s marriage, then I would say mere concern for her welfare is not reason enough for your visit.”
    Rhodri nearly winced at how close the earl had come to the truth.
    “Marriage to whom?” Nicole asked, clearly surprised by de Vere’s revelation.
    “I am not at liberty to say,” de Vere stated. “I suggest you partake of the meal and gather your belongings quickly. We leave before the sun marks midday.”
    Obviously stunned, Nicole said naught as they followed the earl out of the chapel, and Rhodri had no opportunity to reassure her that she need not worry over the king’s negotiations or the earl’s audacity. But even as he looked for an escape route, he realized he must bide his time.
    The earl hadn’t come to Bledloe Abbey alone. In the passageway outside of the chapel stood four knights, each of them armed with swords and daggers even in this holy house. Rhodri had left his own sword in the priest’s hut, anticipating no need for it during a burial! Too, there was likely a large contingent of soldiers in the yard guarding the horses.
    Damn!
    Upon his arrival, he should have grabbed Nicole and hustled her out of the abbey. Adhering to Connor’s wish to convince Nicole to leave the abbey of her own free will had been a mistake. Now, instead of fending off an upset nun or two, they must escape a fully armed escort