Queen Of Knights by David Wind Read Free Book Online Page B

draped down her back, ending in a staggered diamond-like pattern of jewels.
    Gwendolyn reached the door and opened it, but was again stopped by Roweena.  “Your mantle?” her servant called.
    “Not tonight,” Gwendolyn replied.  She stepped out of her bedchamber and walked to the main staircase.
    Halfway down the wide stone steps, Gwendolyn stopped.
    Below her a strange tableau unfolded.  Within the flickering illumination of the taper-lit walls, she watched her grandfather take the extended hand of one knight and raise it to his lips.  Instantly, Gwendolyn understood.  Her eyes went to the other knight and her breath caught in her throat.
    It was Miles.  When she r eturned her gaze to the first knight, she saw the deep b or d er of his surcoat.  Slowly, her eyes traced the faded coat of arms emblazoned within its center.
    The king! Even as she recognized Richard’s trappings, her grandfather stood and began to shout orders to the servants , but she could not will her feet to move.  Finally, after a long , agonizing moment, Gwendolyn forced her muscles to obey and she started to retreat up the stairs.
    At that instant, Miles turned and looked at the staircase.
    His eyes bored into hers, and all thoughts of fleeing vanished.  He smiled, showing strong white teeth, and Gwendolyn could do nothing but return the smile.
    Drawing in a deep breath, Gwendolyn descended the remaining steps and walked toward the three men.  When she was within proper distance of the king, she dropped to one . knee and bowed her head low.  Richard extended his hand, and Gwendolyn took it .  She lifted his rough - edged hand to her lips and kissed the large ring on his forefinger .
    “Rise , Lady Gwendolyn,” Richard commanded in a deep voice.  Gwendolyn rose gracefully and gazed at her monarch.
    Rather than trust her voice , she looked from the king to Mi l es.  Their eyes locked, and the message that passed between them was c l early seen by Richard.  He smiled as he turned t o Sir Hughes.
    “Your granddaughter is even l ovelier than I had been led to believe.  I congratulate you . ”
    “Thank you, my lord,” Hughes said in his gravelly voice .
    Gwendo l yn realized her grandfather was staring at her with a strange expression.  When her mind began to work again, she thought about what Richard had just said, and understood the look on her grandfather’s face.  She a l most laughed, but stopped herself.  The Duke of Devonshire was thinking of a match with the king!
    “Your Majesty ... Sir Mi l es, if you wil l excuse me, I will check on our servants’ progress,” she said as she looked pointedly at her grandfather.
    “Yes , ” Hughes agreed.  He guided Richard, Miles, and several other knights through the hall and into the great hall that was now being readied to receive them.
    Gwendolyn watched the men leave.  Her heart was racing, but she did not let her emotions show .  When the kn i ghts passed from sight, she turned, her mind galvanizing her body to action.  She went into the kitchen , issuing order after order .  The smoke-filled room was a beehive of activity as the cooks tried valiantly to make a banquet fit for a king without any notice in advance.  Everyone worked madly, and the on l y person who seemed relaxed was the tall, blonde woman who continually told everyone what to do.
    When enough food was ready, Gwendolyn breathed a sigh of relief .  The servants began to bring out tray after tray, and even at this late hour, the feast was begun.
    Two hours later, Gwendolyn entered the hall .  For the rest of her life, the memory of what she saw would live within her mind .
    The stone walls were alive with glowing tapers.  Servants streamed in and out , carrying cask after cask of mead and ale.  Seated at the center of the high table was King Richard, looking every bit the majestic warrior of whom so many tales were told.  To his right, in the position of honor , was her grandfather, and to Richard ’ s