Roselynde by Roberta Gellis Read Free Book Online

her place and swore. The Queen smiled on them all and
raised a hand for further attention.
    "I must praise you all for your loyalty to your lady in the
troubled times that are now past. But Lady Alinor is of tender years and has no
husband to hold together her many honors. In no despite of your honor and
loyalty but to further the quiet state of the land, it is my further duty to
take Lady Alinor into the King's protection and to set over you all a King's
warden."
    There was no break in the attentive silence, but its quality
changed. Tension grew. The Queen's mouth hardened for a moment. It was well
that she had a man strong enough and of a wide enough reputation right at hand
to take on this task. These men had been molded for years to the duty of
honoring their mistress. Lord Rannulf had never intended that his pearl of
price should be at any man's mercy. Even to the last and least man-at-arms, the
Queen suspected. Alinor's word would be of greater weight than any oath. It
would be necessary to permit the men to become accustomed to obeying the warden
and then remove Alinor from close contact with her vassals—for a while at least
until the country was settled into its new leadership.
    "Be assured," she said clearly, "that Lord Richard
means only good to your lady and to you all. To give weight and substance to
these words of good intent, he has chosen as Alinor's warden Sir Simon Lemagne,
who stands at my left hand."
    Alinor, who was slightly behind the Queen, could not see Sir
Simon's face, but she could not miss the lift of the head, the sharply indrawn
breath, the sudden tensing of his heavy shoulders. The assignment was a
complete surprise to him. Was this the jest the Queen had spoken of when she
entered the keep? Obviously Simon was a trusted and much-loved servant. Was
that good or bad? At least Alinor was in no doubt about the feelings of her
vassals. She could hear almost explosive sighs of relief from Sir Andre and Sir
John.
    The Queen gestured Sir Simon forward. For one short instant before
he bent his knee to her, their eyes locked. The Queen's lips twitched. She had
a feeling that Lady Alinor would not be the easiest ward to control.
Nonetheless, she remained perfectly grave and her voice did not quiver. The
Queen had long practice in subduing unseemly mirth.
    "Do you, Sir Simon, swear to deal honestly and justly with
the vassals and lands of Lady Alinor, and, saving the King's grace and honor,
do all in your power to maintain her honor and benefit."
    "I swear."
    The face, which Alinor could now see, was as set and
expressionless as a steel mask, and under the weathered brown showed a like
gray shade that spoke of pallor. Alinor felt indignant. She could not believe
herself to be so onerous a burden. Sir Simon came to his feet and a crooked
finger brought Sir Andre and Sir John forward.
    "Do you accept Sir Simon as King's warden?"
    The voices answered in chorus. "Saving our lady's honor and
grace, I do so swear."
    The Queen's lips folded hard. That was not the answer she desired
or expected. There was, however, no way to make them amend it to a simple
acceptance without dangerous resentment, not only in them but in all the
witnesses. The momentary pique passed, and she smiled.
    "Well then, we have done our business. You are all free to
go." But she took Alinor by one hand and Simon by the other, keeping them
with her as the others withdrew.
    As the Great Hall began to empty the Queen sank back into her
chair and turned her eyes to Alinor. "I hope you believe now that I spoke
the truth in your chamber."
    "I can see that my vassals are well pleased, Your Grace. Thus
I do know that you have dealt kindly and truthfully with me." She
hesitated and then, as usual, spoke her irritation aloud. "Sir Simon,
however, does not seem exactly overjoyed at having me in his care."
    "And should he be?" the Queen asked mischievously.
"He has had two long talks with Sir Andre and Sir John. Perhaps they have
told him you are no