The Blue Falcon by Robyn Carr Read Free Book Online Page A

her: Medwin had not yet approved the betrothal. Alaric wished for Conan to take one of Medwin’s daughters. Phalen was not so great, but far greater than the simple Cordell that Chandra would inherit. And the land did lie close to Anselm. If Conan could be persuaded to speak for Edwina, Medwin would immediately agree.
    She made up her mind quickly. She feared Giselle’s prediction would be accurate and that the young beauty Conan was destined toward was Chandra. There was no time to begin a search for wealthier maidens, and no circumstance could more permanently remove Chandra from his reach than to have him marry her sister. She must find a way to move her son to ask for the hand of Lady Edwina. Tonight. He must ask her tonight!
    The tournament came to an exciting finish, with many victorious knights ready to collect their prizes, but in the eyes of the people who had gathered to watch, Sir Conan’s victories had been the grandest. And in the eyes of the young lady Chandra, he was clearly the hero of the day.
    When Chandra and her sisters returned to the hall, Edythe was waiting for them. “ My lady mother wishes our presence,” she said anxiously. She gestured toward the stair. “ She waits in her chamber.”
    Chandra and Edwina quickly followed, but Laine had long since disappeared. The middle sister yearned more for the devotion of prayers than the excitement of tournaments and feasting.
    They entered the lady’s chamber to find her sitting in her rather regal chair. “ Edythe,” she called. “ Come sit here by me.” Happily the girl perched on a stool at her mother’s right hand. Chandra and Edwina curtsied before her.
    “ Please forgive our sister, Laine,” Edwina said, her man ner quiet and reserved. “ She has grown ill from the long day and the hot sun. She begs to be excused.”
    “ Of course,” Udele replied. She reached for Chandra’s hand. “ Dear Chandra, you are not so wearied,” she smiled. “ You look as though the day is just beginning for you.”
    “ Truly, madam, I feel as though it is! Given the chance, I would spend another day thusly.”
    Udele laughed softly. “ Then you would not mind another chore? Could you serve me now?”
    “ I would be honored, madam.” Chandra bowed.
    “ Would you go to the hall with Edythe and see the needs of the men served? I would have Edythe act as mistress in my stead and I know she would welcome your company.”
    Edythe perked up at this, for until today she was kept far from the tasks of a lady and kept mostly with the children. Though she had reached the age that her mother had been when she married, she had never been allowed to do anything of significance within the great hall.
    Chandra was likewise pleased, for there was no place she would rather be than in the hall when Conan arrived. “ Thank you, my lady,” she said politely, trying to conceal her great joy.
    Edwina remained and Udele turned to her. “ You must rest for a time before the feast so you will be at your best. Have you a rich gown to wear?”
    “ I have one, madam. It was made especially for this day.”
    “ And a fine wimple? You must let much of your hair show. You have such pretty hair.”
    Edwina was confused. She touched her hair in wonder, for since Chandra had matured, and especially since the last summer, she had not received many compliments from her elders.
    Udele laughed at the confusion in Edwina’s eyes. “ You don’t kn o w why I’ve called you, do you, dear heart? My son will take a bride soon. I think you should make yourself known to him.”
    “ But madam, he has not noticed me at all. Truly, my sister seems to be more his desire.”
    “ Chandra is far too young. No doubt she will one day capture a fine husband, but Sir Conan is ready for a bride now, and he needs a woman full grown.” She reached for
    Edwina’s hand and drew her near. “ You are lovely, dear, and prosperous as well.”
    “ And you would have me, lady?”
    “ I would be honored.