The Queen's Vow: A Novel of Isabella of Castile by C. W. Gortner Read Free Book Online Page A

I have my limits. In the end, I am but a royal servant and must do as the king commands.”
    “I understand.” I stood, kissed his extended ring.
    He set his hand on my head. “My dearest infanta,” he murmured, and then he turned and strode off, his cloak billowing about him.
    A favor, in exchange for a favor …
    As I remembered those cryptic words uttered years earlier, I gripped the edge of the bench. I did not see Beatriz enter the open arcade by the cloisters bordering the garden, did not notice her at all until I turned and caught her sinking into a reverence as Carrillo swept past. As soon as he was gone, she gathered her skirts and ran to me. The moment she reached me, I squared my shoulders, though I felt so disoriented I thought my legs would not hold up under me.
    “Dios mío!”
she exclaimed, breathless. “That was Archbishop Carrillo, wasn’t it? What did he want? What did he say to you?” She went still, taking in my expression. “He’s come for you and Alfonso, hasn’t he? He’s taking you to court.”
    I stared past her to where the archbishop had disappeared into the convent. I slowly assented. Beatriz started to reach for my hands; I pulled away. “No,” I murmured. “I … I want to be alone. Go, please. See to my mother. I’ll be there shortly.”
    I turned pointedly away, leaving her with a wounded look on her face. It was the first time I had issued an order and I knew it hurt her. But I had to do it. I needed her gone.
    I did not want anyone to see me cry.

CHAPTER FOUR
     

     
    W e stayed the night in Santa Ana, in the accommodations above the cloisters reserved for exalted guests; my mother had her own small chamber while Beatriz and I rested in an adjoining one. I did not say anything about my encounter with the archbishop and neither my mother nor Beatriz asked, though my friend’s searching gaze followed me all evening.
    The next day we returned to Arévalo in silence, my mother riding in front, talking to Don Bobadilla, her head held high. Not once did she look in my direction. The moment we reached the castle, she went to her apartments with Doña Elvira hastening behind, laden with the bolts of cloth she and Beatriz had bought in Ávila.
    As Beatriz and I entered the hall, Alfonso came bounding down the staircase, his bow and a quiver of arrows slung on his shoulder. “At last,” he declared, his hair tousled and fingers stained with ink. “I’ve been bored stiff waiting for you. Come, let’s go out and shoot at the butts before supper. All I’ve done these past days is read. My eyes hurt. I need to stretch my muscles.”
    I tried to smile. “Alfonso, wait a moment. I’ve something important to tell you.” Beatriz began to move away. I set a hand on her arm. “Stay. This concerns you, too.” I led them to the table. Alfonso dropped his bow, sat on one of the hard wood stools. He frowned. “Well? What is it? Did something happen in Ávila?”
    “Yes.” I paused, swallowing the knot in my throat. Then I told him everything, watching his face as my words sank in. Beside me, Beatriz went still. When I was finished, Alfonso remained silent for a few moments before he said, “I don’t see that there’s anything to worry about. We’ll do our duty, attend the christening, and then they’ll send us back.”
    “I don’t think you understand,” I said, looking quickly at Beatriz. “Carrillo told me he doesn’t know how long we’ll be gone. It could be … we may not return here at all.”
    “Of course we will.” Alfonso raked a hand through his hair. “This is our home. Enrique never cared for us before; I hardly think he’ll change now.” He stood. “So, are we going to shoot at the butts?”
    I opened my mouth to protest when I felt Beatriz kick my foot. She shook her head. I said to Alfonso, “You go. We’re tired. We’ll go see if Mama needs anything.”
    “Fine, suit yourself.” He picked up his bow and walked out; I let out a ragged sigh,