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

quickly. “He just gets distracted sometimes. He likes to be outside, riding and hunting and caring for the animals, while I … I like to study more. I like to ride too, of course, but I spend more time with books than he does.”
    I could hear myself babbling, as if my torrent of words might forestall the inevitable. The archbishop did not react, though his gaze was attentive. Something in his steady regard disturbed me, though I did not know why. Outwardly he hadn’t changed at all from my childhood memory of him—prepossessing, larger than life, but also benevolent and trustworthy; a man who had protected my mother in her time of need.
    Still, I wanted him gone. I didn’t want to hear what he had to say.
    I did not want my life to change.
    “I am proud you’ve both fared so well,” he said, “given the circumstances. Nevertheless, our king believes your current situation should be improved. In specific, he has asked that you come to court to visit with him.”
    My mouth went bone-dry. I managed to say in a low voice, “I am honored, of course. But I must ask you to tell His Majesty that we cannot, for our mother’s sake. We are her children and she needs us.”
    He sat quiet for a moment. Then he said, “I’m afraid that will not do. I did not wish to mention it, but I am aware of your mother’s … indisposition. His Majesty is not, naturally, but should he discover it, he might consider her state too delicate to be further taxed by the care of a son and daughter entering their adolescence.”
    I could feel the bones in my hands as I clasped them tighter, to stop them from trembling. “We … we are not a burden to her, my lord.”
    “No one said you are. But you are part of the royal family and have lived far from court since your half brother the king took the throne.He wishes to remedy it.” He gently touched my clenched hands. “My child, I can see you are troubled. Will you not unburden yourself to me? I am a man of God. Anything you say will be held in strictest confidence.”
    I did not like the feel of his heavy hand on mine. Unable to stop myself, I said angrily, “For years we’ve lived without word or sign from my brother the king, yet now he suddenly wants us at court? Forgive me, but I cannot help but wonder at his sincerity.”
    “I understand. But you must put such misgivings to rest. The king has no ill intentions toward you; he merely wishes that you and Alfonso be with him at this important time in his life. You do want to see your little niece, don’t you? And the queen is eager to welcome you. You’ll have tutors, new rooms, and gowns. Alfonso will have a household and servants of his own. It is time for you both to take your places in the world.”
    He was not saying anything I hadn’t considered myself since the king’s letter. It seemed I had always known this day might come. Despite the tragedy that had brought us to Arévalo, far from the world we’d once inhabited, children of kings were not destined to dwell in drafty castles in the middle of nowhere.
    “What about our mother?” I asked. “What will happen to her?”
    “His Majesty will not deprive you of your mother forever. Once you’re settled at court, he’ll send for her as well. But first the Infante Alfonso and you must come to Segovia to celebrate the Princess Joanna’s birth. The king wants you both present for her christening.”
    I looked at him. “When must we go?”
    “In three days. Your mother knows; she understands. Doña Clara and her other women and servants will care for her. Your friend Beatriz can accompany you, of course, and you may write as often as you like from court.” He paused; for a fleeting moment I thought I saw reluctance on his face as he stood. “I regret having troubled you but I promise I will see to your comfort at court. I want you to rely on me, for I am your friend. I’ve championed your mother these many years so she could keep you with her in Arévalo, but even