The Snow White Bride by Claire Delacroix Read Free Book Online Page A

gentle, she knew as much already, and he was observant beyond men she had known. But doubtless, there would be little difference between him and the others in the end, little difference once his lust was sated, little difference once she failed him in some expectation.
    Meanwhile, the hall fell silent at Alexander’s summons and every eye fixed upon him. He smiled at the company and spoke so that his words carried across the hall. “Again I welcome you to my board, and I hope that you have eaten heartily this night.”
    The company roared, more than one pair of crockery cups clunking together. There was a hoot from the back of the hall, as if some table of merry souls had imbibed overmuch; then feet were stamped.
    Alexander clapped his hands again, even as he laughed. “I shall take that as assent,” he said, though few could have heard him over the ruckus.
    He shook his head when quiet did not ensue, then let loose a piercing whistle of fearsome volume. His sisters clapped their hands over their ears and protested the noise, though the hall fell silent once more.
    Alexander bowed slightly. “Though it is clear that you all enjoy yourselves already, I would propose an entertainment this evening.” The musicians began to play a tune, but he waved them to silence. “There is a tradition common in other halls but new to our own, at least on Christmas Eve. In the past, we have saved our folly for Twelfth Night alone.”
    “Tell us your scheme!” roared some intrepid soul.
    Eleanor noted that all three of Alexander’s younger sisters looked wary. “He savors this moment overmuch,” muttered Elizabeth, the youngest. “It is a poor omen for us.”
    And truly, Alexander’s eyes danced so wickedly that even Eleanor half-feared what he would suggest. “What say you all to the appointment of a Lord of Misrule?” he cried.
    “So long as he cannot make marriages,” Isabella replied.
    Alexander feigned insult. “Do not be absurd! My sisters shall all choose their own spouses, for my lesson has been learned.”
    “Do not trust him for a moment,” Elizabeth growled, though she was ignored.
    The company bellowed approval of Alexander’s suggestion, and feet were stamped with deafening vigor.
    Alexander whistled again. “I reserve the right to appoint each person in this hall to his or her new position. We shall play our parts for all this evening, and revert to normal manners in the morning. No soul may injure another, no person may be cruel. This is folly and amusement, no more. Are we understood?” The company grunted agreement, and more than one man nodded approval of this sentiment.
    “Now we begin.” Alexander spun and surveyed the company, as mischievous as a pixie. “Marjorie, the ale maker, shall trade places with my sister Madeline and be Lady of Caerwyn this night.”
    An older woman with a kindly face rose to her feet, clearly embarrassed to be the focus of attention, yet excited as well. She flushed scarlet when her companions cheered. Madeline smiled and rose with grace to exchange places with the woman. Marjorie might have bowed to Madeline, but Madeline bowed first, then kissed Ma r jorie’s hand. The woman’s mouth fell open and she fairly gaped in delight when Madeline put her own silken veil and circlet on Marjorie’s head. Madelin e then sat at the board with Mar jorie’s kin as if she had been there all along.
    “Go sit in my place at the high table,” Madeline bade Marjorie when that woman hesitated. Marjorie’s eyes lit with excitement as she crossed the hall and she giggled as she fit herself into the space on the bench that Madeline had vacate d. Madeline’s husband kissed Mar jorie’s hand with gallantry and the woman giggled.
    “Rose, the cook’s wife, you will take the place of my sister Vivienne and be Lady of Blackleith this night,” Alexander said. Another matron fairly dashed to the high table in her enthusiasm; then Vivienne surrendered her veil and circlet in her turn.