Page 5 of A Knight To Call My Own
Dristan began pacing back and forth in front of her. ’Twas a true testament that he was annoyed with her since he could not stand still. “Aye, he has been a friend these many years but that does not mean he is entitled to wed with a noblewoman. He has no title, no land, and could die on the morrow upon the battlefield, leaving you a widow. Is this the life you wish to lead? A dead husband, buried in the ground, whilst you still have children to raise? Or perchance, becoming some washer woman trying to scrape out some meager existence whilst you reside in some run down hovel you will call a home?”
“’Twould never come to that. Rolf would never allow it. Besides…I could do far worse than to wed with Rolf,” she replied with a toss of her head, “like marry some titled man who only wants me for my dowry so he can enrich his coffers. At least Rolf is honorable and appears to care for me.”
“Care for you?” Dristan objected in concern. “Did he declare himself to you without my permission?”
Lynet felt foolish for speaking her mind in front of the one man who had tried to do what he thought was best for her these past many years. “Nay, of course not. Even he would not dare to proclaim such to me without your leave.”
Her words seemed to calm her liege, for he nodded his head towards her. But his visage suddenly changed, much to her dismay. ’Twas as if he made a decision of great import. “’Tis far past time for you to wed. I have only myself to blame for failing in my quest to see you settled with a husband of worth and a keep to ensure your safety.”
“Husband of worth? I do not need someone of such ilk, but a man who will love me!” Lynet groaned, knowing she did not like where this discussion was heading. “Please, Dristan, my situation is not so dire as yet. There is still time for-”
“Nay!” he interrupted her by halting her words in mid-sentence with a raised hand. “I will no longer cater to your wishes to find a suitable mate on your own nor sit idly by watching you become a spinster. I know I promised Amiria I would allow you time to find a man you could come to love, but I will be damned if I continue to let the two of you twist me around your fingers so I concede to your wishes!”
“’Tis not like that, my lord.” She watched as one black brow lifted to mock her words. “Well, mayhap, ’tis a little, but, ’tis no reason to rush into the matter of seeing me wed,” she protested, stamping her foot for good measure. She could tell by his stance she would not win this contest of wills between them.
“We shall host a tourney and invite those whose suit is worthy of you,” he continued speaking as though he had not heard her complaints. “At the end of the games, the winner shall have your hand in marriage, and Father Donovan will perform the ceremony. My mind is set. Resign yourself to your fate, little sister.” He left her abruptly.
She stood in numb silence with her mouth hanging open. Completely stunned, she realized ’twas the first time she could remember that Dristan had not listened to the import of her opinion, as though he valued her thoughts. Rejected, she slumped down on the bench, barely feeling the cold stone beneath her. Her world quickly crashed down about her, whilst her worst fears became a harsh reality. She promised herself she would not cry, but ’twas almost an impossible task, knowing she had just become nothing more than a useless pawn played in a game ruled only by men.
Chapter Four
Rolf flinched as Kenna finishedtying the bandage about his injured arm. He flexed his fist testing the strength of his limb. Satisfied ’twould not become a useless stump, he rose from the ground and held out his hand to assist Berwyck’s healer.
He was amazed at the firmness of her grip, for such a slight woman, but more surprised when she did not release his hand. He made a quick grab for her as she swooned into him. Others may have thought the woman merely fainted but he knew better. Kenna had the sight, and he feared what she would tell him of the vision she was having concerning his future. Was it just his imagination, or did he feel as though his fate was just sealed as it unwillingly pounced across his soul?
Keeping his hold securely upon her, he lowered her down onto the ground. Her eyes, hidden behind closed lids, moved rapidly as her vision played afore her mind with images only she knew for certain. Rolf knew she would reveal what she thought was of import, once she came back to him. Though he was not sure he would care for her words. Already his heart felt heavy with what he feared she would foretell.
The sound of running footsteps signaled Rolf of Kenna’s husband Geoffrey coming to her aid. Geoffrey was followed closely by Dristan, who came to stand afore him. The scowl his lord tossed in his direction did not bode well.
Geoffrey knelt at his wife’s side, not daring to touch her. Years of living with her had brought with it the knowledge that for her husband to do so would vault Kenna into another direction she was not meant to take. Geoffrey had interrupted her visions several times in the past, and the outcome had been worse than her merely being tired after her ordeal. Rolf was not sure he could be as patient as his friend had been over the years. To watch Kenna sometimes in agony whilst her visions haunted her was not something he would ever get used to.
She began to rouse as her eyelids fluttered open. With a shaky breath, she looked around her and gave her audience a weak smile. “All is well,” she whispered softly.
Geoffrey shook his head as he helped her rise unsteadily to her feet. “Are you sure, Kenna?” He placed a kiss upon her temple causing her to smile.
“Aye,” she replied. Her gaze roamed over Rolf’s face and he could see the sorrow fly fleetingly across her green eyes. “We must have speech.”
Rolf nodded his head and took hold of her arm. Dristan waved Geoffrey off to the lists afore he turned his attention to the pair afore him. “You will see to her ’til she is recovered,” he muttered between clenched teeth.
“Aye, my lord.”
Rolf stood there in silence whilst he watched Dristan take his leave. Unwilling, he at last looked down upon the woman who would ruin what little hope he had held for his future. He knew what she would say even afore the words left her lips.
“She is not for you,” Kenna said placing her hand on his forearm. “I am most sorry.”
He felt, more than saw, her touch as she patted his arm, he supposed, to show some form of comfort. He laughed inwardly. He should have known his feelings for Lynet and his desire to make her his wife would not come to fruition. But he had held such hope.
“There is no reason you must needs be sorry, Kenna. ’Tis hardly your fault you confirm my worst fears.”
“Lord Dristan would never allow such a union anyway, Rolf. I hate to say this, but even if he agreed to your suit, the king would not be pleased you wed above your station in life.”
“King Henry would have no reason to believe I would not remain a loyal subject if Lynet and I were to marry.”
“Perchance ’tis so, but what compensation to his coffers would it gain the crown if he were to accept your petition?” she asked softly.
Rolf raised his eyes heavenward. “I have enough coin to see Lynet would never want for anything she desires, if this is what you ask. If I must beggar myself afore the king, then ’twould be worth any price I must pay for Lynet to become my bride.”
“Then, mayhap, all will work out after all. ’Twill be up to you to change your future, Rolf. My visions are just those…visions. On occasion, although rare, they have been known to be wrong.” She gave him a despondent sort of smile afore she picked up her satchel containing the supplies she generally stood in need of to heal Berwyck’s people. He followed her gaze as it swept across the lists to the lone young lady sitting forlornly on a bench. “Go to her,” Kenna said as if reading his mind. “I think she is in need of you.”
