Page 29 of One Knight
He readied himself before waking his wife.
“Already?” she whispered as she rubbed her face.
“Soon, this will all be a memory. You can do it. I’ll take you to see to your needs.”
Henry was realizing he very much liked having a wife to care for. He had enjoyed it before their vows were said, but even more so now, when he had the right to touch her and hold her and carry her as needed.
It was something he hadn’t expected. Truly, he had never thought about the realities of marriage. He had known it would happen if William willed it, and that was the end of it. It was turning out to be much better than he could have imagined.
Once she was seated again on horseback, he finished his own preparations. His king found him before he mounted.
“Your bride is settling in well?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Good. We will stay one night at your holding, and then we ride to Baron Goddard’s land. If he does not swear fealty or I feel he is unfit, I will seize it and place it under control of one of your knights as your vassal. Decide which one before we arrive.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.” Relief flooded Henry, as that meant, in all likelihood, his neighbor would be a man he trusted. But only when that day dawned and William’s decision was final would it be a certainty.
It couldn’t come soon enough for Henry. Thenthe issue of the baron’s youngest son lusting after his wife would be ended—forever.
CHAPTER 14
Elisande had never been so happy to see the walls surrounding the manor house of Rosewyn ahead. The gates were open, and a banner she didn’t recognize flew above the wall.
She assumed it had to be her husband’s coat of arms.
The entire king’s entourage rode as one long train toward the entrance. She was thankful Hilda wasn’t far behind. She had enjoyed her ride in a wagon, along with the tents and other items that made up the king’s camp.
Mounted knights met them at the entrance. Elisande recognized one as the man who had searched the solarium.
Sir Rolf, she believed he was called.
“Welcome, Your Majesty,” he called to the king with a bow from the saddle of his destrier. “Welcome back, Sir Henry.”
“That is Lord de Vere now,” the king called to Sir Rolf.
“Congratulations, my lord.”
“And Lady de Vere as well,” Henry said as he gestured to Elisande.
“My felicitations on your nuptials, my lady, my lord.”
“Thank you, Sir Rolf,” Elisande said as they rode through the gates behind the king.
“All is well?” Henry asked.
“There were no issues in your absence, my lord. The manor runs in a very orderly fashion. The servants know their duties well.”
This pleased Elisande greatly. That meant her people were safe and well. And now that she was home, she could finally take a bath.
The cold streams might have saved her muscles, but a hot bath sounded like the greatest of all luxuries.
But first, they had the king’s comfort to see to as long as he was in residence. The solarium would be his, as it was the best possible accommodation. She and Henry could use the other large room that her brother had preferred, as it was closer to the kitchens.
“What a fine holding,” the king said. “I am glad I sent you here, Henry. You will fortify these walls and begin construction on stone towers around the manor house. This is to become an impregnable castle. I shall have plans drawn up and sent to you by messenger.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
