Page 97 of Fortress of Snow

“I promised I would not tell, but it came from a reliable source.”

“Go on.”

“I came to tell Sir Berenger this information, but he had already witnessed the lady treating the child very ill. And while I was there, we found the lady’s head house servant trying to force the child to eat some cooked mushrooms, which turned out to be death cap mushrooms. As I am sure Your Majesty knows, they are very poisonous.”

“You saw this with your own eyes?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. The child was keeping her lips closed, refusing to eat the mushrooms. Sir Berenger stopped the servant from forcing her to eat them. And that is why we took the child with us when we left Bristow.” Mazy’s words were finally sounding less breathless. But she sounded so stilted.

“I see. And what else do you know of Lady Bristow?”

“Nothing, Your Majesty. I do not know her at all, but I know Sir Berenger would have married her because his king wished it if he hadn’t discovered such treachery, and that he would never lie about anyone, especially not a woman. He takes his vows as a knight very seriously. He is a very honorable knight.” Did she sound as if she was in love with Sir Berenger? Would the king tell her that her testimony meant nothing, as she was giving him opinions rather than facts?

“And his fellow knights and guards must know what a good man he is. That he is a knight of good character and good courage.”

“And you, Mazelina of Wexcombe. Why are you in London and not in Wexcombe?”

Her heart stopped beating for a moment. “Shortly after my father died, I came to London with my brother, Sir John, who is a knight in your service.”

“Who is your husband?”

“I am not married, Your Majesty. I sell goods in the marketplace. I buy the goods from women in the countryside, mostly widows who have children to feed, and I sell them. I have two booths in the market and two workers.”

“More widows?”

“‘More widows,’ Your Majesty?”

“Are your two workers also widows?”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

The king smiled. “Is there anything else you wish to tell me?”

Was there? She tried to think of something important to share. “I thank you for allowing me to speak to you. I just wanted to plead with you to believe Sir Berenger. He is truthful and is truly the best man I know—good and compassionate and loyal to God and to his king and to England. He would never mistreat anyone. He only wants to do what is right.”And he loves me.

She had to blow out a breath through her mouth to stave off the tears that pricked her eyelids.

The king stared at her with a mild expression. Finally he said, “I am glad you came to speak to me, Mazelina of Wexcombe. You may go now.”

Was that all? Did he have no questions for her? But all she could do was to bow and leave.

As she was escorted from the king’s chamber, she began to breathe freely again. Had she said the right things? Her cheeks were hot and her sides and hairline were damp and sweaty as the guards opened the door, then closed it behind her.

Giles was not waiting for her, as she had sent him to protect Juliana. Had he arrived in time and was Juliana safe? Why had she not mentioned that Lady Bristow was trying to take Juliana back? But perhaps it was best that she had not said anything about that. It might seem as if the lady cared more about the child than she actually did.

She hurried as fast as she could toward the Swan and prayed,Thank You, God, for letting me meet with the king. I cannot know what the outcome will be, but I pray You will show Sir Berenger—and me—mercy and favor. God, please give us favor. And please don’t let those bad men take Juliana away.

When she arrived at the Swan, Ro was sitting on a stool, hugging Juliana, and Giles was standing over them. All the customers were standing around talking, their eyes wide. Everyone turned toward her, nervous looks on their faces.

“Mazy!” Juliana called out.

She went to her and asked Ro, “What happened?”

“Wimarc and Silvester were here. Giles chased them away.” Ro let out a long breath.

“I don’t think they’ll be back,” Giles said, sheathing his sword.

“They wanted to take Juliana,” Ro said.