Page 99 of Fortress of Snow
“It was for the best that I had to fend for myself. God has watched over me and protected me. It could have been a lot worse. You are here now. That is enough for me.”
She put her arms around him and buried her face in his chest.
This woman was so good, everything a man could desire in a wife. His mind was racing with thoughts of the terrible things that might happen and the things he could do to make sure she stayed safe if he was executed or sent away. Was she right about him taking on responsibilities that were not his own?
But he would marry Mazy, Lord willing, and then he could rightfully take on the responsibility for her welfare and provision. But he also knew there was a limit to what he could control. He would do what he was able to do and pray and trust God for the rest.
Mazy was in the market the next day when two of the king’s guards found her.
“Mazelina of Wexcombe, the king has summoned you to the palace.”
Giles said in a booming voice, “What is this about? Why does the king wish to see her?”
“We were not told that,” one of the guards said, “but she must come with us.”
Mazy left her booths with the women in her employ and went with the guards. Giles accompanied her, always making sure to walk between her and the king’s guards.
When they reached the palace, Sir Berenger was waiting outside the king’s chamber. Their eyes met and he winked at her.
When the chancellor saw Mazy, he said, “You may go in now.”
Sir Berenger took a deep breath and let it out, but then he gave her a brave look, pressing his lips together.
Mazy smiled at him. She wanted to hug him, kiss him, or at least squeeze his hand, but she refrained, as the doors to the king’s chamber swung open.
“Come forth!” the king commanded. “Sir Berenger and Mazelina. How fares the child, Juliana?”
Sir Berenger looked at Mazy, indicating that she should answer.
“She is well in body and spirit, Your Majesty.”
“I am glad to hear that. I made some inquiries and discovered that the child is, in all likelihood, exactly who you said she was.” King Richard stared at Mazy.
There was silence as no one spoke. Finally, the king continued.
“I also discovered that you were both right about Lady Bristow. She has close connections to the king of France. In fact,after I told her what Sir Berenger had said about her, she left in the middle of the night. I sent my men after her. They arrested her as she was trying to board a ship bound for France in the company of two ruffians named Wimarc and Silvester and intercepted an incriminating letter she had written to King Charles of France.”
Sir Berenger met Mazy’s gaze before looking back at the king.
“She is a traitor, and she will be dealt with as such. I do not think she had enough information to do much damage to England, but if she could have, she would have. But I asked you both here because I might never have known either of these schemes of Lady Bristow’s if it had not been for the two of you.”
“It is our privilege, honor, and duty to help our king and our country,” Sir Berenger said with a bow. “We are relieved that she has been captured and can no longer harm Juliana.”
“I am now even more eager to reward you, Sir Berenger, and you, Mazelina of Wexcombe. But how shall I do it? Do you have any suggestions for me?”
Mazy could not tell if the king was serious or in jest. Again, Sir Berenger spoke first.
“Your Majesty, if I may be so bold, and if you will allow it, I have two requests. The first is that you would allow Mazelina and me to be the guardians of Juliana, the rightful heir of Bristow Castle and its holdings.”
The king stared, his expression unchanging, before finally saying, “That request is granted, as I believe the two of you will take care of the child and her assets. What is your other request?”
“That you would allow me to marry Mazelina of Wexcombe, as I am in love with her.”
“And what are the lady’s wishes? Does Mazelina wish to marry Sir Berenger?”
“Yes, Your Majesty, I do.” Mazy’s heart leapt.
“Then your wish is my command. The two of you shall be married forthwith.”
