Page 28 of Retribution

“Let me do it.”

Aidric’s brow furrowed. “Seduce the Pearl?”

Gerard shook his head. “Nay,” he said. “That is something you will do. You will get into her good graces so that she will do anything you ask. She will be the tool by which we deliver Cambridge’s fate. If she paves the path, we will take it. I will take it.”

Aidric gazed steadily at him. “You are not an Executioner Knight, either,” he said. “You are part of the Guard of Six now.”

“But I am the best man for the job.”

Aidric cocked his head curiously. “And by doing this job, do you hope to reclaim your position in the Executioner Knights?” he said. “It is a fair question. I ask with no malice.”

Fortunately, Gerard didn’t take it that way. A weak smile spread across his lips. “Mayhap,” he said. “I have much to atone for and this would be a start. Would you deny me that chance?”

Aidric shook his head. “Nay,” he said. “If we are being truthful, then I will admit I know nothing of spies, as you said. I am a protector. That is what I do. And if using the Pearl creates a situation whereby you can eliminate a great threat to the king, then I am doing my job. I am protecting him.”

“You are.”

“Then I believe we have a plan, good men,” Perrin said decisively, indicative of a man used to taking charge. “Aidric, you will set the path. Turn the tides on the lady when she tries to use you. Use her instead and we shall be there to follow whatever plan you establish with her.”

Aidric nodded. “I will,” he said. “Will you let your father know?”

“Indeed, I will,” Perrin said. “I will return to Farringdon House tonight and inform him of the situation and subsequent discussion. In fact, he may want to deploy more Executioner Knights for the feast, simply to keep an eye on Cambridge. The man has a knight by the name of Neville de Baume who was a trained executioner in France, according to my contact at Thornhill. We will want to keep an eye on de Baume.”

Aidric grunted softly. “I met him,” he said. “The man barely said a word to me.”

“Your impression of him?”

Aidric shrugged. “That is difficult to know,” he said. “I suppose he seemed competent. And very angry at what had happened to the lady.”

Perrin waggled his eyebrows, as if that reaction was completely understandable. “Well,” he said after a moment, “he is to be watched. A trained executioner would be a formidable opponent in a confrontation. Gerard? Are you listening?”

Gerard nodded. “I am,” he said as if it didn’t concern him. “He may be a French executioner, but I am a de Velt.”

That had Aidric and the others grinning. “Enough said,” Aidric said. “A de Velt will always outrank and outfight a French executioner.”

As the group agreed, the gathering seemed to be over at that point. Everything had been said that needed to be said and there was a job ahead of them. But for one of the group, it would be more of a job than for the others.

Aidric had to admit that he wasn’t looking forward to it.

He had a woman to use.

And an archbishop to destroy.

CHAPTER NINE

Thornhill Manor

It promised to be a glorious night.

A mild day had transitioned into a late afternoon of breezy delight. All about Thornhill, the standards were flapping and the wind was chasing leaves around the inner courtyard. In Cleodora’s rooms, however, Filly had outdone herself on her mistress’s ensemble for the king’s feast. Wearing the creation that Adelie had made for her, Cleodora had been standing in front of the polished glass mirror for no less than two hours as Filly and a small army of maids ensured her garment was presented exactly the way it was intended.

And what a garment it was.

Made from silver fabric—literally, white silk with silver threads woven into it—the dress had a plunging neckline, tight bodice, and a dramatically full skirt with an elegant train. A veritable gang of women had embroidered scenes on the hemline of the garment in silver thread, scenes with cupids and trees and flowers and stags. The sleeves were long and when she lifted her arms, the fabric fanned out to resemble angel’s wings.

Upon her head, she wore a diadem of pearls and silver, with strands of tiny pearls that were woven into her long hair. A thick braid trailed down her back, glistening with silver ribbons and more pearls.

Tonight, the Pearl would be on full display.