Page 69 of Retribution

“Langford,” he said slowly, “close the doors. I would speak to Lady Cleodora alone.”

That tone.

Cleodora knew she was in for trouble as Langford did as he was told, indicating to the other servants in the chamber to close the doors that led to the alcoves and other passageways. There were three sets of doors in all, each one clanging closed, sounding as if cell doors to a prison were being slammed. Cleodora tried not to be unnerved by the sound, but it was difficult.

She was in for a row.

“Good eve, my lord,” she said pleasantly. “How may I be of service?”

He didn’t answer her, but rather pointed to a chair that had a pewter plate and a knife and a spoon before it.

“Sit,” he commanded.

Cleodora did. She could see the cold food at close range now and it was several hours old. Confused, she indicated the stone-cold fowl dish that was in front of her.

“Shall I send for hot food, my lord?” she said. “I am appalled that the servants have allowed this on your table.”

Unfortunately for Cleodora, Cambridge was almost finished with his second full bottle of wine. He was quite drunk and, like some men, he could be mean when drunk. He’d had several hours to drink and stew on his missing Jewel, so this moment was primed for an explosion.

It wasn’t long in coming.

“It was hot when it was first brought to me earlier today,” he said. “I sent for you to enjoy it with me, but you were nowhere to be found. I was told that you left this morning.”

Cleodora could tell by the way he was speaking that he’d had too much wine and it put her on her guard more than she already was. “I did, my lord,” she said without hesitation. “I went to do what you told me to do.”

“What is that?”

“Seduce the king’s knight.”

He lifted his eyebrows in what looked like a lazy gesture. “Did you?” he said. “So you have decided to carry out my wishes?”

“Is that not what you want me to do, my lord?”

He suddenly slammed a hand on the tabletop. “Where did you go?”

The loud bang had been jarring, causing her to start, but she kept her composure. “Into London, my lord,” she said. “There is a tavern near Adelie’s. I met Sir Aidric there.”

“And?”

“And… what, my lord?”

“Did you seduce him?”

Careful, Cleodora thought. She didn’t like the look in the man’s eye. “He is proving to be rather difficult,” she said. “He does not seem particularly receptive to female companionship, but I am trying.”

It was a bold lie, but she didn’t want to tell him the truth: how she fell into bed with the man and let him drive his body into hers in a way that still made her hot just to think about it.

She didn’t think Cambridge would take that news well.

But he smacked the top of the table again with his open palm in reply.

“You must not try anymore,” he said. “It is a wasted effort.”

“My lord?”

Cambridge stopped pounding the tabletop long enough to drain his wine cup and pour himself more before speaking. “I have other plans for you,” he said. “Plans that will bring you closer to Edward than a foolish knight ever could.”

“May I know the plans, my lord?”