Once He Loves (Medieval 3)

“Can you forgive her?”

Briar glanced up at her husband, and found a smile. “Jocelyn? Aye, I think so. I would not have done so once, but now I understand better what she must have felt. Jocelyn has loved Odo all her life, and she will continue to do so. I would not deny her that. In a way…’tis strange, but I think his death is a relief to her. I always believed she would be unable to cope, but she is strong, Ivo. We are all of us, Kenton sisters, strong.”

He squeezed her gently, bending to kiss the top of her head.

“And we are safe,” he said.

“Aye, we are safe.”

“The past is done with, and we can start anew. Make a beginning, you and me.”

“You and me,” she murmured, and together they watched the sun go down.

Epilogue

“Lady Briar?”

Briar stepped forward at the speaking of her name, curtsying before Radulf and Lily as low as the babe in

her belly would allow. Her heart was thumping with fear and hope. This day was as special as her wedding day. The wheel had come full circle.

Radulf held a single sheet of paper in his hand, much creased and stained from its journey, and there was a seal dangling from it. A very official looking seal.

“Lord Henry has brought this to me from London,” Radulf went on. “Do you know what it is?”

Briar glanced sideways at Ivo, trying to keep a straight face when she was longing to smile. “No, my lord. At least, I dare not hope it is what I have longed for these many months…”

“Well, perhaps your wishes have come true, lady. This is a decree from the king to say he has removed the taint of traitor from your father’s name. You and your sisters are no longer outcasts. The Castle Kenton estate will be returned to you. You have your name back, Lady Briar, and you can go home.”

Briar was trying not to cry.

Home. She could go home to her beloved Castle Kenton…As if it felt her joy, the babe moved inside her, kicking strongly. She would be able to have her child at home!

“Ivo.”

Ivo stepped forward beside her, making his bow and awaiting Radulf’s instructions.

“Ivo, the king has also decreed that because of your loyalty, honesty, and bravery, you be returned your knighthood. You will henceforth be known as Sir Ivo de Vessey.”

Ivo’s dark eyes widened, and he seemed unable to reply. Briar swallowed her tears, knowing if a speech was to be made then it was up to her.

“I thank you, Lord Radulf,” she began, her voice shaking. “You have done a wondrous thing, and I cannot express my-my—”

“Then do not try,” Radulf interrupted uncomfortably. “I have righted an injustice, that is all.”

Lily reached to grasp his hand, her beautiful face full of love for her warrior husband. Briar, too, glanced at her own husband, and found her eyes locked with his.

“We will live there together,” she said firmly, as if she were afraid he might say her nay. “I need your help, Ivo. I cannot do it on my own. I would not want to.”

“You will have my help, demoiselle,” Ivo replied softly. “I give it gladly. Now and forever.”