Besieged and Betrothed

‘Empress?’

‘He told me that you’d hold Haword for me if Stephen returned. If you’re William’s daughter, then I know better.’

She swallowed nervously. ‘I swore an oath, my lady.’

‘I know.’ Matilda patted her arm, the atmosphere of menace evaporating. ‘When I told Lothar to bring you here, I thought it was because I wanted to punish you. Now I know I just wanted to look at the woman he cared about enough to lie to me. I wanted to see the two of you together. And when he walked out of that door just now he looked at you in a way I’ve never seen him look at anyone before, as if he truly loves you.’

‘He

doesn’t. He said—’

‘I doubt he knows it himself, of course,’ Matilda continued. ‘But he does. And if he’s finally found someone to care about, then perhaps I can let him go after all. Just as long as he doesn’t get hurt.’

‘I’d never hurt him!’

‘Not deliberately, perhaps, but you could and badly. If you’ve managed to open his heart again, then I’m glad of it, but underneath that hard exterior, he’s vulnerable. I can forgive you for everything else, but if you hurt Lothar then I’ll lead an army into Herefordshire myself. I don’t ask you to renounce your oath to Stephen, but I do expect you to put your marriage vows ahead of it. If you have to choose, then I expect you to choose Lothar. Not me, not Stephen, but him. Can you promise me that?’

‘Yes, Empress.’ She found herself nodding even before Matilda had finished speaking. ‘But what about Normandy? He says you need him.’

‘Typical man.’ Matilda rolled her eyes. ‘I’ll miss him, but I’ll manage. I want him to have a chance at happiness, too. Besides, he’s a stern enough companion at the best of times. I don’t need him acting the lovesick swain as well. Better that he stays here.’

‘But...’ Juliana lifted her shoulders and then let them fall again helplessly. ‘What if you’re wrong? What if he really can’t love? What if he doesn’t want to stay with me?’

‘Those are risks, but ones worth taking, don’t you think?’ Matilda gave her a pointed look. ‘Come now, I didn’t expect William’s daughter to give up quite so easily. Do you love him or not?’

‘It’s not that simple.’

‘Well, decide and be certain. If you love Lothar, then take him, but I won’t part with him for less.’

‘What do I say to him?’

Matilda’s gaze softened. ‘If you love him, then you need to be the strong one and tell him. He won’t do it first. Tell him he loves you, too, for pity’s sake. Force some sense into that stubborn head of his.’

‘I can’t just...’

‘You can.’ Matilda raised her cup as if she were making a toast, sapphire eyes glinting over the rim. ‘He’s just a man, Juliana. Tell him you love him. It might be the only thing that can save him.’

Chapter Twenty-Eight

‘Lothar!’

He swung round at the sound of Matilda’s summons, charging towards the door so fast that if a guard hadn’t opened it, he might simply have barged through.

‘Empress?’ He came to a halt a few paces away from where the two women sat side by side, one regarding him with a look of hauteur, the other staring at the floor as if she wanted to sink through it. His hopes plummeted.

‘I’ve reached a decision.’ Matilda stood up languidly. ‘Your wife has pulled the wool over your eyes, Lothar. I can’t trust her not to side with Stephen once I’m gone. She cannot remain as chatelaine at Haword.’

‘But, Empress...’

‘It seems to me there are only two choices,’ Matilda spoke over him. ‘Either we send her packing off to Stephen, or somebody has to stay and keep an eye on her. Under the circumstances, I believe you’re the only fit man for the job.’

‘Me?’

‘Would you prefer me to send another man?’

‘No!’

‘I thought not.’ Matilda’s lips twitched as she picked up an ermine cloak and swung it loosely around her shoulders. ‘After all, she’s your wife, Lothar, and you know how difficult those can be. Just ask my husband.’