Indiscretion

Nicholas and I both grinned at each other our quarrel forgotten as we moved in for the kill, attacking the animal from both sides, spears drawn. This close it was not feasible to use our bows, as it would give the ornery animal time enough to charge us.

The first kill got our blood high and we put all else aside as we enjoyed the rest of the day. I had occasion throughout the day to remember why I loved my friend so well from our youth. Putting aside his philandering ways, something I too was guilty of, Nicholas was a man of great integrity.

We were almost to the stables, the other courtiers ahead of us raving about the day’s success. The day had been well spent, and had given me much to think about.

“Would you take care of her Nicholas?” He did not pretend ignorance at what I was saying, but I did not miss the surprise in his look.

“With my dying breath.”

“Then you shall be my brother.” We grinned at each other and exchanged words of jest to lighten the mood. We both understood the importance of what had just transpired.

“I promise I will never give you cause to regret this day Julian.” There was much sincerity in his words and I accepted them with a nod.

“You’d better not you sod. Not unless you want to lose your head on the chopping block. I think you should be the one to give her the good news. That little miss is not too pleased with me at the moment.”

He fair jumped off his horse in his exuberance and I wondered what it would be like to feel what he was feeling just then. Not love, I knew what that felt like. Have known for the past few weeks with my beautiful Cecile, but to know that that one woman would be yours until eternity. What must that feel like?

We alit our horses and headed back to the hall. “I think a drink of congratulations is in order.” The hall was already noisy with the others regaling the court with their conquests and we were in time for the evening meal, so the hall was filling even as we entered.

I should go to my bath but the hunt had left me ravenous and it wasn’t like it was the first time I’d gone to table with the blood of the hunt staining my garments.

We both watched as Cecile entered the hall, her eyes seeking me out immediately. If she did not stop that wild blushing each time she saw me she would soon give our secret away.

“By the by there’s a rumor afoot that your sister in law’s father will seek an alliance with the old duke now that she’s been widowed and without child.”

I almost choked on my ale but was just in time to catch myself. “Where the hell did you hear that?” Why hadn’t I thought of that? Apparently she had. It all made perfect sense now. The reason she wanted me to get her with child. She’d never said the words, but her quiet desperation now became clear.

“There’s been some talk. She’s a good catch having such a close relation to the king.” He had no idea what his words were doing to me. I wanted to take my sword to someone.

“Why would her father seek to marry her off to that old letch?” The thought sent rage through my soul. No one was ever going to touch her…

“Because he’s only outranked by yourself perchance? And his coffers are second only to your majesty’s.”

“I will not allow it.” Turned heads and sudden silence followed my outburst and the lady in question glanced up at me with a questioning look. I gave a slight shake of my head and went back to my meal.

“Is there any reason why you would be so opposed to such a union your majesty?” It was the tone in his voice that gave him away. I gave him a sharp look but the knave didn’t so much as blink.

“Sod off Nicholas. Why don’t you go seek out your newly betrothed and give her your good news? You might take her something to eat before she starves herself to death.” He was out of the chair before I was done.

I thought of his words, my fury growing by the second. I had not once given thought to such an eventuality. Yes her sire had rule over her now that she was a childless widow, but as her king and brother I could certainly put an end to any ideas he had of marrying her off to the highest bidder.

The old duke, as everyone was fond of calling him was just that, an old doddering reprobate, who was well known at the court for his proclivities. The man had buried three wives in his lifetime and was thrice my age. I’d be damned if he’d ever touch her. He, or anyone else! I had lost all taste for food and the ale soured on my tongue.