Chapter One #3
Addax didn’t exactly think that was a good idea, especially for a titled earl, as Maximilian would be when his father died, but he didn’t say anything to that effect.
He could see how unnerved and unhappy his friend was, so he didn’t want to point out the flaws in his future plans.
The man was trying to figure out a way to make himself happy in a world that would probably be filled with disappointment.
Marrying an ancient, infertile woman, wealthy though she might be.
But something didn’t make sense to Addax.
“Why would your father force you to marry a woman who is old and barren?” he said. “That makes no sense, not if he wants the Bretherdale line to continue. Are you sure she’s older?”
Maximilian shrugged. “As I said, I have never met her,” he said. “But I can only assume what I have told you based on the facts. My father brokered his contract so that I inherit the de Witt lands, which will join with the Bretherdale lands. It will be an enormous empire.”
“But that doesn’t explain why he wants you to marry a woman who cannot bear a child.”
Maximilian sighed again. “Because she is the granddaughter of King John,” he said. “More than the wealth, that is at the heart of this situation. Her mother was a royal bastard, so she has royal blood and royal connections. My father wants that for me.”
Addax nodded in realization. “Now that makes sense.”
Maximilian rolled his eyes. “Aye, it does,” he said. “But hopefully, she is old and will die soon. Then I can marry a young woman and have my heirs.”
“And keep the de Witt money.”
“Exactly.” Maximilian scratched his head irritably. “Addax, will you do something for me?”
“If I can.”
“My bout is up next, and I do not wish to be distracted, not when I am to face de Wolfe,” he said. “Will you greet my father when he arrives? He will be coming to the competitors’ camp, straight to my encampment. Please?”
Addax was hesitant. “He will expect to see you, Max.”
Maximilian’s irritation grew. “I realize that,” he said. “But I told you that I do not wish to be distracted. Would you want to be distracted, going up against de Wolfe?”
Addax shook his head. “I confess that I would not,” he said. “In fact, I heard him say that Hage and de Norville would be arriving shortly, and you know how those three can be when they are together.”
Maximilian shook his head as if that was the worst news he’d ever heard.
Addax was speaking of Sir Kieran Hage and Sir Paris de Norville, two of the most talented young knights the north had ever seen, stationed at Northwood Castle with de Wolfe.
The trio had been thick as thieves most of their lives, and even at their young age were legendary in military circles, but not always for the best of reasons.
Young, brash, and with a talent for gambling, the three had quite a reputation both on and off the battlefield.
They were like everyone’s naughty younger brothers.
Younger brothers that needed a good spanking now and then.
“Damnation,” Maximilian muttered. “Hage is a beast. He is coming just in time for the mass competition and the swords. With his size and strength, he is unbeatable in those events.”
Addax grinned. “If we stay together for the mass competition, we may have a chance of victory over him,” he said. “But in the swords, one on one, there is no chance. I doubt I will even compete in that.”
Maximilian was rolling his eyes miserably but ended up laughing at the thought of a very big, very strong knight, who was more brawn than brains at this point in his life, sweeping through the competition as if they were all untried children.
“We shall see,” he said, still pretending as if he had a chance. “In any case, back to my father. Will you greet him for me?”
Addax’s smile faded. “I suppose,” he said. “If I must.”
“Good,” Maximilian said with relief. “Take them into the lists if they arrive in time. They can watch me compete.”
“Against de Wolfe?”
“It will make me try harder knowing that my father is watching.”
Addax shrugged. He wasn’t sure that was a good idea, because de Wolfe was nearly as unbeatable as Addax was in the joust, but he didn’t say so. He didn’t want to undermine Maximilian’s confidence.
“As you wish,” he said. Then, hearing shouting over near the arena, he turned in that direction and shielded his eyes from the sun. “It looks as if the guides are close to being repaired. You’d better go and prepare.”
Maximilian did, rushing off toward the arena where his horse and lance and men were gathered.
That left Addax standing alone, wondering why he’d agreed to greet the Earl of Bretherdale in the first place.
The man wasn’t going to want to see him.
He was going to want to see his son, who didn’t seem to have any sense of responsibility when it came to greeting his father.
Perhaps letting a friend greet him was Maximilian’s way of telling his father just what he thought of the betrothal and the wedding plans. Whatever the case, Addax was stuck.
With a heavy sigh, he headed off to the competitors’ encampment.