Chapter 11
The quaking ground beneath him from the thunder of approaching heavy horses woke Henry like nothing else could. His miracle of a wife curled into him, and he was naked.
This was why he slept in chain mail while traveling unless he was certain there was no threat.
He slid his body from beside Elisande’s and pulled on his clothes before reaching for his armor. He didn’t have time to wait for his squire.
Shouts from his men had him hurrying.
“What is it?” Elisande said, pulling his cloak over her.
“Put that on and go into the priory. I will come for you.”
“What?”
“I must go. Hurry.”
He grabbed his sword belt and shoved his feet into his boots and stuck his head out of the tent.
At least fifty horses, with mounted knights and soldiers, bore down on them.
“Elisande. Now. Run. Don’t stop until you’re inside.”
She stumbled from the tent, and he grabbed his shield to cover her dash to the gate. Once she was safely behind the walls, he joined his men, all with swords drawn.
“Can you make out the banners?”
“They had better be Norman, or we are in trouble.”
Red fabric whipped in the wind as the horsemen drew closer.
“King William’s standard!” Geoffrey yelled first.
Relief flowed through Henry as he sheathed his sword. His king was welcome. Anyone else was not. Now more than ever, he wanted Elisande back behind the walls of the manor. Having her out in the open and unprotected was no longer an option.
He called to Diggory to help him with the rest of his armor. By the time King William’s men slowed to a halt in front of the priory, Henry was ready to greet the king, if he was among his warriors.
And of course, His Majesty surged to the front of the pack and dismounted with the ease and grace of a man half his age.
“We heard there were knights moving toward the priory. My wife was alarmed and begged me to ensure the monks’ safety. Sir Henry, it is good to see you hale and hearty.”
Henry bowed low, as did his men behind him. “Your Majesty. We did not mean to cause a mad dash.”
“What brings you here, Sir Henry? I thought I’d sent you to Rosewyn Manor?”
“I am securing your claim, sire. A priest was necessary to make it irrevocable, as you commanded.”
“You married the girl? The baron’s daughter? Is she the prize we’ve all heard?”
Henry hoped his news would not displease his monarch, but the truth was the truth.
“No, Your Majesty. The baron’s sister was the prize, and the Lady Elisande is now my wife. The baron’s daughter … was not an option.”
“Not an option?”
“She is simple, Your Majesty. Like a child.”
King William’s brows rose to his golden circlet. “Simple? Truly?”
Henry nodded.
“So, you married the lady of the land?”
“Indeed, Your Majesty. And a fine mother she will be to my heirs.”
“Huh.” William leaned back on his heels. “And the lady was amenable after the battle?”
“There was no battle, sire. The baron fled, with his knights and soldiers.”
“Leaving the women and peasants defenseless?”
“Yes, Your Majesty. The lady raised a white flag. No blood was shed.”
The king smiled. “The best outcome possible. You are a much more suitable replacement. Where is the lady in question?”
“Behind the walls of the priory, sire. We did not know who approached.”
“Bring her to me. I wish to meet this prize you have wed.”
“Of course, Your Majesty.”
Henry bowed to his king and made his way inside the priory’s gate. As soon as he stepped within, Elisande ran toward him.
“Are you all right? What do they want?”
Her concern for him warmed his heart beneath the layers of metal. “All is well. The king is here, and he wishes to meet you.”
Her eyes went wide. “The king? Meet me? Why?” Fear flickered across her countenance.
“He wishes to meet my bride. Fear not. He means you no harm.”
“Are you sure? They say he is terrifying.”
“In battle perhaps. But to a gentle lady, never. There would be no honor in that.”
He held out his arm, and she placed her hand upon his chain mail.
“I hope he does not mind that I wear your clothing.”
“He does not stand on ceremony. He has just conquered a nation. He understands better than anyone that things are in transition.”
They crossed through the gate, and Elisande moved closer to Henry as they approached the king’s men.
“Your Majesty, I present my wife, the Lady Elisande de Vere.”
The king looked at his bride with a smile and shook his head.
“This will not do at all.”
Henry froze. “Excuse me, sire?”
The king shook his head again. “Kneel, Sir Henry.”
Henry was too well trained to hesitate, but Elisande’s hand gripped his chain mail tighter.
Henry caught the king’s wink at her, but had no idea what he was up to. The king drew his sword, and Elisande darted in front of him.
“Please, Your Majesty—”
“What is this?” King William asked.
“Elisande,” Henry said, a note of horror coming through his voice.
“A woman stepping between a knight and a sword. I have never, in all my days, seen such a sight.”
“Please don’t hurt him, Your Majesty.”
“Elisande, stand aside,” Henry said from his knee, gripping her about the waist, intending to lift her out of the way.
William held up a hand. “It is all right, Sir Henry.” The king studied his wife. “You, a Saxon woman, would throw yourself into perceived danger to protect a Norman knight?”
“To protect my husband, Your Majesty.”
“From his king even?” William burst out laughing.
Elisande seemed to stand taller. “From anyone, Your Majesty.”
William looked from her to Henry. “A prize indeed. Mathilda will love her.” He looked back to Elisande. “Please step aside, my lady. Your husband has nothing to fear from his king.”
After a deep breath, Elisande moved.
William’s sword rose and tapped Henry on one shoulder and then the other. “I dub thee Lord Baron de Vere. Rise, Your Lordship. I can’t have your wife outranking you. You will be lord of your lands and home. And more lands will come to you as well.”
In shock, Henry rose and bowed to his king. “Thank you, Your Majesty. I did not expect—”
“Consider it a wedding present. With such a fine, courageous bride, nothing less would do.”