Chapter 14
Elisande had never been so happy to see the walls surrounding the manor house of Rosewyn ahead. The gates were open, and a banner she didn’t recognize flew above the wall.
She assumed it had to be her husband’s coat of arms.
The entire king’s entourage rode as one long train toward the entrance. She was thankful Hilda wasn’t far behind. She had enjoyed her ride in a wagon, along with the tents and other items that made up the king’s camp.
Mounted knights met them at the entrance. Elisande recognized one as the man who had searched the solarium.
Sir Rolf, she believed he was called.
“Welcome, Your Majesty,” he called to the king with a bow from the saddle of his destrier. “Welcome back, Sir Henry.”
“That is Lord de Vere now,” the king called to Sir Rolf.
“Congratulations, my lord.”
“And Lady de Vere as well,” Henry said as he gestured to Elisande.
“My felicitations on your nuptials, my lady, my lord.”
“Thank you, Sir Rolf,” Elisande said as they rode through the gates behind the king.
“All is well?” Henry asked.
“There were no issues in your absence, my lord. The manor runs in a very orderly fashion. The servants know their duties well.”
This pleased Elisande greatly. That meant her people were safe and well. And now that she was home, she could finally take a bath.
The cold streams might have saved her muscles, but a hot bath sounded like the greatest of all luxuries.
But first, they had the king’s comfort to see to as long as he was in residence. The solarium would be his, as it was the best possible accommodation. She and Henry could use the other large room that her brother had preferred, as it was closer to the kitchens.
“What a fine holding,” the king said. “I am glad I sent you here, Henry. You will fortify these walls and begin construction on stone towers around the manor house. This is to become an impregnable castle. I shall have plans drawn up and sent to you by messenger.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Elisande looked from the king to her husband, but said nothing. The fortifications and building plans were not for her to opine upon. Anything that kept Hilda and her people safe was welcome.
“Any news from the next holding? Baron Goddard’s lands?” the king asked Sir Rolf.
“No, Your Majesty. It has been quiet. Our patrols have been uneventful.”
“Huh,” was all the king said in reply.
Elisande couldn’t help but wonder what his plan was for Alger’s father’s lands.
He had been a close friend of her brother’s, though she did not prefer him at all.
Elisande hadn’t mentioned it to Henry, but the thought of living under Baron Goddard’s roof had definitely made a match with Alger out of the question.
The way he looked at her had made her skin crawl since she had been a young girl.
“Show me to a chamber, if you would,” said the king.
Elisande dismounted without assistance. “Right this way, Your Majesty. Please follow me.”
“Lady Elisande, I will be within after I speak to my men,” her husband said.
“Yes, my lord.” Elisande curtsied despite days of travel dust. “If it pleases Your Majesty,” she said as she gestured to the front door.
“Follow me within, Henry, as soon as you finish.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Servants stepped aside and bowed their heads as Elisande led the king into her home. It was surreal that this was happening. She opened the door to the solarium, grateful she had set it to rights before she left.
“This is the best we have, Your Majesty. I wish it were more befitting for a king.”
He looked at her with a grin. “After days on the road, it will feel like a palace, my lady.”
She curtsied again. “I know the feeling. I will have water heated and a bathing tub brought in as soon as it is ready, Your Majesty.”
“Heat the water, but hold off on bringing it in until I speak with your lord husband.”
“Yes, sire.”
She backed toward the door as he spoke again, and this time, the softness was absent in his tone.
“And, Lady Elisande?”
She looked up to find his gaze serious.
“If you have loyalty to anyone but me or him, I suggest you lose it immediately.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”