“But so young? My lady, did you protest?”
“I begged Otto not to do it. But he is Henry’s grandfather, and the head of the family. Such is the order of things.”
The king nodded at that, and directed her to go on.
She continued the story.
At a later point, Drogo said, “This maid called Bethany—you say she wielded a crossbow? That is remarkable. And she was driven to try to murder you with it.”
Angelet said, “Bethany was Ernald’s lover, and she did anything he told her. It was also why she hated me, for Ernald wanted me for reasons of his own. Nevertheless, she was his eyes and ears on the journey—that’s why she was so upset when we moved the chest from my carriage to the supply wagon. She had to communicate the change to the thieves, but she couldn’t do it in time. That’s why the attack was so scattered. And why Sir Rafe was able to get me away from the gang.”
“Did he take advantage of you?” the king asked abruptly. “At any point, before or after the attack?”
“Your Grace?” she asked, nervously.
“You can speak freely. I’m not a priest to judge you for any sins. But I want to know the truth.”
Angelet bowed her head, thoughts rushing through her. Then she looked up at him and said, “The truth, your grace, is that Sir Rafe always defended me from danger and he treated me well. He made a point of obeying any order I gave, and never did I fear he’d force himself on me. I wish I could say the same of Ernald Yarborough, who more than once threatened me with just that.”
Stephen kept his eyes on her. “So you do not accuse Sir Rafe of any…violation?”
“No, your Grace.”
“You are quite a champion for him. What has he done to earn such sympathy?”
“Your Grace,” she said, “have you ever been shot at with a crossbow?”
“I have, Lady Angelet,” he returned with a frown.
“Then you certainly know the terror inspired by one. And your sympathy would be with the one who pulled you to safety!”
“Truly spoken,” the king acknowledged. “The chaos of battle does reveal men’s natures.”
“I never wish to see a true battle,” Angelet said, “if what I experienced was even a hundredth of what soldiers face, what youyourselfhave faced, your grace. I have no bravery such as that.” She looked down at the floor as she spoke. “But I am grateful to Sir Rafe and everything he has done for me. I know I’m only a woman, and not an important one. But that’s the truth I can offer you.”
Drogo inhaled. “If that’s so, I’ve nothing further to ask the lady.”
The king rose to his feet, then extended a hand to help Cecily rise as well. “Then that is that. Tomorrow is Easter. And the day after we will hold the formal audience to have it all out. Good night, ladies.” He bowed, and began to leave.
“If you please, your grace,” Angelet burst out. “I do have one request, should it please you to indulge me once this is all over.”
The king looked back with a curious expression. “And what request is that, my lady?”
“I know that I’m no prize in marriage. I bring no lands, and I’m too old for most to look at me favorably as a wife. If your judgment is that I should be a nun after all, I only beg that I be placed somewhere close to where my son is. So he may visit me.”
“Do you wish to be a nun?” he asked.
Angelet was tongue-tied, unsure how to respond.No,she wanted to scream.It’s the last thing I want. But I’m afraid to ask for more.
“All that matters to me is that Henry is safe, among people who truly care for him. The request to be near him is just a mother’s selfish desire.”
The king watched her for a long moment. Then he said, “I see. I shall consider your request, my lady. But until the audience is concluded, I can promise nothing.”
She curtsied as he left, feeling more desperate than before.
Chapter 33
Easter Mass was celebrated inthe Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and everyone who was anyone attended, in order to be in the reflected glory of the king. Angelet and the others went along with the Lord of Braecon and his family. They all sat on one side of the church, while Otto and his family sat on the other. Most of the people pointedly ignored the other side, a task aided by multiple, huge stone columns that held up the roof of the round church.
