Page 67 of Veil of Winter

“It hasn’t ended yet, but it has exceeded my expectations already.”

She felt his hand touch hers under the table. Her breath caught in her throat as he took her hand in his and gently squeezed. She squeezed back.

No one spoke or made a sound as Ysa and Sir Oswalt stared at them.

“It is Sir Oswalt’s turn now.” Elyce, still holding Sir Gerard’s hand under the table, looked at Sir Oswalt.

He cleared his throat, then said, “I thought coming here was a mistake, but I came because I hoped I could save Sir Gerard from getting himself killed. Well, we’re both still alive.” He folded his hands over his slightly rounded belly as he leaned back in his chair.

Sir Gerard half smiled, half frowned and shook his head.

A noise came from the corridor on the other side of the door. The noise grew louder, like many footsteps drawing closer.

It was late. Who could be coming to her door? No doubt they would pass by on their way somewhere else.

The door burst open. Two men entered with drawn swords.

King Claude came in just behind them and smiled.

“Princess Elyce.”

Nineteen

Elyce’s heart crashed against her chest.

Sir Gerard stood and knocked over his chair.

The guards held swords on Gerard and Oswalt, who were unarmed.God, please don’t let them be killed.

King Claude stepped forward. His eyes flitted around the room but quickly came to rest on her.

“Princess Elyce. At last I have found you.” He smiled, but there was hostility in his eyes.

“You will not hurt these men.” Her voice was almost as deep and rough as a man’s. She would not let him see how afraid she was.

Claude smirked.

“What do you want?” But she knew what he wanted, and her stomach sank at the sight of him. Excepting the occurrence of a miracle, all was lost.

“I want what was promised to me by your father, the King ofMontciel. You may be a princess, but you are under the authority of the king like anyone else.”

“I do not wish my people to be put to work in your mines. That is what I want—freedom for my people to do what they have always done.”

Claude shook his head slowly, his head lowered, aiming a disapproving look at Elyce. “You are just a girl. Your father knows what is best for your people.” He smiled again, as if amused.

“I will not go along with your schemes, and now King Wenceslaus knows of them, as does King Richard of England and Count Eberhard—”

“Count Eberhard does not owe you any allegiance. He is allied with me. Foolish girl.” Again he shook his head in that slow way that made Elyce want to claw out his eyes.

The words boiled up inside her until she could not hold them back. “You are a scheming, selfish man, and I will not bow to your wishes.”

He said nothing, still smirking.

“My people are shepherds. They make beautiful things with wood and live peaceful lives. But if you try to force them to work for you, they will rise up and fight.”

“They won’t fight.” He laughed. “They will do as their king tells them, and indeed, are already at work digging a new mine. But if you go back with me, like a good daughter, and marry Rodrigo and do as you are told, then no one will have to die.”

How dare he threaten her!