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“Your Majesty,” she said, her gaze never leaving John’s face, “this man came to Alderley with no army and no resources, due to his brother’s misfortunes. He risked his very life, even when we had only seen each other briefly as children. His honor and courage won my heart. Never did I think a man would deserve my devotion, but I gladly offer to John Russell my heart, my home, and my very life. I know he will care for it all.”
The cheers were deafening, and King Henry had to raise both hands to quiet the crowd. Bannaster slumped back in a chair, his chin propped on his fist in dejection.
“I have had you investigated, Lord Russell, and your lack of blame in your brother’s mistakes is recognized. The orders you gave to begin the restoration of Rame Castle were sound, and the prize money you offered was more than generous.” He grinned. “Even enough to pay the taxes you owe to the crown.”
Hardly daring to hope, John forced himself to grin in return. “Of course, Your Majesty.”
“Your experience in Europe will only increase the prowess of my army, and having you in command of Alderley’s troops seems like a balanced fit.”
Elizabeth was squeezing his hands so tightly that surely her fingers must be cramped. Could it be true? Could they have won the king to their side?
King Henry’s voice suddenly rose in volume. “I give my permission for the completion of the betrothal contract between Russell and Alderley. I commend my cousin for keeping a great heiress safe.”
The last was said as he shot an amused look at Bannaster, who only gave a tight smile.
“Shall we have a wedding?” the king asked.
“But Your Majesty, the banns,” John began.
“My cousin purchased a special license you may use. My signature will be enough to verify the change in the groom’s name.”
John drew Elizabeth to her feet. “You have my gratitude, King Henry.”
“As long as I have your sword arm when I need it.”
“Of course.”
The king turned back to pat his cousin’s shoulder, leaving John free to stare down at Elizabeth. All around them people prepared for the wedding. A lovely dark-haired woman smiled at Philip and they talked as old friends. She must be Elizabeth’s maidservant Anne, who’d been so brave up in the tower. John wanted to meet her, but since for the moment, no one was bothering Elizabeth and him, he drew his betrothed into his arms.
He said, “That was a brave thing you did, confronting the king with the truth.”
She shrugged. “No braver than you, sneaking back into this castle for—was it the third time? What did you plan to do?”
It was his turn to shrug. “To be honest, I wasn’t alone. Your soldiers came back in disguise with me.”
She gaped at him. “But I told you—”
“I know you wanted no violence, but the League of the Blade had helped us train them, and they wanted to be used. We removed many of Bannaster’s soldiers before Bannaster himself came outside. I gave orders not to kill, if it could be helped.”
Her eyes widened. “I remember when Bannaster left! But he returned and said nothing.”
“That is because I had my sword at his throat before Milburn interrupted us. Perhaps he didn’t want to admit his defeat. The plan was to make him see the futility of the fight. The king’s arrival changed everything of course; how could I kill his cousin? Then I would never have the chance to win you.”
“But would you have watched me marry him?” she asked softly.
He grinned. “I’m glad we won’t ever have to know.”
Philip cleared his throat behind them. “John, someone wants to see you.”
John forced his gaze away from Elizabeth and frowned. “I don’t—”
“The Bladesman is waiting for you both in your bedchamber.”
John was about to tell Philip that the Bladesman could just wait, but his friend looked so solemn, so serious, an expression rare for him.
Elizabeth patted John’s arm and smiled up at him. “We have a moment. Let’s go before the king notices our absence.”
How could John refuse her?
