Royal Feud

Chapter 27

Chapter 27

The idea that she could become this fascinating man's wife opened a whole new range of exhilarating possibilities for her. She felt an excitement she had not known in years. Now that Delvin had Hermione, he no longer needed her to run his household. Was God calling her to serve Him as Wyham's wife rather than as Delvin and Hermione's mother?

For once in her life she would be able to make a choice as to her future. Her father had chosen Gavin for her husband and then, of course, Gavin had made

all the decisions in their marriage. But it was not her desires that were important. Only God's will should decide this matter, as in all else. Was marriage to Wyham God's plan for her future? She must commit this matter to prayer and wait on the Lord's decision. Aware that she had let the silence between them drag out to embarrassing lengths

Lucy touched his arm. "Milord, 'tis not that your suit is unwelcome; I was simply taken by surprise, 'tis

all." She waited until he turned toward her and met her eyes, "I would very much like to get to know you better, milord."

Wyham smiled. "Perhaps you should start by calling me Robert."

"Aye, Robert, I will." Lucy returned his smile.

"I must confess, Lucy, that 'twas your extraordinary physical beauty that first drew me to you. But the longer I spend in your company, the more I see your inner beauty, which has its source in your deep and genuine love for God."

"Why, thank you, Robert. One thing you must know about me is that I take my relationship with God very, very seriously. He is the most important thing in my life." Wyham nodded. "I feel the same way. I could not contemplate taking a wife who

did not share my devotion to our Lord and Savior." "I am glad to know that we are of like mind on such an important matter." They

shared a smile. "So, tell me, Robert, what exactly is it that you do in the king's service?" "I have completed a number of assignments for Henry, mostly those requiring finesse and diplomacy. "Tis been a long time since I carried out a military campaign like

this one."

"So you live in King Henry's court?"

"Aye. I am one of his closest advisors." His tone was matter-of-fact, without arrogance or boasting. His unassuming demeanor was another element of his character that she admired. "I usually accompany him on his travels throughout the land. He rarely sends me to other demesnes, as he did in this case."

"Do any of the king's other advisors have wives?" "Aye, quite a few do. Henry encourages his barons to marry. The wives often serve

as ladies-in-waiting to Queen Eleanor." "Do you have any family, Robert?"

"My wife died about thirteen years ago. Once she died, I did not wish to remain at Wyham Castle any longer. There were just too many memories. So I went to Normandy and ended up in King Henry's court. My son and his family live at Wyham Castle now. I have two grandsons, twelve years old and eight years old. My granddaughter is ten. How long have you lived at Ishton, Lucy?"

"I was married when I was fourteen, so I have been here almost thirty years." "What was your husband like?"

Lucy turned to rest her back against a merlon and smiled softly. Her gaze wandered over the castle grounds as memories of Gavin filled her heart. Although their fathers had arranged their marriage, they had grown to love each other deeply. His loss had faded from the throbbing, insistent pain she had endured for several years after his death to a mellow ache she knew would always be with her.

"Gavin was a warrior. He loved Ishton with every fiber of his being and protected it with total devotion. He was just sixteen when we were married. He was such an

arrogant young man then." Shaking her head slightly, she glanced at Wyham, smiling mischievously at him. An invigorating wind swept the allure, ruffling their mantles as if inviting them to play

with it. The currents of air nudged them even closer together.

"I had to take Gavin down a peg or two when we were first married. After that he was much easier to live with. We grew to love each other deeply." Lucy sighed, looking away from Wyham's warm hazel eyes, her unfocused gaze resting on the top of the donjon. "He has been gone for almost five years now, but I still miss him terribly."

After a long silence, Lucy looked at Robert. "But now that Delvin has married, and Hermione is taking over the running of the household, they no longer need me. "Twould be nice to be needed again."

Wyham stepped closer to Lucy, put his hands gently on her upper arms, and pulled her unresisting body toward him. Experiencing the full force of his charm and attention, she sank into him, absorbing him. It had been so long. She had not realized that she had missed the connection, the intimacy, of being held by a lover. "I need you, Lucy." His voice was low and intimate.

She raised her head and met his lips as he claimed a kiss. He explored her mouth hesitantly at first but deepened the kiss when she eagerly responded to him. His arms enfolded her, and she felt as if she were the most precious thing in the world to him. She clutched him to her while sensations flooded her. His mouth was firm and commanding as he kissed her, his tongue caressing hers. For long moments she savored the taste and feel of him, before he gradually withdrew and stepped back.

Lucy opened her eyes to look at the tender smile on his face, an answering smile dawning on her own lips. Without words, he offered her his hand, and she placed her hand into his palm. They walked together side by side, continuing their stroll along the allure.

17

elena."

The sound of his voice stopped her, and she turned to see Langston

“Η stride toward her across the hall. He held both of his hands out to her, and she rushed to meet him, putting her hands into his.

""Tis good to see you again."

"Damien, I am so glad you are here." Langston stepped closer to her, keeping her hands firmly within his own. She felt

his concern as he searched her face.

"How are you? Are you all right?" he asked in a low tone. "Aye," Hermione said with a smile. "I am well. And you?"

"I am fine. Ishton has agreed to my remaining here to finish my training."

"I am so glad for you. I know 'tis what you have most wanted."

"Aye. Hermione, could we meet together later and talk in private, like we used to do?"

"I would like that." Hermione glanced away from Langston's face, her eyes colliding with Delvin's. His eyebrows were knit together, causing a deep furrow in his forehead. She pulled her hands out of Langston's grasp. He turned and looked over his shoulder, following Hermione's gaze as Delvin advanced toward them. "We will continue our conversation another time," Langston said.

Delvin stopped beside Hermione and put his arm around her waist. Feeling as if he

were trying to brand her as his, she stiffened. Delvin's possessiveness bewildered her.

"Langston, now that you have renewed your acquaintance with Lady Ishton, report

to Sir Hugh to receive your instructions for the afternoon," Delvin ordered. "Aye, milord. Farewell, milady."

Langston bowed deeply to Hermione, gave a more abbreviated bow to Delvin, and walked away. Hermione looked into Delvin's face to see him watching Langston disappear out the donjon door. When he turned his eyes to her, she shrank back from his scowl.

"Stay away from Langston." He evidently took her stunned expression for assent because he strode away, leaving her standing alone in the middle of the hall.

How dare he order me about as if I were a naughty child? Cringing inwardly, Hermione glanced around. The maids clearing dishes from the nearby trestle tables avoided looking at her. She raised her chin and walked with measured steps toward the kitchen, her heart pounding loudly in her own ears. For the rest of the afternoon, as she went about her duties, she replayed the scene over and over again in her mind. The more she recalled Delvin's behavior, the angrier she became. He had no right to chastise her like that. She had done nothing wrong.