The Duke of Garwood and His Bride

CHAPTER 4 LETTING GO

Baron Hemsworth’s three sons and their families arrived later in the evening. They immediately set out on a journey when their father’s messenger broke the news that the king was in Durham. It had been customary for their family to gather whenever the king came to visit. The king’s presence in Durham also meant urgent matters requiring their audience.

“Your Majesty.” all three boys and their wives bowed and greeted the king upon entering the drawing room where they had all gathered.

“Lads!” the king exclaimed and gave each one a brotherly hug. “It’s a pity my Margarette is but a wee lass. I would have married her off to Andrei.” he said. Andrei being the youngest of three was still unmarried.

“We are flattered you have such high regard for us, Your Majesty. But we will always be your daughter’s champion." Andrei spoke.

“I am forever in your debt.” the king said gratefully.

“Don’t mention it, Your Majesty.” Tristan said and ushered the king back to his seat at the head of the table. “Your arrival had been a surprise, Your Majesty. I apologize for not being able to welcome you.”

“It was nothing to apologize for. Tristan.” the king brushed off the apology. “I have urgent matters to discuss with you all. That's why I came rushing unannounced.”

“We are aware of the tension rising in our waters, Your Majesty. Give us your word and we shall obey.” the second son, Ralph said.

“I am afraid I will really have to ask for your aid, boys.” the king said almost reluctantly but surely he knew he wouldn’t do good without the Langleys..

“We are always under your command, Your Majesty. We’re always ready.” Tristan said reassuringly.

“I wanted to ask personally, Tris." the king said and patted Tristan's shoulder. "It's always difficult for every family to send someone to war."

“Sending a son off to war is difficult enough. How much more would it be when I’m sending all my boys?” Lady Marianne said somberly. “But we all know our sworn duties to the country.”

“I would take Tristan and Richard with me. Andrei and Ralph will be off investigating the coward behind your losses. Should they solve it immediately, they will report to me and join us in the war.” the king announced.

"Our hearts will be praying until your return.”

“Calm down, my dear.” The baron comforted his wife. “We will come home in one piece.”

“Uhm!” Adrienne coughed out to get their attention. She eyed the king and her father and brothers meaningfully. They probably forgot all about her.

The king and the baron exchanged meaningful glances, until the king took it upon himself to explain. “That is something I need to discuss with you in private, my dear.”

“Don’t try to sweet-talk me out of it, Your Majesty.” she warned.

“Sweet-talking would be the least to describe it, my dear.” the king countered quite diffidently.

“When do we leave, Your Majesty?” Ralph asked, breaking the tension in the room.

The king dropped his gaze on the table, his chin resting on his knuckles; he tried calculating the arrival of his brother and the time they would spend for his marriage. “Should a week be enough for you to prepare?” he asked after much thought. It was the other’s turn to be in deep thought.

“That will do, Your Majesty.” the baron replied.

The king watched the men nod in agreement while the women sighed with worry. “I apologize for taking your men away, ladies.” the king said contritely.

“The Langleys and the McCallisters live wielding their swords, Your Majesty. It’s the fate we are born with. We understand it from birth.” Lady Marianne said, glancing at the other women around the table.

The king fell silent for a while and found no words to comfort the women. But the Langleys are so indispensable he would not be so confident without them.

“Come on!” Adrienne slammed her palms on the table. “It’s not like it’s our first.” she said, making everyone break their pensive mood. “Don’t worry. I will make sure these boys come home to you in one breathing piece!” She smiled cockily at her family but her gaze landed steadily upon her father who wore a blank expression.

The king stood and went over to where Adrienne was standing. “Show me your garden, love.” he asked softly and offered his arm for her to hold. Adrienne looked at him suspiciously. “Gentlemen, ladies, may we take our leave?”

“Yes, Your Majesty.” the baron nodded to him without hesitation.

They all watched as the king led Adrienne out of the drawing room. They were left to speak among themselves about their new mission for the king. The wives expressed their deep concern while the men tried to console them. There was no telling what the odds were this time. But they could not let uncertainties dissuade them. They were the king’s loyal subjects and they were his trusted soldiers. They had their sworn duties to uphold.

"This talk of war seemed more serious than it appeared to be. His Majesty seemed to oppose Adrienne's signing up for this adventure." Tristan pointed out. "Had he forgotten how she always ended up smuggling herself into the ship with us?" He added with a chuckle.

"Adrienne would not be coming. She would be smuggled somewhere else." The baron insinuated and landed each one in the room with a mysterious gaze.

"What do you mean?" Lady Marianne exclaimed almost fearfully, her hand immediately going to her chest.

"Calm yourself, my lady." The baron covered her hand and gave her a reassuring squeeze. "The king has decided to marry Adrienne to his brother, the Duke of Garwood."

Everyone pinned him with their alarmed and bewildered gaze. He sighed and started to enlighten them. "His Majesty spoke to me last night. His brother, Lord Rheinard Rosenbaum had been recently named the Duke of Garwood after inheriting his grand uncle's title and estate up north-east. His Majesty wished for an alliance between our families and the new Duke of Garwood…"

"We could be allies even without marriage. For heaven's sake Rheinard of all men! That reprobate is no good for my sister!" Tristan was outraged. He remembered beating the man senseless when he caught him making lewd advances on his sister.

"Sit down, Tris. The king and I have already agreed. The Duke is a reformed man. The king vouched for his change of heart."

"This marriage is bound to fail right from the start." Ralph cut in.

"Should the marriage fail, the king will nullify it. But I see that this may just be what Adrienne needed. One that will unbound her from the hopeless romance she had held for so long."

"Why does the Duke need an alliance?" Tristan asked, exasperation still flickered in his eyes.

"To subdue his enemies.” Hemsworth elaborated on the duke’s need for an alliance. “The new Duke had asked the king for reinforcements and the king decided to give him a strong ally."

"She need not marry him." Tristan repeated. "He will make her miserable. We all know how Adrienne feels for the king. How could Charles just throw her into another man's arms."

"He wanted Adrienne not just as an ally but he also wanted our families to be bound legally. Marriage was something he could not give her personally. So he decided to bestow it upon her and his brother. Besides, Adrienne had been long past the marrying age. Her reputation had suffered when the queen ranted about her jealousy over the king's previous love. How else could she find a good match?" The baron explained. "I want Adrienne to at least give it a try. If things don't work out right for the Duke and her, then the king had always reassured he would nullify the marriage."

"When will they get married?" Lady Marianne finally spoke. A trace of excitement seemed to linger in her voice.

"The Duke might arrive tomorrow or the next day. The king had summoned him to come. He did not know yet that he was heading for his own marriage." The baron forewarned with a wry smile.

**********

The king covered Adrienne’s hand as it clung gently around his arm. He stole a quick glance at the woman who had always held his heart. Who would have known she would grow ever beautiful over the years. Her russet curls bouncing gracefully over shoulders and the small of her back. Her long lashes framed her emerald eyes seductively. Yet, it was those pretty little well defined pink lips that gave her face a youthful radiance.

"You are ever so enchanting, my love." Charles murmured and tried so hard to tear his gaze from her lovely face. No matter how much he loved and desired her, he had to start schooling himself to get rid of such emotions. If he would let her go to have her own life, he must not bear any more desire for her; more so, it was his own brother whom he was giving her up for.

Adrienne smiled. "What is this all about?"She asked and stopped walking when they reached the entrance arch of her garden. A few torches lit up the entire garden, casting some weird shadows on the ground and on the walls.

"The battlefields were never yours in the first place, love. You are already a grown woman. So damn beautiful it would be too difficult to hide you. Do you know how dangerous it is to have you amongst the wolves in the battlefields?" Charles almost cried out his point, feeling more of an irate father than a concerned lover.

Adrienne ignored his outburst and headed inside the garden, leaving the king by the entrance. She walked carefully so as not to step on any of her precious flowers. She lifted her skirt when she took a few steps up the small pavilion of white marble. She gracefully carried herself onto the nearest marble bench and waited for the king to join her.

Charles watched her every movement warily. There was no doubt in his mind that Adrienne would only put herself in grave danger once she smuggled herself during their journey to face this imminent war. He weighed heavily the odds of bringing her along to fight this war or to marry her off to his brother. Both were dangerously threatening her safety. But she might have better luck in staying in her own country defending her own territory than fighting off some foreign nemesis on god knows where.

For what seemed like eternity, the king and his green-eyed pixie locked their gazes and engaged in a battle of silence. Had he not been the king, he would have gathered her in his arms, claim those luscious lips and never let her go. His chest burned with silent pain and his eyes threatened with unshed tears as the thought of finally setting her free was only a breath away. The ground crunched under his sole as each step took him closer to the woman he would be pushing away.

Adrienne watched as the king approached her. His face read of too many emotions. His bluish-gray eyes seemed in too much pain, in too much sadness. His shoulders sagged heavily. His steps labored. His fists clenched. His handsome face looked weary and defeated.

“I love you, Adrienne.” the king said as he knelt on one knee when he came near her. He gathered her hand within his and held them tightly. Adrienne stared at him softly and cupped his face lovingly within her palms.

“And I love you too, Charles. I always have.” she said, her voice filled with emotions.

The king shook his head and croaked, “No, Adrienne. You must stop loving me. Love was never ours to begin with.”

“Did I ever complain, Charles?” she asked, caressing his face lovingly. “I knew and understood our predicament. Even if we could never be together, I was content just knowing we love each other.”

“It’s not fair for you, Adrienne. I may not see it but I know how much you suffered because of me. I may not have seen your tears but I know you are hurting. I may not see your frustrations but I know your shattered dreams. You tell me you’re alright but deep inside I know how broken you are.” the king rasped.

Adrienne was perplexed and baffled why the king acted the way he did. Why was he telling her these now?

“You deserve to be happy, my love.” he answered the question he read in her eyes. and enfolded her in his arms. “I want you to have your own family. I want you to heal that broken heart."

“What are you talking about?” Adrienne tried to break away from his hold and met his steady gaze.

“I’m setting you free. My love for you had locked you up for so long in loneliness. I know my love for you has caused you more pain and has shattered your dreams.”

Adrienne bolted away from his grasp and stared at him in disbelief. She wanted to rant and scream. She wanted him to know how displeased and angry she was right now from all the things he just blabbed.

“I like my life just the way it is, Your Majesty.” she gnashed and started to walk away but the king was quick enough to grab her hand and pulled her back into his embrace. He held her tighter when she struggled to free herself.

“Please don’t hate me for this.” he begged and gently stroked her back as she started sobbing. “It’s so wrong to keep this love.”

“What was so wrong, Charles? It’s not like we’re having an affair.” she protested.

“I am not free to love and to be loved, Adrienne. I have been married for a long time. I have three children now. You cannot spend all your life loving someone who can never be yours. Even if my heart belongs to you, it would be selfish of me to keep you waiting.”

“I don’t mind waiting. I do not even mind loving you even in silence.” she sobbed.

“But I do. I do mind, Adrienne. How could I keep receiving your love when I could not even promise you anything? How could I let you love me when someone else might deserve that love better than I? How could my love for you allow you to suffer and grow old alone? How could I let the woman I love stay imprisoned by hopelessness? By uncertainties?”

Adrienne went limp and relied on his strength to anchor her. “I have no plans of loving anyone. I have no plans of marrying anyone.”

The king went still and silent for a while. “I have already planned,” he muttered.He felt her stiffened and clutched at his shirt and pushed herself away from him. Her face turned up to him. Her tear-strickened eyes held so much pain it pierced him dead in an instant. “I have…” he started and swallowed hard before proceeding, “I have already...arranged your wedding with my brother.” he declared.

Adrienne pushed herself away from him. She stumbled as she backed away. The king hurried to pick her up but she swatted him away. Her tears rolled down her cheeks as she cried her heart out. The king stood there helplessly. He had to do this not just for his brother but for Adrienne too.

"Adrienne, please give it a try." The king pleaded and tried to help her get up.

"Don't touch me!" She snarled and slapped his hand away, her self-control on the brink of snapping.

"Adrienne," the king groaned, seeing her bleed out her tears just cut his own heart out. The sound of her cries sent arrows shooting straight to his own heart. He wanted to touch her and comfort her but her anger shone like burning embers in her eyes. "You have suffered long enough loving me. I have blamed myself over those years because I have been the cause of it all. Sweetheart, letting you live your own life doesn't mean I am giving up on you, nor am I giving up this love I feel for you." He explained helplessly, clutching his chest to show just how much he meant what he said. "This love I have for you I intend to keep until my last breath. I just want you to move on with your own life and get a chance to discover your own happiness."

Her sobs were still unbridled as she taunted him. Her grief-stricken eyes searched his desperate face. "You want me to move on with my life?" She asked and stood upright to face him. Despite the tears in her eyes, she gave him a cynical laugh, "Alright. You want me to marry your brother? Fine!" She surrendered angrily. "I will marry your brother! And I will hate you for the rest of my life!," she seethed.

The king's shoulder sagged at the enormity of her words. He went through the same amount of pain upon deciding to let her go. "I have already died a thousand deaths before I came to this. But I deserve to suffer the pain of losing you as you have suffered worse when I got married." He said and tried disguising his own pain.

**********

Adrienne stayed abed longer come the morning. Her body refused to budge from the comforts of her warm bed. She had slept crying over her situation. Her heart wanted to cease beating but was too begrudged to stop. She had loved the king all these years. She had never protested when he honored his betrothal that his family had arranged for him. She did not complain seeing him wed and had children. She had been content seeing him become a great ruler and an honorable man.

She could not understand why he suddenly wanted her married. Married to his very own brother! A man who had no principles. Who had brought him more troubles than pride. A man who had been the patron of all the brothels in the country. A man who constantly needed to be bailed out of his misadventures. A man hunted by furious husbands and by irate fathers. A man who took advantage of innocent maidens, amorous widows and adulterous wives. A man who was barely sober and sensible. A man who reeked of alcohol more than of perfume. What was Charles thinking when he opted to marry her off to that man of disgrace?

Adrienne's thoughts dissipated when she heard her mother calling through the doors outside her bedchamber. She heard her call out her name and her doors opened wide.

"The sun has long awakened, darling." She said and pushed the thick curtains to the sides. The bright sunlight almost blinded her and she buried her face onto the blankets. "Rise and shine." She sat by her side and shook her gently.

"I will have my breakfast here." She said, her face still buried on the blankets. She did not want to look up to her mother. She knew how horrible she looked for crying all night.

"We…" Lady Marianne started but hesitated for a moment. She stroked the disheveled locks of her daughter. "His Majesty had spoken to us this morning." She said instead. "I think it might be good for you." She added in all honesty. Her daughter remained still and quiet. "I know you're not alright but try to see the wisdom behind his decision."Lady Marianne brushed her daughter's hair away from her face and tried to make her look at her when she remained quiet. Her eyes widened at the sight of her puffy eyes. "You look horrendous!" She gasped. Adrienne just covered her face with the sheets. Lady Marianne grabbed the blankets and threw them aside. "Get up and get yourself ready. I will send your breakfast shortly. Let's get those puffy eyes treated before the duke arrives."

"I will make him regret this." Adrienne blurted suddenly.

Lady Marianne sighed, shaking her head disapprovingly. "Adrienne, I know the idea came as a shock to you, but why don't you think of this as a new beginning?"

"I am happy just the way my life is."

"Listen, darling. This is not the time to be so childish." She reprimanded. "The king only wanted you to have a chance to have your own life just like he does."

"He's only living a lie, mother. He knew that fully well. Does he want that same lie for me?" She countered, looking at her mother sadly.

"He may love you all these years, but it doesn't mean he isn't happy with his family. It doesn't mean he doesn't love his wife and his children. You may be in his heart for the rest of his life but it doesn't mean he doesn't have his family there too." She stated with straightforwardness. "You can remain the love of his life but his family is also his life. You can do the same. Even if you still love Charles, you can also move on with your life .”

Adrienne felt the tears stinging her eyes once more. She tried hard, blinking them back. She could somehow understand what her mother was saying. But how could she marry someone who was not her own choice. He should have at least given her the freedom to choose her own husband.

"There is more to this marriage than just you and the king's brother. You should try hearing His Majesty out. Do not let your emotions cloud your judgment." Lady Marianne advised before heading for the doors. "I will send your maid to assist you. Rose came by early but you were still asleep. Shall I send her up too?" She asked and paused by the doorway.

"Yes, mother. I will have breakfast here. Bring some for Rose too. I could use some company. Tell Charles I'll think things over."

"Good." Lady Marianne smiled.

She stood and opened the windows of her room. She breathed the fresh morning air. She stared far out into the sea to help her calm her emotional turmoil. Perhaps a good rough swim into the ocean would help her release her raging emotions. She could ask Rose to come with her. The idea excited her. She heard the door creaked open and she turned to look at her expected visitors. Two maids came inside with a small porcelain basin and one lady whose beauty looked so foreign. She had a pale white complexion but her eyes gave away her Asian origin. Her eyes were deep set and dark brown. Her hair too was dark as coal. Her cheeks were a little freckled like hers.

"Rose!" Adrienne rushed to her and gave her a warm embrace. "I have missed you."

"And I have missed you too, Adrienne." She smiled her brightest. She and Adrienne had been joined by the hip. Adrienne was her lifesaver and since the day she had met her, her new life began and only got better. She owed her life to her and her family and she had dedicated her service to them. She had overcome the horrors of her past because of them. "I have done your bidding and I travelled back with your brothers. I did not bother you last night." She said,

"Did you hear the news?" She asked.

Rose grinned and replied, "That you are getting married?"

"Are you happy about that?" She grimaced.

"Maybe." She shrugged.

"My lady, the bath is ready." One of the maids peered through her bathing chamber and called her. Adrienne went into the bathing chamber and Rose followed her. The maids started removing her sleeping gown and chemise. They helped her get inside the large marble tub filled with warm and scented water.

"Want to join me?" She sprinkled at Rose playfully.

"Next time." Rose declined and wiped the specks of water on her arm."You're getting married. I should start keeping my distance lest your husband finds two women in the room." She teased and giggled.

Adrienne pouted at her, "Let's go for a swim tonight! I could need something to get my mind off this torture."

"Alright." Rose agreed.

Adrienne nodded eagerly. She motioned for her maids to bring her robe and dry her up. They also dressed her up and fashioned her hair in simple braids. After getting herself ready she invited Rose to join her for breakfast. The small table was filled with a small morning feast of honey toast and butter and fruits. One of the maids lifted a steaming pot of tea and filled the cups for the two ladies breaking their fast. Their lively chatter filled the room with giggles and laughter.

Adrienne and Rose came down the stairs and headed for her garden. They had the same love for plants, flowers and trees and the garden had been their favorite spot in the castle. They could spend a whole day chattering while caring for their plants or cleaning the flower beds. It was during springtime that they so much love staying out longer. Climbing trees and sleeping upon the sturdy branches were also a feat they often accomplished with ease. The duo continued their chatter as they headed for the door.

"Adrienne!" Alexandra called and waved at her when they passed by the drawing room. Its doors opened halfway and her sister saw them when they came into sight.

Adrienne waved back and smiled and then turned to leave. The door cracked wider and another voice called out her name. She froze on her way knowing whose voice that was.

"Join Alex in the drawing room. I shall fetch you back. Charles and I need to pick up where we left off." She said, Rose nodded and went inside the drawing room, leaving her and the king alone. Adrienne led the king into the foyer.

"You're heading into the village?" He asked, judging by the clothes she was wearing. She wore a white gown with a blue bodice tied criss-crossed in front. A grey apron was also tied around her waist.

“Uhhmm.” she mumbled, without looking at him.

“Are you still mad at me?” the king asked.

“I’m ready to hear you out.” she said and shot him with an angry look.

“I apologize for hurting you. But I feel this might be a good start for you and my brother. I love both of you and I hope you can find a way to love each other.” he said.

“I don’t think that’s acceptable. How could you decide what to do with my life? Why does it have to be your brother?” she argued.

“I need you to help Rayne.” he muttered calmly.

“Your brother is a hopeless caveman!” she insisted. “There is nothing to like about your brother! He’s a rake! He’s ill-tempered! He’s a big boozer! He’s…”

“When was the last time you’ve seen Rayne?” the king cut her tirade, his lips curling in amusement. He watched her pause in thought. “It has been almost ten years or so.”

“So?” her brows arched.

“Time changes a person.” the king answered.

“He doesn’t drink anymore?” She challenged him.

“He has very much controlled that habit.” the king replied with pride.

“He doesn’t brawl?”

“He doesn’t fight senseless battles.”

“He doesn’t womanize?” she drawled.

The king scratched the back of his head, “Perhaps he hasn’t found a reason to stop.” he said with a shrug. “Who knows you might be the reason he needed."

“Do you really think things will work out between me and your brother?” she glared at him.

“I’m sure you can handle my brother.” the king answered with full confidence.”And Rayne needs an ally.” He went on and revealed the story for this arranged marriage. He reached for her hand and held it tight after telling her his brother’s predicament. “I want to forge an alliance between the Langleys and my brother through this marriage. He is now the Duke of Garwood.”He concluded.

“You just need to say the word and we’ll go marching to aid your brother. Why the need for marriage?”

“The title shall be your protection and power. You will need it when you go there.” he pointed out.

Adrienne stared at him intensely, “I’ll give it a year then, you shall nullify the marriage.”

“Three years then I shall nullify it if things don’t go well.” he negotiated, earning him a frown.

“I will set the rules that your brother needs to honor whilst we are married.” she smiled cunningly.

“Alright.” the king resigned with a smile.

“Deal.” she concluded and curtsied to the king before turning her heels around and headed out the door. He watched her saunter out of sight. Not even her peasant's clothing could hide her aristocratic origin.