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Chapter 54: Betrothed... again
Sarah nodded in shock as she looked at Esther and Father Tuck. Lilith gestured, trying to get Marion or Robin's attention. She got Eve, who elbowed Much, who whispered politely in Lady Marion's ear.
Luke snorted at the antics—quietly so as not to upset the king.
"Derbyshire," Richard started and Luke stepped forward. "You have served me well, at great personal cost to yourself," he said. "We find that the land of Eragon, bordering Derbyshire, is now part of your county."
"Thank you, Sire," Luke said.
"As well as the title of Baron of Eragon, should you have a second son to bestow it upon." He looked out over the crowd deciding where to go next.
"Robin," he called forward. "All lands pertaining to Huntington, including Locksley and Nottingham, shall be restored to you in full with all titles, rights, and privileges, with the exception of the lands of Bonchurch," he said.
"Thank you, Sire," Robin said happily. It was all he wanted—well, so long as Bonchurch went to Much, that is.
"Much," Richard said. "You served your master well in Our Crusade, and exceptionally well after. We honor your master's agreement and grant unto you all lands and titles pertaining to Bonchurch."
Much looked both smug, and shocked as if a feather could push him over. A look only Much could manage, Sarah thought. She watched as Eve grabbed Much's arm in encouragement. "Thank you, Sire, on my husband's behalf," Eve said seeing how Much was tongue-tied.
Richard nodded. "Aberforth," he called out and Ashley stood forward. "The lands of the Winchester estate shall be entrusted to your care, forthwith becoming part of Aberforth. And the title of Baron of Winchester shall be yours to any second sons."
"Thank you sire," Ashley said.
"And an endowment for your scientific endeavors, should you wish," Richard added.
"That is most kind, highness."
Richard looked out over everyone. "Canterbury and Essex," he decided addressing Cornelia's father and Sarah and Lilith's. "As my old friends, We most humbly thank you both for all you have done in my absence, and agree to the requests you have already placed before me," he grinned making Lilith nervous. She caught first Sarah and Luke's eyes, then for some reason Robin sent her a sympathetic look.
"For Robin's outlaws," he decided. "John Little. We understand your wishes to marry Esther Rothschild." Everyone looked back and forth between John and Esther, trying to decide who looked more embarrassed.
"A livelihood will be provided for you, Sir John Little, of 200 silver coins. We have dispensation from the Church for your marriage, should you desire it," Richard grinned.
"I… I do not know Sire," Esther said embarrassed. Richard looked confused.
"What she means, Sire," Lilith stepped forward and curtsied, "is that John has yet to ask her yet."
"We suggest thou proceeds with the proposition," Richard nodded. Lilith choked back a laugh. "Father Tuck. We thank thee for all your services and hope that, if these two decide so, you will perform the ceremony."
"Gladly, Majesty," he agreed.
"We have also discussed a bishopric position in Kent that needs fulfilling, and have recommended you for the post."
Father Tuck looked surprised. Lilith hoped the poor man would have a very good secretary who was very organized.
"It seems only fitting we reward all who helped my country in my absence. A pardon is issued for all transgression against you . . . but I feel something is missing. John?" Richard asked. "Which of these lots do you think has won the affections of Lady Lilith?" He didn't wait for a response. "Robin, what would you do?"
"I would not be so presumptuous," Robin said.
"Very well, Lady Lilith?" Richard asked.
"A royal pardon is a wonderful starting point, sire," Lilith said with a curtsey. "Seeing as how they did risk their lives multiple times and have done so much, perhaps a more . . . valuable reward is in order."
Richard nodded. "Honest, as always. We order you never to bite your tongue, least of all in Our presence."
"Thank you, sire," Lilith said.
"She will never be quiet now," Prince John joked.
"Will Scarlett," he announced. "A knight of the Crown," he said. "And the land and titles of Canton shall forthwith be passed to you."
Sarah looked ready to faint. She was ready to try to convince Lucius knighthood would be good enough to meet his requirements, but a title? She hadn't dared hope for that. And one so close to Canterbury!
Lilith who had been keeping track, though, was upset to discover that the last piece of land Richard had confiscated from the Black Knights nobles was given to Will. Surely Richard would find something for Allan, she prayed.
"Allan-a-Dale. Knighthood for all your services rendered. Safia," he continued.
Sarah and Lilith shared a horrified look. How could Allan get passed over? It was the King's prerogative, but the unfairness of it all nearly had Lilith stalking up to the throne to give Richard a piece of her mind.
He would take her head, she knew, but it would have been worth it.
"We find you are the most difficult to reward. You have worked long for Us, even though We are not your lord. What boon would you ask?"
Djaq looked surprised, she hadn't been expecting this. "I… I would like to stay. In the 2 years I have been in your country I have seen several atrocious acts, but I have seen the best your society has to offer. I have made friends here, and family, something the crusades had taken from me."
"We grant this to you. Stay for as long as it pleases you, with whom it pleases," Richard said knowingly.
Ashley stepped forward. "Sire, I would like your blessing on our marriage," he asked.
Richard didn't look nearly as shocked as the rest of the court. "Granted. Have you asked this lady?"
"No, he has not," Djaq said pointedly, Ashley grinned back sheepishly.
"Sire," Lilith stormed forward, Luke looking to the heavens for a miracle his sister wouldn't be beheaded. "I.."
"Lady Lenora Sarah, Lady Lilith," he turned to them. "We have not forgotten you."
"Sire, I believe you have …."
He cut her off again. She suppose she shouldn't push her luck, he was obviously trying to stop her from going to far, but she was going to ask for it.
"We know of a grievous transgression that has occurred against you," Richard announced, stopping Lilith mid-stride. She looked at him wide eyed in shock and horror. "Charles was a good man, and had chosen wisely in whose hands to leave his estate in. Bring them forth," he ordered and the doors opened to reveal Agnes and James being brought in.
Lilith watched as they bowed before the throne. She whispered to Sarah, "I really can't take much more of this, Sarah. My heart just might go out." Court hadn't been this involved since the war before Richard's coronation.
"Now you hold a piece of the puzzle, Lady. What transgression have you done against Lady Lilith?" Richard demanded
"The vain, snooty, selfish child Majesty?" she asked. "I was surprised to hear she had not gotten herself killed with her run in with outlaws."
"We believe you have cleared a lot of things for us, Agnes," Richard said angrily. Lilith hadn't moved since Agnes arrived; it was the first time she had seen her face-to-face since the entire attempted murder experience.
Richard took a glance across his court. Lilith may be called many things, but none in such cruelty, and no one dared insult her in front of their King who had always found her amusing.
They were suicidal to do so in front of Luke.
Richard looked out and saw that the court had reacted the same way he had; appalled by the vile, vicious woman and her sniveling son. No one had ever cared for her; she had only ever been called to court when absolutely necessary. He saw how all the outlaws looked ready to converge upon the woman.
The thought of letting them for entertainment passed through his mind, but he took the more diplomatic approach. For the moment. "What was your transgression against Lady Lilith?" Richard asked one last time.
"I…" she faltered.
"We know already, Bracknell," he told her. He had made it his business to find out when he first heard the rumors.
Then he had enlightened Luke.
"And since you have not offered a confession to your crimes We find your actions even more despicable. What would you have done if you were in my position, Lady Lilith," he asked her.
She looked lost and speechless, something no one could ever claim to have seen. "Nothing, my lord. I could not wish her the same pain I endured. There is no punishment that could teach her the pain I went through that I would willing put on her. I would not take her child from her nor would I put her through the pain I suffered."
"Lady Bracknell," Richard announced in his booming voice, "We find Our contempt for you in your devious and unholy treatment of Our Lady Lilith grows the longer you are in Our presence. While Lady Lilith may be unwilling to justify any deserving punishment, We are not in the manner of withholding justice. Kent shall be seized immediately from your son, you are forthwith known only as Agnes Bracknell, and all Lands and Titles of Kent shall be passed to the person of Our choosing. Lock her up, We are not finished with her, and fetch an apothecary. We believe We know of the proper person to abstract justice," he announced looking at Luke who looked as if he barely managing to keep from striking the pair down where they were bowed.
"We shall see that judgment is met out against Bracknell. Derbyshire," Richard called Luke. "To conclude these proceedings it is Our wish that you extract vengeance of Lady Lilith's honor, with the future Kent."
Luke looked around confused. It had been a long and emotional day so far (what with Lilith nearly getting herself beheaded by challenging the King). He did a quick mental calculation: he and Ashley got new land—not Kent, though. Robin didn't get anything new, Much was Bonchurch, Will was Canton, John was knighted with money but no land, Allan was knighted but no land… "Sire, forgive my ignorance, but who is the new Kent?"
"Oh, yes," Richard said as if he had forgotten he hadn't passed it on. "All lands and titles of Kent shall forthwith be passed to Lady Lilith, who shall be entrusted with their maintenance until her marriage, and then the lands shall be passed on as her dowry to her betrothed," Richard announced.
Betrothed? Lilith thought. Again? She shared a worried look with Sarah. Everyone knew Allan was courting Lilith, but Sarah was the only soul who knew they were secretly betrothed. And Sarah would no soon tattle on Lilith than grow wings and fly. "I am betrothed Sire? To Who?"
"The future Earl of Kent," Richard announced.
Lilith pinched the bridge of her nose; she was living in some sort of mad nightmare; that was the only explanation for it. She heard Robin and Ashley—the only ones brave, or stupid, enough—speaking up to Richard on her behalf, along with Luke.
"Majesty, does my father know of this?" She mentally prayed she could sway her father in her favor; he had the money and power to challenge Richard.
"Indeed, my Lady, your father was very adamant in this matter."
Wonderful she thought morbidly. This must have been his favor. And she had been afraid of being sent off to a convent. That was better than being forced to marry someone else. Someone who wasn't Allan.
"I fear I am confused," Lilith said. "My dowry is to my betrothed, and my betrothed is the future earl of Kent," she repeated.
"Aye."
She was betrothed to the future Earl of Kent, and the future Earl of Kent was her betrothed. The circular nature of that logic tickled her and she burst into laughter. She caught first Allan's eye then Luke's. Luke shook his head; he had no idea who Kent was either.
"May I ask why I am being punished?" Lilith asked looking first at Richard than at her father.
"Marriage often seems like such, We are told," Richard said easily. "Ah, the apothecary," he said happily. "Derbyshire," he ordered and Luke snapped to.
Several minutes passed as everyone waited for Richard to finish his announcement. Lilith began to wonder if Richard forgot who he named as Kent. "We believe We have had enough fun now," Richard finally announced. "We will put Lady Lilith out of her misery. What do you say John?" he asked his brother grinning.
"If we must," John agreed impishly.
It seemed there was no limit to people finding enjoyment at her expense.
Richard had stood by this time and walked down the steps from his throne to where the Canterburys were standing. He reached for and grabbed Lilith's hand. Everyone waited anxiously to see who would be lucky enough to marry into the Canterbury and Kent estates.
With one hand holding hers, his other gestured across the aisle. "Sir Allan," Richard said. It was followed by complete silence as everyone adjusted to what he said.
If Lilith ever fainted she would have then. "Have I gone mad?" she whispered to Sarah who shook her head, grinning.
With the confirmation she hadn't lost her mind, she did what came natural and enveloped Richard in a fierce hug, whispering a thank you only he could hear. She quickly spun away from the King and was across to Allan and in his arms.
"Best of luck, Allan," Richard grinned. Had it been anyone but Lilith he probably would have punished them.
"Thank you, Sire," Allan said in shock, a grin on his face.
Court was a buzz with all the whispers of people now discussing everything that had happened that afternoon. The highlights, of course, were Lady Sarah as the new Lady of Canterbury and Lady Lilith's unladylike rush into her lover's arms-- after she dared to touch the King so intimately.
Everyone loved it just as much as they condemned both actions.
"Dale, Derbyshire," Richard called out.
"Back soon, love," Allan said kissing her quickly before joining her brother and their king.
Special thanks to Forget me Not (Thank you! I am glad you liked it so far! It turned out to be twice as long as I had anticipated ^_^) Dares to dream (I am sad it is ending, too! It doesn't seem real. There are a few chapters left-- including Davina-- but really, we are so close to the end) and sharnay (I hope I can still surprise everyone even with only 4 or 5 chapters left!)
