"Gabriel!" Melinda ran in front of her brother and restrained him. "Please, calm down."
Gabriel Gordon was lost to reason once she had told him of the rumors after his arrival to Oakheart after the execution. His beautiful face was dark with anger. "I've just stood talking prettily to that bastard king because his grandfather died and only after I find out he's made a fool of you. He's mocked our house and pissed on our honor!" He shouted. "I'll run him through, Melinda."
"It might not be true." She lied to him, fully aware that only the fact she was pregnant had prevented her much stronger brother from easily brushing her aside. Maybe he was not totally lost to reason. "And you will not, brother. That is treason."
"Of course it's true!" Gabriel raged. "These kings are all the same."
"We must be cautious, Gabriel," she urged, still keeping her hands on her brother's shoulders. Melinda knew how true the rumors were, but after her brother's initial reaction she could never tell him. "We must do nothing rash."
"Rash? My God, Melinda! The man's betrayed you, less than three months after the wedding!" Her brother glowered. "You're carrying his child! He's betrayed you and our family! I'll make him pay!"
"Not now brother," she said sharply, looking intently at him. "It's important that we remain calm."
"You're one to talk!" her brother retorted angrily. "Your little performance before you went to the gardens is the talk of the castle."
Wonderful, as if the gossips didn't have enough to talk about already. "I… I was upset." She admitted. "But now we have to move forward. I am on my way to the council." She glanced nervously at the door to her chamber. "I won't permit you to accompany me if you're going to make a scene."
Her brother grit his teeth. "Well," he sighed. "I won't allow you to face that ingrate alone."
"Then you must behave." The queen said pointedly looking into his eyes to ensure he understood. "I need your word."
Gabriel looked at her, finally relenting, "Very well, sweet sister." His reluctance came off him in waves as he smiled sarcastically. "I'll behave."
Melinda nodded. She took her hands off him and quickly smoothed her dress of shimmering green silk. "Then come, we should have been downstairs before now. We don't need more gossip running amuck."
As they walked from the room she heard Gabriel mutter. "When father hears of what's going on up here, he'll withdraw from the alliance."
Don't be too sure of that. Melinda thought as she and her brother quickly made their way to the main hall. Father wants to be connected to royalty. He might command me to remain with the king just to maintain my position as queen. She doubted her father cared much about her happiness. God, he wanted to marry me to a renowned monster before Jim. But then she considered the other possibility as they walked through the corridors of Oakheart. Jim's unfaithfulness might stir their father's wrath as nothing had before. Thomas Gordon might surprise them after all.
They entered the main hall and saw that they were late, the council meeting had begun without them. The entire room was a throng of activity. Lords both high and low were around the room. Some had not even changed from the funeral, the smell of the river was on them all. The ceremony to mark the death of Harold York had been as somber an affair as one would have expected.
The assembled mourners had gathered on the bank of the river to pay their respects. At the appointed time, the former lord of Oakheart had been placed on a funeral pyre and launched downriver by Jim, Ned, her brother, Lord Harrison, and Lord Blackwood. As the boat had floated away, slowly gaining speed as the current dragged it into the middle of the river Lady Faith had tears streaming down her face, frustration gripping her as she watched her father slipping further away.
Jim's mother had hung her head, unable to bear the grief and as they made their way back to the castle they had walked together in silence. A quick glance around the room now had confirmed that they were the only women present, but her good mother did not look as though she wanted to be here. The assembled commanders of both the northmen and riverlands were present.
Only the bannerman of Aurora were absent, having been left to garrison the west and complete the conquest of riding the men Rick Payne had left behind when he fled like a coward from Roquefort. Melinda felt a flash of resentment. Why is it that only the men of her home are currently fighting?
At a corner of the great table that occupied the middle of the room, Melinda saw that a noble of the south was present. Lord Hightower was standing rigidly by one side of the table. Weariness was all over his face, his clothes were dusty and mud-splattered from his urgent ride east.
Why is he here? Has something happened?
Melinda strode through the room, Gabriel close by her side, to her place at the table. On this occasion, space had been left vacant exactly opposite of the king's seat. The table was only again taken up by a large map of Grandvista. She made to stand behind Lady Faith who was watching her son intently. She gave her a glance of concern and tried to offer her a smile but Faith merely looked sad.
"Your grace, we cannot deviate from our purpose." Lord Robert Bracken was saying, "We have all but conquered the west. We've secured the riverlands. Let's drive the pirates from the capital!"
Jim nodded but did not look up from the map.
"Please your grace." Lord Hightower spoke up. "Heed the message from Lord Gordon. You owe loyal vassals your support."
My God, what has happened? Melinda looked around confused but no one seemed inclined to assist her.
Lord Harrison York leaned over from his station at his niece Lady Faith's side and spoke to her. "Another fleet of pirates from l'Atoll de Monstres have attacked several villages in Aurora."
She felt a shard of icy fear grip her.
"We should drown them in blood for this," Gabriel snarled.
"Easy lad," Lord Harrison said grimly. "You won't get anywhere unless you control your temper."
Her brother glared at the older man but did not reply.
"Has my father been able to deal with the threat?" She asked.
"Uncertain, my queen." Lord Harrison replied with disarming honesty. "It seems your father had left his flank open. The l'Atoll de Monstres' fleet sailed right past Lord Buckley at Roquefort and headed south. The Shield Islands are under attack as we speak."
"Our bannerman should have been at home, protecting Aurora lands, not on some venture to further Jim Clancy's glory." Gabriel fumed.
Harrison regarded her brother stiffly. "That's King Jim to you, boy," the old man shouted. "Best remember it."
"A king who would betray hi-"
Melinda silenced him by stepping on his foot. She gave him a furious look, silencing his protest. She turned to Jim's great uncle. "Please forgive my brother, my lord. He's just overwrought at our home being attacked." She said softly.
"Not necessary, your grace." The older man replied eyeing her brother curiously. Harrison gave her a wry smile. "Having your home invaded makes you in good company as far as these gatherings are concerned."
True enough. Melinda shot Gabriel a warning look before returning to the table.
"I understand your concerns," Jim began. "Is Lord Gordon able to fend them off?"
"Lord Thomas Gordon has charged his brother with the defense of Aurora's coast, your grace," Lord Hightower responded. "He's also asked that additional forces be recalled from the west to reinforce his efforts."
My God, my father wants to make up for his failure to beat the last rebel attack almost twenty years ago. Thomas feels left out of the glory by not being involved in the fighting. He wants glory for himself. Stupid, stupid man.
"Does this request come from Lord Thomas?" Jim inquired.
Lord Hightower looked anxious. "No, your grace. Lord Gordon's brother Brandon wrote to both his brother and Lord Buckley saying that he had already reinforced our coastal defenses and believes he has enough troops for the time being. He encouraged Lord Buckley to finish in the west and then attack the l'Atoll de Monstres."
Gods bless her uncle's sane military mind compared to her father's.
The king nodded. "Nevertheless the attack on an ally is an attack on us." He pointed at the map, moving troop markers as he spoke. "Please return to Roquefort with the following orders. I want all the men that can be spared to head south to defend Aurora. By now Lord Buckley will have had most of the rebel's mercenaries well beaten around because Rick Payne is mysteriously missing for now."
His eyes drifted to the sea. "I also want Lord Ryker to take his men and send half of them down the coast. I want the pirates cut off from the l'Atoll de Monstres. Cut the bastards off from their home and destroy them."
Lord Hightower looked at the map. "As you say, your grace."
Lord Ryker had opened his mouth to say something, but a raised hand from his king silenced him. "This does not detract from our original purpose, my lord. I mean to head north as soon as possible."
Lord Morrison stepped to the table "We've been mustering ships ever since we heard that these savages have attacked the north. My house has been fighting these bloody pirates for generations. We know how to beat them. We can sail your army round the coast and assist Lord Ryker in attacking them."
"Do that my lord and you'll have my gratitude." A number of the assembled northmen voiced their appreciation. Lord Morrison merely nodded.
"Your grace." A voice spoke up. "We would play our part as well."
Melinda was astounded by Logan Dillard's temerity. First, they had fled along with the Flaherty's after Jim married her and now they wanted to fight again.
Though she thought darkly, Michael Dillard got a marriage to her brother Gabriel who spoke fondly of his intended while she got Jim Clancy who betrayed her within four months of marriage. I suppose the Dillard's and Flaherty's are laughing at the whims of fate.
Logan Dillard continued. "My father would have us do more. With the marriage of my sister Ann to Lord Gabriel to take place so soon…."
"Has a date been set so soon ser?" Faith Clancy objected. "Is that not indecent? We have only just said goodbye to my father."
Logan took the rebuke in stride. "Of course my lady, we all grieve for your father, but this is war. We would add our armies to the northern host as it fights."
"What exactly do you propose?" Jim asked curiously.
"It seems to me that since your army must march right by Shadow Creek on your way home, your grace." Logan Dillard pointed out. "Why not have Lord Gabriel accompany you? We could have a short ceremony to marry the happy couple-" At this, the Dillard smiled at her brother. "And then we would all march north together."
"Is the wedding a condition of your support?" Melinda demanded angrily.
"Not at all, my queen." Logan Dillard soothed. "Only my lord father cannot travel and it would warm his heart to see Ann wed in person." He looked at Jim. "A warmth that would be magnified a thousandfold if the king and queen were in attendance to honor the union."
Jim looked questioningly at Logan Dillard and then shared a glance with her.
Gabriel shuffled awkwardly beside her, "We had considered marrying at Shadow Creek, but after the war."
"Why wait?" Logan enthused. "We're heading north in any regard."
A moment of silence passed over the room. Finally, Gabriel nodded at both her and Jim. The king turned to the group.
"Very well, we will do as you suggest." He looked at the map. "This means a change in orders. Lord Bracken, you will take Lord Gordon's command in Aurora, just until the wedding has been completed." He pointed to a marker. "March at first light, relieve Lord Thomas and Lord Buckley and send them north. They will meet us in time for the wedding."
Lord Bracken nodded in compliance.
"Very well," Jim stated. "If there is nothing else…" The question hung in the air for a few moments, but no one spoke. "Good. It's settled then," he said, looking stonily at her. "We're going home."
Their arrival at Shadow Creek had been a cause for celebration and most of the household of Michael Dillard braved the wind and rain to come out and meet the advancing army. Though she could tell the lord of the castle and lands was not present. How odd.
"What a… dreary place," the queen said softly to herself as she arrived through the main gates.
Melinda was helped from her carriage by her handmaidens and gingerly, she stepped onto the muddy courtyard wincing as her feet all but disappeared into the dirt.
"Your grace, your dress," Sera exclaimed in dismay.
She offered a half-hearted smile. "I have others," she told her. "Don't worry."
Michael Rivers limped his way to her, paying no mind to the muddy surface he walked upon. He gave a quick awkward bow. "Welcome to Shadow Creek, my queen. My father, Lord Michael has asked for you to be presented to him as soon as you arrived."
"Presented to him?" Katherine asked heartily, appearing at her elbow, her long traveling gown trailing being her. "This is the queen, ser. The queen. Lord Dillard can be presented to her if he so wishes."
The bastard looked peevishly at the young woman who stood before him. In his mind, Katherine had no leave to even speak to him much less reprimand him. Under the northern girls' intense stare, the man bowed again, lower than before.
"I mean no disrespect to your grace. Only that my father is old and infirm and it would not do to expose him to the elements at his age. He waits just over there-" He said and pointed to an alcove off to one side of the courtyard and Melinda could see the old lord sitting in a high-backed chair, a small thing from this distance. The chair was surrounded by family members and retainers of House Dillard.
Melinda might as well get this over with. "I would rather not expose Lord Michael," she remarked, gathering her skirts "-to the elements or anything else. Lead on good ser."
Michael gave another low bow and led them across the courtyard. Katherine and Sera flanked her as she followed, stepping as cautiously as she could around the piles of dirt and horse dung that littered the yard. The smell was appalling.
Unlike Oakheart and Aurora, it was clear that the Dillard's gave little attention to keeping their home clean. This castle had none of the charms that any other castle had. Plus, they were to have a wedding here for her brother and some Dillard girl.
Wonderful.
"Your grace," Katherine said urgently, keeping her voice low so she could not be overheard. "Would it not be better to wait for the king?"
"I would be delighted to." The queen replied quietly, taking a long stride over a particularly large puddle. "But seeing as how my husband and I are barely speaking it would be difficult to coordinate. No, I'll allow Lord Dillard to welcome me and then I'll take to my room until the ceremony."
Melinda had not wanted to journey away from Oakheart at all. Not even for Gabriel's wedding despite how much she loved her brother. She was a few months pregnant and had started being horribly sick in the mornings, vomiting up almost all of her meals, and more besides. She had not relished the idea of the rickety journey by carriage on the uneven roads.
Even less when Melinda considered that she and her husband were ignoring each other. No, that wasn't entirely true, he was paying her his full attention when he had commanded her to make this trip.
"You will attend," Jim had declared firmly in a tone that did not invite disagreement. "This is my great-uncle's wedding, Melinda."
"My king," Melinda had protested. "In case you had forgotten I am carrying your child, it would not be right for me to make a journey."
"Nonsense," Jim replied with a wave of his hand. "The healers have told me you're quite well and able to travel."
Melinda's eyes narrowed. She'd have a word with that old man if she thought for a moment she could convince him not to share information about her with her husband. But she knew she couldn't. That would never happen.
"Besides," Jim continued with finality. "Shadow Creek is not far, Melinda, and you'll be back here in a few days."
It had seemed pointless to argue with him further. "As you wish your grace." Melinda had replied, with as much contempt as she could into that last.
Jim had merely glared at her before nodding tightly and walking away. They hadn't been in each other's presence since that moment. They had shared a bed his first night in Oakheart and then had requested his own quarters for private matters. She had not cared to argue or even spoken at all to Jim before they'd left and journeyed north along the river road.
Now, they were here and in this damp, desolate place. She could see why the Riverlords looked down on these people. They were a dour-looking lot, their castle a reflection of practicality rather than family. It was more of a business, not a home. Still, she gathered the family had made a good living down the generations extorting passage over the Croix River to those who need it.
Melinda arrived in the small stone alcove and came before Michael Dillard. Whatever she had been expecting she was to be disappointed. The lord of the crossing was a bald wizened thing. Loose skin dangled beneath his receding chin, his eyes were runny and clouded, and his toothless mouth constantly moving.
Lord Dillard was propped in his chair, a cushion beneath him, and a velvet robe bunched around his narrow frame, protecting him from the cold. The old man did not rise but looked at her curiously behind hooded reptilian eyes.
"Lord Michael, it is good to see you again," Jim spoke, his voice almost startling her.
Melinda didn't need to turn to know that her husband had ridden in on horseback behind her wheelhouse. In an instant, Jim was off his horse and at her side. He offered his arm to her and, not looking, she slipped her own arm over his. The niceties must be observed and in the midst of war, and they had to look like a solid front at all costs.
"Your grace," Michael Dillard uttered by way of reply, again not rising. "You'll forgive if I do not kneel. My legs no longer work as they did." The old man turned to regard her again. "Though what hangs between 'em still serves well enough, heh!" The lord smiled toothlessly, and the dry old skin of his face pulled up into a rictus grin.
Melinda looked from the lord before her to the young woman to his right. Evidently, the girl who was barely older than Katherine was the latest Lady Dillard of Shadow Creek and she had to resist the urge to shudder at the thought of this old lecher abed with such an innocent girl.
"This is her, is it not?" Michael Dillard asked, looking her over, his eyes lingering overly long on her breasts and legs. "Your new queen?"
Jim merely nodded noncommittally. "Yes, this is Queen Melinda," he replied through gritted teeth. "My wife."
"I can see why his grace chose you over anyone else." Lord Michael said, lasciviously looking her over once again. "Oh yes, yes I see it now. You're certainly more attractive than anything my wives ever produced."
"I am sure your daughters do you credit, my lord." Melinda offered, daring not to look at her husband, but she could feel the tension in his arm as he fought to control his temper.
"I see now why the king felt the need to marry you instead of any of my lot," the old man cackled looking around the hall. "Heh, oh yes, can't I just. I bet you are a fine vision when that dress comes off."
Jim's fists tightened. "There was no dishonor my lord. I did consider your offer of marriage and would have been honored to marry any of the daughters of your house. However, in this case, my heart directed me on a different course," he explained. "I fell in love with my queen. There was no other choice for my heart to make but to make her my queen."
She felt her chest tighten. It was good to hear him say he loved her again. Or at least had once been in love with her.
"Heh, love eh?" Lord Michael snorted, "Take it from me, your grace, love doesn't last and I've been married enough times to know."
Jim's eyes blazed and she gripped his arm tightly before he moved forward. They shared a look and as much as she wanted to gouge the old man's eyes out, neither of them could afford to make a scene.
"You will have to forgive me if I believe differently from that, my lord." He said carefully.
"Oh, don't get me wrong," the old man said, leaning back in his chair. "This talk of love has its place and makes the wedding night more bearable for the woman if nothing else." He looked at the queen's breasts and licked his lips, "I'd wager the king needed no help finding his way to your bed. Oh no, I bet he was right up inside you with ease. I know I would."
"Father!" Logan Dillard admonished, shock on his face as he spoke with his lord father.
Melinda could feel Jim's simmering anger boiling up. His body was taut, like a coiled spring.
Lord Michael noticed the king's ire as well and dipped his head slightly. "Excuse an old man for his foibles, your grace," the old lord smiled grimly. "It's only with age that we can appreciate the beauty of youth."
"My lord is too kind," Melinda said dutifully while having to keep herself from looking visibly revolted by him.
Lord Michael brushed that off. "Nonsense! My eyes are not so far gone that they can't appreciate a woman. Besides-" He offered another wide grim, "It's the only thing that gets a rise these days."
Jim started forward, she spoke quickly to intercede. He would kill the old man. "It was nice of you to host the wedding here my lord. My brother is lucky to be marrying into your family." She glanced quickly at her husband again to make sure he didn't do anything foolish. Her husband's face was murderous.
An unnamed Dillard stepped forward and cleared his throat. "We have chambers prepared for you and the queen in the West Tower, your grace." The man spoked courteously though somewhat dully. "The same for Prince Ned, Lord Harrison, and Lady Catelyn in the East tower. Your lords' bannerman and ladies are also welcome to shelter under our roof and to partake in the wedding feast. My lord grandfather regrets he cannot feed nor house a host as large as the one you have brought, your graces. We are hard-pressed to find food for our own levies that we've raised to assist with the liberation of the north. However, we have set up three large feast tents on the far bank of the river. If you would direct your forces to cross they are welcome to set up camp beside our own. I will order the servants to bring out casks of wine and ale so that we may all drink the health of Lord Gabriel and Lady Anna."
It was a wise choice for Lord Michael to let another son speak for him. The man had all the makings of an impressive diplomat.
"I'm sure my son wishes to thank you on behalf of his men." Lady Faith said, arriving next to her son and looking at him pointedly. "They have had a very wet, unpleasant journey."
Jim nodded. "Yes, of course," he said with a sigh. "Thank you, my lord."
"Excellent," Luther said, gesturing them into the castle. "If you will follow me, we will show you to your rooms and let you get settled."
"The Queen and my mother can go on ahead," Jim said. "I need to see my men across the river, my lord."
The old man snorted, "They shan't get lost, your grace." Lord Michael complained. "They've crossed before, haven't they? When you came with you before, but suit yourself. Lead each man across by the hand if you'd like, it's naught to me."
Jim nodded to Melinda and his mother. He turned towards his horse but was halted by Faith who caught his sleeve. "My lord," his mother spoke clearly to Lord Michael as she held her son close. "We have traveled many leagues from Oakheart. Some food would be most welcome."
Michael Dillard twitched slightly before smiling. "Food, heh." He winked. "What would take my lady's fancy? Some bread perhaps? A bite of cheese, maybe a sausage?"
"Some bread would do my lord," Jim said. "With cheese. And some wine to wash it down."
"Bread and cheese. Heh," the old man looked shrewdly at the king. "Of course, of course." He clapped his hands and a servant approached bearing a tray of bread and cheese. Another servant bore a flagon of wine.
Lord Michael took a cup of red for himself and raised it high with a withered hand. "My guests," he said. "My honored guests. Be welcome beneath my roof, and at my table."