Chapter 32
Rhain was exhausted the next morning, as was Edwyn. The two men had spent nearly the whole night in Rhain's study, bent over his desk studying speeches, messages, and strategies over sputtering candles until they could no longer bear it. Rhain had eventually stood and said that there was nothing further they could do and it was all out of their hands. They would have to trust in a higher power.
It was all the king could do to rise out of bed the next morning, but he knew that the German and Italian ships could be arriving at any moment. He wanted to be prepared for them. He had already arranged for gifts and for a special carriage to convey himself, Keelin, and the other two kings from the docks to his castle. Rhain wanted a little fanfare to surround their arrival, but he was also trying to keep things as subdued as possible. The most important thing was to form a strategy and to name a day for the attack on France.
As Rhain's servants helped him into yet another mound of blue velvet robes, he recited what he would say to the two kings over and over in his head until he felt that it would burst. His servants had just finished dressing him when a knock sounded at the door and a page was admitted.
"Your Majesty, the ships are arriving," the boy said, bowing low before Rhain.
"Send for Lord Edwyn and for my lady," Rhain said instantly.
"There is no need to send for me for I am here, my lord," a voice said and Keelin appeared at the door.
"Your timing is most excellent," Rhain said, smiling briefly but with pure feeling. "Send for Lord Edwyn, then."
"Right away, Your Majesty," the boy said, bowing once more. "My lady," he said, bowing to Keelin on his way out.
"Good morning, my love," Rhain said, immediately crossing the chamber to take Keelin's hands in his and to kiss her briefly on the lips.
"Good morning, my dearest," she responded.
"You look extraordinarily beautiful, as usual," Rhain said to her. "I am certain that one of us will make a fine impression on the German and Italian kings."
Keelin blushed and then replied, "And a fine impression I shall make on the man who once hoped you would marry his daughter. What shall he think when he learns that you have rejected her in favor of one of your servants? Aye, I am certain he will think fine thoughts about me then." Her voice was light and Rhain knew that she was in jest, trying to help him relax before greeting the other kings.
He had to smile at her words. "How unflattering you are to yourself, but I confess that I had not thought of it in that manner. However did you know that the kings had arrived?"
"I awoke early this morning and once I was dressed, I spent my time gazing out to sea," Keelin confessed.
They heard a knock at the door and then Edwyn entered the chamber. The giant was dressed in his robes and chain of office and not a hair was out of place. He did, however, look somewhat nervous as he greeted his friends.
"Good morrow, Rhain. Good morrow, Keelin." He paused to kiss Keelin's hand before continuing. "Shall we be off?"
"Aye. We must fetch my mother and we should not keep Their Majesties waiting," Rhain said.
The three set off, Rhain and Keelin in the lead, as was befitting their station. Rhain could see Keelin frown slightly at the arrangement, making him love her even more. Her ideas about equality among men were very provocative but Rhain saw that they were just. He greatly admired her spirit and her courage, flying in the face of tradition as she was.
They stopped at the dowager queen's door and Lord Edwyn offered her his arm. They continued their train down the corridors and out into the castle's bailey, where Rhain handed Keelin and his mother into the royal carriage. He and Edwyn mounted their horses and set forth, the carriage following. It was a short ride to the docks, where tall poles had been erected and a length of silk was elegantly draped over them to create a canopy. In fact, everything looked very festive and, Rhain thought, very incongruous, considering the occasion.
The king stepped down from the carriage and then held out his hand to help Keelin. As she placed her hand in his, the diamond in her rink sparkled, as if to remind him that better times lay ahead. He could not help but admire how well the ring looked on her elegant finger. In fact, her entire figure spoke of elegance and he loved how the deep crimson and the warm gold tones of her gown brought about a healthy glow on her complexion. Her hair was pulled back from her face in a complicated and beautiful twist of curls encased in a net studded with rubies that ended at the base of her skull with cascades of curls tumbling from beneath it.
Keelin gave him a reassuring smile as her head emerged from the carriage and he helped her down with the greatest of care. Once he saw her safely to the ground, he tucked her arm into the crook of his elbow and led her forward. The servants and nobility standing in rows beneath the canopy bowed respectfully before them as Rhain and Keeling moved near the end of the dock. Lord Edwyn and Queen Anne soon followed, the earl placing himself next to the king and his mother placing herself next to her future daughter-in-law. Trumpeters heralded the arrival of the foreign kings and Rhain was glad to see that Ludwig was the first to arrive.
"Your Majesty, King Ludwig of Germany, we welcome you to our kingdom," Rhain said, bowing to the man.
"The pleasure of the visit is all mine, Your Majesty," the German king replied, bowing in turn. His accent was a brief but unpleasant reminder of the last time they had met.
"We are greatly honored by your visit and wish to present you with tokens of our appreciation," Rhain said. At his words, several servants stepped forward with presents of gold, jewels, tapestries, and other fine crafts created by English tradesmen.
"There is no need for such gifts," King Ludwig replied kindly. "I consider myself privileged to be a guest of the new king of England."
Rhain was very much gratified by Ludwig's answer. "Your friendship is most welcome, yet we ask that you accept these gifts as a remembrance of your visit."
"We shall accept them gladly not because we believe them necessary but because we confess that we are quite anxious to be the owners of such splendid gifts. We understand that the English are very fine craftsmen."
Rhain smiled broadly at the German king. He felt that he would come to like the man a great deal during their campaign against France. Rhain felt certain that they would become fast friends.
"King Ludwig, allow me to present my betrothed, my lady Keelin." Rhain watched as the king bowed before Keelin who lowered herself into a perfect court curtsey.
"'Tis an honor to meet Your Majesty, as a man of whom my lord speaks most highly," she said to him.
"The honor is all mine, my lady," the German king replied, lowering his head to her hand so that he could kiss it. "Your lady is a rare and beautiful rose indeed, my friend," he said to Rhain. Keelin blushed deeply and Rhain beamed.
"Allow me to present to you Her Royal Highness, Queen Anne," Rhain said.
The king bowed and Rhain's mother curtseyed. King Ludwig lowered his head to kiss her hand and then placed his other hand on top of hers. "Please allow me to express, Your Majesty, my deep sorrow and most sincere sympathies over the death of your most excellent husband. He was an extraordinary king and a fine man and rest assured that I will not let his death go unpunished."
Rhain could see his mother's eyes mist with tears as she gave the German king a wavering smile. "I thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty."
"And, finally, allow me to present you to Lord Edwyn, Earl of Kent and Secretary of State, and my most loyal and faithful friend," Rhain finished.
"'Tis an honor, Your Majesty," Edwyn said, bowing low to the king.
"I have heard fine reports of your loyalty and your service, Lord Edwyn," King Ludwig replied. "I look forward to conducting business with you."
The trumpets sounded once again to announce the arrival of King Giovanni. Rhain repeated his introductions and could not help but notice the Italian king sizing Keelin up. Rhain supposed he could hardly blame the man as Rhain had refused his daughter but he found he had to fight to keep his temper in check.
The three kings rode to the castle on horseback, followed by the royal carriage, which carried Keelin and the dowager queen. The carriage was followed by Edwyn and the Secretaries of State of the other two kings, and, finally, the knights of all three kings. The people had gathered in the streets to watch this procession, applauding the three kings and tossing flowers toward them, chanting "Long live the king!" in German, Italian, and English. Rhain saw that many of the peasants, especially young peasant women and men, were also tossing roses toward Keelin's carriage. His bride-to-be waved to the people from the carriage window. Rhain was reassured by the display.
When they arrived at the castle, Rhain bid his mother and Keelin an abbreviated good-bye before departing to meet with the other two kings and their advisors. Once inside his conference chamber, Rhain took his place at the head of his table.
"I would like to thank King Ludwig and King Giovanni once more for journeying here to meet with me. England and her people, as well as myself, extend their gratitude to you for the friendship you have shown her."
"Germany considers England as its own cousin," King Ludwig immediately said. "The acts of war that France has committed against England are seen as acts of war against Germany as well, especially because they were committed on German soil. Germany and her people are committed to their friendship with England and we offer our full support in England's campaign against the French. By aligning with France, Spain is also now considered an enemy of the German empire."
"Your friendship is most welcome and most appreciated, Ludwig," Rhain assured his friend. "You are a fair and wise ruler and my father thought most highly of you."
"Your father was as fine a king as ever lived," the German king said solemnly.
"You do me great honor," Rhain replied. He turned to the Italian king. "What say you, King Giovanni?"
"Italy finds herself to be in a delicate position," the Italian king declared, his accent very thick. "We have many interests in France and Spain and declaring war against either would be a detriment to our well-being."
"France shall use you as her pawn," King Ludwig declared and Rhain was somewhat taken aback at his assertiveness. "Hesitation is for the weak. You do not wish to offend anyone but you cannot belong to both sides."
The Italian king sniffed. "Italy is not as eager for war as England and Germany appear to be."
"Do not for one moment believe me eager for war," Rhain said, trying to control his anger. "I want nothing more than peace and prosperity for my kingdom. But am I to sit back idly and allow my father's death to go unavenged? Would you not wish for your own son to take the same course of action as I am, King Giovanni?"
The Italian king did not reply but looked as though he were mulling over Rhain's words.
"What interest can France and Spain hold for you? France's sovereign is a blackguard and a villain and Spain is on the brink of financial ruin. Would not you rather align yourself with two financially sound countries, one led by a noble sense of filial duty and the other led by the desire to seek justice for its friends?" Ludwig asked.
Rhain could see that the Italian king was not fully convinced and he knew that King Giovanni was waiting for an offer of money. The young king knew it would take hours of negotiation and offers of trade to win the Italian king to their cause, but he knew that Italy would eventually be won over. Its economy was also on the brink of disaster and so of course it would wish to ally itself with two economically strong countries. However, King Giovanni was playing his cards close to his chest, waiting to see what offers would be put on the table. Rhain knew he could probably call the Italian king's bluff if he wanted but he had neither the time nor the patience to do so. He would make some concessions to the Italian king in order to gain the man's military power. It would be a worthwhile sacrifice and would firmly bind the Italian king to him.
After hours of exhausting and delicate negotiations, Germany and England managed to come up with a solution that was appealing to Italy and palatable to them. The three kings then signed a treaty and a declaration of their alliance, which would be sent to the kings of France and Spain. By the time they finished, there was only an hour left before the feast and the men parted to return to their chambers to dress. Rhain rushed through his routine so that he could see Keelin and tell her the good news before the feast.
*****
When Keelin's ladies admitted Rhain into her presence chamber, Keelin could immediately see by the look on Rhain's face that the news was good. She hurriedly dismissed her ladies and then turned all of her attention to Rhain.
"Germany and Italy have allied themselves with England," he told her. "We have signed a treaty and a declaration of our alliance to send to the French and Spanish kings."
"Oh, thank God," Keelin said.
Rhain's expression sobered. "Do you know what this means?"
"Aye," Keelin replied, turning away from him so that he would not see the tears in her eyes or the way her lips trembled. "You shall discuss your strategy for battle and you shall declare war on France and Spain presently."
"Keelin," Rhain said. He placed a hand on her elbow and tried to draw her toward him but she pulled away before turning sharply to face him.
"Man has no idea of the strength of woman," she declared, passionately. "Man thinks of his own strength as he rides off into war and glory while woman is left behind to suffer in silence and conduct herself as if it were any other ordinary day. 'Tis this waiting and wondering and hoping that is true strength."
"Aye, what you say is true," Rhain said, gently. He drew her into his arms. "Only consider that 'twill not be easy for me either, my love."
Keelin was instantly contrite. She was so scared and so anxious that she had forgotten what going away to this war would mean to Rhain. So much was riding on his shoulders. It was up to him to avenge his father, to protect her, and to ensure the security of the entire kingdom.
"Forgive me, beloved. I did not mean that 'twould be easy for you," she said, softly.
"I know," he replied. They were both silent for a moment, drawing comfort from their solitude and from being in one another's arms. Finally, Rhain sighed and drew back from her. "Come, my darling, we must away to the feast."
Keelin's heart was full as they met up with the queen and with Edwyn before entering the great hall for the feast. She appeared to be listening as Rhain gave a very pretty speech about his two new allies but her thoughts were thousands of miles away. She thought of France and how Rhain would soon set sail for its godforsaken shores, of how Mordrid would be lying in wait for Rhain. At times, Keelin thought that perhaps she had a touch of what some of the mystics called "vision." She felt a horrible foreboding, making it impossible for her to relax. She knew that something very bad was on the horizon and the vague sense of terror kept her on edge all night.
It was a very long night and Keelin was extremely glad when it was over. After the feast, Rhain and Edwyn left with the other kings to discuss their strategy and Keelin was left with her ladies and the queen. The women retired to the queen's presence chamber where both Keelin's and the queen's ladies attempted to distract them with music and games of chance.
Finally, when Keelin could bear it no longer she whispered to the queen, "My lady, I wish to speak with you privately."
"Of course," the queen replied and it was impossible for Keelin to miss the anxious expression on her face. "Thank you, ladies, you may return to your chambers," she said, turning to her ladies-in-waiting. Keelin turned to hers and nodded, indicating that they should leave as well. On her way out, Alinda caught Keelin's eye with a questioning look.
"Later," Keelin mouthed to her.
Once the ladies had left the chamber, Keelin turned to the queen with a nervous smile. "My lady, I do not wish to increase your fears but I must speak with you. I am very afraid of what is to happen in the next few days. I have had an inescapable sense of fear throughout the day today."
"We are all of us afraid," the queen said, taking Keelin's hand and patting it in a consoling manner. "In my many years of life, I have seen my husband and my son ride off into more battles than I care to count. You must learn, my dear, to bear it as well as possible for you will experience it many a time."
Keelin rose impatiently from her chair and began to pace the chamber. "Nay, 'tis not simply that. There is something in the air, I can feel it. Something is not quite right and I cannot for the life of me discover what it is."
The queen rose from her chair and put her hands on Keelin's shoulder, gently steering her back to her seat. "You are right, there is something in the air," she said, very gently. "Everyone can feel the tension in the air. Are you certain 'tis not simply this?"
"I am certain," Keelin said. She could feel her stomach clench painfully. "I cannot help but feel that something is right before me but I am unable to see it clearly. 'Tis as if I have some information which I cannot grasp."
"Come, my dear, you will worry yourself to madness. I cannot pretend that this war will be easy for anyone but I cannot bear to see you like this. I have found from my own experience that 'tis often better to suppress those fears which threaten to overtake us in favor of losing oneself in distraction. I know it seems impossible but you will become good at it in time. I certainly have."
"Oh, my lady," Keelin said, grasping at the queen's hands desperately. "How I shall need to depend on your counsel during this time. I fear I am not comporting myself in the best manner."
"Fret not," the queen said, in a soothing tone of voice. She smiled at her future daughter-in-law. "You comport yourself beautifully. I fear the German king is half in love with you."
Keelin blushed and smiled in turn. "Nay, that is not true. He is merely a very kind man who has shown a great deal of friendship toward Rhain, and toward us all."
"Aye, with that I will agree," the queen said. "'Tis a comfort to have such friends at this time."
The two women were silent for a while. It was growing late but Keelin knew she would not sleep a wink that night and she could see by the look in the queen's eye that she would not either. Keelin was beginning to understand the necessity of ladies-in-waiting. She knew that when she returned to her chamber she would require their assistance. It would be their duty to remain awake with her throughout the night and to do whatever they could to distract her. Keelin felt sorry for them and it bothered her to think of her having to disturb their sleep for her own sake but she knew that they were glad to do it. To be a lady-in-waiting for a member of the royal family was something indeed. It presented a woman with a great deal of status and also procured her the opportunity of meeting many rich and powerful potential husbands. Aside from all that, Keelin's ladies were extremely good-natured young women and Keelin felt that they truly cared about her.
Keelin remained with the queen for another hour. The two of them stitched in silence before Keelin finally pretended to yawn, professing her fatigue to the queen. As she left, the queen embraced Keelin very tightly.
"What a comfort 'tis to me to have such a daughter at such a time," she said.
Keelin could feel her eyes fill with tears at the woman's kindness. "And what a comfort to me to have such a mother," she replied.
"You are a blessing, Keelin. Not only to Rhain but also to myself."
"Nay, my lady. 'Tis I who am blessed. God protect you and may you slumber well."
"God bless you, my dear," the queen replied.
Keelin walked out of the chamber and found that her ladies were waiting in the corridor. They escorted her back to her chamber, all the while trying to suppress their yawns. Keelin felt as though her feet were made of lead. She was physically exhausted but too mentally troubled to surrender to repose.
"I am afraid, ladies, that I require your services tonight," she told them when they reached her chamber.
"Of course, my lady," Miranda said.
"We shall stay awake with you every night, if you require it," Alinda chimed in. Diana and Catherine nodded their assent.
"Let us hope that shall not be necessary," Keelin sighed. She smiled at the ladies and they smiled back at her.
The night passed slowly and, despite their best efforts, Keelin's ladies were not able to remain awake the whole night but Keelin did not mind. She enjoyed their carefree banter, their stories, the music they played but she was glad for some peace after a time. She spent a good part of the night lying in her giant bed; staring up at the canopy and watching her breath appear in white puffs as the night slowly wore away.
