Chapter Nineteen

CHAPTER NINETEEN

Pelinom Castle

Four weeks later

"A nd that's how we met," Julian was saying. "She yelled at me and told me I was a terrible commander because my men were undisciplined. One moment she was shouting at me and in the next, I was in love with her. In speaking to Mama, she says nearly the same thing happened with you."

He was speaking to an enormous crypt in the small chapel of Pelinom, the one Julian's grandfather, Keats, had built against the outer wall of his fortress. It was tucked back by the kitchens, half-moon shape in design, and it had two crypts in it– Keats Coleby and Ajax de Velt.

Jax had never wanted to be buried far from his family.

Which was a good thing considering a loud and expensive wedding was going on at Pelinom. Jax was part of it because the family kept coming in to celebrate with him. At the moment, it was Julian, who had put two full cups of wine on the crypt because he was marrying the woman he loved and he wanted to celebrate the event with his father. Cole and his family had arrived for the celebration, as had sisters Allaston and Effington, all the way from Wales. Julian had more nieces and nephews running about than he could count, more boys to take him down by the knees and try to steal his coin purse.

But there were other guests, as well.

Christopher de Lohr was among them. The man had come north with his brother, the Earl of Canterbury, and a host of knights and friends, all of them gathering to celebrate Julian's marriage to Lista, who was a truly sweet and humorous woman. The word from the de Lohr women was that they most definitely approved of Lista and held her in great esteem, much like her husband, who was rarely away from her side.

But for this task, he wanted to be alone.

It was a moment between father and son.

"I brought a drink for you, Papa," Julian said, picking up one of the two cups on Jax's crypt. "I wanted to celebrate my marriage with you, just the two of us, because I know you would be giving me fatherly advice right about now. This would be your moment to tell me how to be a good husband because you were one for all of those years. But instead, Cole felt the need to take your place and tell me how to treat a wife. I think he lied because he told me that women like to have their hair pulled and appreciate love bites on their buttocks. I think he was drunk when he told me that because I'm fairly certain he's trying to get me into trouble with my wife."

Julian chuckled as he brought the cup to his lips and drank deeply, a very fine Belgian wine provided by Lady Felkington on the event of her daughter's wedding. Somehow, Flora hadn't gotten to the wine before it was shipped to Pelinom and even now, Lady d'Orbec was back at Felkington, in her chamber and under guard from Julian's own men. He didn't trust the woman not to make his wedding a fiasco, so she hadn't been invited. She'd been restricted to her chamber until Julian could decide what to do with her.

Lista had been grateful.

While Flora's fate was still up in the air, Meadow had come to Pelinom and Kellington had spent nearly every minute with her. She still wanted to drink and forage in the trees for fungus that would give her a wildly intoxicated feeling, but Kellington had managed to keep her away from those things and she had actually enjoyed herself at her daughter's wedding. Meadow removed from Flora seemed to be a saner and more stable lady, now with the renewed friendship with Kellington Coleby de Velt, who was a much better influence on her. It was another thing that Lista was deeply grateful for.

And Julian was, too.

"You'd like Lista, Papa," Julian said softly, running his hand over the great stone crypt. "In fact, I know you would grow to love her because I think she's that greatness you once spoke about. If you will recall, as you lay in Mama's arms, you told me I needed to find my greatness. I've wondered for six years what you meant by that and I always thought it was something to do with strength or honor. It never occurred to me that my greatness was a person. I found my greatness and her name is Lista. I just thought you'd like to know."

He was smiling by the time he finished, giving the cold granite one last pat before setting down his empty cup and picking up the one he'd left for his father. It was a poignant moment with his father, one he would remember for the rest of his life. Having a big brother like Cole explain the ways of married men and women to him had actually been quite sweet, a bonding moment between brothers, but there had been something missing without their father present. They both felt it. But it had been a beautiful moment, nonetheless.

"I thought I'd find you in here."

Julian heard the voice over near the chapel entry, turning to see Cole standing there with two more cups in his hand. He came in, handing one to Julian even though he already had a cup.

"Papa and I were just having a conversation," Julian said. "Somewhat one-sided, but I swear I hear his voice now and then."

"Oh?" Cole said, taking a drink from his cup. "What did he tell you?"

"That women do not like love bites on their arses."

Cole nearly spit his wine out, managing to salvage most of it as a droplet ran down onto his chin. He wiped it off as he swallowed the drink in his mouth, grinning at his younger brother.

"If you truly believed me, then you are in more trouble than I realized," he said. "But coming to know Lista as I have, I suspect she would not tolerate bites to her arse."

Julian snorted. "Probably not," he said. "But I intend to find out… gently."

Cole chuckled. "Cori likes her a great deal, you know," he said. "So do Allaston and Effie and Addie. Next to Cori's younger sister, Gaia, Addie considers Lista her best friend in the entire world. I would not be surprised if she moved into Felkington with you two."

Julian shook his head. "I love Addie, but she is staying here, with Mother," he said firmly. "I am not sharing my wife right now. I do not need my sister tagging along with everything we do. God, do you remember how Cassian used to do that to us when he was young? Everywhere we went, there he was. We would go hunting and he'd cry to Mother so she would make us take him along. What an annoyance he was. Addie has the potential to be just like that."

Cole grinned at the memories of a little brother who was born when Cole and Julian were twelve and ten years of age, respectively. As they grew, Cassian wanted to do everything with them, which greatly annoyed the boys who were becoming men.

"He used to be like that until we got older and that dynamic changed," Cole said. "I do not remember when it became me and Papa against you and Cassian, but that's when we found out just how cunning and ruthless Cassian was. I never told you this, but you were fortunate to have him as an ally."

Julian was still smiling at the recollection of his little brother who was tough and fierce, even at a young age. "I know," he said. "I miss those times very much."

The smile faded from Cole's face. "I know," he said. "Actually, that is why I've come. I know you wanted to be alone with Papa for a while, but I just had a conversation with de Lohr that I think you should know about. It's about Cass."

Julian's good humor fled. "God, what now?" he said. "We already know about his bastard son, whom I fully intend to see at some point."

"I know. Me, too. We shall go together."

"Then what else is there about Cass?"

"He's alive."

That wasn't what Julian had expected to hear. In fact, he was expecting to hear anything but that, so the news was like a blow to his belly. He actually had to grip the side of the crypt to steady himself, setting the cups down so he wouldn't drop them.

"Say that again," he said as if not trusting his own ears. "What did you just say?"

Cole put a hand on his shoulder. "Cassian is alive," he said. "De Lohr's men have seen him on the tournament circuit and they have confirmed that he is alive and well, competing as a tournament knight who calls himself The Dark Conqueror."

A hand flew to Julian's mouth. "He's truly alive ?" he hissed. "And they're certain?"

"They are."

Julian stared at him, shocked to the bone, but along with that shock came a question. It spewed from his lips before he could stop himself.

"But why?" he demanded. "Why is he on the tournament circuit and has not sent us word? Why has he let us think that he has been dead all these years?"

Cole was shaking his head even as his brother asked those terrible questions that he had asked himself. "I do not know," he said. "Christopher does not know, but he is going to find out. He plans on attending a tournament to see for himself. He said he would send us word as soon as he had spoken to Cass. I would like to think our brother has a very good reason for doing what he's done but, at the moment, I cannot think of one. All I can think of is Mother's face when she thought Cass had been killed on his way to visit Papa's grave after he was killed and I want to throttle Cassian. I really do."

Julian did, too, and he wasn't satisfied with that answer. "He'd better have a damned good reason for all of this," he said. "Mayhap he was knocked on the head by outlaws and forgot who he was, or mayhap…"

"Mayhap what?"

Julian cast him a long look. "Mayhap he is one of William Marshal's spies," he said. "Mayhap The Marshal commanded him to feign his own death."

Cole shook his head. "Nonsense."

"Why?" Julian wanted to know. "You served William Marshal and his ring of spies. Mayhap the man got to Cass and forced him into service."

Cole held up a hand to silence him. Although it was true that Cole had indeed served William Marshal in his spy ring for several years, Julian and Cassian had never been part of that. Still… he wouldn't put it past William Marshal to sink his claws into the youngest de Velt son.

Perhaps Julian had something, at that.

"De Lohr will tell us when he sees Cass," Cole said. "He asked that we remain out of the situation until he can settle it."

Julian frowned. "Why should we stay out of it? Cassian is our brother."

"But he has a child with Brielle. It's complicated, Julian. De Lohr will handle it far more diplomatically than we could."

He had a point. "I suppose," he said begrudgingly. "But… Cass is really alive? I simply cannot believe it."

Cole couldn't disagree with that. He was feeling a great deal of shock himself. "I know," he said. "Meanwhile, I suggest we not tell Mother yet. I do not want to shock the woman, nor do I want to get her hopes up until we know something more."

Julian knew that his brother was correct. "Agreed," he said. "But, Cole?"

"Aye?"

"It would be nice to have our little brother home again."

Cole patted him on the side of the head. "It would, indeed," he said. Then, he took a deep breath and swept his hand in the direction of the chapel door. "Mayhap we should go drink a secret toast to the return of Cassian as we celebrate your marriage. Papa is taking up all of your time and I would like some of it."

Julian was still digesting the news of Cassian but, in the same breath, he felt some joy. Joy and relief that his little brother hadn't been killed those years ago. But the joy was tempered with confusion, something he was desperately trying to shake. This was his wedding celebration and he wouldn't be distracted from his beautiful bride by the revelation of his brother's reappearance, as important as it was.

Tonight belonged to him and Lista.

"Then let us return to the hall," Julian said as Cole led him from the chapel. "I think my wife is with Cori and Addie."

Cole grunted. "Where else would she be?"

"I think I'm going to have to fight them off when I try to take her up to my chamber for the night."

They looked at each other and started laughing as they quit the chapel and headed for the keep. As they crossed the shadowed bailey, a lone figure emerged from the alcove near the altar of the chapel. There were two entrances, one for the family and one for the priest, and the priest's door had been opened. In fact, the figure had been standing there for quite some time, long enough to have heard Julian's conversation with Jax and the subsequent news from Cole.

Kellington's tear-stained face came into the light.

It was sunset, with the last rays of light penetrating through the expensive stained-glass window that was one of three on the east side of the chapel. The light caressed her features as she made her way to her husband's crypt, a gentle hand upon the stone as her lips kissed the effigy on the head.

She sniffled.

"I hadn't meant to hear all of that," she said, her voice trembling from weeping. "I had only meant to have a private word with Julian until Cole came in, but did you hear what he said? Cass has been found. My little boy has been found. I thought he was with you, but as it turns out, he is still with me. All of our sons are with me and I could not be more grateful. And you… you , my pet, are always with me. You are with us all. I heard what Julian told you and he was right… his greatness is Lista. She is what he has been searching for all of these years. I wish you could see them together, Jax. Then you would know it is true."

Kissing the effigy one last time, Kellington followed her sons' path from the chapel, heading back towards the keep that was lit up with the glow of a thousand candles. There was light and music, food and drink, and the chatter of people celebrating a truly happy occasion. It was all things glorious and although Kellington was joyful in her son's marriage, she couldn't help but feel that something was missing.

Some one was missing.

Jax.

She had been with the man more than half her life. Losing him as she had in battle those years ago had been a shock, one she still wasn't over. His abrupt departure left a hole that no one else could fill, as if a large piece of her heart had broken off, a piece she would never get back. That's why they call it a broken heart , she mused. Broken or not, however, it was still full enough and strong enough to love her children, their spouses, and her grandchildren.

Even the naughty ones.

How Jax would have loved them.

With a smile, Kellington stepped into the great hall, confronted almost immediately by Ashton. The tall, blond de Royans knight nearly bowled her over, startled when he realized he had been rather abrupt.

"Lady de Velt," he said, clearly fortified by alcohol. "I was hoping I might have a moment of your time. I have a very important question to ask you and I do not take it lightly. I have thought long and hard about it and it is time that I speak with you."

Kellington already knew what it was before he even asked. She'd been expecting that question for the past two years, only Ashton had been too skittish and cowardly to bring it up. Seeing Julian married, however, must have fortified his courage and Kellington fought off a smile at the young knight who seemed to be sweating quite a bit.

"Of course, Ashton," she said. "What would you like to ask me?"

His eyes widened. "Now, my lady?"

"You asked for a moment of my time. Now you have it."

Ashton looked around nervously, making sure no one was listening, before refocusing on her. "My lady," he said. "I would like to ask permission to court Addington. I am a de Royans, my father's heir, and I will inherit Bowes Castle upon his death. I have much to offer a wife so I hope you will consider this when rendering your decision."

Kellington opened her mouth to reply when Anteaus was suddenly in front of her, trying to push Ashton out of the way.

"Lady de Velt," Anteaus said, shoving Ashton back by the chest. "I would like a moment of your time, if you will. I must ask you a question of the utmost importance."

Kellington almost laughed. She could see Ashton's enraged face and Anteaus' determined one. Before a fight could erupt, and the pair had been building up to it all day as Addington flirted with both of them, Kellington stepped back and took charge.

"Anteaus," she said firmly. "Find Cole and escort him to my solar. Ashton, you will go to my solar immediately and wait for me. Do this now."

The knights split off, automatically carrying out her command without hesitation. When Lady de Velt gave an order, it was not meant to be disobeyed. Kellington watched them head off for a moment before seeking out Julian, who was in conversation with a de Lohr knight. She pulled her son away from the conversation and pointed in the direction of her solar.

"Ashton has finally summoned the courage to ask for Addie's hand," she said. "Unfortunately, so has Anteaus. I need your help, Julian. Get into the solar and keep Anteaus calm. God's Bones, I wish your father was here. He could settle them down."

Julian's eyes glimmered. "You think so, do you?" he said. "Mother, the real commander of Pelinom is, and always has been, you. But I do agree that we are in for trouble if this gets out of hand. I have no desire to spend part of my wedding celebration breaking up a fight between my sister's suitors."

An idea occurred to Kellington. "I do not think you will have to," she said. "Send Cori and Lista into my solar. No man would dare fight in front of them and they'll be able to calm them down better than anyone else can. Hurry, now. Do as I say."

Julian did. That greatness he'd finally found, his beautiful wife in her pale blue wedding gown, ended up helping broker a betrothal between Ashton and Addington, and not a drop of blood was spilled. Julian watched his wife, a natural organizer and negotiator, take on two love-struck knights and win.

It was the most amazing thing he'd ever seen.

As Anteaus drowned his sorrows in more wine, having lost out on the last eligible de Velt daughter, Julian finally took his wife to his chamber, high atop the fortress of Pelinom, and retreated from the world. It was the first day of the rest of his life, a life that had finally come full circle in more ways than he could have ever imagined. That bullied boy with eyes of different colors had finally found his greatness in the arms of a woman he loved more with every breath he took. A woman of poise, of grace, and of genuine kindness.

A woman who loved him with all her heart and soul.

Julian de Velt, and all of his inner demons, had finally found the peace he'd been looking for.

On this night, all was finally right in his world.