Chapter Twenty-Two

R eynard had managed to make it to the great hall to break his fast once the new day had dawned, not that the sun was anywhere in sight. The storm continued to drench the land, making everyone irritable over being forced to stay indoors. If the empress's tourney had gone as planned, the games would now be over and Elysande would be his wife. He would not think of any other outcome despite the injury that had kept him in bed for two days.

Two days of other men vying for Elysande's attention, her conversation, or the opportunity to dine or dance with her. Two days of being laid low by the scum who also tried to put his claim upon her. He saw Morcant across the room speaking with the empress and watched the lady frown. By Saint Michael's wings… what nonsense was he filling the woman's ear with now?

Reynard rubbed his side even as he took another bite of the porridge he was attempting to consume. 'Twas hard to stomach anything this morn when the empress's court appeared to be filled with intrigue. What the bloody hell was going on? A nudge from Richard as he took a place next to him had Reynard pushing away the bowl.

"What have I missed in the two days I have spent recovering?" Reynard demanded and he once again surveyed the room. Was his imagination running amuck or was everyone staring at him?

"There is a rumor circulating this morn," Richard muttered, tearing off a piece of bread and taking a bite.

"About what?" he asked, annoyed he was the center of attention.

"You."

"What have I done to earn their interest?" Reynard asked, curious why he was the topic of conversation when he had been abed for two days.

"'Tis not what you have necessarily done but who was seen leaving your bedchamber in the middle of the night," Richard replied, reaching for a piece of cheese. "The two of you should have been more careful about your midnight tryst."

A snort left Reynard. "'Twas hardly a tryst and you know it."

Richard shrugged. "Mayhap, but the point of the matter is Lady Elysande was seen . She may have been tending to your fever but in the eyes of those who wish to take your place, she is now sullied goods."

Reynard slammed his fist upon the table. "Do not call her such," he warned.

"There are several men who have already informed the empress that they are no longer interested in continuing in the games due to Elysande's current… situation."

Reynard's eyes flitted to the knight who continue to converse with the empress. "Does that include Morcant?"

A snarky laugh escaped Richard. "Ha! Not that one. If anything, he is more determined to have her despite what has transpired between you and the lady."

"I told you nothing happened."

"If you say so, but others will not be so easily convinced, mon ami ," Richard said with a weak smile.

"So, the games will continue once the weather cooperates," Reynard suggested and watched Richard nod.

"I believe the empress is determined to give those who continue to grovel at her feet the entertainment she promised them."

"I can only pray the rain holds out for another day or two so I can recover fully," Reynard grumbled once more placing his hand over the wound.

"I think you have bigger issues to worry over than the weather, Reynard," Richard proclaimed with a nod of his head. "If you were not a target before, then you certainly will be now.

Reynard saw Elysande enter the great hall. She appeared radiant and he wanted nothing more than to proclaim to all present that she belonged to him. But the lords and ladies who were noticing her arrival began having conversations between them that were far from hushed. Ruined. Tarnished. Reynard scowled whilst he struggled to hold onto his temper as the name-calling reached his ears. This was what he had feared when Elysande left him last night.

Her entire visage lit up once she espied him. She was about to make her way in his direction when he gave a slight shake of his head. She halted her progress across the room and turned in the opposite direction to take a seat at another table to break her fast.

Reynard returned to his conversation with Richard. "I was a target the moment Elysande gave me her favor. Nothing will change that, and I shall continue to be honored to wear her ribbon."

"'Tis your neck you risk, but I warn you to watch your back. Morcant almost did you in. I would hate to have you lose your life over a woman. Wymar would have my own neck if any harm came to his youngest brother whilst under my watch," Richard retorted with cocky grin. "Not that you cannot take care of yourself."

"I shall deal with Morcant. I owe him," Reynard sneered. "Besides, no one told you to watch over me like I am some child. I would think you would find it of more import to keep your sister Beatrix out of trouble."

A sound of frustration left Richard's lips. "I swear she will be the death of me. She is flirting her way through the empress's court as if she, too, has no care for her reputation."

"She did warn you that she would do so when we left her here when we traveled to Bristol. Did you expect her to not follow through with her threat?" Reynard said with a laugh whilst he took a brief look at Richard's sister and Oswin talking together.

"Nay. She has never backed down to me in our past. 'Tis not in her nature to do so," Richard declared whilst he too watched his sister. "What do you think of what is going on with Oswin and Beatrix? Do you think he is in love with her?"

'Twas Reynard's turn to shrug. "Who is to say? Although if he was, would you object to the match? You already know the man and he is an honorable knight and more than worthy of her."

Richard ran his hand through his hair. "I never know what to think when the matter concerns Beatrix. However, I may need to interrupt their little interlude. Beatrix is taunting me by placing her hands on Oswin, and I would hate for our friendship to be ruined because my little sister is trying to make some point."

Richard excused himself and Reynard watched him cross the room. He leaned down to whisper in Beatrix's ear and quickly removed her from the hall. 'Twas clear Richard was about to reprimand his sister, though Reynard had the sense that rather than amending her behavior, she would only retaliate even more. He felt sorry for Richard knowing Beatrix would do all in her path to get her way… Reynard could only ponder if that included an alliance with Oswin Woodwarde.