Chapter Eleven

R ichard paced the passageway outside of his bedchamber. Annora was inside changing into her hose and tunic. He did not care for what was about to transpire downstairs in the great hall, but what choice did they have? And yet, even though he should have known all along that this was how things would end, his heart rebelled against it. He did not wish to release Annora so that she could return to the man who had such a cruel hold over her. He wished ’twas possible for her to stay by his side, always. They had come to a common accord in the past several days and had been enjoying each other’s company. But all that was about to change, and Richard did not know how to alter the situation. He would be forced to let her go.

The afternoon had brought a messenger carrying a white flag to the gates of Oxford and bearing Stephen’s missive. The parchment had been brought to Richard and after he broke the wax seal, he perused its contents briefly. He then began issuing orders to allow Stephen to enter the gate and to make him comfortable in the great hall. ’Twas clear the usurper had learned of the Empress’s escape. There was nothing left to do but surrender the castle and pray that any terms would be amicable.

His bedchamber door opened. Annora was in the process of placing one of her knives he had originally taken from her into one of her boots. She finally stood and he could see for himself her worried frown. He came inside and pulled her into his arms. “I wish there was another way to keep you with me,” Richard said brushing away the tears that escaped her green eyes.

“I wish I could stay,” she whispered before continuing, “but we knew this day would come eventually.”

“We were just starting to like one another,” he teased with a short chuckle to lighten the mood.

“Imagine what might have been with a bit more time,” she declared with a smile that did not reach her worried eyes.

Richard sighed. “I have imagined such a life every night, Annora.”

“You have?” she asked.

“Aye. I wish there was a way that we could continue what has begun between us and find out if we could suit long term.”

She tore herself out of his arms and made her way further into the room. “You should not make this any more difficult than it already is, Richard. You know what is at stake for me. I must return to my duties with Stephen for the sake of my son.”

“Aye, I understand. I do not take pleasure in losing you, though.”

“We always knew our situation would come to this,” she repeated with a shake of her head. “My son must take priority over anything else I might personally desire.”

“So, you do desire me? I had my doubts on many an occasion since we first met,” Richard replied with a crooked smile.

“I will not add to the conceit inside your head and declare when everything changed between us in my mind.”

“I promise I will find you again,” Richard vowed coming back to her and taking her hands. He raised them to his lips.

“I cannot in good faith ask you to make such a vow, Richard. Who knows how long I might have to raise my sword for Stephen’s cause?”

“I still willingly make my pledge to you, Annora. I swear to you I will find you again.”

She gave him a weak smile. “Then I will hold such a promise close to my heart in the months to come.”

He pulled her into his arms again and bent forward to kiss her knowing it might indeed be months before their paths crossed again. He prayed his kiss conveyed his unspoken words, and that she knew that he had come to deeply care for her, no matter they had only just met. They tore apart when the door burst open and Beatrix stood there appearing as if she, too, were shaken to her core.

“He asks for everyone to assemble in the hall,” Beatrix proclaimed before turning back to Oswin, who waited for her in the passageway. She took his arm and disappeared down the corridor leaving the portal open.

Richard tucked Annora’s hand into the crook of his arm and they began making their way through the passageway, down the turret stairs, and then into the great hall. They had a brief moment of surprise seeing Stephen reclining in the Empress’s chair, but perchance this told them all they needed to know. Stephen now oversaw Oxford Castle, and they needed to bend the knee in submission.

Richard quickly told Annora to blend in with the others who had gathered in the hall. When he passed a lad, he bent down to whisper an order into his ear. The boy took off whilst Richard strode forward. He bowed before Stephen.

“Your Majesty,” Richard said as he then stared into the eyes of the self-proclaimed king.

“You are Lord Richard Grancourt?” King Stephen inquired in a low drawl.

“I am,” Richard replied shortly as he waited for the terms of their surrender.

“If I remember correctly your lands are north to those of Wymar Norwood and Brockenhurst. In Lyndhurst, I believe…” the King prodded, waiting for Richard to confirm the location of his lands.

“Aye.”

“You are not much for words, Grancourt, but then I suppose you are more concerned for the well-being of those left behind when the Empress fled and deserted you.”

“Empress Matilda would wish to ensure that her people were kept safe, Your Majesty,” Richard answered.

King Stephen gave a snort of disdain. “How she managed her escape in the first place is still a mystery but there is nothing that can be done about that event at this point.”

“What are your terms, Your Highness?” Richard asked.

“’Tis enough that you have bowed down to your rightful ruler in these trying times. You and the others all may return to your normal duties. My terms would have been different if Matilda was still here,” Stephen said. His reply startled Richard, who had believed that he would ask for far more.

“Oxford’s people will be thankful to know that they are free and the blockade in the harbor shall be lifted,” Richard replied with a bow of acknowledgment.

A knight standing behind the King bent down to whisper in his ear causing Stephen’s attention to flit around the room until his gaze landed on the one he sought. “There is but one restriction that must needs be adhered to,” the King declared loudly for everyone present to hear.

“And that is?” Richard asked already knowing in his heart what would transpire.

Stephen pointed toward the back of the hall. “That woman belongs to me,” he proclaimed coming to stand. “Lady de Maris, step forward.”

Richard could do nothing more than step aside when Annora made her way to kneel before the king.

“Your Majesty,” she said softly keeping her head bowed.

“You gave us quite the fright, Lady de Maris. The captain of your guard was concerned for your welfare,” the King said as he stepped forward. He took her chin—inspecting her for signs of abuse, or so Richard supposed.

“As you can see, I am well,” Annora said rising to her feet.

“’Tis good that you have not been harmed, although I expected you to be residing in the dungeon and not living among the others.”

“I have been treated with the utmost curtesy, my liege,” Annora answered, giving a short glance in Richard’s direction.

“Very well. We shall work out the rest of the particulars in the coming days. In the meantime, I will have food brought into the castle in order to feed your people, Grancourt,” Stephen proclaimed before he began to make his way from the hall.

A man stepped toward Annora and Richard’s hand went to the hilt of his sword until the lady gave the man a hug. She then turned to Richard. “This is Merek Baringar who was my Captain of the Guard when we were home at Meregate. Merek, may I present Lord Richard Grancourt of Lyndhurst.”

“My lord,” Merek muttered before turning to Annora. “Is he the one who took you?”

“We can discuss this later,” Annora warned. Obediently, the man backed off whilst Stephen called for them to leave with him.

Richard looked toward the entrance to the hall and saw the lad he had sent off earlier had returned. He gave the lady a smile. Richard waved the boy forward and Annora’s sword was placed in Richard’s hand. He took to one knee, bowed his head, and held out the blade with both hands.

“I believe this belongs to you, my lady,” Richard said, offering her the sword.

“Thank you, Richard,” she answered taking the blade and a gasp escaped her when she saw an emerald had been placed in the hilt. “When did you do this?”

“I saw the stone was missing and took the initiative to see that it was replaced. I hope you approve of my choice,” Richard stated waiting for her reply.

“’Tis lovely. How can I ever thank you? This gem was surely costly.”

Richard stood. He took her hand and lifted her fingertips to his lips. “One day when we meet again, we shall think of something,” he said in a husky whisper.

Richard swore her eyes were sparkling in delight. “I shall look forward to our reunion in some other place and time.”

She surprised him when she came forward and offered him a hug. His arms wrapped briefly around her waist, and he leaned down to whisper in her ear. “I will find you again, Annora.”

She quickly released herself from his embrace and he could only watch her nod her head before she left his side. But ’twas the one tear that slid down her cheek that would be etched in his memory in the months to come.