Chapter Eleven

‘I am here to speak with His Excellency,' Robert said when he reached the king's tent.

‘The king is no longer granting any audiences,' one of the guards said. ‘He will not see you.'

Robert deliberately raised his voice. ‘Forgive me. I thought His Highness needed men to fight in Normandy and in France. Or am I wrong?'

The two men exchanged a glance. ‘Wait here,' one said, disappearing into the tent.

Robert obeyed, and as he'd predicted, within moments the soldiers stepped aside to let him enter. The king's tent was an elaborate shelter with a large bed, a chair, and a table set with bejewelled goblets. Two women stood against the back wall, wearing only their shifts. Upon the ground was a luxurious woven carpet from the East.

King John sat in another chair, an irritated expression on his face.

‘Your Majesty,' Robert greeted the monarch. ‘I am grateful for the audience. I will not take much of your time.'

‘You have fighting men we can send to France?' he mused. ‘And here we thought you were an Englishman, stripped of your lands because of your traitorous father.'

The king obviously intended to waste no time on pleasantries. His doubts were more than evident.

‘I believe you are acquainted with the Lady Rochelle of Banmouth,' Robert began. ‘Her daughter Morwenna is the woman I intend to marry, and her mother's family is from Normandy.'

At the mention of Lady Banmouth, the king's face grew stony. ‘And you somehow believe Rochelle will grant you the men we need?'

‘I cannot speak on her behalf. But I believe the Lady Morwenna might be willing to help you. Especially since you may be her father.'

At that, the king grew wary. ‘Is that what she told you?'

He met the king's gaze openly. ‘I want to marry the lady Morwenna, with your permission. You have my fealty and my vow that I will help you in any way I can.'

‘And in return, what do you want?' the king replied.

He could read the monarch's annoyance, so he chose his words carefully. ‘My father lost Penrith and paid for it with his life. I don't know what happened, but if I am to take care of Lady Morwenna, I am asking for land of my own. I fought Lord Penrith in the hopes of regaining what was lost. I still hope you would consider granting it to me.'

He paused a moment and studied the king. The man's face remained bored, and Robert sensed he was treading on dangerous ground.

‘But if you cannot give Penrith back to me,' he continued, ‘I ask for land that you can spare. And in return, I will send whatever men I can to France on your behalf.' He paused a moment. ‘I would even fight myself.'

The king remained silent for a long time, considering his choices. Then he regarded Robert. ‘Go to Banmouth and bring back your bride and the fighting men we need. If you do this, we will consider your request.'

Three days later

‘You have a visitor,' Rochelle told Morwenna. ‘Robert of Penrith is here to see you.'

Colour rose to her cheeks, along with a rush of emotion. Though she desperately wanted to believe he'd come for her, Morwenna wondered why he was here. ‘I will see him,' she agreed.

Her mother led her to the stone stairs, and Morwenna waited for Robert to approach. Truthfully, she hadn't expected he would ever return.

He wore chainmail armour and dismounted from his horse before approaching. Though she longed to run to him, she forced herself to remain in place. He walked up the stairs and paused a few steps below her.

‘Hello, Robert.' She held out her hand, and he raised it to his lips. A warmth slid over her at the memory of his mouth on hers. And her traitorous heart beat even faster when he continued to hold her hand.

‘You look beautiful, Morwenna,' he said.

She thanked him, but the compliment made her feel shy. Even though her mother had given her new gowns, it still felt as if she was pretending to be someone else.

‘Is there news?' she asked, wondering if he had heard from Brian. ‘What of my brother?'

‘I do not know where he is. But I needed to speak with you.'

Morwenna grew wary of his intentions, even as her heart was delighted by his presence. ‘We can walk around the inner bailey if you wish.' She led him back down the stairs towards the training ground.

He followed her, offering his arm. When they were away from everyone else, at the farthest end, he said, ‘I owe you an apology, Morwenna.'

She didn't ask why, though she wanted to ask more questions. Instead, she forced herself to remain silent.

‘You were right to be angry with me about Penrith.' He stopped walking and met her gaze. ‘I realised I've been waiting on others to solve the problem for me—the king, Lady Gwendoline––and it cannot be that way.'

Her emotions threatened to spill over, but she forced them back. ‘What do you plan to do?'

‘I have some ideas,' he said, ‘but I'll need your help.'

His words startled her, for she'd not expected this. ‘Tell me.'

‘I want you to return with me to the king's encampment,' he began.

Morwenna waited for him to tell her more, to say something about his feelings for her. But when his next words were about plans to send soldiers to the king and nothing to do with them, her hopes faded. ‘I don't see a reason to return with you, Robert. You have enough plans to make without me.'

He sobered and regarded her. ‘I've done it all wrong again, haven't I?'

He had, but she wasn't in the mood to tell him all the reasons why. ‘If you stop by the kitchens, they'll have food for you. If you'll excuse me...'

Morwenna started walking away, the ache of disappointment pressing down on her. But what had she expected? That he'd come here because he missed her or wanted to be with her? He'd said nothing of the sort.

She returned to the castle keep, nodding to her mother as she passed by. Then she walked up the winding narrow staircase to her bedchamber. Weariness slid over her, and she closed her eyes for a moment. During the past few days, she'd felt more tired than ever, and she had no idea why.

There came a knock at the door, and she called out for the person to enter. To her surprise, it was not a servant, but instead, Robert walked inside. When he saw her lying down, he set down his leather pouch and asked, ‘Are you all right, Morwenna?'

‘Just tired.' She forced herself to sit up. ‘Why did you follow me?'

‘Because I said everything all wrong. Penrith means nothing without you at my side.'

Though it was what she wanted to hear, she shielded her heart from him. ‘And now you expect me to just return with you and follow wherever you go?' Her heart was already protesting, for she did love this man. And yet, she couldn't bring herself to be a shadow again, always following him with no life for herself.

‘I don't want to let you go, Morwenna.' He moved to sit beside her on the bed. ‘We're not finished yet.'

‘Aren't we?' she asked. ‘You chose Penrith.'

‘If that were true, I'd be there now.' He reached out and stroked her cheek. Heat rose beneath her skin, and she felt her defences weakening. ‘I brought you something. And it's not a shield this time.'

He stood and retrieved something from inside his leather pouch, bringing a squirming kitten to her. The black and white feline was slightly bigger than the palm of his hand, and it emitted a squeaking meow. With one gift, he'd utterly disarmed her.

‘Oh, Robert.' Morwenna couldn't stop herself from reaching for the animal, nuzzling him against her throat. Although the kitten was a wonderful gift, the kind she'd hoped for, it didn't mean that Robert understood what she needed. More than anything, she wanted to know his feelings for her.

‘I'm not any good at courting women,' he admitted. ‘I've made more mistakes than I can count. But I hope this is a good start.' He knelt beside the bed and reached out to touch her cheek. ‘I wanted to give you everything, Morwenna. I still do.'

‘And what if you cannot get the land again?' she ventured, cuddling the kitten close.

‘I may not succeed,' he admitted. ‘I did offer a bargain to the king, but he demanded to see you. He also wants men to fight with his armies in Normandy.'

‘And how will you get those men?' she asked.

‘I intend to offer payment to your mother's soldiers,' he said. ‘If they are willing to come with us.'

Her gaze narrowed, for how did he have any money at all? ‘Where did you get the silver?'

He grimaced slightly. ‘I...sold my father's clothing. Everything I owned, save my armour,' he admitted. ‘And then I wagered with some of the king's soldiers to win some more silver.'

She'd never expected him to surrender everything like this. Even so, she had to ask, ‘What if the men don't want to fight? What if my mother refuses to let them go?'

‘It's a risk,' he admitted. ‘But one worth taking.' He took her hand in his. ‘And the king wants to see you.'

‘He refused to see me the last time. And I don't even know if he's truly my father or whether Lord Banmouth was.' Morwenna didn't want to follow him back to the king's camp, hoping for a shred of occasional affection. ‘It's probably better if I stay here. You don't need me.' She continued petting the kitten as a distraction from her own self-doubts.

At that, he took her other hand in his. ‘You're wrong. Even if I do somehow reclaim Penrith, it means nothing without you at my side, Morwenna.' He leaned in closer until she felt the warmth of his breath against her mouth. ‘The days I spent without you felt wrong somehow. I never realised how much until you were gone.'

His words were an assault against the walls around her heart, completely crumbling her defences. ‘What do you want from me, Robert?'

‘I want to marry you,' he said against her lips. ‘I want to give you children and a home where I wake up beside you each day.'

Morwenna surrendered to his kiss, even as tears spilled over her face. He gripped her in his embrace, and she took comfort in his arms around her. But even though her body cried out for his touch, she pulled back.

‘I do love you, Robert,' she answered. ‘But I don't want my life centred around Penrith. Not any more.'

He held her close. ‘You mean more to me than the land, Morwenna.'

She wanted so badly to believe him, but there was still a chance it could fall apart. ‘And what if I asked you to let go of Penrith?'

He drew back, his eyes staring into hers. ‘Then I would let it go.' He took her hands in his. ‘I can't promise that I wouldn't send food or supplies to my people. But I made the wrong choice before. I won't do it again.'

He leaned in and rested his forehead against hers. ‘You never gave me an answer. Will you wed me?'

She wanted so badly to say yes, but fear held her back. ‘I will think about it.'

He stole a kiss. ‘Then I'll have to convince you.' From the seductive tone in his voice, she knew exactly what his plans were.

She drew back and rested her palms on his chest. ‘I won't share your bed again unless we are married.' It was the safest way to guard her heart from being broken.

‘Then you're at least thinking of wedding me,' he said. He stole another quick kiss and admitted, ‘You're tormenting me, Morwenna. But I will do as you wish.' He sat back, and the kitten began climbing her skirts. ‘The king may want to witness our marriage,' he added. ‘Will you travel back with me?'

‘I will,' she agreed. ‘But you'll need to speak with my mother first to ask permission to hire some of her men.' Part of her feared that Rochelle would not agree to his request. And if he did not have the men, what then? Would he change his mind about wanting to wed her?

She wanted to believe that he loved her, though he hadn't said it. But right now, it felt as if she were standing on the edge of a mountain. The slightest breeze of misfortune could send her falling to the ground.

‘We're going to succeed in this, Morwenna,' he reassured her. ‘I have every faith.'

She only wished she could believe it.

The journey back to the king's encampment lasted nearly a sennight. Lady Rochelle of Banmouth had not been willing to let many of her men go, but Robert had paid a dozen of them to join them for now. He was well aware that the king would not be pleased with so few soldiers, but Robert had sold everything he had to hire the men.

Even then, all this was an illusion. He was taking a grave risk that the king would accept a promise that was not based on truth. The men were here, aye, but for how long?

Morwenna sensed the tension just as he did. He was starting to wonder if she was feeling well. She seemed pale and tired all the time. Even when he'd brought her food during the journey, she had only picked at it.

‘His Majesty will see you now,' one of the king's guards informed him. ‘Bring the Lady Morwenna and your men.'

Morwenna was wearing a deep-blue silk bliaud, the long sleeves trailing to the ground. Around her throat, she wore the pendant, and her dark hair was braided and pinned up beneath a veil.

‘Are you ready?' he asked.

Though she ventured a smile, it did not meet her eyes. ‘I don't suppose we have a choice.'

He took her hand and rested it upon his arm as they approached the king's tent. They walked towards a group of noblemen, and Robert overheard them arguing again. This time, it wasn't only about taxes. Something else was wrong, and the rising unrest made him rest his hand upon his weapon. But after he passed them, their conversation died down. Robert continued escorting Morwenna towards the king while his soldiers trailed behind him.

He and Morwenna were granted their audience, but the soldiers had to remain outside the tent. Robert held her hand, but her fingers were like ice.

‘Your Majesty,' she murmured, dropping into a curtsy while Robert bowed.

‘So, you are Rochelle's daughter,' the king mused. ‘We see the resemblance.'

‘I am.' She kept her head lowered out of respect.

‘And do you believe that you are our daughter?' His words held an edge to them, and Robert tightened his grip on Morwenna's hand in warning.

‘I know not if I have that honour,' she answered, ‘but... I hope it is true, Your Majesty.'

Her answer seemed to please the king, and he offered her a faint smile. Yet, it was the only reaction he gave. Robert glanced over at Morwenna, and he sensed her disappointment. A part of her had wanted to believe that she meant something to the king. Instead, he was treating her like any other bastard daughter.

Then the king changed the subject. ‘We understand you are to be married.'

She faltered a moment but answered, ‘Robert has asked for my hand in marriage, yes.'

The king's attention shifted. ‘And what if we did not grant you permission to wed him? What if we asked you to wed a nobleman of our choosing instead?'

She hesitated, not knowing what to say. The king's stare was piercing, and Robert nearly intervened, but she answered, ‘You would have to search a long time before you would find someone as loyal to you as Robert of Penrith, my lord.'

‘His father was not loyal. He refused to send the taxes he owed. And he was part of an uprising against us.' The king's voice held a frigid tone.

‘A son cannot be blamed for the sins of his father,' Morwenna said softly. ‘He has brought you some of the soldiers that were promised.'

‘We want all the soldiers who were promised.'

Robert laughed softly. ‘If I were to bring an army of men into your encampment, I would look like a threat to you. No, Your Excellency, it would be better if I send them later, after Morwenna and I are wed.'

The king seemed slightly appeased by that. ‘Then give us two hundred fighting men. And in return, we will find a small plot of land you may govern.'

Morwenna exchanged a glance with Robert, and he already knew what she was thinking. Two hundred? Such a number of men was impossible. He'd had enough difficulty gaining a dozen men, much less two hundred. But for now, he would do everything in his power to obey the request.

‘I would be grateful, Your Highness.' He had no choice but to accept any land he was given, even if it wasn't Penrith. Only then could he rebuild his father's wealth and send aid in secret to his people.

‘We will only grant this land after you have sent the men,' the king remarked. ‘Until then, you must wait.' Robert bowed his head, not allowing the king to see his frustration. ‘Send them to Portsmouth when you have them. We are building vessels to set sail for France.' King John waved his hand in dismissal. ‘You may go.'

Robert bowed again, and Morwenna curtsied. They backed out of the tent, and when they were outside, she murmured, ‘Where are we going to get two hundred men, Robert? We have twelve.'

He took her hand in his. ‘I wonder if we could get volunteers from Penrith.' Though he spoke in jest, it wasn't entirely meant in teasing.

Morwenna slowed her pace. ‘I'm being serious, Robert. If you cannot get the men, how will you get your land?' She tightened her grip on his hand. ‘And what is this talk of other land? I thought you only wanted Penrith.'

He stopped to look at her. Worry lined her face, and he understood what this was about. She was afraid he could not provide for her.

He leaned in to kiss her, heedless of the people around them. ‘I promise I'll find a place for us to live, Morwenna. And somehow, I'll do whatever I can to help my people. It may take time to build the king an army, but I will find a way.'

Her expression dimmed, and she looked as if she wanted to say something. He'd expected her to say she would stay with him, just as she had before. But now, she appeared uncertain. He didn't know why.

‘You never gave me an answer,' he said softly. ‘Do you not wish to wed me any more?'

‘I don't know what will happen now, Robert.' She'd gone pale again, and she stopped walking, steadying herself as if she were dizzy. ‘Things have changed.'

He wondered if her mother was a part of this. Morwenna had learned that she might be the daughter of a king. She didn't have to live as a miller's daughter any more. She could wed a man of her choosing.

He waited for her to say more, but she held her silence. He didn't know what had happened, but she was keeping secrets from him. He pulled her into an embrace, wondering if she would push him away.

Instead, she clung to him, as if it were the last time she would ever hold him in her arms. And that unnerved him even more.

She pulled back and glanced around. ‘Robert, where are your men? They were outside the king's tent a few moments ago. I don't see them anywhere.'

Her question might have been a means of distraction, though he wasn't certain. ‘I don't know.' But his suspicions heightened, for the men were supposed to obey his orders.

‘You should probably go and find them.'

Though he wanted to stay with her and press for answers, she was right. The last thing he needed was to lose the only men he had. ‘I'll take you back to the women's tent.'

He walked alongside her, while his thoughts remained uncertain about what would become of them. But after they reached the tent, she reached up to embrace him again. ‘Be careful,' she warned.

‘I will.' He kissed her lightly and then returned outside.

On the way, he walked back towards the king's tent, searching for a glimpse of his hired soldiers. One man thought they had joined others at wagering with dice but could not say for certain.

He had no time to consider it further before he saw a group of noblemen approaching the king's tent. The men appeared angry and resolute. Robert passed by them, but a sudden wariness crept over him. It looked as if a confrontation was about to happen. Although the king had his own personal guard, it might not be enough.

Robert began searching among the tents, hurrying to find the men he'd hired. Eventually, he spied one of them with a mug of ale. ‘Gather the others,' he commanded, ‘and meet me outside King John's tent. Now.'

The soldier appeared disgruntled, but he sighed and put his mug down. At his reluctance, Robert seized the man by his tunic and said in a low voice, ‘The king's life is in danger. And we are going to protect him.'

The man's expression changed, and he gave a single nod. ‘I'll find them.'

‘Arm yourselves and surround His Majesty's tent,' Robert said. ‘Get more of the king's guards if you can. I saw some of the noblemen gathering. It may be nothing, but I would rather be prepared.'

The soldier hurried away, and Robert strode towards the back of the king's tent. There were two guards already there, and Robert joined them. He picked up a shield and stood beside them, waiting. From within the tent, angry voices were rising.

‘I think you should go inside to guard His Majesty,' Robert advised. ‘My men are on the way. We can defend the perimeter.'

One soldier pushed aside the flap and peered inside. ‘He's right. We should go inside.'

The other man followed, and Robert held his position. He heard the sound of arguing and was about to follow the king's guards when he saw a second group of noblemen striding towards the tent. It was clear that they meant to enter and surround the king.

Robert raised his shield, even as he knew he could never hold off that many men. All he could do was defend the entrance.

He called out to the guards inside, but he already knew no one would come. If he was fortunate, some of his own men would arrive. But when he saw the soldier he'd spoken with earlier, the man met his gaze and already knew the danger.

He could only hope that he would survive this fight.