Chapter 27

Chapter

Twenty-Seven

F or the first time since she'd come to Castle Blackwood, Elara had too few duties to occupy her. With the traitor having been uncovered, and the majority of their recruits sent to Winchester, she was left with only those men who'd been recruited recently, Sir Eamon, Evelina, Amalia, and the servants.

Nights were the worst. Though she began to take evening meals in the hall with Eamon and the other two women, and often engaged in a game of chess after, she was forced back to her empty chamber each night with only memories of Alden.

Memories of what she had not said on that last day before he left.

"Elara?"

Evelina and Amalia had already dismounted. She did the same, giving the reins to a stable boy.

The house on the west edge of the village where they headed had a timber frame and stone foundation with only the wooden sign designating it an alehouse. The three women walked inside, Elara stepping on hay, which was strewn across the wooden floor.

She'd been here before, but never without an escort. Eamon had not been pleased to learn of the womens' outing and attempted to provide them with a guard. Evelina scolded her father for being too protective, and they set off.

Along one wall was a long wooden bar, behind which ale barrels were stored. Similar to a small hall with its wooden tables, the tavern was unique, even among other taverns. Likely because it was run by an alewife, the woman's touch evident in every little detail, such as the coordinating colors.

"Good day, Mistress Lucy," Evelina said. A woman with short brown hair, not much older than Elara, greeted them. Before long, the three women were seated with mugs of ale before them.

"This is a new brew," the alewife said. "Crafted with a touch of honey and some spices. I do hope you enjoy it."

"Many thanks." Amalia pulled it toward her and drank. "'Tis quite good."

"I have a confession," Evelina said when the alewife walked away. "I know Mistress Lucy because she allowed Gareth and me to meet here in secret during our courtship."

Amalia, obviously, did not appear surprised. She must have known already.

"But the others..." Elara gestured to the tavern's patrons.

"There were none. We met before she opened, and she even delayed it once for us. I have an affinity for this place," Evelina admitted. The woman never giggled, but the sound that she made was close.

"Fond memories." Amalia adjusted the sleeve of her gown as it hung on the table before them. "For you, perhaps. I was so worried."

"As was I," Evelina admitted. "I could not have dreamed all would work out so well. And for you," she said to Amalia. "Tell Elara about the shop."

Though it was closed that day, and Elara knew much about Amalia's herb shop, it seemed she had good news to share. Amalia told her how the shop had gained the notice of an herbalist passing through who had much information to share for Amalia to improve her offerings.

"I will be sad to leave," she said. "But we must return to Roland's home someday."

"To inherit an earldom," Evelina reminded her. "You will be as beloved there as you are here."

"What of you, Elara?" Amalia asked. "When the empress regains the throne, where will you go?"

"When she does so, 'twill be safe for me to return to court. We can admit my marriage to a Scot was a ruse. Until then, however, it is not safe for me to do so."

"This succession crisis has been many years in the making," Evelina said after taking a sip of ale. "With the recent setbacks, 'tis clear many more could be necessary to see Matilda installed as queen."

"The right Matilda," Amalia added. King Stephen's wife, the current queen, was styled Matilda as well.

"Aye," Elara agreed. "It could be days, or years, 'tis true."

"So perhaps," Evelina said, "you should live your life in the interim."

She'd assumed they would discuss Alden today, and she did so reluctantly now. "You are right about my feelings for him. The longer he is gone, the more worried I become. Perhaps I should have expressed more before he left, but...'tis a complicated situation."

"You said yourself, when the empress is queen, you can return to court. Can not Alden return with you?"

"With no land, nor title, I fear court life would be difficult for him. 'Tis possible he could find a position as a steward." She smiled. "Can you see him doing as much?"

"Nay," Evelina agreed. "I cannot. What does he wish for, after Blackwood?"

"He mentioned weapons training and mercenary work, but in truth, we've talked little about our future, knowing our joining is fleeting."

"Your joining?" Evelina's eyes widened.

"Nay, nay. We have not. I've no desire to raise a babe alone."

"We do not wish to intrude—"

Evelina cut off her friend and former maid. "Aye, we do. It seemed, for both of us, all would not be well, but it was. And will be for you too."

Elara wished she had her friend's confidence.

"Now that he is gone," she admitted, "I wish for him to return. The worry I have, that he will be safe, as I know you worry too..."

"They will return to us," Evelina said. And though Elara knew she had no more information than Evalina did, her words were still oddly comforting.

"They must," she said. Then, with more resolve, "And when they do, I will tell him how I feel. If he does the same, perhaps...perhaps there is hope for us."

"Not perhaps." Amalia lifted her mug and motioned with her other hand for the two of them to do the same. "There is hope for you. As there once was for us. Let us drink to their safe return."

They did, but Elara drank for more than that.

To the traitor being uncovered, and the hope he acted alone, save for Lila.

To new friends who understood her current situation without judgment.

To finding love in the unlikeliest of places.

To the strength she would need to admit her love for Alden when he returned, knowing their future was, at best, uncertain.