Page 150 of The Thornwyck Rose

David set down his goblet with a quiet clink, fingers steepled in front of him. “For every act of obedience you saw, this very man saved my mother’s life tenfold. He taught me how to wield a sword and tended my wounds in secret. I love his son as my brother.”

Richard narrowed his eyes as David continued.

“I saw you when I was eight years old, and my fatheraccused my mother of infidelity, having conspired against her. You said nothing, Lord Richard, even as the blades fell.”

Richard shifted in his seat and pressed his lips thin.

David’s gaze sharpened as he rested his arms on the table.

“I do not blame you. It is the way of the Marcher Lords, is it not?”

“It is,” Richard said.

“So was the way of those that lived under my father’s thumb.” David gestured to Erik. “I know how Lord Erik treats his family, and I would be honored if my mother were his wife. I do not know how you run your keep.”

“She will be well treated,” Lord Richard said. “And if not, attack me, but the matter of the fact is: there is a greater benefit with her presence in Wellenford than Fellmere, and I am a Marcher Lord and Lord Erik is a baron, or would you rather further the rumors of their adultery when he takes her as a wife?”

“I’m not sure how God’s favored can remain in His favor if she truly were an adulterous woman,” Erik said. “Simple logic should crush those rumors upon springing their nasty heads.”

“The world does not run on simple logic, Lord Erik,” Richard said, but he did release a large breath.

Erik kept his face still. Richard had unknowingly played into their hand. The chances were not certain that Seren would be Erik’s wife, but they were certainly more promising than they had been.

David swallowed hard before following their prepared plan. “My mother’s wishes are to be with Lord Erik come the end of her mourning. Simple logic would put her in your hand, Lord Richard, but as you said, the world does not run on simple logic. Will you please withdraw your claim?”

“The people will talk that she is stained, chose the pagan,” he cocked his head with a swift jerk, “former pagan, her rumored lover.”

“I am aware of that, but only if you withdraw without a reason. I have a reason.”

“Go on,” Lord Richard said, running his finger and thumb over his beard.

“Peace between our lands doesn't have to end with my mother. If your concern is violence from the northern chiefs, then let us speak of the future—of legacy. Your son is eighteen,” David said. “How do you believe he would treat his wife?”

“Lady Dowager is much too old?—”

“I’m talking about my sister,” David interrupted. “I’ve spoken with Lady Aveline, and she will be of age next summer. I saw what my mother lived through, and I don’t want it for her. I also saw your disagreement with my father that day six years ago. So I ask you again, how would your son treat his future wife?”

Lord Richard chewed his lip. “I loved my late wife, one of the few Marcher Lords who did, does. My son saw that love, so he knows what it looks like.”

“If she is mistreated, I will attack Wellenford to retrieve her. I love my sisters as much as I love my mother,” David said.

Richard nodded in consideration.

“You will have your Welsh woman for Wellenford, securing its future long after you expire in the Lord’s service, my sister will be in good hands, and my mother where she wants to be.”

David lifted his chin.

“So I will ask you again. Will you, Lord Richard, release your claim on my mother?”

LI

THE SHINING STAR

MONTFORT KEEP, DECEMBER 1100

The bellsof Montfort’s chapel rang out over the valley, echoing across stone, field, and forest.

After years of ruin, the keep had risen again. Stone stood where rotted timber once fell. Wood-framed strong beams soared overhead. The palisade still bore gaps, and the bailey remained half-muddied with churned earth and tools—but it stood.