Page 83 of The Knight’s Reward

“Only Aylmer knew where I would be,” he answered. Neill pulled his surcoat over his head and turned to Kathryn. “I will be back as soon as I can.”

She nodded, clearly worried. He left with Aylmer, praying none would see them leave the room, but thankfully, the hallway was empty. They made their way belowstairs, and sure enough, two men bearing the king’s colors stood waiting for him.

“Twice within a fortnight,” he murmured as they stepped forward.

If only this meeting went so well as the last.

* * *

Neill never returned.

Kathryn was surprised she slept at all, but as the sun streamed into the small window, she yawned and tossed her legs over the side of the bed. What did it mean? Had he spoken to the king?

Had Edward denied his request?

Dressing quickly, she made her way belowstairs, looking for Neill’s men. Aylmer had gone with him, she was sure, but she spotted the others in the corner breaking their fast. About to join them, Kathryn lifted up her skirts and stepped onto the landing. Which was when she spotted him at the entrance.

They exchanged a look, and he nodded toward the stairs. In silent understanding, she turned around and nearly fled back to her room.

Kathryn couldn’t sit, so instead she paced back and forth, waiting. What was taking him so long?

The door opened.

She knew the moment he entered that the audience had not gone well. Running to him, Kathryn threw her arms around his neck as he embraced her. They stood that way for some time, Kathryn unwilling to let go.

She worried the embrace may be their last.

“What did he say?” she finally murmured against his chest. Her head drifted up, and down, as he took a deep breath.

Before he even answered, Kathryn could feel a pinch in her cheeks, her eyes beginning to well.

I will not cry.

But when he pulled away, he kept hold of her. She had a moment of hope. Perhaps it was not as bad as that? If anyone could find a way around the king’s request, surely it was Neill.

“The king, apparently, does not sleep. He brought us to the palace, and we waited, Aylmer with me, just outside the throne room. Others entered and left as the night grew later and later.”

“That seems unusual.”

“Not for Edward. I’ve heard rumors of his preference for such nighttime conferences, but always imagined they were exaggerated.”

Neill loosened his hold so she could see his face fully now.

“I made my appeal, and as expected, Edward was not pleased.”

“What did he say?”

“He said Alexander renewed his pledge of fealty, as expected. And that his counselors have chosen a new warden to replace Caxton.”

That managed to surprise her. “They did?”

“Aye. But he insisted that I fulfill my end of the bargain. He proposed a betrothal ceremony in three days’ time.”

Nay. She shook her head.

“I told him of Bothwell. About my visit to the Scottish court, though I did not mention your involvement. The king’s lord high chamberlain attempted to aid my cause, insisting our intervention exposed a treachery in the Scottish court which had undermined the peace process.”

“Alexandar’s oath was delayed because of Bothwell. Surely he realizes the man would have remained in power were it not for you—”