Page 91 of The Knight’s Reward

It was stated as a question. For a moment, Kathryn’s stomach felt as if it were made of metal. Had she made a mistake coming here? Her father had told her not to return to court, but now that Rosalind knew she was here, Kathryn could not reverse her decision.

I have no other choice.

“I’ve much to explain,” she said, knowing the words were hardly adequate.

Then, as she was wont to do, Rosalind looked down at her gown, which may have passed the scrutiny of the guards but could not fool the Mistress of the Robes.

“You have come in difficult times.” She stated it as fact, not a question. “Why did you not come back sooner?”

It was the question she’d dreaded for fear of causing offense.

“As you say, Mistress Rosalind, I’ve much to explain. But there is little time to do it . . .”

Looking as if she’d suggested pairing a blue kirtle and purple surcoat, Rosalind’s face contorted into a look that would have scared another woman.

But Kathryn was afraid of only one thing. And it was not Rosalind.

“I must ask a favor of you and then,” she promised, “I will tell you everything.”

And she would. For once Kathryn was finished with her audience, nothing else mattered. Her fate, whether she believed the work of Fortuna would be in the hands of the most powerful woman in England.

“What is your favor?”

Whether because of her desperate tone or the strength of their past relationship—and a bond created by the fact that neither had known her mother—Rosalind could prove to be the godsend Kathryn needed.

“My Lady Eleanor. I must speak with her immediately.”

“You wish to gain an audience with the queen?”

“Aye, if it pleases you.”

Rosalind, thank every saint in heaven, looked back toward the private chamber behind her. Eleanor was in there!

“It pleases me well to have you safe back at court, my lady. Your request is easily granted. I’m sure Her Grace will be eager to see you.”

Rosalind turned, expecting her to follow.

She’d come for this very reason. Had met with fewer troubles than she’d expected. And now that she was on the cusp of getting what she wanted, she felt horribly unprepared. It didn’t matter—she needed to do this.

Kathryn took a step forward. And then another.

The door opened, and there she sat.

The queen of England.

Chapter 30

“What do you mean, you don’t know where she is?” Neill stood next to his men, who had apparently just sat down to a fresh pitcher of ale. Despite the late hour, the inn’s hall was crowded.

“She is not with you?” one of the men asked.

Neill was not amused.

“When did you see her last?”

The men, who’d now turned on the bench and were finally looking sufficiently concerned, looked up at him. “We escorted her to the tailor and then back here.”

He and Aylmer exchanged a glance.