Hostage Bride

‘You would surely not murder an innocent lady, Highness? This is not the justice your barons expect in England.’

‘If you wish to keep your own head you will obey me. If the lady has a ransom you will hand half to me—and she is to remain here as your prisoner,’ Prince John demanded.

‘I am sorry to disappoint you, Highness, but the lady is a kinswoman who has come to me for protection. As yet there has been no sign of the count’s daughter, but I shall of course obey your orders if she does arrive with the ransom,’ Raphael assured him smoothly.

The prince’s eyes narrowed in suspicion but at that moment a succession of servants arrived with food and wine, which they offered to him.

‘Taste them,’ he said, glaring at the servant who had offered a dish of lampreys.

‘You need not suspect poison in this house, sire,’ Raphael said and tasted a portion of each dish set before the prince himself. ‘You may eat and drink without fear.’

‘Very well,’ the prince said and took a leg of capon, tearing into the soft flesh and speaking with his mouth full. ‘My men and I will sleep here for one night. Your hall will do well enough for my men. I shall sleep here on the bench by the fire.’

‘As you wish, Highness. If you will excuse me, I must speak to my steward and make the arrangements.’

The prince nodded but made no reply as he investigated a mess of meat and worts with his fingers.

Raphael went out. He summoned his steward and gave him certain orders, then took the stairs that led to the tower room where the lady Angelina was resting.

Rosamunde’s heart jerked as she heard the knock at her door and then saw it open to admit the man she had half-expected.

‘Sir,’ she said, and rose to her feet. ‘What news? What demands did the prince make?’

‘He bid me keep you a captive here on pain of death. You are to be hostage for your father’s good behaviour. Unless he obeys the prince, your life will be forfeit.’

‘No!’ Her throat tightened. ‘My father … the count … it cannot be. He would not surrender his honour for me.’

‘Why? Surely any man of honour would surrender his person for his daughter’s sake?’

Rosamunde’s breath caught. She hesitated, but knew that she must confess the truth. ‘I am not his daughter —I am Rosamunde Meldreth, merely Lady Angelina’s cousin on her mother’s side. Count Torrs would not give his life for me.’

‘Are you telling me the truth?’ Raphael’s hand shot out and gripped her wrist. ‘Do not lie to me or it will go ill with you, lady.’

Rosamunde almost cried out for his grip was firm on her flesh but she would not show fear. She raised her head to look defiantly into his eyes.

‘My cousin did not wish to surrender herself to you. She knew of your reputation and so she sent me in her place.’

‘Why did you come? Surely you could have refused her?’ Raphael asked.

‘My father owes hers money and she said he could be imprisoned for debt. My father is ill and if I do as she asked the debt is cancelled.’ Rosamunde’s eyes pricked with tears. ‘She only gave me half the ransom money and now I do not know what will happen.’

‘You are safe enough for the moment. The prince does not know you came as the count’s daughter. I have told him you are my kinswoman and for the moment he has accepted it. He came here looking for money. I shall give him a small donation to his coffers and hope that he will leave us in peace,’ Raphael revealed.

‘You lied to me!’ she gasped.

‘Because I believed you were lying to me, and I needed the truth if I am to help you. If the prince knew your identity he might still make you his prisoner,’ he pointed out.

‘Where is the prince?’

‘Resting. He leaves in the morning.’

‘Will you let him take my uncle with him when he leaves?’ she asked breathlessly.

‘I have already informed the prince Count Torrs escaped before you arrived,’ Raphael said, deciding that it would be best to tell her as little as necessary. If, God forbid, she was ever held as the prince’s prisoner she couldn’t tell what she didn’t know. ‘You will not be required to pay the ransom.’

‘Will you allow me to leave? One of my escorts is here in the village waiting for me,’ she said.

‘My men knew his intention and it was reported to me. Fitzherbert has been sent away. You will remain here under my protection for the moment,’ Raphael told her.

‘But if …’ Rosamunde’s knees trembled. ‘Am I your prisoner?’

‘We live in uncertain times, lady. You would not be safe if I let you leave here. I cannot be sure you have told me the whole truth but, even if you are Rosamunde and not the lady Angelina, you must remain here until I have time to escort you to your home.’