Текст книги "Enemy of My Enemy"

Автор книги: Carm Nicosi

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Chapter 22

Isabel woke to Eric's cries, from next room. Brant was sleeping beside her, with one arm laying across her waist. It was a rare thing these days, that he was not touching her somewhere, when she woke in the morning. She managed to move his arm, and get out of bed without waking him, she had thought. However, as she donned her robe, she saw he was watching her. She went to get the babe without speaking.

Rosamund already had the infant changed, when Isabel entered, so she took him back to her bedchamber, to nurse. She sat on the bed, leaning against the headboard. Brant sat up, and placed a kiss on Eric's head. Then, he placed a longer kiss on his wife's lips.

Brant leaned back grinning, and said, "Good morning, Duchess."

Isabel blushed scarlet, as she said, "Please, do not call me that."

"You did not seem to mind, being paraded around as the Duchess, last night," Brant said, still grinning. “Twas all I could do, not to take a swing at all the noble males, drooling over you, last evening. All the while, I was largely stuck across the dining hall, with their plump, simpering, wives, blessing me with their drollery."

"Who largely, all seemed to be drooling over you," Isabel replied, laughing. "You know I only attended, to put an end to my mother's dream, of ending my temporary marriage. There were three score people there, so any aspirations of trying to pass me off as an innocent bride, are gone. Anyway, the Count, who kept turning up at my side to drool, seemed the most interested in our two sons. In eight years of marriage, his wife has given him three daughters. I felt like he was eyeing me, as breeding stock."

Brant laughed heartily. He looked at the babe, suckling at her breast.

"So you are not interested in the Count?" he asked. Isabel rolled her eyes. He continued, "Today is the big day with your mother. Are you all ready for battle?"

"A better question is, are you ready for battle? You are the defiler, of her innocent young daughter. You had me back with you, for just a few months, and I was breeding, again," Isabel said. "You know you are just a debaucherous warmonger, who's stubborn arrogance, contributed to the death of my beloved father. A tragic situation, that left me with no choice, but to agree to a titular marriage, to gain your protection. And since Rosamund has a big mouth, she is aware of your excessive lust, which does not please a Lady's mother."

Brant reached out to grasp the infant's hand, where it rested on his mother's breast.

“Yet, it only took twice, to get this little lad, did it not?" he asked, with a wicked grin. "Mayhap you should correct your mother's perceptions. In those few months, I only indulged my lust three times."

"I do not think you want me telling my mother, about what you called your little revenge," Isabel said, looking down at Eric.

Brant placed a finger under her chin gently, raising her eyes to meet his.

"I did not think it would be that easy. I was mad, and wanted to embarrass you," he said softly. "I did try, to be gentle with you later, in case you actually conceived. I did not want you to resent the child..."

She looked at him a few moments, unsure what to say. A knock sounded at the door.

Relieved with the interruption, Isabel said, "Come in."

He smiled lowering his hand, as Rosamund opened the door, to enter the chamber with Nathaniel. Brant motioned her over to him, and took the older boy from the serf. He was used to keeping Nathaniel occupied, while Isabel was nursing Eric.

Brant dismissed the serf, by saying, "Thank-you, Rosamund. We will be out, in a little while."

Later that morning, Brant and Isabel were escorted back to the Palace, for the meeting with Lady Ann. A meeting that was all Isabel had expected. Both her husband’s sins, and her naiveté, where fully cataloged. Though in the end, Ann was forced to accept that there was no turning back now. Particularly, after the Duke and Duchess, had attended the evening meal, the previous night.

After Lady Ann understood, that her daughter would be remaining with her husband, and children, she grudgingly acknowledged Nathaniel and Eric, as her grandsons. Though, she was sure, she was not old enough to be a grandmother. They were provided with a sitting room to talk, after the official meeting. Ann used that as an opportunity to express her disappointment, at never being allowed to introduce her daughter around.

“You told me you intended to remain with him, and your sons. I am sorry, I have been so obstinate about this, Alisa,” Ann said, apologetically. “You know I was betrothed to your father, without ever having met him. We really had very little in common. I just always hoped, you would have some choices, that I did not.”

“Mother, I will grant you, I did not meet numerous, eligible men. Nor, did I do a round of parties, and social events. But I have certainly had choices, and made decisions. And they all tied me to Brant,” Isabel said. “Our sons need both their parents.”

Ann had been in contact with various old friends, and distant relatives. Many of whom, had issued invitations for events, they had planned. She did not want to give up on her idea, of introducing her daughter around.

“You know Isabel,” Lady Ann said, “we have relatives you have never met, who will be in London, over the next month. They could prove to be valuable connections, in the future. You never know, how the political climate can change.”

“That is exactly what father always told me,” Isabel replied, laughing. “I am only going to be here, for a few days, though. However, Esme will be one and seven, in September. It would be beneficial to the girl, to spend some time here, and meet some people. Were there someone in the city, who could properly chaperone a young Lady. I know how you love an event, Mother.”

“You little witch,” Lady Ann said. “You let me come here, thinking I would be able to spend some time with you. Now, you are trying to get me to introduce his sister around?”

“The thought had crossed my mind,” Isabel answered, with a mischievous smile. “Provided you can convince me, you will not let anything happen to her, as some revenge against her brother. Of course, if you are willing, we would be leaving a couple of knights for security. You know, to be sure Esme does not fall victim to opportunistic criminals, or lax supervision.”

“You cannot think I would hurt his sister,” Ann replied, defensively. “I know Richard and I, did not tell him where she was, but we certainly, did not let any harm come to her. He would not tell us where you were, either.”

Isabel smiled at Brant, as if to ask, if he cared to explain. He looked back shrugging uncomfortably, but said nothing.

“Well, we are going to be here several more days, so there is time to think about this. I believe we have all been invited to the evening meal, right?” Isabel asked, and Ann nodded in confirmation.

Soon after, Brant and Isabel, took their sons back to the Inn. Early in the afternoon, Isabel told Brant, she was going to lay down with the boys, for their nap. Her husband left with Robert, to take care of some business, he claimed.

On what was to be their last full day in London, Brant informed Isabel he had purchased Niles’ townhouse, from Penelope. Niles had spent a lot of time, in the city. While Brant, did not intend to be there nearly as much, he would be required to go there more often, than he had in the past. Staff had been hired, so that Lady Ann and Esme, could stay there thru the month. That also, allowed him to leave several additional men there, to see to his sister’s safety. By nightfall, Ann and Esme, had been settled into the house.

First thing the next morning, Brant and Isabel left, to make their way home, with their children and escorts. It was obvious to Isabel, that there was a much larger number of men leaving town with them, than there were in their party when they arrived.

“We seem to have a lot more men leaving with us, than we had when we arrived,” she commented to Brant. “Are you expecting some trouble?”

“No. I just had some of them ride in ahead of us,” Brant answered.

“Why?” Isabel asked, when he offered no explanation.

He looked at her for a moment, in indecision.

Then he answered, “To keep track of you. I thought if you had any ideas, about not returning home with me, I might need them to change your mind.”

“Should I consider myself your prisoner?” Isabel asked.

“You are my wife,” Brant answered. “You were determined to go to London. I took you to London. Now, I am taking my wife home. If you had decided not to be my wife, you would be remaining in London, a little longer. At least until my men could bring you home, as my prisoner.”

“So, if I decided to go along with my mother, you intended to kidnap me, and hold me prisoner?” Isabel asked. “What is the difference between being your wife, and being your prisoner? Either way, I am stuck with you.”

Brant replied, “I would think there is a big difference, between wife, and prisoner. As my wife, you have an order from the Crown, granting you control of your resources, which I will honor. You have free movement around our home, and with proper escort, may go riding, or walk to the village. Obviously, as a prisoner, I would have to curtail your activities, to see you did not escape.”

He reached out, covering her hand that held the reigns, to her mount.

He continued, “You are getting that cornered look, that provokes you to try, to get away from me. Control it. You will not get away from me, not for long, anyway. Certainly not, with our sons, which you are not willing to leave. I believe we just established, that they need both of us, did not we?”

They rode in silence, from then on. After a few minutes, he released her hand.

Chapter 23

Knowing the ride home would take several days, Isabel did not pay much attention to the landmarks they passed, at first. However, when the landscape began to look very familiar, she first suspected, then became certain, that they were nearing her father's stronghold. She was also certain, that it was not on any direct route, to Brant's home. As none of the others, had said anything, they must have known in advance that he intended to go there. It was late in the afternoon, they would have to stop for the night soon. But why would Brant want to spend the night at the same Castle, where she had held him prisoner?

Soon her Castle came into sight, and in no time, they were riding through the open gate. When they entered the hall, Isabel discovered the serfs were busy preparing for their arrival. Brant had sent a messenger the previous evening, to give them time to prepare the bedchambers, and food. Isabel had been uncomfortable all day, after her husband’s admission, that he had no intention of allowing her to leave him, did she want to. Being here, increased that anxiety. Some of the things that had been done to him here, many men would consider worthy of punishment, ranging from flogging, to death. Brant had never really done anything, to retaliate for all her possible wrongs, against him. She was confident, that he would not harm her physically, but that was not necessary to make her miserable, she had already learned. Isabel, once again, found herself thinking her husband was someone she did not really know, or completely trust.

Brant escorted her up to the Lord’s Chamber, so she could cleanup a little from the days travel, or rest for a while if she wanted. Her sons, and the serfs charged with their care, would be in the room across the passage. After he left her, the Castle mistress came in, to see if her Lady, required any special assistance. Isabel laughed at her choice of words. The serf knew of Brant's imprisonment, and had been involved in drugging him and his men, the last time they were here. She told the woman no, then asked the serf to get her, her favorite wine, when she came down to the hall, later. She was a bit frazzled from the day’s events, Isabel explained.

When Isabel descended to the hall, Nathaniel, Eric, and Hannah, were all near the hearth. She sat down in a chair, and a serf brought her a chalice of the wine she had requested. Noticing the wine that Isabel rarely drank, other than with meals, Rosamund asked if the Lord had done something to upset her. She told her no. Yet, the serf continued to eye her, suspiciously. Isabel sat, and sipped the wine, to relax her frayed nerves. Once she felt calmer, she moved to a mat on the floor, to play with her sons.

Brant was at the Lord’s table, indulging in tankards of ale with the men that had traveled there with them, as well as some of the Castle Knights. He noted that Isabel was playing with their sons near the hearth, which was a normal activity. Yet, a short while ago, she had been drinking wine, which was a little unusual. Isabel tended to use it as somewhat of a crutch, to relieve stress. She was here, surrounded by her people, whom she had control and authority over. Would he find her gone, again?

The meal passed without incident, much to Brant’s relief. He was a little nervous, after his last visit. Isabel seemed to be more interested in her wine, and less interested in food or conversation, than normal. After she finished eating, she returned to amuse the lads, until bed time. Shortly before it would be time to take the boys upstairs, Brant joined his wife. When it was their bed time, he carried Nathaniel upstairs.

Once the children were in bed, Brant took Isabel’s arm, to steer her across the passage, to the Solar. There, he picked up a bottle of wine, and after checking to see that the passageway was clear, lead Isabel to the back stairs. Outside of the back entrance, three of Brant’s men were waiting, one holding a torch to light their way. As they walked away from the building, three additional men fell in behind them. Isabel had begun to panic, when her husband walked her out of the main residence. Now, realizing he was walking toward the jail, she tried to pull back, but he just handed the wine to a knight, and picked her up to carry her to the door.

Inside the jail, he took the wine, and told his men to see that they were not disturbed.

Leading her into his former cell, he said, “Sit down, Alisa.”

When she did not move, he pressed her gently into one of the chairs, at the small table that held two chalices, and a few candles. He poured the wine, and handed her a chalice, then sat down in the other chair.

“Did you enjoy your visit to London, Alisa?” Brant asked, as he motioned for her to drink the wine.

She raised the glass to drink as he had indicated, wondering what he was up to. History said, this would end in the bed, in the other room.

“Why do you do that? Call me Alisa, sometimes. Is that just to remind me of 'my deception', that you so frequently mention?” she asked, setting the wine down.

“I like Alisa,” Brant said, as he leaned forward to refill her drink. “She understood, she had no right to refuse me. You on the other hand, always seem to be difficult, and argumentative. Drink up, love.”

“You know she does not exist, right?” Isabel asked. “Nor really, does that Isabel, that kidnapped you. After my sire’s death, I did a lot of things, that I would never have thought of doing, a few months earlier. As far as being difficult, it is always in the back of my mind, that you have many very good reasons to be angry. You should want some revenge.”

“For a long time, I had no idea what was going on. I had everyone telling me to cooperate,” Brant said. “I certainly was angry. I believe, I should have been told some things, that were kept from me. That is all behind us, is it not? Right now, I want you to cooperate. Drink up, Alisa.”

“As you wish, My Lord,” Isabel said.

She picked up the wine, and drained the chalice.

“As I wish,” he repeated, laughing. “Aye, I like that. Come.” He took her arm leading her in toward the bed. Stopping beside the bed, he said, “Help me with my tunic.”

In the interest of not being difficult, and argumentative, Isabel played along. It quickly became clear, that he was intent upon reliving the night two years earlier, when their marriage first became more than a strategic sham. Seeing what he was about, she followed his lead, until the world beyond the two of them ceased to exist, and the only thing of any importance was their bodies moving together.

Later, as Brant held Isabel against his side, he asked, “Are you alright, Alisa? No injuries?”

“You know I love you, right?” Isabel asked, squarely meeting his eyes.

He smiled, and replied, “Aye. I know that. Though I was not sure if you knew, love.” He placed a gentle kiss on her lips, then asked, “Since you are confessing, would you care to tell me what brought you into my jail cell, dressed as a serf?”

“Curiosity,” she answered, honestly. “You know I met your cousin. You were not what I was expecting, at all. Particularly, after watching you fight somewhat successfully, with the four guards after our wedding. I am afraid I found myself fascinated with your body. I wanted to know what you were like. Since you were not known to like innocent girls, it seemed safe. By the time I figured out it was not, I was locked in here with you. To tell you the truth then, would have given you a hostage, to try to escape. Playing along was the only choice. I mean, we were wed.”

“Of course, you had to do what was necessary, to see I could not escape. Even if that meant, you could not escape me,” Brant laughed. “Have I satisfied your curiosity?”

She gave him a mischievous grin, as she answered, “Aye, I believe my curiosity has been satisfied. At least, for a day, or two. After that, I might want more information.”

“You are quite shameless, you know that?” Brant said.

“Aye, and you love it, right, Brant?” Isabel asked.

“I most certainly love you,” he said, kissing her again. “However, since I have satisfied your curiosity with my body for now, we should probably go back in, to get some sleep. I would like to have the energy, to travel home tomorrow.”

As they rose to dress, Isabel thought about how nervous she had been, wondering what her husband’s intentions were, in bring her here. Now she knew her fear had been groundless. He loved her, just as she loved him. He had planned to kidnap her, if she thought to stay in London, with her mother. Brant wanted her with him, just as she wanted to be with him. Whatever the future held, they would face it together.

Once they were dressed, they made their way out of the jail. Brant had left six of his men outside, to see they were not disturb. Isabel smiled, when she saw that now, there were Brant’s six men, and four of hers, outside of the dungeon.

Isabel’s Knight William said, “Good evening, My Lady. We thought we would wait with the Lord’s men, to see that you were alright.”

“I am fine William, thank-you,” she replied. “Though I think we all need to get some sleep, before we travel home tomorrow.”

“Good night,” Brant said with a grin, as he walked toward the hall, arm in arm, with his Lady.