Hugh nodded faintly, his mind still whirling with the situation, with de Montfort’s proposal to Davyss. He couldn’t help but press the subject; out of desperation, perhaps fear, hecouldn’t help it. The world as he knew it was upended and he was frantic to make sense of it.
“Please, Davyss,” he pleaded quietly. “Please consider Simon’s offer. Join us and you will be Simon’s most honored advisor. He offers you the lordship of Uppington, for Christ’s sake. It is a great honor, Davyss. You know this.”
Davyss looked at him as if he’d lost his mind. “Uppington?” he repeated. “It is nothing compared to the de Winter holdings and well you know it. He cannot offer anything that interests me.”
“Nothing?”
“My loyalties cannot be bought.”
Hugh took a few steps back, putting distance between him and his brother, before emitting a piercing whistle. Four big knights standing near Simon’s tent came to Hugh’s side when the man beckoned. Davyss recognized the knights, men he had known and fought against for years. They were seasoned and strong. He was curious why Hugh had called them over.
“Listen to me well, brother,” Hugh said with the safety of four heavily armed men at his side. “Simon has loved you all of your life. Your achievements have been a great source of pride. But he has never been able to stomach the fact that you support Henry and Edward. He is willing to go to great lengths to gain your fealty.”
Davyss put his massive fists on his hips. “What does that mean?”
Hugh sighed faintly. “It means that he will use your wife if he has to. He has the means to obtain her.”
Davyss’ expression tensed and his eyes narrowed dangerously. The enormous fists came off his hips and he began to clench and unclench his hands, working up his building fury.
“If you do not tell me what you mean, I will rip your head from your body,” he snarled. “Your bodyguards will do you no good.”
Hugh put up his hands. “He does not want to do this, Davyss, truly, but he also does not want to see you waste your life. He will do what is necessary in order to save you.”
“Save me?” Davyss repeated, incredulous. “I do not need saving. Now, what in the hell did you mean that he will use Devereux?”
“I will not tell you unless you calm down.”
“Hugh, I swear I will snap your neck and worry over the consequences later if you do not answer my question immediately.”
Hugh struggled not to appear fearful of his brother. But in that fear was deep curiosity, something he’d not truly felt until this moment. He could see the expression in his brother’s face when he spoke Devereux’s name. There was something in his tone that Hugh had never heard before. He studied his brother closely for a moment.
“What…,” he started again. “What happened to you, Davyss? Does this woman mean so much to you, then?”
“She does,” Davyss said flatly.
Hugh stared at him, seeing his brother through new eyes. This wasn’t the Davyss he knew. “Are you serious?” he hissed. “You care for her?”
Davyss could see that Hugh was more focused on his feelings for Devereux than in answering questions about Simon. Perhaps he needed to take Andrew’s advice; perhaps he needed to be clear with his brother. Perhaps then Hugh would understand and things might be better between them. He was willing to take the chance.
“I love her, Hugh,” he said, with less fury and more sincerity. “I love her with all my heart and she carries my child. I cannotexpress the joy I feel when I am with her because it defies words. She is everything to me. Does that answer your question?”
Hugh nodded but he still looked stunned. “It does,” he murmured. “But I wish you hadn’t told me.”
“Why?”
“Because it makes Simon’s plan far more effective against you.”
Davyss’ expression hardened again. “You will tell me what he plans to do.’
Hugh paused a moment, taking a deep breath before speaking. It was clear he was torn. “He has written Mother to know your wife’s whereabouts.”
Davyss struggled to keep his fury in check. “She will not tell him anything.”
“She will if she feels that it will save your life.”
“What do you mean?”
“Now that Simon has captured Henry, your choices are few; either side with Simon and remain free, or remain loyal to the king and become a prisoner as he is. If Simon holds your wife, which side will you choose? And which side do you think Mother will choose for you?” Hugh shrugged his broad shoulders. “Perhaps he will release you if Mother provides your wife as a hostage against your good behavior.”
