Simon lifted his eyes, regarding the woman’s profile again. She was such a strong woman, deeply dedicated to her sons. He knew why she had never told Davyss of his true parentage but it never eased his ache. And it was for that very reason that Simon knew he must press his issue.
“Davyss was most reluctant to swear fealty to me after Lewes,” he lowered his voice. “As I said, I believe the only reason he did it was because I threatened to hold his wife hostage to ensure his good behavior. As much as I hate to move against Davyss in such ways, I still feel it is necessary.”
Katharine’s jaw ticked. “So you do not trust his word?”
Simon was careful how he replied. “I would trust Davyss with my life, as you well know. But the man’s loyalties have always been with Henry. Even though he has sworn allegiance to me, I feel there is no harm in reinforcing that oath. Since the only reason he swore to support me was because I threatened his wife, I feel it necessary to force him to honor his pledge.”
Lady Katharine sighed heavily. “Simon, if you feel the only control you have over your men is to coerce and threaten them, then you are a poor leader indeed. If you take Devereux, it will only make Davyss hatefully mad. He will kill you.”
Simon’s gaze moved over the arena, watching as the marshals began to call the combatants forward. “Nay, he will not,” he muttered. “But he will want to, make no mistake. Katharine, do you wish to see your son live to be an old man? He’ll not live much longer by Henry or Edward’s side. They are both ruthless men and willing to battle at every turn. What I offer is peace.”
“Peace?” she snapped.
“Aye, peace,” he snapped in return. “Peace for the entire country because the common man will have a say in how his country is managed. It is the only way to achieve harmony.”
Katharine held up a hand. “Spare me your logic, Simon. I am an old woman and care not for the politics of the crown. But I will say this,” she turned to the man. “If you harm Davyss or his wife, in any fashion, my wrath shall be limitless. You need not fear Davyss at all; your biggest fear shall be me. Is this in any way unclear?”
Simon gazed deep into the eyes of the women he had known the majority of his adult life. “What would Grayson say to all of this?”
Her eyes narrowed. “You know what he would say; he would kill you himself before he allowed you to target one of his sons.”
Simon drew in a long, thoughtful breath. Then he leaned back in his chair, eventually chuckling.
“Still a spitfire,” he muttered.
Lady Katharine continued to eye him, even as he pretended to find interest in the combatants taking the field. She didn’t trust the man for she had known him too long; he would eventually have his way if he thought he could get awaywith it. When Simon started up a conversation about the last tournament he competed in, she paid little attention. There was something in his manner that was unsettling.
She didn’t like it.
*
The mêlée wasabout to begin. Davyss was poised with his team, comprised of his own knights, Northumberland’s men, men from Chester, York and Nottingham. There were also a few bachelor knights, men with less experience but full of heart, and they were thrilled to be included on the mighty de Winter squad. The field marshals were calling the teams onto the arena floor and just as Davyss moved forward with his men to take his position, Philip suddenly came up behind him and grabbed him by the arm.
Davyss turned to the man, speaking before Philip could bring any words forth.
“Where have you been?” he demanded. “You disappeared when the marshals were filling the match cards. What happened?”
Philip looked grim. “Lucy came to me,” he said urgently. “Drop what you are doing, man; we have problems.”
Davyss first reaction was confusion. But his second reaction was dread; Philip was not one to panic for frivolous reasons. “What are you talking about?” he demanded.
Philip yanked on him even as the men around him were pouring onto the field. Hugh paused, however, standing next to his brother because Philip looked so serious. He raised his visor and peered at the big blonde knight.
“What is wrong with you?” Hugh demanded. “We are due on the field.”
Philip shook his head. “Davyss, you must come. It’s Devereux.”
Those were the magic words. Davyss was already moving, heading for the lists because that was the last place he saw his wife. “What is wrong? What happened?”
As they neared the edge of the arena, they could all see Lucy standing at the edge of the field, her hands to her mouth. As Davyss drew near, he could see that her eyes were red and there were tears on her face. Panic seized him.
“Lucy?” he reached out to grab her. “Where is Devereux? What has happened?”
Lucy was sobbing deeply. “She… she ran away.”
Davyss’ eyebrows flew up. “Ran away?” he repeated. “Where in the hell is she?”
He was starting to get frantic. Philip pulled his wife from Davyss’ iron grip because the woman was already close to swooning. She would not survive Davyss’ anger.
