“What have I said to upset you so?” he asked, not unkindly.
“No,” she shrieked, trying to pull away from him. She was shaking so badly that her knees gave way and she fell backward, smacking into a chair and landing on her behind. She looked up at him as if he were planning on eating her alive and her arms wound themselves around her body protectively. “Oh, please…do not….”
He was stunned. She was like a panicked animal, desperately trying to escape whatever terror was hounding her. He’d never seen such a violent reaction to his presence, but he furthermore wasn’t so sure it was entirely him. How could it be? He’d done nothing to warrant this behavior.
Armor and all, he slowly crouched where he stood, several feet away from her. His smoky gray eyes were wide with concern.
“Do notwhat?” he asked gently.
Remington blinked at him, aware that she had let her fear get the better of her. Where Guy was concerned, she was always irrational with terror and she was suddenly deeply ashamed of her actions. She couldn’t stop herself from slipping into hot tears of embarrassment and fright.
“Why are you crying, angel?” he asked again, his deep voice more soothing than anything she had ever heard in her life.
But she couldn’t speak, instead, burying her face in her hands. She wished he would simply go away and leave her to compose herself.
He watched her sob for a moment, feeling a strange tugging at his heart. Then, very slowly as not to provoke her further,he stood and removed his plate armor. It dropped with little noise against the wall by the door, piece by piece. He shirked his mail hauberk and trews and his heavy black boots. When he was free of the equipment, he took several careful steps towards Remington, being mindful not to get too close. She continued to sob softly, absolutely drained emotionally.
“You are going to make yourself ill,” he said softly. “Get up off the floor, my lady, and sit by the fire.”
His voice jolted her a bit and she wiped her eyes and face, clutching the garments awkwardly.
“I do apologize, my lord, for my display,” she said hoarsely, trying to rise. “I would return to my room now and leave you in peace.”
He wanted to help her to her feet but he wasn’t sure how she would react to him. Clumsily, she stood and picked her way across the cold floor to the door. Her drying hair was a mass of dark spiral curls, dampening her back but infinitely charming. He watched her with gentle eyes, something completely out of character for him.
She closed the door softly and left him standing there, puzzled to the core. He somehow knew that Guy Stoneley was responsible for the outburst and he was truly curious as to what she had meant by “do not”. Do not hit me? Do not hurt me? Do not…? His head came up sharply and he stared at the closed door.
Do not rape me?
He wondered.
CHAPTER FIVE
Remington avoided himfor the rest of the day. She was polite and respectful as always, but she had difficulty looking him in the eye and he was sorry. But he had other things on his mind, more pressing matters that were occupying his attention. After the evening meal on that night, he met with Arik, Antonius, Patrick, and Nicolas in the solar to discuss a few points.
“I want every feudal baron and earl in Yorkshire to meet here with me to discuss their role in Henry’s reign,” Gaston said. “I want them to understand that I am Henry’s arm of strength in Yorkshire and will brook no disobedience.”
“They will not swear their fealty,” Arik said.
“They will if they expect to survive,” Gaston said in a low voice. “They will be loyal to me and I, in turn, will not destroy them. A most agreeable arrangement.”
Arik shook his head. “Mayhap you should wait, Gaston. They already know you are here. Mayhap fear alone will keep them reined.”
“I do not want them simply to behave, I want their oath,” Gaston replied. “Not only am I to control greater Yorkshire, but I find myself in the position to control West Yorkshire,South Yorkshire and Humberside. Henry has powerful knights stationed in all three of these shires, but those men will answer to me.”
Arik look surprised, as did the other knights. “You never mentioned this detail,” he said dryly. “So, in essence, Henry has sent you here to keep a firm hand on most of this enemy land.”
Gaston nodded once, leaning back in his chair. “’Tis the most volatile part of England right now. He would have the Dark One in the heart of it, ready to quell whatever problems might arise.”
The other knights fell silent a moment, listening to the crackling of the fire in the hearth. “By all means, then, call for the barons and earls loyal to Richard and inform them of your mission,” Arik said, studying his wine. “’Tis best to let them know where they stand from the onset.”
“To be honest, I expect no uprisings,” Gaston said thoughtfully. “Henry’s demonstration of power at the battle of Stoke announced that he is the rightful king of England. I believe even the Yorkists have resigned themselves to the fact, considering there is nothing to fight for with Richard dead. ’Twould be futile to resist Henry.”
The fire spit and the men enjoyed their wine.
“So what now?” Antonius asked in his rich Italian accent.
“I do not think I shall know what to do with myself with no battles to look forward to.”
