Grinning, Albin sprang up and nodded eagerly. “I am glad to see you returned safe, my lord, my lady. We were most worried.”
Unable to contain herself, Lucy dismounted, laughing, and pulled him into a fierce hug. “Oh, I have missed you, Albin. I heard how well you served our lord as his squire, how you made sure the horses arrived safely.”
He talked and talked, telling Lucy of his adventures, then went quiet, peering past her at Callan, still mounted on his horse, taking in the sights of the bustling courtyard.
“Who is that man with you?” Albin asked curiously.
Lucy and William exchanged a glance. How could they explain Callan’s sudden presence?
“This is Callan. He...” William hesitated for only a moment. “Aided our lady.” Later, they would tell everyone that Callan was his brother, but for now, it could wait.
Bertram appeared, narrowing his eyes at Callan, but when William told him how Callan had aided Lucy, the older man smiled.
“Would you show Callan to a chamber? He’ll be staying with us.”
Thomas made his way to William. “We have searched the passages, but there is no sign of Agnes or her men.”
Wymund strode over. “My men have searched. They are not in the village either.”
“Double the guard for the next few days.” Lucy swore they would come. Since she had spent much time as their captive, he decided they must be vigilant.
Lucy couldn’t waitone more second. She hugged William, patted Callan on the shoulder, and ran for the hall, waving at everyone, not stopping. Not until she saw Jason and Peter with her own eyes. Then and only then would she be able to breathe again.
By the time she pushed through the doors to the nursery, William was on her heels.
“Mama. Papa.” Jason chortled in delight as he careened across the stone floor and barreled straight into her skirts.
“My beautiful, darling boy. I’ve missed you so much.” Lucy kissed him all over his face, making him laugh. She didn’t realize she was crying until Jason touched a finger to her face.
“Why are you leaking, mama?”
William laughed. “Womanly matters, my boy. All women weep.”
He stuck his finger in his mouth, frowning. “Tastes like the sea.” Jason reached out, “Papa.”
William took their son, swinging him around and tossing him in the air, making him laugh.
“You have grown tall since I have been gone.”
Jason grinned and waved his little wooden sword proudly. “I fight bad men, keep you safe.”
Her breath caught at the sight of Peter gurgling happily in his crib. Kneeling beside the cradle, she gently stroked her baby’s downy hair, heart brimming with love and gratitude. After so much fear and uncertainty, she was home.
Heart overflowing, Lucy cradled Peter close as William talked to Jason about sword fighting and horses. Being with her children, seeing with her own eyes that they were safe, these were the moments worth fighting for.
William turned to one of the servants. “Please inform Cook we shall take the evening meal in the solar. And have a bath readied for Lady Blackford.”
The woman dipped a quick curtsy. “Right away, my lord.”
“You need one as well.” Lucy laughed when Jason shook his head, chanting, no, no, no.
“Not you. Papa needs a bath. He stinks.” She held her nose, making her son laugh and hold his nose.
By late afternoon,Lucy bathed, changed into fresh garb, and made sure that Callan was comfortably settled into a guest chamber so he could refresh himself after the long journey. Thankfully, Catherine and Isabella said the pox had passed, and no more were ill. Father John’s sister was settling in. She and Catherine had finished organizing the supplies in the healer’s room, and the two of them got along well. Isabella was due in four months, so there would be a new baby to brighten up the castle when winter was at its darkest.
The gray dress she’d put on was one of William’s favorites. Ithad silver embroidery of ravens around the hem and sleeves, and he said it turned her gray eyes silver.
When she went outside to find everyone, Lucy stopped near the lists, mouth open. Callan was wearing a blue tunic and hose, his hair tied back, Jason holding his hand, babbling away, as Thor followed them to the stables.
