Annelise was astonished to silence and more than a littleskeptical.
“Hail, gatekeeper!” Rolfe called for they neared the barred gates. “We seek shelter this night ofnights!”
“We offer no shelter to travelers,” replied the gatekeeper. “But should you have coin for the toll, you are welcome topass.”
“But this lady is from a holding pledged to your overlord,” Rolfe insisted. “Surely a place might be found for a loyalvassal?”
A slot in the gate slid open and the gleam of eyes appeared in the darkness beyond. “Who isshe?”
“Annelise deSayerne.”
“Andyou?”
“Rolfe deViandin.”
Viandin. Annelise frowned to herself, temporarily distracted from her concerns. It was odd that the name of that estate now seemed familiar to her. She was certain she had heard the name of that estate before, but could not recall where orwhen.
There was activity behind the gates and a flurry of whispers. Footsteps echoed as someone evidently ran across the bailey to the keepitself.
Annelise watched the snow gather on the pine trees around the gates and wished she could make this moment last forever. Rolfe eased Mephistopheles closer and claimed her gloved hand, lifting it to his lips. His eyes shone, one blue and one silver gray. “Believe, my lady,” he urged her in a whisper, then kissed herfingertips.
Annelise wanted to believe, more than anything in all ofChristendom.
The gates opened then, as if to prove her husbandright.
“The Lord de Beauvoir grants you welcome, Rolfe de Viandin and Annelise de Sayerne,” the keeper said, his tone more friendly. “Indeed, the Lord de Tulley awaits the lady in the greathall.”
Tulley was in residence. It was the worst possibility Annelise could have imagined. She swallowed, knowing the moment she dreaded was upon her, but kept her head high. They rode through the gates and dismounted in the bailey. Squires came to lead the steeds to the stables, vowing that all three would be brushed andfed.
Rolfe took Annelise’s hand, clearly intending to escort her to the hall, and she was glad that he would be by herside.
But the guard at the portal raised his hand before Rolfe. “The lord requested the lady comealone.”
Annelise glanced at Rolfe, knowing her trepidation showed. He smiled, obviously intending to reassure her. “I shall see to the horses,” he murmured, his gaze warm upon her. “No doubt Mephistopheles will welcome some attention fromme.”
Annelise could not repress a smile of her own before her husband turned away. She took a deep breath as the guard led her toward the great hall. As she stepped into the shadows of a corridor, Tulley’s annoyed tone carried to her ears and her heart began topound.
* * *
Rolfe wavedoff the squires and brushed down his steeds himself. This was a task he had missed, for the rhythmic motion helped him to compose his thoughts. He thought of Annelise and his love for her warmed him to his toes, prompting him to whistle as he worked. He knew she feared the worst, but he hoped for the best—and he would do whatever was necessary to ensure their futuretogether.
She would believe him soonenough.
“You are in fine spirits for a knight feared to be lost forever,” a familiar voice said from behindhim.
Rolfe spun around, not believing hisears.
But he was right. His mother, Hildegarde de Viandin, stood at the end of thestall.
Her ebony hair was just tinged with silver, just as it had been when he had left Viandin. She stood as straight and proud as he remembered. Indeed, she might not have aged a day since his departure. Her sapphire wool kirtle made her eyes look a more vivid hue and accented her slenderform.
She had eyes like his, one blue and one silver-gray.
“Mother!” Rolfe said inamazement.
She twirled a piece of mistletoe in her fingers. “Surely you have a kiss for your mother after all these years? It is the season, afterall.”
“Of course!” Rolfe stepped to her side and pecked her on both cheeks, holding her shoulders in his hands. She felt smaller to him and a little more frail. “What are you doing at Beauvoir? Why are you so far fromhome?”
