Montsalvat—January 1243
“The timing is terrible,” Dagobert shared his opinion in a low tone that drew the attention of the others.As usual, his quiet words brought the raging argument to a halt.
When the small room fell silent, he met Eustache’s quizzical gaze, then some slight motion of Iolande’s drew his attention to her.His mother pursed her lips to suppress some biting comment and he saw that she had not yet had her say, in her own eyes at least.
Smothering a smile of mingled amusement and affection, he studied the third and last figure in the room.The older man stood by the door and was conspicuously uncomfortable.Ignoring the other two, Dagobert smiled genuinely and gestured to the chair opposite him.
“I would apologize for the rudeness of my house,” he said, beckoning to the older man.
A flush rose over his mother’s features at her realization that she had slighted a guest in her anger.
Appearing no more at ease than a moment past, the warrior cleared his throat.He glanced at Iolande and Eustache, then stepped forward and perched on the offered seat.
Guibert, he had called himself.
“You must understand that this is an issue of much concern here,” Dagobert added by way of explanation, watching the man relax slowly.He must have been tired by the climb.“We are not usually so remiss in our treatment of guests.”
Guibert nodded, apparently reassured, but when he might have spoken, words spilled forth from Iolande instead.
“Neither are we remiss in fulfilling our pledges.”She spoke sharply to her son.“And the honoring of this one is long overdue.”
“We can afford no distraction at this late date,” Eustache said, leaning his fists on the table and bending toward Dagobert to make his point.“Even as we argue this issue, the forces of the crown are advancing upon us.”
“The blood is of utmost importance!Surely even an addle-pated warrior can see the truth in this,” Iolande insisted.
Dagobert held up one hand at the sight of the argument erupting before his eyes once again.His mother fell silent, her expression mutinous.
“I must confess that I am most confused,” Guibert admitted into the terse silence that followed.
Indeed, they had done precious little to make the matter clear to him.Eustache and Iolande had simply argued between themselves, ignoring the fact that Guibert’s agreement to any scheme was key.
Iolande looked to be embarrassed for having lost control of her tongue before a guest.Finally.For his part, Eustache had folded his arms across his chest in annoyance, the stubborn set of his lips telling Dagobert that he would not utter a sound until addressed.If the two did manage to remain silent for a few moments, perhaps this matter could be resolved, after all.
“As indeed you must be, sir,” Dagobert said.“At issue is my marriage to your foster daughter.”
Guibert nodded that he had understood that much at least.
Dagobert indicated Eustache.“From my companion knight’s description, my mother has no doubt that she is the maiden who was betrothed to me at her birth.”
“She strongly resembles the woman who entrusted her care to me,” Guibert confirmed.“Though she did not tell me her name.”
Dagobert nodded.“And the woman...?”he began, a question in his tone, but the older man shook his head sadly.
“Dead long past,” Guibert said flatly.His mouth pulled into a grimace as if some grisly sight were before his eyes once again.“She gave me the babe, but had not the time to utter a single word before she was struck down.”
Iolande expelled a shaky breath and Dagobert knew that she had been hoping for better tidings.But truly, the fact that there had been no word from Arpais in twenty years hinted that she no longer drew breath.He could not blame his mother for hoping, though.
“There is no question that Eustache speaks the truth,” he said, addressing his concerns to her in an effort to divert her.“’Tis an unholy time to make this match.”
Iolande blinked several times in rapid succession, amazing her son that her usually tightly controlled emotions were so openly displayed.She took a deep breath before fixing her gaze on him once more.
“You know that as matters stand, the line would die with you,” she whispered.Dagobert watched as tears rose again in her blue eyes.“Should Eustache be right...”Iolande valiantly tried to continue, but fell silent with a choke.
Dagobert frowned down at his folded hands.Should they be attacked, the king would ensure that Dagobert was amongst those who lay dead when all was said and done.It would be the most effective way to eliminate the threat posed by his lineage.A chill passed over his heart and he appreciated his mother’s concern.
He would not assume defeat to be inevitable, though.
“’Twould not have been your father’s desire to see his line end thus,” Iolande said, her voice uneven.Even in her distress, she would remind him of his duty.“And you know that ’twasthismatch he wanted for you.”
