Alienor lay back and closed her eyes, listening to the faint calls of the birds while she caught her breath.’Twas no coincidence that she had been ill again this day, she was sure, and she forced herself to face the truth.
She had not bled since her nuptials and ’twas the third morning in a row she had been ill.Her stomach was even more temperamental than usual regarding food.Her emotions twisted and turned with an unpredictability that made her own head spin.Her tears seemed always close to the surface, which was not typical of her nature.True to her promise to Iolande, she had not interfered with conception, and it seemed that Dagobert’s seed had taken root.
Without a doubt, Alienor was pregnant.
She gazed out the window at the clear blue sky, her heart filled with conflicting emotions.Much as she adhered to the tenet of her faith, disliking the fact that another soul had been trapped in flesh, Alienor could not suppress a thrill of pride that she bore Dagobert’s child.She was pleased that her lord husband would have an heir so soon after their nuptials, and that they together had created a child who would live and thrive beyond their own days.’Twas beautiful and she could not honestly deny her own satisfaction in that.
It took only a moment for her thoughts to turn to the worst, and she recalled her suspicion that Dagobert desired her only to provide a continuation of his lineage.It could not be denied that he still avoided speaking with her at night.In truth, she knew that he had uttered less than a score of words in her presence since their nuptials, and that did not bode well of the possibility of his having any true regard for her.
Would he cease to come to her bed now that she was with child?The thought sent a chill through her and she knew ’twas not a remote possibility.She shook her head, knowing that she would feel completely abandoned in this household without Dagobert’s nightly caress.Physical intimacy was less than she desired of marriage, but it was better than naught at all.
Alienor resolved that she would not tell him of her pregnancy.Did he not prefer that they loved silently?’Twould be a fitting response for her to decline to share this news.The truth of her condition would be clear to all soon enough, and she would claim every night possible until that inevitable day.
She would not consider five or six months of her own company.
Filled with a new resolve, Alienor rose to wash and dress.Her determination abandoned her, though, when a frightening prospect came into her thoughts.
Would the child share his father’s curse?Shape-shifter or not, would he be forced to hide within his own abode for all his days?
Alienor could not bear to think of a child so restrained.Perhaps the prefects taught aright and there was only pain for those condemned to take flesh.
Perhaps there was less joy in the conception of a child than she hoped.
“Rise, gentlemen.Rise!”
Jordan’s drunken salute greeted Alienor as she descended to the hall that evening.She was not surprised to find his bright gaze fixed upon her.Truly, she repeated her error of the day before.She had awakened from her afternoon nap late this day, and saw that many had already left the hall.Those who remained were clearly well into their cups.
There was naught for it.She could not retreat.She had to eat for the babe and ’twould be churlish to force Giselle to carry her meal upstairs.If only this Jordan had taken his leave, ’twould have been much easier to bear the boisterous mood of the late evening hall.
With a bow, Jordan lifted his chalice to her, a mocking smile on his lips.As he beckoned for the few other men assembled in the hall to join him, Alienor’s heart sank.It seemed he would not abandon her easily this night.
“A true flower graces us with her very presence,” he said, his voice loud enough to carry over the company.
Alienor felt hot color rise in her face when they fell silent.Had she not been the very center of attention, she might have turned back to her chamber, regardless of what the others might think of her manners.
Giselle hissed something uncomplimentary under her breath behind her and Alienor restrained herself from agreeing with her maid.’Twas clear the man was a menace to polite society and most in the keep would cheer when he finally took his leave.
That day could not arrive soon enough for Alienor.
Perhaps she could encourage his departure.
“I drink to your health and beauty, my lady Alienor,” Jordan said.
Alienor frowned at his impropriety even as he drained his goblet.She was no maid seeking a match or a tumble, but a married woman rounding with child.
And wife of Jordan’s noble host, as well.
‘Twas outrageous.She surveyed the hall in hope of assistance, but none looked inclined to come to her aid.Of course, most of the remaining men were of Jordan’s own retinue.How much did these men drink here at the keep?She calculated the cost of their visit and realized how long they had been in residence.One would think a simple tally of the household could not take so long.
“Your comments are most inappropriate, sir,” she said to Jordan.Her words were lost in the roar of agreement that rose from the king’s knights as they lifted their chalices to join the salute.
“Not so inappropriate as my thoughts,” Jordan jested.His wink made his men laugh uproariously.Alienor realized then that Iolande was absent, as was Eustache and even Alaric.’Twas abundantly clear that she was on her own in defending her virtue this night.
“Then I would suggest you keep those thoughts to yourself,” Alienor retorted, her chin rising.This rogue would not drive her from her own board!She took her place with determination.Giselle spared her a smile and darted away to the kitchens, apparently intent on ensuring that her mistress’s time in the hall was as short as possible.
“Ah, my lady, my heart demands to be heard,” Jordan said.
Alienor flicked him a look, not troubling to disguise her dislike.How dare he take it upon himself to embarrass her in her husband’s home?She met his gaze and was not surprised to find lucidity in his brown eyes.
