“Unicorn,” the priest reminded her sternly.“Do not be so foolish as to insult his family again.”
At his words, Alienor stifled an urge to laugh.Insult his family?And what of Guibert, her sole family?What of her dignity?Surely she was not alone in thinking the situation bizarre.This was a joke, a prank, a test of her good humor, a frivolity to allay her nervousness.It simply had to be, for she could think of no other plausible explanation.To wed a goat was beyond belief.
Perhaps her intended was a prankster who enjoyed teasing others and she would do well to learn to play along with his games.
Perhaps it was a test of how biddable a wife she meant to be.
Alienor decided to do as was obviously anticipated.
’Twas the solemnity with which they all waited for the creature to nod its agreement to the vows that first triggered Alienor’s suspicions that the jest went too far.The priest seemed to sense her doubts for he hastened through the rest and slid a gold band onto her finger.
A second, larger ring had been threaded onto a length of red cord from which already hung a signet ring.The priest handed her the makeshift necklace with complete solemnity.Alienor slipped it over the beast’s neck.
Surely this was no more than a dream.
Surely she would awaken shortly to dress for her wedding in truth.
But the numerous hands pressing hers and the myriad kisses of congratulations forced upon her cheeks were more than real.The slim cord in her fingers was tangible beyond belief.The smell of the single-horned billy goat was unassailable evidence that it did in fact stand at her side, chewing.Having extended their felicitations, the assembly filed out of the chapel, laughing and joking in anticipation of the feast Lady Iolande would spread to celebrate her son’s nuptials.
The beast sniffed the velvet of her kirtle, then opened its mouth to take a nibble.Alienor slapped its nose.Her uncertainty made the blow harder than she had intended and the creature sneezed as it backed away, fixing her with an accusing glare.
“You wed me to this beast in truth!”she said to the priest, the horror of it all finally sinking in.“’Twas no jest.”
The priest shook his head, apparently surprised that she was displeased.“There is no jest in wedding the Count de Pereille,” he answered, his russet brows drawing together in a frown.“Surely you knew his circumstance?”
“No!”Alienor responded.“No one told me of this detail, for it is not one I would easily have forgotten.”
The cleric laughed behind his hand, his eyes twinkling as he nodded in agreement.His good humor did little to ease Alienor’s frustration.“Aye, ’tis an affliction that would stick in one’s thoughts.”
“’Tis no doubt amusing for you,” she replied.“Was it so unreasonable for me to expect to be wed to a man?”
“Oho,” the priest replied with a chuckle, waving aside her concerns.“’Tis this form that worries you,” he said, as if everything were clear to him now.“The Count is cursed and condemned to the shape of a unicorn by day,” he confided, patting her on the hand.He spared her a wink.“But by night you will find him man enough to suit you.”
“What nonsense is this?”Alienor demanded, her ire well and truly roused.Did this man expect her to believe that her husband was a shape-shifter, like some ancient pagan god?“I will not accept tales of magical spells as explanation for this foolishness.”She fixed the cleric with a determined glance.“I demand an annulment.”
The priest studied her, tapping one finger against his chin as he considered her request.“You must understand,” he finally said, “that path would not be regarded with approval by my lady and patron.Indeed, you place me in a tenuous position by your very request.”
“No less than you have placed me!”
“Indeed.”The priest considered Alienor, all trace of humor gone now from his eyes.“An annulment can only be granted if the match has not been consummated.”He shrugged.“In all fairness, I must give the Count an opportunity.”He nodded as though pleased with his decision, then met Alienor’s gaze.“Should you wish the same in the morning, I shall grant your request.”With his very unsatisfactory conclusion, he turned to follow the guests to the hall and the feast.
“You cannot expect me to couple with a goat!”
The priest paused halfway down the aisle, glancing over his shoulder with that impish grin.“Unicorn.”He mouthed the correction, shaking one finger at her before striding out of the chapel.
Alienor bit her lip to hold back her tears of frustration, overwhelmed by her situation.How could Guibert do such a thing to her?Had he known the fullness of the wager he made?Wed to a beast!Could there truly be any worse fate than this?
“I will tend Dagobert,” came a low voice from her side, and Alienor jumped, having thought herself alone in the chapel.She was surprised to find the goatherd yet standing beside her, sympathy in his gray eyes.
“Should you wish to retire for a few moments,” he added, and Alienor nodded, grateful for his understanding.He had a deep and soothing voice, and a reassuring manner.It was a relief that someone else could appreciate that her situation was beyond normal, even if he was only a goatherd.
“Dagobert?”she echoed as she handed him the slim cord.The man smiled and the sight sent her heart lurching about her chest.She was definitely not susceptible to the charming smile of a servant.
“You did not listen to the ceremony,” he chided her.
Alienor smiled in turn, feeling a blush heat her cheeks.“I confess I was preoccupied,” she admitted.“Dagobert,” she said as she studied the creature, trying without success to fit the name to the beast.
“Dagobert V de Pereille,” the man supplied.
