Louis nodded. “I do,” he said. “My father is allied with Richmond. He’s also allied with Northwood Castle, not far from here. My older brother married the earl’s daughter.”
That realization struck Julian. He hadn’t even made the connection until this moment. His older brother, Cole, was supposed to marry Audrie de Longley, the Earl of Teviot’s daughter, but the woman broke their engagement to marry the heir of Sunderland. He felt stupid for not even thinking of that before now. Not knowing if Louis would have known that, he didn’t bring it up. He didn’t see a need since Cole had been rather relieved by the broken engagement.
“We are close allies of Northwood Castle,” Julian said. “And when I say ‘we’, I mean the de Velt properties. Pelinom and Berwick Castle included.”
“Oh?” Louis said, interested. “I thought Berwick was a royal property?”
Julian nodded. “It is,” he said. “But it was entrusted to my father to manage since our family home is so near to it. My eldest brother is the garrison commander.”
Louis nodded in understanding. “Then the next time I am in Berwick, I shall pay my respects to a son of de Velt,” he said. “Who is your brother?”
“Cole de Velt.”
Louis paused in his eating. “I have heard that name,” he said. “But where?”
He didn’t seem clear on the answer to the question, but Julian had a feeling he might figure it out so he simply told him.
“It’s possible you heard it because my brother was betrothed to Audrie de Longley before your brother married her,” he said. “But do not fear– there were no hard feelings. My brother is happily married to a good woman and we enjoy a strong alliance with Northwood, still.”
Louis lifted his eyebrows as if realizing the same thing Julian had. “Ah,” he said. “That’s where I’ve heard it. Audie’s former betrothed. I remember my father was terrified of angering Jax de Velt when my brother and Audie declared their feelings for one another. I am glad to hear there are no lingering hard feelings.”
Julian grinned. “Not at all,” he said. “Be at ease. I hope Audie is well.”
“Very well, thank you. I shall give her your greetings.”
“Please do.”
The conversation died a little, but only because their mouths were full. Lista was picking beef off of Julian’s plate, contemplating getting her own food, when two lone figures entered the great hall. Glancing up, she found herself looking at her mother and aunt.
Immediately, Lista was on her feet.
“What are you doing here, Flora?” she asked, moving to intercept the woman. “There is nothing for you to see here. Kindly retreat to your chamber and if it is food you desire, I’ll have it sent up to you.”
Flora eyed her niece but her gaze moved to the two big knights in the hall. She moved around Lista, heading for the dais.
“Will you not introduce us to our guests?” she said loud enough for Julian and Louis to hear. “It seems we have some fighting men at our table.”
Lista was greatly displeased that Flora had moved around her. She wasn’t even paying attention to Meadow, who slippedpast her and went to sit next to Julian. Since it would have been rude not to make introductions, she sighed heavily and tried not to sound unhappy as she spoke.
“Sir Louis, this is my mother’s sister, Lady Flora d’Orbec,” she said. “The woman who just sat down is my mother, Lady Felkington. Ladies, meet Sir Louis de Rhos, whose father is the Earl of Sunderland.”
Flora’s eyes glittered. She pulled away from Lista and went to sit between Louis and Julian.
“Welcome to Fucking… I mean, Felkington Castle, my lord,” she said, fixed on Louis. “I have been to Sunderland, many times. It is a lovely village.”
Louis didn’t sense anything odd, but though the woman looked quite haggard as she sat down. She’d also been rather vulgar with her greeting.
Perhaps all was not as it seemed with her.
“Thank you, my lady,” he said steadily. “I agree with you. It is rather nice.”
Servants started to bring food and drink, but Flora was fixed on the dark-eyed knight. “Your father is Henry de Rhos?” she said. “My mother was the daughter of the Earl of Malton and I do believe he was a friend of your grandfather, Warren. I miss the days when we would visit with our great allies of the north. I do remember Herrington Castle to be particularly nice.”
Louis nodded. “It is comfortable.”
“Do you live there?”
“I do, my lady.”
