“A hearing before the king,” Amaury said tightly. “That would be justice. I would never take the law into my own hands…”
“But youarethe law at Montvieux,” she argued, interrupting him. “As its lord, you will administer justice there in the king’s name. And in Outremer, you meted justice in the name of the Pope and God above. Do not tell me, sir, that you do not administer justice when it is due!”
Amaury nodded once, paced the width of the chamber, then returned to her. “You are right. I have done as much. But there must be a hearing and a court and a law explicitly written.”
“Do not killwould suffice.”
He glared at her. “I did not do this deed, Isabella. I swear it to you. I am no brigand who enforces the law by his own will and determines the guilt of another by whim. I have no proof that your father was responsible for my father’s demise or even that he orchestrated it, and thus, I have no cause to find him guilty of that crime.” His gaze blazed into hers. “Yet.” He spun away, seizing his garments and dressing with haste.
Given his resolve and his pledge, Isabella could only believe him. It would always be evidence and courts for Amaury, the king’s justice duly meted. In truth, she was relieved.
But he was not the only son of Montvieux to have been at Marnis this night.
“Was Roland with you in the hall?” She had to ask. “I thought I saw him.”
Amaury turned to her, beginning to defend his brother. “Aye, but he could not have…” He fell silent then and pivoted to pace the chamber, his brow furrowed with concern.
“Tell me,” Isabella urged.
“He was released from the cask before me.”
“And he has been a brigand.”
Amaury paced with vigor, as vexed as she had ever seen him. “He told me that they made mischief alone. He told me that they were nuisances, not villains.” He flung out a hand. “He swore as much to me, Isabella.”
“Did you believe him?”
He pushed a hand through his hair and his voice dropped. “I must, for I fear that if I decline to believe his word, he will be lost to me forever.”
His words hung between them and she realized in that moment the weight of the burden he assumed in returning to Montvieux, in striving to ensure the success of all.
Amaury sat down on the bed, looking defeated. “I dreamed so long of my homecoming. The truth could not have been more different than the expectation.” He glanced up and offered his hand to her, his appeal one that she could not refuse. “I cannot believe they so forgot their knightly vows. I simply cannot accept that choice, much less understand it.”
She moved to take his hand and sit beside him. “They were without guidance when your father died,” she said softly. “They did not have your example, either, or your counsel.”
“They do not want it now that I am returned.”
“I think otherwise. I think they will come to welcome and rely upon it.”
“Isabella,” he whispered, drawing her into a tight and welcome embrace. “Please do not believe me responsible for such a foul deed.”
Her heart melted and she wrapped her arms around him tightly. “I do not,” she whispered, for it was true.
In that moment, someone knocked on the door to the corridor with such vigor that Isabella jumped in surprise. Too late she realized they had allowed their voices to rise.
“Isabella?” Mallory called. “Is someone there with you?” He knocked harder.
Isabella looked at Amaury in alarm. How could she explain his presence? What would happen to him if he was discovered in the solar? She could only fear the worst.
Amaury did not move. He only waited and watched for her to decide. His fate was in her hands – and so was their future.
“My lady?” one of Marguerite’s brothers called. “Are you hale?”
“Go,” she mouthed, gesturing to the window and Amaury’s smile flashed. He kissed her quickly then pushed the poison stone into her hand before striding to the window. The stone was a cold weight in her hand, one that might have the power to reveal secrets she did not wish to know.
“Isabella!” Mallory roared. “Open this portal immediately!” There was a pause, then he could be heard bellowing from the summit of the stairs. “Guards! My lady Isabella is in peril! Break down the door to the solar with all haste!”
“Trust me, Isabella,” Amaury whispered, eyes glinting, then backed away. “And use the stone.” This last he mouthed, standing on the lip of the window.
