“As am I, Simon. As am I.”
The older man nodded, then gestured to the stairs. Isabella stood tall and proud as she descended to the hall, keenly aware that those awaiting her fell silent at her appearance.
“My lord husband arrives,” she said, then raised her voice. “Prepare to welcome the Lord de Montvieux.”
“Do not be a fool, Isabella. He comes for Marnis, not for you,” Faydide hissed behind her like a snake that would not be silenced.
Isabella ignored her.
“He is not the Lord de Montvieux,” Mallory muttered. “He has not the seal.”
“And who does?” Isabella asked softly. “My father did not.”
Mallory’s gaze brightened. “How do you know as much, my lady?”
Isabella smiled. “Perhaps his treasures were stolen.” Did Mallory’s gaze flick? She turned a glance upon Edmund, who bowed before her as if he was loyal to her alone. “Perhaps Edmund knows more of my father’s secrets,” she said, and watched alarm dawn in that man’s eyes.
She was right that there was no one she could trust in this hall.
Isabella could feel the weight of Mallory’s survey when she crossed the hall, but she did not speak to him again. The siblings from Haniers were present, though she suspected they would depart later this day. She was keenly aware that there was unrest in the ranks of those within the walls of Marnis and hoped that Amaury’s presence would restore stability. He had a natural air of command that could only be of aid.
It was a fair morning, the skies blue and the sun warm. Isabella waited on the steps that descended to the bailey, heart in mouth, as Amaury’s party drew near. She called for the portcullis to be raised so he would not have to halt, and the gatekeeper heeded her command. She almost held her breath until Amaury was through the gates. Her heart thundered with such vigor as he rode closer that she was not certain she could speak.
He halted his horse, staring up at her. She knew she had never seen a man so magnificent. His mail was polished and his tabard was a marvel of embroidered silk.
“I come at your summons, my lady,” he said, his voice carrying clearly to all.
“And I am glad of it, my lord,” she replied. “I instruct every soul within these walls to swear themselves to you this very day, before my father is laid to rest.”
A ripple passed through the company at that, and she saw Amaury’s gaze brighten. She knew he had noticed the blue of her gown and his gaze had lingered upon his own cloak, now fastened to her shoulder. His lips curved slightly, his satisfaction in his greeting so obvious that Isabella found herself smiling in return.
“I am yours to command, my Lady de Marnis,” Amaury bowed his head, as whispers passed through the company. Then he glanced up and smiled at her, his gaze warm.
He was the most irresistible man – and with her father gone, with the treasury of Montvieux in her possession, Isabella had no reason to resist Amaury de Montvieux any longer.
She offered her hand to him and descended the steps, unable to completely quell a sudden shadow of dread on her heart.
Amaury could not restrainhis satisfaction when he saw Isabella. She was dressed in the blue of his house, with his cloak over her shoulders despite the warmth of the morning, as if she could not contrive of a way to grant him a message more clear.
She believed him.
Which meant the stone had changed hue, and that she knew her father had been poisoned. He hoped that that her life had not been imperiled as well, and he could only be glad that he had surrendered the stone to her possession.
That she demanded all at Marnis to pledge to him was a gift unexpected. They would be Lord and Lady de Marnis, united together and Amaury could not be more honored by her trust.
Isabella’s eyes shone on this day and she stood tall, radiating a newfound confidence. If she had been magnificent before, she was doubly splendid on this day.
Aye, he liked it well that she wore blue – and that she was hale.
His lady wife.
Amaury shed his glove and offered his hand to Isabella, smiling at the weight of her hand within his. He met her gaze and watched a flush touch her cheeks, then lifted her fingertips to his lips. “My lady.”
“My lord,” she said, her lashes sweeping down as he kissed the back of her hand. “You are welcome, sir.”
He could not miss that the signet ring of Marnis was on her finger, right beside the small gold ring he had placed there. The sight reminded him of her inheritance, and the importance of ceremony. He was at Marnis. If he wished to show her that he respected this legacy as her own, there was but one way to do it.
Amaury dropped to one knee before Isabella. He released her hand and drew his sword, laying it across his palms as he bowed his head before her. “My lady, I pledge myself to your service, this day and forever after.”
