Page 23 of Silent Knight: Alexander

Chapter 10

Alex paced the floor outside his mother’s chamber, worried since she fainted and Warren had called for the healer. It had been a long time and, still, he had no word of how she fared.

“She’ll be all right,” said Charlotte, staying with him to support him. It was dawn already, and Alex felt exhausted from not having slept at all last night. He reached out and took Charlotte’s hands in his.

“I am sure you are right,” said Alex. “After all, Warren and the healer are in there with her. I’m sure they won’t let anything happen to her.”

“How do you feel about finding out who you really are?” asked Charlotte.

“I’m confused,” he admitted. “How would you feel if you found out you weren’t really who you thought you were your entire life?”

“There will be a lot of changes now. For everyone,” said Charlotte.

“I know.” Alex pulled her to him, gathering her in his arms. “I just hope you still want to marry me.”

She looked up at him and smiled. “I wouldn’t care if you were only the son of a peasant, I would want you just the same. I am here for you, Alex, and will help you through this trying and confusing time.”

“You are the best thing that has ever happened to me in my entire life.” He kissed her and rubbed his hand up and down her back.

“I don’t know about that,” she told him. “After all, you are a noble now. I’m sure your mother will want you to live at Framlingham Castle now that she knows you are her son.”

“I’m not sure how to be Peter Mowbray or how to be anything but a mercenary.”

“I heard that, Brother,” said Dominick, coming down the corridor holding his son, Robert, in his arms. Claire and Regina were with him.

“Is it true?” asked Regina. “Are you the son of Norbert Mowbray?”

“Are you our half-brother?” asked Claire.

“Aye, I suppose so,” he answered, letting out a deep breath as he tried to get used to saying that.

“Then it’s a good thing you didn’t try to kiss Regina or me,” said Claire. “Now give us a hug – Brother.”

Alex hugged both the girls and then Dominick reached out and shook his hand. “I’m going to like having a brother,” said Dominick. “Robert, this is your Uncle . . . Peter? Or Alex?”

“I – I’m not sure what name to go by,” said Alex. “But either way, I’m glad to meet you, Robert.” Alex reached out and ruffled the boy’s hair.

The little boy laughed and hid his face against Dominick’s chest.

The door to the solar opened, and the healer walked out. Warren was with him.

“How is Lady Summer – I mean . . . Mother?” asked Alex, worried about the woman.

“She is going to be just fine,” said the healer. “She fainted because of hearing the news, among other things.”

“Other things?” asked Alex.

“Thank you,” said Warren, dismissing the man before he said anything more.

“Can we see her now?” asked Dominick.

“Aye, but Summer wants to see only Alex, first,” said Warren, stepping out of the room and motioning for Alex to enter.

Nervously, Alex stepped into the solar and closed the door behind him. Looking over to the bed, he saw Summer sitting up and smiling. The color had returned to her face.

“Come here,” she told him, holding out her arms. “I want to see you and hold you and know that you are real.” Tears dripped down her cheeks.

“Mother,” he said, testing the word on his tongue. “I have never had a mother.”