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It was a good thing Siaspar had asked for clarification because, though Cadell was wondering the same thing, he would never have dared ask the question. He might not even have found enough breath to speak. The announcement had utterly stunned him.

“Why not you is the better question. You both have excellent credentials and would make ideal knights,” Lord Sheridan answered tranquilly. “You have profitable domains, either in your own name or through marriage, you already own a mighty destrier each and weapons you know how to handle thanks to your time fostering at Castell y Ddraig. Add to that that you are friends of mine, married to English women, and have never been involved in any trouble. In these troubled times, Edward is keener than ever to place loyal men in strategic positions. It is the right moment to petition him. Even if he doesn’t knight you, his support will at the very least ensure that your estates are not seized the next time he feels like handing a castle to one of his friends and act as protection against men of Sir Hubert’s ilk.”

Yes, it all made sense. Except… Except that it was more than Cadell had ever imagined to receive. Just like being married to Johanna was more than he had ever hoped to have. His life had taken a dramatic turn in the last few months. And he knew now that he was destined to be happy.

“I don’t know what to say,” he told Connor Hunter, feeling truly humbled. If only his family had been there to see that. They would have been proud.

“Then say nothing. Except perhaps this: Do you have an idea of what you would choose for your coat of arms if the king agreed?”

Coat of arms? He truly had no idea. Siaspar, who was looking as dazed as he felt, shook his head as well.

Katherine took her husband’s hand. She didn’t seem anywhere near as bewildered as they were, as if she thought such an honor only fitting. “A fox would be perfect for you, I’d say.”

Lord Sheridan nodded. “What about you Cadell? Do you have any ideas?”

“I-I don’t know.” He felt Johanna take his hand, just like Katherine had done with Siaspar. Her cheeks were wet with tears.

“It’s easy, my love. For you, a dragon, of course,” she said, smiling through her tears.

18

Johanna and Cadell were married the following week, on a blustery winter day that didn’t succeed in dampening their spirits.

The only problem was that, in spite of all reason, Cadell kept dreading something would go wrong, like it had the previous time. He only very reluctantly left for Castell y Ddraig the night before the ceremony and he was in front of Bryn Glas chapel at the crack of dawn, ready to solve all the potential problems before they even occurred. But despite his fears, everything went smoothly, and when he and Johanna exited the chapel later that morning, they were husband and wife.

At last.

In the castle that had been restored to its former glory during his stay in England, the banquet that followed was as lavish as could be. The food was flavorful and artfully arranged on the gleaming pewter platters. The air was scented with the resiny warmth of the many garlands adorning the walls. Even more importantly, the atmosphere was joyous, the great hall alive with chatter, music and laughter. The contrast with the drab, unhappy place he had found a few months back was staggering.

All this was thanks to his wife’s extraordinary resilience and courage. His wife. The two words filled him with joy. He could not have been more proud of her. He couldn’t have loved her more.

After the sweetmeats were brought, the people of Bryn Glas came to offer the newlyweds their warm congratulations, chief amongst whom Richard and Efa.

“My lord, may we take this opportunity to introduce you to little Siwan?” the stone mason told him, nodding toward the baby asleep in her mother’s arms. “She doesn’t know it yet, but she owes you much.”

Cadell was too pleased to meet the child to comment on the use of the words “my lord,” to which he was not entitled. Besides, he knew that protesting would be a waste of time. Somehow, word had spread that Lord Sheridan had petitioned the king for a knighthood and, forgetting their hatred toward the English for a moment, the people of Bryn Glas had apparently decided that this honor was no less than he deserved and the king, in his generosity, was bound to grant it.

He had spent the whole day trying to rectify the impression, in vain. And right now, he was too happy to care about anything that was not the beautiful bride by his side, smiling at the newborn baby.

“Your daughter is a beauty,” he said, placing a careful finger on the little girl’s cheek. Siwan. How perfect. He guessed that Johanna would have been moved to be told that the baby had been named after her. “Congratulations to you both.”

“Thank you, my lord,” Efa answered, sweeping him a curtsy so low it made him uncomfortable. He would really have to have a word with everyone on the morrow, once things were back to normal. He refused to tempt fate by responding to a title he had no right to yet. “We will now leave you to your bride.”

A smile stretched his lips. His bride. His wife. Johanna.

The love of his life.

Never had any man been happier than he was in this moment, Cadell was sure of it.

He was just returning to his place at the table, Johanna on his arm, when a metallic clanging was heard at the other side of the hall. The voices instantly hushed and all eyes turned to Lord Sheridan, who was tapping the side of his cup with a knife.

“If you please. I have an announcement to make.”

When he stood up, everyone stood up in turn.

“As you know, many months ago, I wrote to the king to request a knighthood for two of the worthiest men I know, who are sitting here with us right now.” A loud cheer erupted, and all eyes turned to the top of the table. Thanks to Castell Esgyrn’s servants, most people at Bryn Glas now had a good enough grasp of English to follow what was being said. “I am pleased to say I have finally received the answer.”

Opposite him, Siaspar went the color of whey and Cadell felt himself grow pale at the same time. He had assumed that Lord Sheridan’s announcement would have to do with his wedding to the woman of his dreams. It was not. And he wasn’t sure he was ready to hear what the man had to say right now, in front of so many people.