Beast: Great Bloodlines Converge by Kathryn Le Veque

Author:Kathryn Le Veque [Veque, Kathryn Le]
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Medieval
Published: 2014-12-16T08:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

In spite of Bastian’s reassuring pat on her shoulder, Gisella watched her husband and Gloucester head off into a darkened corner of the hall with some trepidation. She wasn’t exactly sure why she should be nervous about a private conference, but she was. Perhaps it was because Bastian knew of Gloucester’s overtures towards her and she was afraid the subject might come up in spite of the fact that Gloucester told her not to tell anyone. But she did not regret telling Bastian. In fact, she felt better that she had. Now, she had someone to defend her against Gloucester’s lewd advances.

When Bastian and Gloucester disappeared from her view, she turned back to her pewter plate and tried to focus on her food. The music was lovely and people seemed to be enjoying themselves around her, and as she spooned a few boiled beans into her mouth, she noticed the young king sitting to her left. Bastian’s empty chair was between them. The king had eaten his share of meat-filled hattes and was now picking at his boiled apples. He didn’t look particular happy or even interested in what was going on around him. He appeared bored and lonely. Feeling sorry for the boy, Gisella scooted over to Bastian’s vacated seat.

“Your Grace,” she said softly. “It is rude of me to address you, I realize that, but I thought you might like to have someone to speak to. My husband said he shared a lovely conversation with you earlier today. He is quite happy to be here with you.”

Henry turned to her, startled that someone had spoken to him. He seemed rather nervous, as if he wasn’t sure he should talk to her, but there was no one to tell him not to, so he did.

“We… we went to look out over the river,” he told her.

Gisella smiled at the anxious boy. “It was a lovely day,” she agreed. “Tell me, Your Grace, do you enjoy playing board games or cards?”

The young king nodded. “Sometimes,” he said. “I play with John and Simon and I always win.”

Gisella cocked her head curiously. “Who are John and Simon, Your Grace?”

Henry looked around the table before finally pointing to two boys back behind the dais who were sitting against the wall, enjoying their meals while sitting on the floor.

“There they are,” he said. “We play games sometimes.”

Gisella nodded in understanding. “What is your favorite game to play, Your Grace?”

Henry was thoughtful. “I like archery,” he said. “But I do not play it too often. My nurses say it is dangerous.”

Gisella shrugged. “It is dangerous only if you are in front of the arrow, Your Grace,” she said, watching the boy grin timidly. “What else do you like to play?”

The young king thought seriously on the question. “I have played Backgammon, although I do not understand it too much,” he said. “I like Chess and Alquerque.”

Gisella feigned great interest in what he was saying. “Do you go outside and ride your horse, Your Grace?” she asked.

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