Besieged and Betrothed by Jenni Fletcher

Author:Jenni Fletcher
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2017-01-10T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seventeen

‘We need more arrows.’

Lothar ran an experienced eye over the armoury, over the long rows of bows and crossbows, swords and slingshots, assorted knives and shields. It was a decent selection, not bad for such a small castle, in reasonable condition, too, without any traces of rust, but there was still no harm in being over-prepared.

‘I’ll see to it.’ Ulf nodded curtly.

‘More missiles, too.’ He peered into a barrel filled to the brim with assorted shapes and sizes of stones. ‘We have the space. We might as well fill it.’

‘I’ll send some men out.’

‘Be sure to send lookouts with them. I don’t want Stephen catching anyone by surprise.’

‘Yes, sir.’

‘Otherwise, I’m impressed.’ He gave the Constable a nod of approval. ‘I didn’t expect your armoury to be so well maintained.’

‘Lady Juliana insists on everything being kept in good order.’

‘Then I’ll be sure to compliment her on it later.’

He watched the Constable go with the ghost of a smile. He’d told him that Lady Juliana wasn’t a prisoner, but Ulf and his men still seemed determined to heap as much praise upon her abilities as chatelaine as often and as loudly possible. At this point he wouldn’t have been surprised to hear she’d built the castle herself. Not that he disagreed with them. She was clearly well suited to the role and certainly nothing if not organised. Now that he’d commandeered the bulk of Sir Guian’s provisions—a fact that the Baron would no doubt be reporting to Matilda within days—there was very little for him to do. Which was probably the way Lady Juliana would want it.

He picked up a sword and ran his finger down the flat side of the blade. After a long night spent thinking about their predicament he’d decided to focus on practical matters that morning instead, though the fact that he’d countermanded the Empress’s orders still lay heavy on his mind. He’d had no choice, but he could only hope Matilda would understand that. If she didn’t—if she sent Sir Guian back and summoned him to Devizes instead—what then? He hoped it wouldn’t come to that. The earlier message he’d sent her warning about Stephen’s possible return into Herefordshire ought to explain his remaining there, and she’d always trusted his judgement before. William wouldn’t last much longer, that was obvious, and after that...

He swore vehemently. If Lady Juliana would only renounce her allegiance to Stephen then it would help her cause with the Empress a little, but she refused to consider it, and he could tell it was useless to argue. The stubborn glint in those green eyes was exactly the same as her father’s when he’d made up his mind about something and there had never been any chance of budging him either. The last thing he needed was another stubborn woman in his life, yet he couldn’t help but admire her as well. Amidst all the self-seeking opportunists in this war, she’d sided with Stephen simply to protect her father. She’d even been willing to tolerate Sir Guian if it had meant keeping her word.

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