Dragon Lovers by Jo Beverley

Author:Jo Beverley
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Penguin Group US
Published: 2007-06-23T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 13

Ariane’s gaze swept the moor, touching every man and woman present. The great gate of the castle had opened, and servants were pouring out as they heard the news. These were her people, and many of them she recognized. Even more recognized her, she thought.

Arnulph, leader of the hooded men, pulled his scarf free to reveal his face as he dropped to one knee. “Hail, Lady Ariane!”

He had known she was alive, but many of the other people of Penruth had thought her dead. The villagers were the first to follow Arnulph’s lead. As they knelt in obeisance, it was like a wind blowing over a wheat field.

“Hail to the Lady of Penruth!” Sir Alfred, one of the older knights who had served her parents, slid from his horse and bowed before her, tears running down his face. “Give thanks for God’s miracle!”

The other knights followed Sir Alfred’s lead. “All hail to our lady!”

Almost everyone in sight was now kneeling, except Hob. Released by Giles, he raced for the woods while attention was elsewhere.

Only Kenrick still stood, his expression stunned. She could feel his shock and confusion, and his painful wondering about why she had concealed the truth of her heritage. As he started to kneel, she extended her hand. “Never kneel to me, my dearest,” she said softly.

He took her hand, and she held it as she dismounted. Raising their joined hands above her head, she called out, “Kenrick of Rathbourne is my beloved husband and champion! Together we shall rule over Penruth with justice and compassion.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?” he said under his breath.

She glanced up pleadingly. “I’ll explain as soon as I can. Please trust that my reasons were good.”

She lowered their hands, her gaze steely as she studied the knights and men-at-arms. “Some of you I have known for many years, and I know you to be good men. Swear fealty to me and you may stay. But if any of you feel you cannot serve William’s successor, or if you have committed crimes against the people of Penruth, go now!”

Her gaze came to rest on Sir Guiscard. As captain of William’s guard, he had once tried to rape her. She’d used magic to escape. William had brushed off her accusation. Today, Guiscard paled under her hard gaze, and she knew that he would be gone before noontide. Several of the other guards looked equally uneasy. She guessed they also would leave before they could be accused of any crimes.

“Oh, my lady!” A middle-aged woman who had run down from the castle fell to Ariane’s feet, her voice choked with tears. “I had thought you dead these many years!”

It was Margery, her old nurse. Ariane lifted the older woman to her feet and hugged her fiercely. “My grandfather saved me. It’s so good to be home!”

Her hand locked in Kenrick’s, she began walking up to the castle, receiving greetings from the people who had raised her. Old Roger, the stableman who had taught her

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