The Christmas Court by Joanna Courtney

Author:Joanna Courtney [Courtney, Joanna]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781447298465
Publisher: Pan Books

CHAPTER SEVEN

26 December 1051

Horses pawed at the dawn-bright snow, hawks flapped eagerly on their masters’ arms, hounds ran between the legs of the gathered courtiers, and the crisp air was filled with cries of excitement and encouragement. The Yule hunt was ready to ride and keenest of all was King Edward’s honoured guest.

Freya watched as Duke William paced the yard on his stallion. The beast was not in its ceremonial garb today but Freya thought it looked even more magnificent stripped back, its black coat shining in the bright December light and its big hooves pawing at the ground, as eager to run out as its master. William, in a hunting tunic of darkest red and with a neat goshawk on his forearm, was smiling broadly and for a moment Freya saw a glimpse of the man behind the stern ruler’s facade.

She thought of Matilda’s private words to God last night and wondered at the nature of their partnership. Matilda was out too today, riding at her husband’s side on her own beautiful mount, also minus its finery and looking as mystical as a unicorn with its luminous white coat and fine bones. As Freya watched them, William lifted a goblet of mulled wine from the trays carried round by the servant and in one fluid motion turned to offer it to Matilda. She took it with a smile and for a moment their heads leaned close as they exchanged a few words. As far as Freya could tell William’s new wife loved him very well and it warmed her to see it.

Instinctively she looked around for Heriot. It was hard to believe that only three days ago she had ridden into London totally unaware of his existence and now he seemed to fill her whole world. She should seek out the kitchen boy whose misdemeanour had brought them together and shower him with Yule gifts for bringing Heriot to her. It was a madness, whatever was between them – last night had taught her that – but it was irresistible and as today was the last full day of the Normans’ visit she was determined to embrace it.

Freya caught sight of him with William’s other guards. Heriot was already looking at her and she flushed as their eyes met but now the bugles were sounding and there was no time to find each other. The procession moved out behind King Edward and Duke William, heading over the Tyburn in a tight mass and then streaming out wide, a riot of fur and colour, as they made for the woodlands beyond Chelsea.

‘A golden cup for the man who spears a boar!’ King Edward cried and the hunters roared approval. Boar, the traditional beasts for the Yule table, were wilier than deer and more likely to fight back. It took skill and bravery to skewer one but the men were keen for the challenge.

Freya hung back a little. She was a bold rider but her pony was new and she wasn’t yet sure of her capabilities in the forest.

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