Steelheart by Kathryn Le Veque

Author:Kathryn Le Veque [Veque, Kathryn Le]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Medieval
Published: 2016-02-08T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

March 1193

Windsor

CHRISTOPHER PACED THE floor of John’s audience chamber calmly enough, but inside he was as cagey as a cat. He was almost frantic to know why John had called an audience of Richard’s loyalists, he and the justices and a few close advisors of the absent king. Yet even as he wondered, he knew the reason and his stomach tightened in response, word must have come about Richard. He didn’t know why his instincts told him that, but he knew it just the same. All of the justices sat or stood in relative silence, waiting in the chill of the ornate audience hall, their minds riveted to the same thought, they knew why they were here, too.

William Marshal watched Christopher pace, his aged face creased with fatigue and worry this night. Whatever the reason they had been summoned, it could not be a good one and he would not let his concern show.

“Would you sit down, Chris? You are going to wear a hole in the damn floor,” he said quietly.

Christopher eyed William, slowing his movement but not sitting. William raised an eyebrow at him.

“I realize that you believe sitting in John’s presence is a sign of submission, but force yourself,” he said with suppressed sarcasm, trying to lighten the mood a bit. “You are making me nervous.”

Christopher continued to eye him doubtfully but did as the elder man asked and took a seat next to him. William relaxed back into his chair, eyeing Christopher’s stiff body with faint amusement. He shook his head and smiled; Christopher hated John more than any of them, and for good reason, and was preparing to shoot to his feet the moment the prince entered the room. He might as well still be standing for all of the relaxing he was doing on his arse.

“Tell me, how is your wife?” William asked.

“Well, sire,” Christopher replied. “Her appetite and vigor have returned, thankfully.”

William nodded. “Well and good,” he eyed Christopher. “Any thoughts on returning her to Lioncross?”

Christopher shrugged vaguely. “Thoughts, of course, but no action.”

William nudged the big man with an elbow. “You’d miss her too much, wouldn’t you?”

Christopher lifted his shoulders again, not meeting William’s knowing gaze. “I’d rather have her here with me.”

William laughed softly; Christopher was not a man to admit attachment to anything or anyone other than Richard, even though it was painfully obvious his wife had usurped their king in the Defender’s heart. Yet before William could goad him further, a small door behind the throne swung open and Ralph marched through. He hadn’t taken two steps when Christopher was on his feet, his huge body coiled with anticipation.

Everyone rose out of pure protocol when John entered the room, waving benevolently at the group of men and followed by his closest advisors. Christopher eyed the small group of seedy, shady characters, even if they were some of England’s most noble blood. Bringing up the rear was none other than Sir Dennis le Londe.

He spied Christopher and gave him a wolfish sort of smile.

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