Once Upon A Time (Historical Romance) by Constance O'Banyon Page A

Majesty." So saying, she closed the door in the man's face—Netta had no liking for the English.
    Ruyen had watched the whole encounter with a cynical twist to his lips. "The women from Talshamar, whether they be servant or queen, seem to hold men in contempt," he observed.
    "Was it contempt that allowed my queen to save your life?" Humphrey asked. "Make no mistake about it—if she had not interfered today, you would be dead. I suggest you remember that and be thankful that she stood up to King Henry on your behalf."
    "So you keep reminding me."
    "As I perceive it, you do not deserve her."
    Ruyen glared at the insolent Talshamarian knight. "I know that Richard is the instrument of my rescue. It is he who deserves my gratitude."
    Sir Humphrey threw back his head and laughed. "Richard had nothing to do with your rescue."
    "Who then?" Ruyen insisted.
    "Mostly you owe your foolish head to my queen. I did not want to see her wed you today, nor did any of her subjects. I have heard nothing good of you, and she deserves a noble husband who will cherish her. I think that man is not you."
    For some reason this man made Ruyen feel ashamed. He had not acted nobly and had only shown resentfulness toward Queen Jilliana. He looked into the clear eyes of her knight and found himself wishing he had this man's respect, although he could not have said why.
    "Have no fear for your queen on my account."
    "I made no empty threat when I told you that if you did harm her, you would not see another sunset."
    Ruyen lowered his head. "You might be doing me a favor."

 
     
    9
     
    Ruyen was sitting beside his sister's bed, watching her slow but steady intake of breath. There was only a single candle flickering on a narrow table, its light falling on her face. She appeared to be resting easier and her color was not so pale. He swore that if he ever got her away from this cursed land neither one of them would set foot on English soil again.
    There was a knock on the door and he bid whoever it was to enter. Netta stuck her head around the corner.
    "The king's man has arrived to escort you to the banquet, Your Highness."
    Ruyen would have preferred to remain with his sister, but he was in no position to refuse. "When in the den of the lion, walk the lion's path, hmm, Netta?"
    She smiled. "I believe that is what my queen is doing."
    "Is your lady ready?"
    "She awaits you."
    Ruyen gently touched Cassandra's cheek. "You will remain with my sister?"
    "I shall not leave her bedside, Your Highness."
    Ruyen was weary and this had seemed the longest day of his life. He did not relish spending the evening being entertained by Henry—but what choice had he?
    He moved out of the chamber to find Jilliana with her back to him, gazing out the window. She was dressed all in crimson velvet, but for the golden headdress and golden crown set atop her head. She must have heard him, for she turned in his direction.
    Ruyen was stunned by her beauty. Never had he seen such a perfect face, not even his Katharine could compare with her. He wondered how she could dress in scarlet and still appear so young and innocent.
    "Shall we go?" he asked, offering her his arm.
    Jilliana stared at him for a long moment. With his broad chest and wide shoulders, she found him extremely handsome. She had already seen his prominent dark eyes become piercing or flash like fire when he was angered. He was such a powerful presence that even as a prisoner he seemed in command of the situation. His gaze drew and held hers, and she wondered what he was thinking.
    After a moment, she placed the tips of her fingers on his sleeve. "I like not the thought of dining at Henry Plantagenet's table. But, if we are to gain our freedom, we will have to allow him to play the bountiful host. By now he has probably convinced himself and others that the entire situation was his own idea."
    Ruyen glanced down into clear blue eyes. "Do you know him so well?"
    "I know him but little, but I know much of him. We shall