Page 79 of Fire Song (Medieval Song 2)

Graelam knew that he should have cut off Drake’s impudence, but he had wanted to hear what he had to say. He was a man who had lived many years and known many women. He treated Kassia’s duplicity as if it were naught. Damn her, he thought now, draining the remainder of his wine.

“Well, well, my lord,” the Duke of Cornwall said to Graelam as he gazed about the great hall of Wolffeton, “ ’Tis quite an improvement. Even a carpet.” He turned a kindly smile upon Kassia.

“You have done more than I thought possible, my lady. It appears you have tamed this big brute. Ah, even cushions on the chairs. Aye, Graelam, you chose your wife wisely.”

; Graelam grunted and Kassia kept her head lowered.

She felt the duke’s bony fingers cupping her chin and slowly raised her head. “And you, my lady, have much benefited from your husband, I see. More meat on your delicate bones. No babe as yet?”

Kassia, her eyes held by the old duke’s piercing gaze, could only shake her head.

“You’ll see to it, my lord,” the duke said, and patted her cheek. He turned slowly, his joints creaking in his own ears, and called out, “Sir Walter! Come and meet your new lord!”

Kassia watched the tall, thin knight stride forward. He was well-garbed, and as she listened, she realized that he said all the right words, showing due deference to Graelam. But there was something about him, something that she distrusted and disliked. When he at last turned to her, she realized that it was his eyes. They were dark blue, but cold and flat, without feeling.

“My lady,” Sir Walter de Grasse said smoothly.

She felt naked, even her thoughts stripped bare before him. She thrust up her chin, angered at herself for such fancifulness. “Sir Walter,” she said in a crisp voice. “Welcome to Wolffeton.”

“Sir Walter comes from Cornwall,” the duke said, “Now, unfortunately, he must make his own way.”

Sir Walter said, “Aye, ’tis true. My family’s home was destroyed by the father of that viper Dienwald de Fortenberry.”

Graelam gazed at the man thoughtfully. He heard venom in his voice, and saw the gleam of hatred in his eyes. He said very calmly, “Whatever de Fortenberry has done, Sir Walter, he has not come near to Wolffeton. I do not count him an enemy. I pray you will not forget that.”

Sir Walter bowed slightly. Kassia shivered. She became aware of her husband’s eyes upon her, and immediately broke into speech. “My lord duke, we have prepared a chamber for you that has its own carpet. Allow me to show you.”

When told later at dinner of Sir Guy’s betrothal, the duke beamed with pleasure. “A good lad, and worthy. The lady Blanche, I understand, is Graelam’s sister-in-law?”

“His first wife’s half-sister,” Kassia corrected smoothly.

“The boy, Evian,” the duke continued to Graelam, “is he not Blanche’s son?”

“Aye. Sir Guy has decided that the lad will remain here at Wolffeton. He is performing his duties quite well. I have hopes that one day he will squire me.”

Kassia wondered how Blanche felt about leaving Evian at Wolffeton. They had not seemed particularly close, but still, shouldn’t Blanche be the one to decide the future of her son?

“Likely the boy will have many brothers and sisters,” the duke said, casting his rheumy eyes toward Blanche and Sir Guy. “The lady looks to be a fine breeder.”

“At least she is a proven breeder,” Graelam said dryly.

“Do you consider wives to be as cattle and horses, then, my lord duke?” Kassia asked, and immediately bit her lip. Graelam’s opinion of women she knew well. Likely now she had insulted the duke.

“Nay, my dear wife,” Graelam said very softly, leaning toward her. “Cattle and horses know but one way to mate. Wives, if they but show a little interest, can find breeding very pleasurable.”

The duke overheard Graelam’s words and laughed loudly. “Well said, my lord. But forget not that your lady has many other talents as well.” He patted the cushion and sighed in contentment. “My old bones feel like they’ve melted and gone to heaven.”

When at last the sweetmeats and fresh fruit were set in front of the duke, he turned to Graelam, a wide smile on his face, and said, “I’ve a surprise for you, Graelam. Quiet the men, and I will announce my news.”

Kassia cocked her head to one side, wondering wearily if the duke had another heiress for Graelam.

The Duke of Cornwall rose and stood quietly for a moment, then burst out heartily, “Edward the First, King of England, returns shortly! His coronation and his queen’s will take place in Westminster Abbey in October! My lord Graelam, your presence is requested at the ceremony.”

There was wild cheering, and Kassia discreetly motioned for the servants to bring in more ale and wine. Her head whirled with excitement for Graelam. She turned excitedly to her husband. “Graelam, you will go, will not you? I must sew you new tunics. You have but one fine one. And a new robe, of purple velvet, I think. For the king, you must look very grand!”

Graelam felt a smile tugging at his mouth at her enthusiasm.