Page 110 of The Saxon Lord's Unwanted Bride
Two days had passed since Eloise had petitioned the King, yet after being sent to a chamber in the Queen’s apartments she had heard nothing. Other than enquiries after her health, Matilda herself had barely spoken to her.
Until now.
Eloise sat where the queen indicated. She shook her head in refusal when a maidservant offered a goblet of wine.
“You refuse our hospitality?”
“I am not thirsty,” Eloise said, “and I’m anxious to know what is to be done with me—and when my husband is to be released.”
Matilda smiled, her usually stern expression softening. “Your honesty does you credit, Eloise. Most of my women would not be so direct in their response. Very well, I have an answer for you. You’re free to go.”
“And my husband?”
The queen shook her head. “His fate has not yet been decided.”
“I cannot leave without him.”
“It’s not your decision, child. The king has commanded it.”
“But Harald has committed no sin!”
“I understand, my dear,” the queen said, butyoumust understand that a husband must take responsibility for his wife’s actions.”
“You cannot punish him for what I’ve done.”
“It’s the way of the world, I’m afraid—a world ruled by men.”
She placed a gentle hand on Eloise’s arm and leaned toward her, a conspiratorial smile playing on her lips.
“Ibelieve your husband to be a loyal subject, therefore the king will also.”
Eloise understood, and she returned the smile. Even in a world of men—where one man ruled a dukedom and conquered a country—the woman at his side could seek to steer the reins.
Matilda patted Eloise’s hand as a mother might indulge a child. “Come, my dear; my women will prepare you for your journey. Do not fear for your husband. Be patient, and be strong.”
Eloise stared at the queen—at the tall, graceful body which dwarfed her own slight frame—the strong jaw and intelligent, perceptive eyes.
“I do not possess your strength,” she said
Matilda laughed. “My dear, strength does not always manifest itself in physical form—there is also strength of will. You may be small in stature, yet you’ve endured more than my husband’s most seasoned warriors. You cannot wield an axe or sword, or overcome a man in body, but nobody can deny your strength. It is all the more laudable, for in a world of men you’d gain no recognition for it.”
The queen rose and signaled Eloise to follow. “I should like to visit you very soon—and meet your child.”
Eloise rubbed her belly. “My confinement isn’t for another month.”
“No,” the queen said. “I meant Violette.”
Eloise lowered her head, shame warming her face, “But…”
“You think given her history I would not wish to see her? One who is bastard born is still deserving of love, yes? My husband would agree.”
Matilda squeezed her hand. “Come, you must leave soon, for I would not wish you to arrive after nightfall. And take heart, for I believe you shall be reunited with your husband very soon.”
* * *
Eloise drewher cloak around her, seeking protection against the chill of the air. Almost a sennight had passed since she arrived at the convent, yet still she’d received no news of Harald. Patience, once a quality she possessed in abundance, now deserted her, blown away by the winter wind.
A blanket of snow covered the ground in a thick layer and weighed down the trees. The branches creaked, echoing the ache in her heart, weighed down just as heavily by weariness of spirit.
