Page 47 of Forgotten Secrets (Secrets of the Heart 4)

Chapter 15

By the time Bedivere helped settle things at the mews, helped clean up, and checked on Lady Ernestine, it was late in the day. He was wet and exhausted, and hadn’t had a moment to himself to look for Morag.

“Bedivere, you saved Lady Ernestine’s life,” said Percival, tending to the birds that had been saved from the fire. He let the birds fly free in the great hall, but took special care of those that were injured.

“I suppose I did,” he mumbled, having too much on his mind to bask in the glory of one heroic act. He’d been keeping an eye on Whitmore all night, and also surveying every man that walked by wondering which two were the assassins sent to kill the bastards of the crown. Now that Lord Rook was here, the situation was even more dire. He had to keep an ear and eye on him at all times. He wasn’t about to let the triplets be killed.

“Sir Bedivere,” said Lord Rook, following him into the keep. “We meet again.”

“Aye,” he said with a nod of his head, not sure if Willow had told him his secret. He supposed if she had, he wouldn’t be smiling.

“Sorry that my daughter declined your offer of marriage. She and Sir Conrad are happily married and having their first baby in a few months’ time.”

“Aye, that’s nice.” Bedivere couldn’t care less.

“Well, since I’m here, how about if we share an ale together at the fire while we warm our bones and dry our clothes.”

“Of course.” Bedivere looked over his shoulder, watching for Morag. He hadn’t yet had a private moment to talk to her and now that Willow was here, she was sure to expose him. “Do you have a place to stay while you’re here?”

“I suppose I’ll sleep in the great hall,” answered Rook. “I believe Willow will be sharing Morag’s chamber.”

“Nay, you can’t stay here.” Bedivere peered across the hall to see Whitmore watching them intently. Suddenly, every man looked suspicious to Bedivere and he felt like he wouldn’t get a good sleep unless he could protect Lord Rook by knowing where he was at all times. “You’ll stay with me in my solar.”

“That’s kind of you, but not necessary,” answered Rook, scooping two tankards of ale off a serving wench’s tray and handing one to Bedivere.

“Really, I insist.” Bedivere took a long draw of ale, his eyes never leaving Rook.

“Well, all right, then,” said Rook. “I would be a fool to turn down such an offer.”

Bedivere let out a sigh of relief. “Why don’t we finish this drink up in my chamber so I can get into dry clothes and rid myself of this chill.”

“Of course,” said Rook, following Bedivere across the great hall.

Bedivere stopped for only a moment on his way upstairs to whisper to his brother. “Plans have changed. Leave the family where they are and, instead, keep an eye out for anyone that looks suspicious.”

Percival jerked backward when he saw Rook. “Aren’t you one of the Legendary Bastards of the Crown?” he asked him.

“Aye,” chuckled Rook. “You might know me as Rook the Ruthless, although I can’t say I am that ruthless anymore. What is your name?”

“Percival,” he answered. “I’m Bedivere’s . . . squire,” he said, looking down to the floor.

“Actually, Percival is my younger brother,” said Bedivere, not wanting to lie any more than he had to. Percival’s face lit up when Bedivere referred to him as family.

“I see the resemblance,” said Rook. “Won’t you join us in the solar for an ale as well?”

“Aye,” said Percival at the same time Bedivere said, “nay.”

“My brother has a lot to do.” Bedivere motioned with his eyes for Percival to leave.

“Nay, I don’t,” said Percival.

“I thought you were going to keep your eye on things,” Bedivere told him, stressing the words things. “That is, with the birds flying loose and all,” he added so Rook wouldn’t get suspicious.

“Oh, I am.” Percival sounded disappointed, but turned and headed back into the great hall.

“This way, Sir Rook,” said Bedivere, leading the man who he’d been commissioned to kill up to his room.

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