“Then where are they?” Nicholas pleaded. “Who might have them and why? Tell me what you know, and I will find them.”
Kes moved to go to him but Elia’s arm blocking her path stopped her.
“I wish I knew the answers to your questions, Brother,” the king confessed. “Sadly, I do not. But I need your help against Henry. Do I have it?”
“Aye.” Nicholas told him without looking at her. “You have it.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
He should bein Leicester with his men, preparing for the Tudor army. Not at home arguing with a stubborn woman about the future.
“You gave your word to help him against Henry. Why?”
They were alone in the solar, sitting in chairs by the window.
When he didn’t answer her, she girded herself up as if straightening her armor for war.
“He has to die, Nicholas!”
“Who says, Kestrel? God? He has not told me.”
“Would you shut up and listen to Him if He tried?”
He knew his betrothed was more afraid for him than angry. He wanted to vanquish her fears and see her smile, confident in him.
“Aye,” he said with the slightest of smiles. “I listen every time I want to throttle you and do not do it.”
The one-sided curl of her lips made his muscles tighten.
“Who would help you live up to your fullest potential if you strangle me?”
He couldn’t help but grin. “You see? He reminds me yet again not to do it and why.”
“Nicholas,” she grew somber again. A shaft of sunlight fell on the curve of her alabaster cheek and the glistening drop rolling down it. “Please don’t go to the battle.”
What was he to do? He prayed for an answer every time he thought about it. If Richard died, it would be the end of the House of York on the throne. They had all fought so hard for it. His father, his grandfather, and father before him. How could he step over to the other side and abandon everything, everyone?
She sniffled and turned her gaze to the window.
“Will you refuse to marry me if I decide to go?”
She turned to look at him, filling his heart to bursting. Her cerulean eyes widened with hope. “Are you still undecided?”
He rose from his chair and knelt in front of hers. He wanted to marry her today. Now. “You did not answer my question.”
“And you did not answer mine.”
He stared at her breathless, parted lips for a moment. Then he replied, “Very well.” He gave in. As usual. “Aye. I am undecided.”
Her lips curled into a smile. Finally. “Yes, I will wed you no matter what.”
He leaped up on his feet, took her hand, and hurried with her out of the solar. He led her to the great hall where everyone was gathering for supper.
“Everyone!” he shouted. “I have something to say!” When they settled down, he called out for the priest, Father Philip. “Kestrel and I are to be wed immediately. You will all be witnesses! To the chapel!”
Kestrel laughed and let him lead her and at least fifty others to the chapel.
“This is all so sudden!” someone in the crowd shouted out.