safe, and she’s probably right. He is with his nurse, who also happens to be a close relation of the king. The nurse adores Charles and will take good care of him. From the queen’s point of view, it’s best that he remain at court with his half-brother Lothar. She reasons that if any harm comes to Charles, Lothar would be blamed. He can’t afford to have anything happen to the queen’s son.” Chetwynd spoke as though he might not agree with her view.

“What do you think, my lord? Is the boy safe?”

“I hope so. I wish the queen would at least pretend to give up her determination to advance Charles. But she remains defiant, believing that Lothar wouldn’t believe her in any case. I suppose she’s right.”

They had been standing in the middle of the room, but Chetwynd moved to lean against the wall as though he suddenly needed support. The action emphasized his weariness, and Isabel moved closer to put her hand on his cheek. She felt his body relax at her touch.

“I’m deeply involved in this matter, Isabel.” His words were full of regret.

Isabel answered softly and simply, “I know.”

The compassion in her voice and on her face loosened something inside Chetwynd, and he reached out to pull her against him, wrapping his arms around her. He had always desired Isabel, but what he felt at that moment was more comfort than erotic craving. It was peace and support and perhaps love. Amazed that he could experience such emotions with a woman, he groaned when Isabel tried to pull back.

“Not yet, not yet. I need you in my arms a little longer,” he murmured, kissing her forehead, afraid to break the spell.

Isabel stayed in his embrace. As much as she enjoyed the sweet closeness, Isabel was frightened by the despair with which he spoke of his involvement. Finally, she whispered against his cheek, “What happens next, my lord?”

Her question dragged him back to the present, but he didn’t loosen his embrace. “I need your help, Isabel. The queen has asked to see you.”

Her eyes widened. “Why would she want to see me? Does she know I’m your wife?”

“She knows.”

“But you said you didn’t tell her.”

“I didn’t have to. By the time I arrived, she knew of our marriage and that you are Justin’s sister. The queen is good at discovering things,” he said. “Especially if there might be some advantage to her in the knowledge,” he added.

“Is Justin somehow involved in this affair?”

“I doubt it very much. But the queen views him as someone who can help her. She’s probably right. Justin’s reputation for bringing parties together is greatly respected by both sides in the struggle to ensure an orderly succession to the throne. I tried to put her off, but she insists she wants to see you.”

“But why?”

“No doubt she wishes to use you in some way, perhaps to gain Justin’s support. I’m going to do my best to keep you out of it, Isabel. But I can’t very well refuse to present my wife to the queen.”

Anxiety made Isabel’s throat tighten. Whatever she might think personally, Judith was still queen and a powerful woman. “When does this happen?” she managed to ask.

“As soon as possible. She’s holding a reception in the dining hall, and it may have already started. You should get ready.”

“Get ready? I’ll never be ready for this meeting.”

Chetwynd smiled at her. “You were so eager to reach the palace. Don’t you wish to meet the queen, Lady Isabel?”

“No. Do I have to go?” she asked in a pleading voice.

Chetwynd sobered. “I’m afraid so.”

The fact that the queen knew about his marriage had Chetwynd wondering if she might pose a threat to Isabel. The idea haunted him. “I’m very sorry that our marriage has involved you in this matter, Isabel. I vow to do my best to keep you out of harm’s way.”

“Are you referring to your intention to leave me at the convent while you travel to Aachen?” She put some space between them so she could watch his face.

“No. We’re going to stay together, Isabel. I gave up the idea of leaving you behind when you struck me at the Roman bath. Lord, that hurt.”

“I really had forgotten about your bruise, my lord. I must have been blinded by anger. I’m so sorry.”

“I deserved it. Everyone warned me against trying to leave you behind. I should have listened.”

“They did?” Isabel couldn’t help being cheered at this news.

“I won’t leave you, Isabel. You’re my wife and you stay with me.”

Isabel wasn’t sure how much to read into his answer, but she hugged him tightly and buried her face on his chest to hide the tears that sprang to her eyes at this happy news.

“No tears, my lady,” he said, lifting her face and gently wiping the tears away with his fingers. “Now listen to me. I have no idea what the queen will ask of you. Try to follow my lead in answering her request. Whatever happens, we stay together. I promise you that.”

As though to emphasize his point, he kissed her. Chetwynd finally forced himself to gently release his hold on her. “We can’t delay any longer, Isabel. Do you want to change your gown and perhaps put some powder on your bruise?”

Isabel had forgotten everything at his vow that they would stay together. Now she was startled back to reality. She remembered Jerome’s description of the luggage the queen had carried with her and imagined her many fine gowns. “I can’t go like this.”

Isabel looked down at herself. At the bath she had thrown on her clothes, and they were already wrinkled and smelly from riding a horse. She had no intention of appearing before the queen in her soiled riding clothes.

“I’ll find Marianna, and you can get changed. But don’t take too long, Isabel.”

At the worried expression on her face, he wove his hands into her thick hair and made her look at him. “You’re going to do fine,

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