The queen came from Saxony, where the women had a reputation for fair complexions. Seated on a raised chair, her regal bearing was displayed to full advantage. Except for a small gold tiara, her blond tresses were uncovered and hung down her back. A vivid-blue, low-cut gown showed off perfectly shaped white shoulders. There was no indication that the royal beauty who dominated the room with the brilliance of her smile had recently been banished from court.
As the line moved nearer, Isabel noticed there were several attendants on the far side of the queen. They seemed to be in charge of making introductions, supplying the queen with information on each person. They also moved the visitors along without giving the impression of hurrying anyone.
Perhaps aware of the charming picture she and Chetwynd presented, the queen turned to favor him with one of her smiles, a little extra sparkle in her eyes to indicate the special connection they shared. At the sight of that smile Isabel closed her eyes, afraid to see if Chetwynd would respond.
Although Isabel had been hiding behind his sister, Chetwynd finally spotted her as she neared the queen. Isabel hung back, clearly unaware of how appealing she looked as she peered around like a curious child with eyes wide and her white teeth chewing her lower lip. Chetwynd grinned as he moved along the line to stand beside her.
“I’ve been searching the crowd for you. I was afraid you weren’t coming,” he whispered to Isabel. “You could have moved to the front of the line.”
Isabel didn’t look at him or bother to answer. In her mind she still saw Chetwynd as he looked standing beside the queen. Although the queen had a reputation for being a great beauty, Isabel still hadn’t been prepared for her radiant presence.
While Gilda was being introduced, Chetwynd put his hand under Isabel’s arm just above her elbow. She ignored him until he gave her a little shake. She twisted about to glare at him.
“That’s better,” he said without freeing her arm. “Relax. You’re not Daniel entering the lion’s den.”
Isabel tried to free her arm, but realized she could not dislodge his firm grip without making a scene. At the same time, she was relieved to be rescued from the paralyzing tension she had been experiencing. Her anger at his jest had displaced the dread of coming face-to-face with Queen Judith.
When Gilda moved on, the queen turned toward Isabel. Lord Chetwynd was introducing her, and his words were ringing in Isabel’s ears, making her a bit dizzy.
“Your Majesty, may I present Lady Isabel, daughter of Lord Theodoric of Narbonne. Lady Isabel recently did me the honor of becoming my wife.”
It took a few seconds for his last words to register with Isabel. She was staring at Queen Judith, who was even more striking up close. But if Isabel was surprised by Chetwynd’s words, she was even more surprised by the queen’s smile. It was the same gracious smile she bestowed on the many who had gone before Isabel and gave the impression that the queen was hearing pleasant news.
While Isabel bowed her head, Queen Judith spoke in a voice that projected sincerity. “How very nice to meet you, Lady Isabel. I trust your journey from Narbonne was a pleasant one?”
“Yes, thank you, it was,” Isabel replied automatically, completely forgetting that she had been kidnapped by a group of outlaws. She congratulated herself on the surprising fact that she managed to say these few words without a stutter or croak.
“At court Lord Chetwynd was a great favorite with the noblewomen, Lady Isabel. I urged him to marry, and I’m happy to see he has finally followed my advice. My best wishes to you both.”
Isabel had no idea how to reply to this information, and wondered if it could possibly be true. She knew little of life at court, but it seemed unlikely to her that a woman would urge her lover to marry. Fortunately, the queen didn’t seem to expect her to reply, as she hardly paused before continuing.
“I would like to know you better and hear how you managed to capture the elusive Lord Chetwynd. Would you be kind enough to wait behind the others so we can become better acquainted?”
Although it sounded like a request, Isabel suspected it was a command. “Of course, Your Majesty,” Isabel agreed, pretending she had a choice, and hoping her expression didn’t reveal the anxiety she felt.
“Lord Chetwynd will take you to my chamber. I should not be much longer, Lady Isabel.”
The queen spoke as though she were genuinely concerned about keeping them waiting. As Chetwynd led her away, Isabel’s spirits lifted. It was over and she hadn’t disgraced herself. But upon entering the queen’s chamber, Isabel remembered how Chetwynd had looked standing behind the queen. Her sense of relief was short-lived.
“The queen certainly had a great deal to say about your popularity at court, my lord.”
Chetwynd ignored her reference to the queen’s words. “You’re doing fine, Isabel. I knew you would.”
Isabel suspected he was patronizing her. “I must say I was surprised at how graciously the queen accepted my introduction as your wife. But then I guess it was her idea that you marry.”
“Don’t believe all you hear, Isabel. The queen manages to turn every event to her advantage. It’s her specialty.”
“Yes, I can see that she does. I had the impression she was on a grand tour of convents. She gave no sign she had recently been banished from court.”
Isabel remembered the intimate smile the queen had sent Chetwynd’s way, and couldn’t help resenting the clear signal of their relationship. “The queen’s control of her emotions is remarkable. Imagine meeting your lover’s new wife, and giving her a gracious smile and best wishes,” Isabel commented tartly.
Her words shattered the patience Chetwynd had been working hard to maintain. “I can understand why you’re surprised at her control, Isabel. As long as I have known you, I
