Isabel blushed at his remark, but still managed a sharp reply. “You, like the queen, have been a master at controlling your feelings.”
Chetwynd rolled his eyes toward the ceiling, searching for strength from above. She was correct, of course. Since he met her he had fought hard to control his desire to lie between her legs.
“I don’t want to argue with you, Isabel. I didn’t mean that the way it sounded. In fact, one of the many things I admire about you is the fact that you are so open about how you feel. I enjoy being able to read your emotions on your face. I can’t tell you how reassuring I find that trait.”
His words surprised her. “Truly?”
“Truly,” he replied with a wide smile.
Isabel turned her head away to hide her own smile. She wasn’t sure she should forgive him so quickly, so she studied the large room.
“Look at this place,” she muttered, waving her hand to indicate the furnishings.
Intricate tapestries of rich colors hung on the walls and warmed the room. Placed beneath a lively harvest scene was a chair made of dark wood, its seat padded and its arms decorated with elaborate carvings. Clearly it was the queen’s chair, as there were benches arranged on either side. There was no doubt where the attention of visitors would be directed.
“All the comforts of the palace,” Chetwynd replied. “The queen doesn’t go anywhere without them.”
Isabel was still studying the decor when one of the queen’s attendants entered the room, followed by the queen herself. Queen Judith’s fixed, regal smile was still in place, but to Isabel’s eye it was beginning to look a bit strained. She decided to imitate the queen’s gracious countenance. Returning the queen’s smile with a broad smile of her own, Isabel hoped it looked more sincere than it felt.
After the queen passed by them, headed for her chair, Isabel noticed Chetwynd had raised one eyebrow at her in a questioning manner. She turned her version of the regal smile on him. In response he shook his head and looked heavenward once again.
While the queen’s attendant helped her to her seat, adjusting her long skirt and making her comfortable with extra pillows, Judith’s demeanor underwent a subtle change. She was as poised as ever and the smile was still in place, but it had become wistful. “I enjoy meeting people, but I’m afraid the circumstances are not as pleasant as I would wish. I’m sure you know, Lady Isabel, that I am not here by my own will.”
It was the first sign the queen had given that all was not right with her world. At the mention of her unhappy fate, Isabel was chagrined that she had made fun of the queen’s brave smile. She didn’t know how she should reply, so she waited for the queen to continue.
“There has been a terrible misunderstanding, but I’m sure that once I’m able to speak with the king, it will be straightened out. Please forgive me if I get right to the point, Lady Isabel. I’m a bit tired from my long journey and meeting so many people.
“You are no doubt wondering why I asked to speak to you in private. Let me be frank. I know your brother, Lord Justin, is one of the king’s most trusted advisors. I have a favor to ask of you, Lady Isabel.” She stared straight into Isabel’s eyes as she continued.
“I beseech you to use your influence with Lord Justin to assure him a mistake has been made, and persuade him to arrange for me to see the king as soon as possible. I know King Louis has begun a religious retreat, but Justin will certainly be able to contact him. I will do everything possible to make your trip to meet your brother easier. Guards will escort you to ensure your safety and speed your journey.”
For a minute Isabel was puzzled by the request. Surely the queen could reach Justin without her assistance. Then it occurred to her that Judith had proposed the mission to separate her from Lord Chetwynd. There had been no mention of him. Perhaps she meant to keep Chetwynd by her side. Isabel wanted more than anything to reach Aachen and Justin, but she hoped the queen wasn’t implying that Chetwynd stay behind.
Before Isabel had a chance to form her reply, Chetwynd spoke up. “Your Majesty, may I suggest you send me on this mission. It was only two nights ago that outlaws abducted Lady Isabel. I planned to leave her in the protection of the convent until I can be sure she is no longer in danger. I can travel more quickly to seek out Justin and deliver your message.”
Although Queen Judith was still very much in control of her emotions, Isabel could see by the way she narrowed her eyes that she was not pleased by Chetwynd’s suggestion. “I appreciate your offer, Lord Chetwynd, but I need you here. I am, of course, most distressed to hear about Lady Isabel’s abduction. But she is here, so the incident must have been resolved successfully.
“I do not wish to put Lady Isabel in danger, and I would not ask her help if this were not an urgent matter. I feel confident the guards I employ can protect her. Perhaps much better than she has been protected so far.”
Isabel’s eyes widened as she realized this comment was meant as an attack on Chetwynd’s ability to do the same. She had been right about one thing, the queen intended to keep Chetwynd with her.
Chetwynd’s reply was uncompromising. “I know this is a serious matter, Your Majesty. But Lady Isabel has not been to court before, and I think I can be more effective in this situation. You can trust me to serve your interests.”
“I know you wish to help, Lord Chetwynd. The best way you can do that is by staying here where I need you.”
The
