“So I might.” Sabella’s smile made Ivar shiver. “What of the others?”
“You must kill them. You must!” sobbed Tallia. She lifted her pale gaze to her husband’s dark face. “You know how much I love you, Conrad. Wouldn’t you do it for me?”
She faltered. Maybe she was just smart enough not to want an answer to that question. Her thin lips curved down in a cunning frown as she shook off his arm and stepped forward.
“Am I not queen here, Mother?” Her eyes took on a feverish glaze as she spread her hands over her belly. “That’s what you promised me. That I would be queen and my children rule over a realm where all people have to believe in the Holy Word of the Redeemer. I’ll order the execution done if you are too squeamish to do so! Guards! Guards! Take that woman and her companions away and execute them, at my order! Now!”
Conrad shrugged, unwilling to interfere. Sabella lifted a hand as if to give permission.
Baldwin sprang forward, pushed past the guards, and threw himself on the steps at Sabella’s feet. “I beg you,” he cried, turning the full force of his cornflower-blue eyes on her. “If you kill them, I’ll hate you forever. You can whip a stubborn horse and still not make it run. But if you spare their lives, then I’ll do whatever you ask.”
Sabella blinked, stunned either by his extraordinary beauty or else by the complete idiocy of his impulsive gesture. “Whatever I ask?”
Conrad swore appreciatively. “Now there’s an offer that makes me look forward to a hard ride out in the fields.”
“Guards! Do as I command!” Tallia’s voice cracked into a whine.
“Shut up,” said Sabella without looking at her daughter. She could not keep her gaze from Baldwin’s delectable form.
“B—but you said that I was to be queen—” protested Tallia.
“Inter them at Queen’s Grave,” said Conrad. “Think of what a welcome their heresy will receive there.”
Sabella didn’t turn her head to acknowledge the duke’s words. She looked, if anything, dumbfounded at the events which had landed Baldwin in her lap.
“Perhaps you’d better haul him up to your chambers and just have done with it,” Conrad finished with a snort of laughter.
“Nay, Cousin, that would be your style, not mine,” Sabella replied. “I like to savor a well-spiced dish, not bolt it down like a dog. It’s a good thing that Judith is dead, or we might come to blows over this handsome morsel.”
“You’re not listening to me!” cried Tallia. “I said I wanted them killed.”
“Go along, Tallia, back to your prayers,” replied her mother. “You must rest and keep up your strength.”
“But—”
“Daughter, there’s no escape from Queen’s Grave, so you needn’t fear for your honor or whatever it is you’re babbling about. For God’s sake, Conrad, take her away.”
“Come, Tallia,” Conrad said firmly, but it was his big hand closing on her frail wrist that forced her to move. He dragged her away without a backward glance, chatting amiably with his daughter as they left the hall.
Ivar felt dizzy, and beside him Sigfrid moaned, Hathumod sobbed softly, Ermanrich trembled, and Gerulf and Dedi stood rigid, awaiting events, glancing at every entrance as if seeking escape. Baldwin did not look at any of them. He was already alone, kneeling before Lady Sabella.
“Captain, remove the prisoners. Detail an escort to take that woman and those three youths to Queen’s Grave. Conrad may do as he wishes with the Lions.”
Gerulf laid a hand on Dedi’s arm as if to reassure him, or restrain him, but the younger Lion did not respond. He seemed too stunned.
“As you wish, Your Highness,” responded Captain Ulric with toneless obedience.
“I’ll see you’re rewarded for bringing Lord Baldwin to my attention, Captain,” Sabella added.
“You are most gracious, Your Highness.” Ulric gestured toward his prisoners. “Move on. Move!”
What could Ivar do? There knelt Baldwin, turning at last to stare after him with tears in his eyes. All this time Ivar had believed that because Baldwin was so damned handsome he couldn’t truly care for anything but his own pretty face. There was no doubt now of Baldwin’s feelings. Baldwin had sacrificed himself to save Ivar and the others.
Would I have done the same, risk everything, throw all caution to the winds, for Baldwin? Or would I have treated him as Liath treated me?
Shame made him flush. Baldwin winced, seeing Ivar betrayed by his fair complexion.
