Lady's Minstrel Read Online Free

men found that their wives and families would rather leave them to rot in a foreign prison than to bankrupt themselves.” He shook his head, seemingly lost in the horrible memories. “Many good men gave up all hope, allowing themselves to die when they realized the truth. I needed to know for myself.”
    Reys got to his feet, towering over her much slighter frame. “I’m sorry for hurting you.” He sighed and rubbed his hand over his face. “I don’t even seem to be needed here anymore, although I have sent a missive to the king to inform him that the Lord of Hawkspoint is come home.” His laugh held no humor. “The castle is prosperous and well run. It hardly seems I was missed.”
    “Father Edmond knew.” It wasn’t a question. The priest had sent a missive for the minstrel. Now she knew it was a letter from her husband to the king.
    “I swore him to secrecy before I revealed my identity. I had to know for certain why no one ransomed me all those years.”
    His pain and suffering overrode her anger, dissolving it into mist. Alicia reached out to him, wrapping her arms around his waist, unable to bear his torment. Her ire could not hold in the face of his hardships and anguish. “I missed you. Every day for all these long years, I have awaited your return. I have done my best, but I am tired of bearing the sole responsibility for all within the protection of Hawkspoint. Only the hope that you might one day return has sustained me.”
    The reality of the situation was too much to bear. After years of waiting and wondering and praying, her husband was home. Burying her face against his chest, she wept unashamedly, her tears soaking his cloak.
    “Alicia.” He said her name for the first time. Her tears turned into gut-wrenching sobs that were torn from the depths of her soul.
    The door to the solar slammed open, bouncing off the stone wall behind it. William rushed in, sword drawn. “What goes on here?” he roared.
    Alicia raised her head, trying to speak, but she could not stop crying. William wasn’t paying her any attention. His entire focus was on the man beside her.
    “My lord?” William slowly lowered his sword back down to his side. He was pale, his eyes wide with disbelief. “My lord, is it really you?”
    Reys nodded. “Yes, William.”
    The captain fell to one knee and bowed his head. “God be praised.”
    “I have much to thank you for.”
    William raised his head and scowled at his lord. “You have nothing to thank me for. I have done my duty.” He stood, swiping the corner of his eyes with the back of his hand.
    “You have done more than that.” Reys held out his hand and William came forward. The men embraced, slapping one another on the back. Alicia used the sleeve of her dress to wipe away her tears.
    When they parted, William stared at Reys, sadness etched on his face. “Why?”
    Alicia knew that Reys understood the question. It was the same one she’d asked. “I had to be sure,” Reys replied. “It has been years and much has changed.” He shrugged. “I am much changed and was not certain of my welcome here.”
    A low cry of pain broke from her lips and Reys reached out, gathering her into his arms once again. “I am sorry, my sweet.” He glanced at William. “I ask for forgiveness. The past years have not been easy ones.”
    “Nothing to forgive, my lord. You are here now and that is all that matters. Everyone will rejoice your homecoming.”
    “We will keep that a secret for now and announce my return in the morning.” He kissed the top of her head. “I wish no interruptions this night.”
    William chuckled. “I’ll see to it personally, my lord.” Turning, he left the room, shutting the door tight behind him.
    Reys cupped her face in his hands, using his thumbs to brush aside the remnants of her tears. “Will you welcome me home, Alicia? Will you take me to your bed?”
    Reaching up, she covered one of his hands with hers and brought it to her lips, kissing the