Lady's Minstrel Read Online Free Page B

was naked for her, she could do no less for him. Slipping the linen shift from her body, she padded over to him and wrapped her arms around him, pillowing her breasts against his back.
    He sighed and she sensed his relief. “I love you Reys of Hawkspoint. Nothing will ever change that.”
    He turned back around and lifted her into his arms. Carrying her to the bed, he knelt on the mattress, lowering her to the center.
    Reys didn’t want to speak, didn’t want to do or say anything that might disrupt this perfect moment. He’d dreamed of it so many times he wasn’t wholly certain it was real. Through months of fever and delirium it was thoughts of Alicia that had saved his soul and healed his body.
    He knew she didn’t think she was beautiful. That had always surprised him. From the first moment he’d laid eyes on her, he’d been drawn to her. It wasn’t only her lush curves, but her gentle personality. There was an innate kindness that radiated from her, extending to all those around her. How her rough and uncouth sire had produced such an angel was nothing short of a miracle.
    But the longer he’d rotted in prison, the more he’d doubted his memories. Was Alicia as perfect as she’d seemed? Was she happy he was gone? Had she remarried? That last thought had tortured him endlessly.
    When he’d finally been ransomed and made the long trek back to England, he’d known he’d had to find out or his doubts would haunt him forever. He’d devised the scheme to disguise himself as a minstrel. Traveling musicians were always welcome as they entertained and carried news of the world beyond.
    He’d wept when he’d stood on the hills beyond the castle and seen Hawkspoint for the first time in many years. There was a time when he doubted he’d ever see it again. When he’d composed himself, he finished the journey. Living in the castle and seeing it through the eyes of a stranger had been a revelation.
    Hawkspoint was a thriving, prosperous keep and the land surrounding it was well cared for. The people were happy and well fed. No lord could ask for more. Instead of making him happy, it had filled him with bitterness. They didn’t need him. Hadn’t missed him at all. The doubts had grown louder. Perhaps his wife hadn’t bothered to even search for him.
    He’d watched for days, strumming his psaltery each evening. Alicia had sat at the head of the table each night. She ate little and sat alone, except for one evening when the priest had joined her. There was no man by her side, for which he’d been grateful. He’d talked to the people of Hawkspoint. They were tight-lipped when he’d questioned them about the lord of the castle. And no one would talk about the lady except to say how much she was beloved and admired by all.
    Finally, he’d gone to Father Edmond, swearing the man to secrecy. The priest had wept and praised God. Then he’d berated Reys for not being honest with Alicia. It was Father Edmond who’d told him if he wanted answers he needed to speak with his wife. The priest would not betray Alicia’s confidence any more than he would betray Reys’s. Reys had sent his missive to the king, taking several days to ponder the priest’s words.
    But his time had run out. Suspicious of him, Alicia had summoned him to her solar. Reys had taken advantage of the situation to push for answers. All his doubts were unfounded. Alicia had remained true of heart, searching for him. Her words had lightened the burdened he’d carried, her tears of joy washing away much of the bitterness and pain.
    “Reys.” She touched his face gently. “What is wrong?”
    He shook of his melancholy thoughts. The past was done. The future was spread before him. His wife was naked and waiting. “Nothing. There is nothing wrong. For the first time in many years, everything is right.”
    Leaning down, he kissed her.

Chapter Three
     
    Alicia hated the shadows that lurked in Reys’s eyes. He’d left her moments before. Not