Read Online Always by Lynsay Sands - Free Book Online Page B

her hand in the other. “Come, I would speak to your husband ere I go.”
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    Aric was leaning against the convent gates, away from the others, when his wife and her father came out of the stables. He watched the king leave the horses with Shrewsbury, who waited by their bags; then he gave his daughter a gentle push toward the waiting nuns, and made straight for Aric. His sovereign came straight to the point.
    â€œI know there was no discussion of dower, and you must fear I would deposit my daughter on you without one, but that is not the case. I value her much too highly for that. Shrews—” he began, glancing around, then paused as the other man hurried forward. “Give me the—Thank you.”
    Turning back to Aric with the parchment the man held out, he presented it to him. “This gives you title to Goodhall in northern England—so long as you are married to Rosamunde. Should she be widowed, the estate goes with her. And—” He turned back to the bishop again and gestured.
    The cleric immediately returned to four large sacks he had been standing near. Lifting two of them, he carried them forward, handed them to King Henry, then turnedaway to hurry back for the other two. All four were set on the ground before Aric.
    â€œThese are listed as part of that estate. Four sacks of gold. Use them as you will, but be sure to purchase her some fine clothing. Her mother looked lovely in silver. Make sure she has a silver gown.” He paused and frowned at Aric’s dubious expression. “I shall not be an interfering father. I trust you will treat her fairly and well.”
    â€œOf course, my lord.”
    â€œOf course. Despite my words, I did not pick you lightly, Aric. I have considered this a long time. And I have long thought you would suit my Rosamunde. As I have always respected your father, I did not wish to break the contract he arranged for you as a child. However, I was not sorry to hear it was broken. It was fortuitous for me—and for you, too, I think.”
    He turned to gaze at the girl surrounded by weeping nuns, missing the expression that flashed across Aric’s face. “Care well for her, Burkhart. She is my real treasure. The only thing of value I leave behind.” His gaze returned to Aric. “You will come to love her quickly. She is like her mother. No man could resist her pure and gentle heart and spirit. She is all things good. She will be devoted to you. Treat her gently…Or else.”
    Spinning abruptly on his heel, the king moved back toward where he had left his daughter, leaving Aric to wonder what the “or else” entailed. It wasn’t hard for him to figure out. Being drawn and quartered. Suffering the rack. Beheading. The options were endless. Dear God, Aric thought wearily. What had he gotten himself into?
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    King Henry scowled as he approached the flock of women surrounding his daughter. His look was enough to send most of them scurrying away. Ignoring the abbess and Sister Eustice, who refused to be frightened from herside, Henry caught Rosamunde up in a quick, fierce hug, then set her away and smiled sadly. “You grow more like your mother every time I see you. Except for your hair. That is mine.” He reached out to fondle a fiery tress briefly; then his gaze sharpened on her. “Do not take the temper that goes with it out on your husband. Try always to think before you speak or act. There is much my temper has done that I would have undone. Often, once words are spoken…” He let the tress drop and shrugged.
    â€œFather?” she murmured uncertainly.
    Forcing a smile, Henry hugged her again. “All will be well, little one. I have picked a fine man to husband you. He will be patient and kind and caring. Be a good wife for him in return, hmm?”
    â€œAye, Papa.”
    â€œThere’s my good girl.” Patting her awkwardly, he nodded, then turned to walk away. Rosamunde had