A Lady's Charade (Medieval Romance Novel) Read Free

return to your holdings in England, I have one last conquest for you, which you will find benefits you greatly.”
    “I am humbly at your service, majesty.” From the corner of his eye, Alexander could see his own father, the Earl of Northumberland, enter the tent and nod in approval to the king’s words.
    Inwardly he groaned. Although the idea of another conquest excited him, he was disappointed he would not be returning home. His men were tired, he hadn’t seen his lands in months and he was in dire need of a warm, soft and willing wench. How long would this next conquest last?
    It had to be nearly four months, since they left England to assist the king in regaining his lands and titles in France. Alexander was only too happy for the king they’d done well. They’d just won the battle of Agincourt. It was a bloody affair, one they weren’t sure at first they’d be able to win, having been outnumbered nearly three to one. Alexander was lucky to have only lost twenty of his men, and only too glad the dysentery epidemic seemed to pass right by his regiment.
    “Baron Fergusson crossed the borders from the insufferable Scotland Lowlands and laid claim to South Hearth Castle,” King Henry claimed.
    Alexander’s gaze shot to his father. South Hearth was one of his father’s holdings in the north of England, just on the border, and often a seat of great controversy between the Scots and themselves—the former believing the holding was on Scottish lands. He was also aware that Fergusson was the last Scottish chief to rule over South Hearth and its lands.
    “Even with our latest treaty, the damnable Scots will act like savages. I have heard on good authority, he is planning a siege against several of our other holdings on the border of Scotland. He is a difficult man, a most treacherous man. I feel he will attempt an attack soon. That cannot happen. We must attack first. You will besiege South Hearth and return it to English rule.” King Henry took a deep breath. The king’s eyes bored into Alexander, causing him to shift with unease. “I wish to further foolproof the deed.”
    “Aye, my liege?” Alexander’s stomach twisted into knots. He wasn’t against battle, he wasn’t against killing an enemy, but the look in his leader’s eyes said there was something much different about this mission. What could the king mean? What further could he do, besides regaining control, to ensure it was indeed theirs to keep?
    “You will marry the Baron’s daughter, Lady Chloe Fergusson.”
    Alexander’s eyes shot up, his mouth dropped open and his ears began to ring. Had he heard correctly? For certes he wanted to slide between the sheets with a woman, but a wife? That was not part of his plan.
    King Henry narrowed his gaze, and Alexander lowered his eyes. This couldn’t be. He couldn’t marry. A painful burning knotted his stomach, and he swallowed the bile threatening to rise in his throat. Marry a Scot? The thought of marrying an Englishwoman was bad enough. Scotswomen were ill bred, bloated fishwives.
    “Once you have besieged South Hearth, Baron Fergusson and his followers are to be imprisoned. Anyone who attempts to go against you should be executed. Marry the girl as soon as possible. South Hearth Castle, the lands and a new title will be yours. I am happy to offer them to you knowing they will be in English hands.”
    Alexander blinked. The lands would have gone to him in any case upon his father’s death. In essence, he was inheriting early—and inheriting a wife along with it. “Majesty, there must be another way besides marriage to secure our position.”
    “Nay, Dragon, there is not. I want Fergusson to know he’s crossed the line for the last time.” Calling Alexander by his warrior name and giving him a piercing stare, made it all too clear King Henry would not change his position. “I suspect the baron has much support in Scotland and France. There are many that do not believe in my just rights and