Fatal Truths (The Anarchy Medieval Romance) Read Free Page B

Narrow Sea and take the throne quickly.”
    Romain shrugged, skewering the leftover chicken with his eating dagger. “Don’t forget he had help from his brother, Henry, who just happens to be Bishop of Winchester, which is of course the location of the Royal Treasury. Once he had his hands on that, his coronation was a foregone conclusion.”
    He bit into the chicken with relish. “You have to admit that much of the fault lies with Maud and Geoffrey. It was short-sighted to isolate themselves in Anjou when they knew her father was ailing. She was aware Stephen would challenge her for the throne.”
    Alex stretched out his legs, crossing them at the ankles. “Well, she’s paid for her lack of foresight, forced to spend the past six months drumming up an army here in Normandie to challenge Stephen. Our father swore an oath to support her claim to the throne, and so we shall.”
    Pausing in his chewing, Romain took a long swig of wine. “It’s risky. Now Stephen is King, he has the power to confiscate Norman estates with connections to English families. He might decide Montbryce Castle is such a prize.”
    Alex ’s emotions were mixed. He wanted Romain to take an interest in the affairs of their extensive holdings, but resented his brother second guessing him. “That’s not likely. Gallien is one of his strongest supporters. I doubt he would want to alienate the English Montbryces.”
    “But you have to admit that division on this issue is a source of great concern.”
    Alex bristled. “As Comte , I have the right as titular head of the family to demand that all Montbryces follow my lead. Unity is what has helped the family survive and prosper for generations. It’s a daunting possibility that we might find ourselves fighting against our cousins if Maud invades England.”
    Romain snickered. “Might as well forget ordering Gallien to comply. He’s tried many times to convince you to switch allegiance to Stephen, and is no doubt haranguing our brother Laurent on the matter at this very moment.”
    Alex objected. “ Gallien’s father took the oath.”
    Romain made a dismissive motion with his hand. “B ut most in England claim they swore allegiance to Maud under duress from Henry. Our own father was resentful of being coerced into swearing. The English barons don’t believe a woman should be queen in her own right. Many here in Normandie agree, including me.”
    Alex drummed his fingers on the table, tired of the never-ending quandary of the succession. He glanced again at the Scottish woman. She was licking chicken grease off her fingers. His mouth fell open. His lungs refused to fill with air. He was filled with an insane desire to hurry to her side and suck her fingers into his mouth.
    He decided to send Bonhomme to the nursemaid to enquire of the children.
    Romain coughed loudly, jolting him from his reverie. What had they been talking about? “You share Gallien’s opinions, then?”
    Romain belched , then thumped his chest with his fist. “He claims Stephen is a better man for the job.”
    He laughed out loud, slapping Alex on the back. “Hah! Do you appreciate the humor in what I just said?”
    Ignoring his brother, Alex beckoned Bonhomme. “Ask the Scottish woman what has become of the children.”
    Romain pouted. “You’re not listening. Maud is a woman. I made a jest when I said—”
    Alex clenched his jaw, his eyes on the nursemaid. Elayne was her name. “I heard what you said. Gallien is probably right. Stephen is a more—”
    He paused, distracted by the irritated glare Elayne shot at him from across the Hall. She said something in reply to Bonhomme. He wondered if the blush spread to her breasts.
    Merde ! The woman was getting under his skin. He turned to see Romain grinning at him. “What?”
    “You’re taken with the Scot.”
    Alex sat up straight, pulling at the cuffs of his doublet. “I am merely wondering what has become of her charges.”
    Romain came to his feet, his face a mask