Page 41 of Retribution

She was willing to help.

What she didn’t know, however, was that there were two more knights in the chamber, men that had climbed in a window from the street level. Aidric had pulled them in and Gerard and Dirk immediately went into hiding behind a big wardrobe that contained fabric and other sewing supplies. The only reason Dirk had come along was because he’d been on watch when Aidric and Gerard prepared for their journey to Adelie’s, so Gerard pulled him along for a second set of ears. Since Dirk already knew about Cambridge and his attempt to use Cleodora as an assassin, he was completely briefed on the situation. He knew how serious it was.

What he didn’t know was Aidric’s feelings when it came to Cleodora.

It was perhaps best that he didn’t know.

At least, not now.

It was nearing the nooning hour when the yellow-and-white Cambridge carriage came into view. Unfortunately, so did Neville de Baume, as he was leading the escort. The big, silent knight pulled the escort to a halt then dismounted his steed and went to help Cleodora from the carriage. She had her maid with her, carrying a big box containing the dress that de Baume took from her, and the two of them entered the shop.

That was where Aidric lost sight of her.

“Damnation,” he muttered so Gerard and Dirk could hear him. “She has the Cambridge knight with her.”

Gerard stuck his head out from behind the wardrobe. “De Baume?”

“Aye,” Aidric said. “The French executioner.”

Gerard thought quickly. “She may not have had a choice, but I would wager that he’ll not enter this chamber with her,” he said. “This is a dressing room, after all. He wouldn’t dare.”

Aidric tapped his head, a silent gesture suggesting a smart thought. “Let’s hope so,” he said. “To be safe, however, I’ll get in behind the door. If de Baume enters, we may need to… deal with him.”

Gerard nodded, knowing the stakes, and sank back behind the wardrobe. As Aidric tucked in against the wall so he’d be hidden when the door opened, the men waited for that moment when Adelie would lead Lady Cleodora into the chamber. That was the plan.

Fortunately, they didn’t have too long to wait.

They could hear Adelie’s voice as she approached the door, assuring someone that the lady needed privacy for the dressing, to see where the damage was and how it affected the wear of the very expensive dress. Aidric assumed she was talking to de Baume because it was clear whomever she was speaking to was not invited into the chamber. When the door finally opened, Aidric pressed himself against the wall as far as he could go but even then, the door smacked into his chin. Adelie was at the door, taking the box with the dress in it from Filly, but even Filly was told to wait outside. When the door shut, Aidric was revealed.

Cleodora let out a gasp when she saw him, but not one of fear. Only one of surprise. She immediately looked at Adelie.

“Please,” she whispered. “De Baume must not know that he is in here with me. Please do not tell him. Tell no one.”

Adelie held up a hand to ease her. “Of course I will not tell,” she said. Then, she eyed Aidric, looking the handsome knight up and down. “But I also will not stay. I will go into the next room. When you are ready for me, knock on the door. I will come. And your escort will think I have been in here the entire time.”

Cleodora sighed with relief. “Thank you,” she said with a grateful smile. “That is very much appreciated.”

With a wink to them both, Adelie left by going through a smaller door that led to an adjoining chamber. The wardrobe was positioned next to the door, but she didn’t notice that it had been pulled away from the wall so Gerard and Dirk could tuck in behind it. When the door shut softly, Aidric came away from the wall, smiling warmly at Cleodora.

“My lady,” he greeted her softly. “It is good to see you again.”

Cleodora was looking at him with eyes of appreciation, of hope, and even of a little fear. They were in a very precarious position and she knew it. Heart beating against her ribs, she endeavored to come to the point, but she was having difficulty because he was looking at her so.

God’s Bones, how she longed for a man to look at her like that forever.

“There is not much time,” she said. “Neville de Baume accompanied me and he is under instructions not to leave my side, so he will become impatient if I am in here without him for too long.”

Aidric understood. Reaching out, he took her by the hand and the moment their flesh touched, it was as if lightning struck. He swore he could feel it rushing through his veins. He struggled to ignore the sensation as he led her over to a chair that was near the window. Fortunately, the windows were covered, as to prevent peeping eyes to see half-dressed women inside when they were being fitted for their garments, so he didn’t worry about anyone seeing them. He sat her down and then pulled up a chair so he could sit opposite her.

Closely.

For a moment, he simply gazed into her eyes, wondering how a woman like this had found herself in such a position. A woman with Cleodora’s beauty should have been married to a prince, with jewels in her hair and children at her feet. Even as he looked at her, he could feel his resolve to use her as she intended to use him fading. He didn’t want to be weak, which was why Gerard and Dirk were in the room, but the longer he looked at her, the more difficult it was not to soften.

They had to get to the point, and quickly, before he folded completely.

“Now,” he said softly, “you told me last night that you had something important to tell me. That it involved the king. Can you tell me what you meant?”

She nodded, though he could immediately see the fear in her expression. “I will tell you everything,” she said. “But know that if Cambridge is aware I’ve told you this, he will punish me. He will also probably punish my father.”