Page 102 of The Champion

Fourteen

Rowena was grateful for Stryder’s support. Without it, she was most certain she would have crumpled as a wave of grief so profound hit her straight in her heart. It was the most crippling pain she had ever known.

Tears stung her eyes and fell completely unchecked down her face. “What do you mean Elizabeth is dead?”

Joanna wiped at her eyes. “One of the king’s guards fished her body from the lake. They think she must have slipped and fallen into the stream and her skirts were too heavy for her to swim.”

“Nay.” Rowena shook her head. “‘Tis not possible. Why would she be at the lake alone?”

“You know how she was,” Joanna said. “She told me this morning that she was going to meet someone there.”

Joanna took her into her arms and they held onto each other as they sobbed from the loss of their beloved friend.

How could Elizabeth be gone? Since the day she had joined their household, she had been a necessary part of them. A needed laugh and comfort.

Rowena felt Stryder’s strong hand on her back, rubbing her gently. She turned away from Joanna and pulled him close, needing to feel his strength. His comfort.

“I’m so sorry, Rowena,” he whispered against her hair as he held her cradled to his chest.

“She can’t be dead. She can’t.”

Suddenly, she heard a commotion from below. Voices echoing through the hallway as nobles were told of Elizabeth’s fate.

“I wish we had never come to this tournament,” Joanna spat. “‘Tis been evil from the onset. And now this...”

“Shh.” Rowena took her friend’s hand. “‘Twas an accident, a stupid one. But an accident nonetheless.”

And there were preparations that needed to be done. Someone would have to see to Elizabeth’s body...

With a strength of will Rowena had never known she possessed, she pulled herself together. “Someone will have to notify Elizabeth’s family.”

“I can send one of my men,” Stryder offered.

She gave him a tremulous smile. “I think it best that your men stay here to defend you, if needs be. My uncle has men he can send. But I appreciate the thought.”

Stryder inclined his head to her.

“Rowena?”

She looked past Stryder to see her uncle coming toward them from the stairs. His face was saddened and pinched.

“You’ve been told?” he asked gently.

She nodded and fought against another wave of tears.

“Is there anything I can do?” Stryder asked.

Rowena bit her lip. “Don’t leave me alone I don’t think I can deal with all this by myself.”

Joanna let out a baleful wail before her legs buckled. Stryder barely caught her before she hit the floor.

Rowena’s stomach tightened even more as she remembered Elizabeth telling her the tale of how Stryder had carried Joanna when they had first arrived. Her friend’s face had been all awash with light happiness as she asked Rowena if Stryder would make her Queen of All Hearts.

“Oh, Elizabeth,” she breathed, her heart breaking from the loss. All the dreams that Elizabeth had.

All their hopes...

But she couldn’t think of it right now. If she did, she would join Joanna and no one needed the additional burden. There was too much to do.