Wilhelm had been so distracted lately, so disturbed at having to marry someone besides Rose, he had forgotten to send an official invitation to the duke. The wedding was supposed to take place in two weeks.
His head spun with all the things he would have to do—and at such short notice it was nearly impossible. He would have to warn the kitchen staff, who would be hard-pressed to prepare enough food for the duke and all his retinue before their arrival. Extra beds and chambers would have to be made ready. His mother should know what else would be required.
He stepped to the door and called out to a servant passing by. “Tell Duchess Katheryn that Duke Godehard is coming today. He will be here in a few hours. She will know what instructions to give for the meal and such. Go now and tell her.”
He came back inside, clenching his fists at the duke’s bad timing. But at least he would find out whether Rose was his betrothed—today.
Could it be? After all, Moncore was a crazed lunatic. Could a woodcutter’s daughter and healer’s apprentice be Lady Salomea, the daughter of the Duke of Marienberg?
He fastened his eyes on her and again knelt by her side. She looked so pale. “Please God,” he prayed aloud, “please help her wake up. Please let her be well. Please heal her.” Tears dimmed his eyes but he blinked them back. She was so lovely. If she was not his betrothed, if Moncore had insanely believed her to be someone she was not, he might never get this close to her again. He might never again have the pleasure of touching her.
He stared at her perfect lips. “God, if you have made a way for us to be together,” he whispered, “then let me awaken her with this kiss of true love.” Slowly, he leaned toward her, closed his eyes, and pressed his lips to hers.
Her eyes fluttered open. She smiled softly then reached up and touched his cheek.
He covered her hand with his. “You are well?”
“Yes.” Her voice was breathy. “Thank you. But if it’s all right, I think I will sleep a bit more.”
“Thank you, God.” He watched her face relax as she drifted into sleep again. She had awakened and spoke. He believed it was a sign from God that he had answered his prayer. She would be healed of the poison’s effects.
He watched her sleep, knowing Duke Godehard would arrive very soon. His mother would need his help. He would need to gather some knights to ride out and meet his guest, to try to repair the damage caused by his negligence to the Duke of Marienberg. There was much to do and little time.
Releasing Rose’s hand and stumbling to his feet, Wilhelm turned and forced himself to put one foot in front of the other and walk out.
Chapter 27
Rose slowly emerged from a heavy fog of sleep. She lifted her head and propped herself on her elbows. “Did they capture Peter Brunckhorst? He didn’t get away, did he?”
Frau Geruscha came over and patted her shoulder. “No, child, he didn’t get away. You won’t have to worry about him anymore.”
“Truly?”
“Aye. He’s dead.”
“Oh.” She thought for a moment, staring into her lap. She remembered the poison the man had forced her to drink, remembered the demons. She had been so terrified. Then Wilhelm had commanded them to leave in Jesus’ name. And they vanished.
Thank you, Jesus, for saving me from Brunckhorst and from the demons. She was safe. Jesus had delivered her. She remembered Duke Wilhelm standing in the middle of the room, his fists clenched, commanding the demons to leave.
Frau Geruscha brought her a cup of water. “Drink this.”
Rose sat up and obeyed, watching her mistress from over the rim of her cup. She let her gaze drop down to her lap as she handed it back, remembering something else. “Duke Wilhelm kissed me, didn’t he? I must leave here.” Her voice was a ragged whisper. “I can’t stay and be a temptation to him, with his bride coming in a few days.”
Frau Geruscha sat beside her on the bed and took Rose’s hands in hers. “Don’t cry, my dear. His bride is already here.”
It had to be Rose.
Wilhelm paced the Great Hall. The Duke and Duchess of Marienberg, after feasting for what seemed like days instead of an hour, had retired to a large chamber on the second floor. There they would meet their daughter in private.
During the feast, Wilhelm had turned to Duke Godehard and asked if he could be presented to his betrothed immediately.
“Tonight?” the duke roared, drawing his shoulders back and glaring at Wilhelm.
“Yes, sir, if you have no objection.” Wilhelm stared back, daring him to object.
The man rubbed his enormous, stubbly jowls and squinted at Wilhelm. He broke into a grin and clapped Wilhelm on the shoulder. “Why not? You’ve waited long enough to see her.”