Rose Victory - Eagle Series Read Online Free Page A

alliance.  It could still be . You are his equal in rank and property.”
    “But not in wealth . Not anymore.”
    Stefan waved his hand.  “A question of time only . Until the investments give fruit, no one need know.  You know you are the most sought after bachelor at court.”
    “Yes, for my title and my lands; a mbitious, power seeking parents.  I wanted something different, something more.”  Roydon finished off the wine in his cup.
    “I always knew you were a romantic at heart, Roy, but very few nobles marry for love.  We marry for power and alliances, for wealth and advancement, you know this.”
    “Love?  No, that is a concept for women and jougleurs,” the earl said softly.  “I would have settled for affection and caring.  A simple undemanding girl to make me forget all the death and destruction of war.”  Roydon smiled ruefully at his friend.  “I think the wine is making me speak nonsense.  I had best retire before I become maudlin and you decide to leave this pile of rocks for better company.”
    “You might still get the girl you wish for.”
    “Do you really believe that?”  The earl rose to his feet.  “An earl’s daughter?  My countess will be a proud, spoiled, grasping, demanding, arrogant …”
    “Enough,” Stefan interrupted his friend, his hands raised as if seeking protection.  He could not help the slight twitching of his lips as he sought to control his smile.  “You are running out of adjectives.  No woman could be that bad!”
    The earl glowered down at his friend.  “You have been to court, have you not?  I could add a few more adjectives to describe the noble ladies there.  Wanton, self-gratifying women who think nothing of betraying and cheating on their husbands.  Do not deny it; we have both taken advantage of it.”
    “We took what they offered.  Most of the husbands there did not know or didn’t care, they already had their heirs.  Besides these are older, married women or widows we are talking about,” finished Stefan, serious once again.  “There is no comparison.”
    “How do you know that my betrothed is not old, it says nothing in the contract.  All we know is that her name is Emma.”
    “Your father would not do that to you…”
    “He has done far worse,” Roydon interrupted quietly , hurt and regret in his voice.  He stood behind the high-backed chair he had just vacated, his big callused hands sliding, almost caressing the polished wood.  This had been his father’s chair, the Lord of Eagle Rock’s chair; his chair now.
    “True,” admitted Stefan, “but his intensions were good.  There was no malice in his actions and remember that he wanted grandchildren.  She cannot be too old and even if all the rest that you say is true, you will still be her lord and husband.  Your word will be law.”
    “As I said before, no peace.  I will not be a cuckold.  What is mine I keep,” the earl stated forcefully.
    “Good God, Roy!”  Stefan exclaimed.  “You are not married, haven’t even met the girl yet and already you imagine her betraying you.”  He rose from his seat, a smile again teasing the corners of his mouth.  “If you cannot con trol your lady, be sure that I, as your friend and commander of your forces, will do my utmost to defend and protect your honour.”
    Stefan pounded the earl on his back.  “You now have a solution to save your holdings.  The alternative is to sell part of the estate, sell the lands that maintain it.”  Having brought up what Roydon had been loath to even think about all day, the knight walked away.
    Sell his land!  Unthinkable.  It would be like parting with one of his limbs, a part of himself.  Besides, it would not be practicable.  As Stefan had said, it was the crops, the fruits of the rich land, which maintained the castle, fed the serfs and provided the soldiers to protect it all.  Without the land there would be no Eagle Rock.
    Slowly the earl released the punishing grip