Virginia Henley Read Online Free

she was filled with curiosity about last night’s tears and the King’s nocturnal visit. So improvising quickly, she said, “You were right, Alice. I should have worn the underdress. I received a terrible scolding from Mother, and if it hadn’t been for the King’s intervention, the rift between us would have been irreparable.”
    Alice said with awe, “The King is reputed to be thebest-natured man in England, yet his very presence terrifies me.”
    Roseanna fastened her hose and pulled on soft riding boots. “Tis the office of Kingship that is awesome. But rest assured, beneath that Kingship breathes a man made of flesh and blood.”
    As Roseanna walked to the stables, the only man she dreaded to encounter was Neville Castlemaine, her father yet not her father. She did not know how she could ever face him again. Her delicate cheeks were pink at the thought.
    The stables were alive with King’s men and their servants saddling for departure to Belvoir, the King’s hunting lodge. Edward was pointing out the unmistakable characteristics of the Arabian stallion to Dobbin.
    “Oh, Your Grace,” Roseanna said in deep appreciation, “he’s white!” Quickly she spat upon the ground, and the King threw back his head and roared. “You are superstitious.” He laughed. “By God’s blood, ’tis years since I spat at the sight of a white horse.”
    Roseanna laughed back. “I still bow three times to the raven and never, ever look at the new moon through glass.”
    “And wish upon a star, and carry a rabbit’s foot,” said Edward with nostalgia for youthful days long past. He watched Dobbin lead the Arabian to a rear box stall. “See if you can breed me some war horses from that one.”
    Sadly she said, “The life of a war horse is short, and consequently the demand for them is great.” They walked together to Zeus’s stall, and the animal nickered a greeting to Roseanna.
    Edward spoke after only a slight hesitation. “I promisedyour mother that I would speak to you about riding this uncut horse. Why don’t you choose a gelding, Roseanna? She would rest easier.”
    Her eyes darkened as she spoke with passion. “You answer me a question first. Why do you ride an uncut stallion into battle? There is no logic to it. A gelding would be easier to control and wouldn’t give your position away to the enemy by screaming wildly.”
    Edward grinned. “Damned pride! Stubborn Plantagenet pride!”
    “Did you think I had none?”
    The King looked at her with admiration in his eyes. “Then all I can do is bid you to take care. Ride over and join our hunting. We’ll be there until the end of the month, then I’ve promised the lodge to Ravenspur.” He strode off. For a moment it seemed the light was dimmer after his departure. Deep in thought, Roseanna leaned against Zeus’s stall. A beautiful voice behind her startled her from her reverie.
    “Don’t stand too close, Mistress Castlemaine. The beast could harm you.”
    She raised her eyes to his, then lowered her dark lashes quickly. “Thank you, Sir Bryan,” she whispered demurely, and allowed him to place himself protectively between herself and the black stallion. Anyone else would have received a setdown for their presumption! With all the emotional turmoil she had just been through, she had forgotten all about Sir Bryan. Now she wished fervently that she hadn’t braided her tresses so severely nor worn the plain blue riding dress. She forced herself to raise her lashes and speak to him lest he think his friend had an imbecile for a sister. “I pray you, call me Roseanna, sir.”
    He bowed; his manners were flawless. “It will be my honor, Lady Roseanna.”
    She sighed with relief when she heard her brother Jeffrey’s voice hail them, for indeed she had exhausted her store of conversation with the young knight.
    “There you are, brat! Father’s been asking for you. I think he went into the garden to look for you.”
    Her color became high when she realized