learned of your father’s death as I travelled from Nottingham and thought it best to speak with you in person. You have here a dangerous enemy of the state—a man I require you to hand over to me immediately.’
‘I do not believe I understand you, Highness. Of whom do you speak? There is no one in my service that would seek to harm England. We are loyal to the crown.’
‘I speak of Count Torrs. Your father had him captured on my behalf, and a ransom was demanded from his family, but I have since learned that he plots with others to murder me and bring havoc to the land while my brother rots in prison.’
‘Where did you learn such a thing, Highness?’
‘From my friend the Shire Reeve of Nottingham. He has served me well on more than one occasion, though as yet he fails to bring the notorious outlaw Rob-in-Hood to heel. That rogue defies my laws and robs my tax collectors. I believe Count Torrs to be in league with outlaws and robbers.’
Raphael’s mind worked swiftly. If the prince learned that he had set free a man he considered his enemy, he might send his army against them. If the King was to have friends when he returned, there must be someone prepared to rally support in secret. Robin of Loxley, a man Raphael had known slightly in the Holy Land, was now an outlaw and lived by his wits; alone he could not rally the noblemen of England to support their king, but perhaps Raphael might. First, he must convince the prince that he was a friend rather than an enemy.
‘Then you have solved a mystery for me, sire. On my arrival I discovered that some rogues had bluffed their way into the castle and rescued an important prisoner. I did not know then that he was held on your behalf.’
A look of anger flared in the prince’s eyes.
‘You tell me the count has escaped? This is outrageous. Your steward has been neglectful and you should punish him and others for this man’s escape.’
‘My steward was in a difficult position, Highness. He did not know when I would return—nor could he have known that my father held the prisoner on your behalf.
He understood it was purely a matter of a ransom. Indeed, I am not certain of the count’s crime or the nature of your agreement with my father,’ Raphael said calmly.
‘He would have kept half the ransom and the count would have been recaptured as he tried to reach a ship. Your father has contributed to my funds on more than one occasion and I have been grateful to him; because of this, I ignored the demands from his neighbours that he should be punished for his crimes against them,’ Prince John replied.
Raphael inclined his head, because the underlying threat was clear. The prince could if he wished charge Raphael with some crime of his father’s and the estate might be forfeit. John’s treachery towards those that displeased him was well known, which was why Raphael had taken care to leave his fortune with the French goldsmith. His father’s estate meant little to him, and he might return to Normandy in time, but if he had a power base in England he might help Richard regain his throne.
‘I believe my father became a bitter man in his last years. It is my hope to make amends and live on good terms with my neighbours. If it cannot be done, I may decide to leave England and live abroad,’ Raphael commented.
The prince’s eyes narrowed. ‘The lady at your board—is she the count’s daughter?’
‘What makes you ask that, sire?’
‘Your father demanded that she bring the ransom in person for reasons of his own. If you have her, then keep her under close guard for we may yet gain something from this business.’
‘Do you speak of a ransom?’ Raphael enquired.
‘It is expensive to hold court and keep the loyalty of fickle nobles,’ the prince said. ‘My purse has too many demands on it and I would take half the ransom, as your father agreed—but it might be that we could use the lady as bait to bring her father back. If he believes his daughter’s life forfeit, he might return and offer his life for hers.’
Raphael’s hands balled at his side and it was all he could do to keep them from the prince’s throat.
‘You would surely not murder an innocent lady, Highness? This is not the justice your barons expect in England.’
‘If you wish to keep your own head you will obey me. If the lady has a ransom you will hand half to me—and she is to remain here as your prisoner,’ Prince John demanded.
‘I am sorry to disappoint you, Highness, but the lady is a kinswoman who has come to me for protection. As yet there has been no sign of the count’s daughter, but I shall of course obey your orders if she does arrive with the ransom,’ Raphael assured him smoothly.
The prince’s eyes narrowed in suspicion but at that moment a succession of servants arrived with food and wine, which they offered to him.
‘Taste them,’ he said, glaring at the servant who had offered a dish of lampreys.
‘You need not suspect poison in this house, sire,’ Raphael said and tasted a portion of each dish set before the prince himself. ‘You may eat and drink without fear.’
‘Very well,’ the prince said and took a leg of capon, tearing into the soft flesh and speaking with his mouth full. ‘My men and I will sleep here for one night. Your hall will do well enough for my men. I shall sleep here on the bench by the fire.’
‘As you wish, Highness. If you will excuse me, I must speak to my steward and make the arrangements.’
The prince nodded but made no reply as he investigated a mess of meat and worts with his fingers.
Raphael went out. He summoned his steward and gave him certain orders, then took the stairs that led to the tower room where the lady Angelina was resting.
Rosamunde’s heart jerked as she heard the knock at her door and then saw it open to admit the man she had half-expected.
‘Sir,’ she said, and rose to her feet. ‘What news? What demands did the prince make?’
‘He bid me keep you a captive here on pain of death. You are to be hostage for your father’s good behaviour. Unless he obeys the prince, your life will be forfeit.’
‘No!’ Her throat tightened. ‘My father … the count … it cannot be. He would not surrender his honour for me.’
‘Why? Surely any man of honour would surrender his person for his daughter’s sake?’
Rosamunde’s breath caught. She hesitated, but knew that she must confess the truth. ‘I am not his daughter —I am Rosamunde Meldreth, merely Lady Angelina’s cousin on her mother’s side. Count Torrs would not give his life for me.’
‘Are you telling me the truth?’ Raphael’s hand shot out and gripped her wrist. ‘Do not lie to me or it will go ill with you, lady.’
Rosamunde almost cried out for his grip was firm on her flesh but she would not show fear. She raised her head to look defiantly into his eyes.
‘My cousin did not wish to surrender herself to you. She knew of your reputation and so she sent me in her place.’
‘Why did you come? Surely you could have refused her?’ Raphael asked.
‘My father owes hers money and she said he could be imprisoned for debt. My father is ill and if I do as she asked the debt is cancelled.’ Rosamunde’s eyes pricked with tears. ‘She only gave me half the ransom money and now I do not know what will happen.’
‘You are safe enough for the moment. The prince does not know you came as the count’s daughter. I have told him you are my kinswoman and for the moment he has accepted it. He came here looking for money. I shall give him a small donation to his coffers and hope that he will leave us in peace,’ Raphael revealed.
‘You lied to me!’ she gasped.
‘Because I believed you were lying to me,