The Captive Heart by Bertrice Small Page B

had to marry Sir Udolf’s son because poor Papa cannot travel any longer and needs a good home. And the baron needed a good wife for his son. So we are both well served, my lord Edward. Ohh, what a fine time you will have in Scotland!”
    The young prince sighed. “I liked it better when my father was king of England.”
    “Your father is England’s king,” Alix said quickly.
    Edward Plantagenet looked at her with eyes that were far older and wiser than he was. “My father has been dethroned, Alix. Edward of York now sits in his place. We must go to Scotland so they cannot kill my father and me,” he said to her as if explaining it to a child. “My mother says she will not let them take my inheritance, but my mother has no army with which to fight the Yorkist pretender.”
    “If anyone can raise an army, my lord Edward,” Alix answered him, “it is your mother.” She loosened his grip upon her. “Now go to the high board and eat your meal. You have a full day’s ride ahead of you.” Turning him about, she sent him off.
    Margaret of Anjou came to her side. “You are all right? It went well?” she inquired softly.
    “The deed is done, madame,” Alix answered.
    “But it went well?” the queen pressed her.
    Swallowing back any outward sign of anger, Alix said to the older woman, “He will not have me but in a totally darkened room. I am not permitted to speak, but must spread myself open to him and not touch him. He came twice last night, mounted me, and did what was necessary. Nothing more. Not a kiss or caress. I can only pray to the Blessed Mother that I am quickly with child so I may be done with him, madame.”
    “Ahh, m’fant ,” the queen cried softly. “What have I done to you?” Tears sprang into her eyes. “But for the Yorkists, none of this would have happened!” Briefly she looked genuinely distraught.
    “You did what was necessary to protect Papa and me, madame,” Alix said quietly, feeling guilty that her anger had permitted her to tell the queen of her misery. “Sir Udolf is good to both Papa and me. All I need do is give him a grandchild, preferably a lad. Pray for me, madame, as I will pray for you, the king, and Prince Edward.” Alix brushed away the tears that now stained Margaret of Anjou’s face. “Your husband and son are at the high board now, madame. Let us go and join them. Your day will be long.”
    Alix oversaw the meal expertly. The cook had served up oat stirabout with bits of dried fruit in it. There were hard-boiled eggs, a small ham, half a wheel of hard yellow cheese, newly churned butter, a pitcher of heavy cream, and freshly baked bread. “Donald, the steward, has seen to food for your travels. The blacksmith has given the horses new shoes, and they stand ready for your departure,” she told the royal couple.
    The king suddenly spoke. “You have done well, mistress. Your hospitality has been gracious, and we will not forget you when we come again. We are traveling to Windsor today, you know.”
    Alix smiled. “God travel with Your Highness,” she told him, and he nodded. Poor man, Alix considered. He knows not where he is, or where he goes. What will happen to them? And for the first time since Blanche Givet had died her daughter was glad, for at least her mother did not have to witness the fall of Henry VI and Margaret of Anjou, whom she loved. God help them, Alix thought, for who else will?
    Their meal eaten, the royal party prepared to depart Wulfborn Hall. They were accompanied by the fifteen loyal retainers left to them, and their three servants. Edmee and Fayme hugged Alix, both weeping copiously as they were boosted onto their horses. Alexander Givet gave the king’s body servant, John, the few remedies left to him that would ease the king’s anxiety or help him to sleep. He bowed to the king, who nodded vacantly, shook hands with the little prince, and finally he came to the queen.
    “So, madame, we come to the end of this long road we have