Free Once Upon A Time (Historical Romance) by Constance O'Banyon

supporting her, for she was ailing and weak from her imprisonment. He raised his head proudly, his eyes riveted on the man who held their fate in his hands.
    King Henry's brow furrowed as he glanced at the haughty young prince, who many referred to as the Golden Falcon. He was a caged bird now. There was insolence in those dark eyes, but Henry knew how to deal with his sort. Prince Ruyen had been a formidable opponent— pity to destroy such a warrior. Grudgingly, Henry admired him, wondering if the young prince knew it was his own mother's betrayal that had caused his capture.
    Princess Cassandra was a different matter, however. She was clearly ill and out of compassion he ordered a stool for her, but she shook her head, choosing to stand beside her brother. Henry had been told that she was but fourteen, and she held the hint of future beauty. There was a time when the sight of her would have stirred his blood, but no more. He was getting too old for the pleasures of the flesh.
    Again, Henry looked at the prince, whose eyes still smoldered with the fire of rebellion. Oh, how well he knew what Prince Ruyen was feeling. Had he not once felt those same fires smoldering within himself?
    "This is a sad moment for me," King Henry said in a voice that carried to the back of the large chamber. He shifted his weight, trying to find a comfortable position for his bulk.
    A page, seeing the king's discomfort, rushed forward with a cushion, only to receive a scowl for his troubles. Henry did not like to show weakness before his subjects.
    Henry continued to speak. "Your guilt has been pronounced by the high court, and it falls to me to render sentence for your crimes. As you know, rebellion must be punished or it will grow and fester into a cankerous sore. Although it would please me to be merciful, justice must be served."
    Overcome by a dark and bitter hatred, Prince Ruyen spoke. "And you have ever been known for your mercy, have you not, Henry? Your wife is in prison and your own sons despise you. Tell my sister more about your mercy, maybe she will believe you, but I do not."
    " By the eyes of God!" Henry roared, "your insolence will be the death of you. If you care not for your own life, care you not for your sister? If I had any notion of leniency, it is all but gone."
    Ruyen was in a grip of rage and striving to keep his self-control. His voice was composed, hardly above a whisper, causing those in the back of the chamber to strain to hear. "I ask one boon of you, Henry."
    Henry grinned, leaning forward and perching his chin on his folded hand. "You would ask a favor of me? Whatever can it be?"
    "I ask only that you allow my sister to go free. She is innocent of any wrongdoing and should not suffer because of me."
    Henry knew that if he provoked the young hothead he would surely condemn himself with his own arrogance. It was precarious condemning a royal family. He had been careful to gain the sympathy of the people, thus quelling any dissension in the ranks of his own nobles.
    "You should have considered your sister sooner! You have no rights here since you have been tried and convicted of crimes against England."
    Prince Ruyen clamped his lips in a severe line, but said nothing.
    Suddenly, there was a stirring at the door and the two men-at-arms barred someone from entering the chamber. All attention turned in that direction.
    "Determine the trouble at once," Henry said harshly to his lord chamberlain.
    As the man rushed forward and then quickly returned, he bowed before the king.
    "Well, speak," Henry demanded sourly. "Who has dared interrupt these proceedings?"
    The lord chamberlain was accustomed to Henry's dark moods, so therefore was undaunted and leaned closer, whispering so only the king could hear.
    "What?" Henry looked astounded. "What you say is preposterous! Have I not searched for..." His voice trailed off. "This cannot be."
    "She claims to be Queen Jilliana of Talshamar and insists that she be allowed to attend this