Free A VOW TO KEEP (The Vengeance Trilogy) by Lana Williams Page B

of his elbow. “I’ll wager you have your hands full with this lad. Come, let us go inside and see you settled. You must be famished.”
    They walked up the steps to the forebuilding that protected the entrance to the keep. Inside the massive, carved doors, the great hall spread out to the right with a stone staircase rising to an upper level on the left. Trenchers of food had been set on the long, oak tables in the hall, awaiting their pleasure.
    The great hall was enormous, impressive but for the cobwebs and dust coating the entire space. Soot marred the display of weaponry that hung above the huge stone hearth dominating the room. Alyna could easily step inside the large hearth along with most of the other occupants of the room and still have space left to fill.
    Two tapestries graced the wall opposite the hearth, their pattern dinged by soot and grime. The meager furnishings in the hall were in a similar condition as was the floor. It looked as though only the pack of dogs sprawled in one corner had cleaned it in recent memory.
    Alyna couldn’t help but wonder if the kitchen looked anything like the hall.
    Her grandfather seemed to read her thoughts. “The keep has not yet been set to rights since our return from Poitou, so please forgive the disorder. The steward I left in charge had more interest in the grounds of the castle than in the keep and disappeared before our return.” He shook his head as though puzzled. “Let us ease our hunger while we visit.”
    Alyna removed her cloak and laid it on the bench beside her. Only she, her grandfather, and Nicholas sat at the head table, but others sat at the tables nearby. The hall was less than half full much to her surprise.
    “I trust Royce treated you well?”
    She looked at him, trying to determine what he meant and how she should respond. Did she tell him Royce had scared her half to death and then seized her when she tried to escape? Just thinking of the incident brought heat to her cheeks. Then again, she’d hit him with her basket hard enough to leave a mark. Perhaps they were even. “Royce surprised me and was...most insistent that I accompany him with all haste.”
    She could feel her grandfather studying her expression, so she kept her gaze on the food before her until she could think of some way to change the subject. “I’m eager to hear what you have to say, especially of my betrothal.”
    Her grandfather looked away. “This is a difficult and complicated situation and I would speak with you in private.”
    Alyna nodded, disappointed that she’d have to wait. “As you wish.”
    “Tell me how you’ve fared these past years. Is your father well?”
    “Aye, he is...fine.” She could think of nothing more to say about her father that would be both truthful and pleasant, so she moved on. “Montvue has done well. Our harvests have been plentiful, and the villeins healthy.”
    Lord Blackwell glanced at Nicholas, then looked back at her and lowered his voice. “Alyna, is the child Tegmont’s?” His eyes were so big that it might have been comical had he discussed any other subject.
    “Nay, Tegmont is not his father.” The mere idea of it made her shudder. She gave a quick prayer requesting forgiveness for her lies as an omission of the truth was no less than a lie. “His father died before he was born.”
    “I see.” He stared at Nicholas and rubbed his chin as he absorbed her explanation.
    “He’s a delightful boy and a true joy to me. I think you’ll enjoy getting to know him.”
    He turned and looked at her, as though still trying to understand how all this could’ve happened in his absence. “Indeed. I’m pleased to have the chance.”
    “Might I send for my servants, Charles and Enid? I was not able to tell them I was leaving when Royce came for me. I’m certain they’ve been terribly worried about my absence.”
    “Aye. We’ll send a message at once.” He took her hand in his. “I know I’ve lost touch with you, but it is my