Free A King's Betrayal by Linda Sole Page B

in.  Whoever it was may have witnessed what happened to Nessa and believe that she has no mother.  We shall continue to search and to spread the word that Elspeth has been  stolen – and we shall offer a reward for her return.  Once it is known that she is your child, I am certain she will be returned to you.’
                  ‘I wish I might believe it,’ Beatrice said.  ‘I think Elspeth has been stolen because someone knew she was Richard’s son.’
                  ‘Yes, it might be so.  I did try to warn you…’  Tomas reached out for her, but she moved away, unable to accept comfort.  ‘Yet they may just have been raiders out for what they could get.  They have paid the price for what they did to us – and to Nessa.’
                  ‘The poor girl was to be wed to Alun soon.  He will be grieving.  You must give him leave to go home to his family, Tomas.’
                  ‘Yes, I shall when he returns.  He was one of those who volunteered to stay and search for Elspeth while I returned to give you what news we had. He was grieving and bitter – and I pray that he may find some way to ease his pain.’
                  ‘God give him grace.’  Beatrice turned to look at him.  ‘I think we shall not find Elspeth.  I feel it in here.’  She placed her hand over her left breast.  ‘I have lost my child – Richard’s child - and I shall never have another child of his.’  Tears trickled down her cheeks.  ‘I am being punished for my pride.  Pride is a sin.  You warned me but I would not listen.  This is all my fault.  If I had never allowed Richard to touch me she would have been your child and you might have kept her safe.'
                  ‘She was as dear to me as if she were my own.’
                  ‘Yes, I know you cared for her.’
                  ‘I loved her, as I have ever loved you, Beatrice.  I made no demands on you, because I knew your heart was given to Richard – but if you will let me I shall try to help you find happiness again.’
                  ‘I can never be happy while Elspeth is lost.’  She sank down to the edge of the bed, her head bowed.  ‘I care nothing that she is a king’s daughter.  All I want is to have her here, to hold her and kiss her sweet face.’  As she looked up at him, he saw the grief and regret in her eyes.  ‘She wanted me to play with her but I sent her away.  If I had been there I should have protected her.’
                  ‘They might have taken you instead of Nessa.’
                  ‘Better I was dead than left to grieve for my child.’
    ‘I swear that I shall never cease to search for her,’ Tomas vowed.  He reached for her again and this time she allowed him to hold her.  He held her pressed close to his heart, his lips brushing against her hair.  ‘While I live I shall never give up.  I promise you, Beatrice.  One day you will see Elspeth again.’
                  ‘Tomas…’  the tears slid down her cheeks as she lay her head against his chest and felt his strength.   ‘She is so small and vulnerable and she will weep for us.  Unless someone has found her she may already be dead.’
                  ‘No, she lives.  I feel it,’ Tomas said and his arms tightened about her.  ‘The search will not stop until she is found – or proof of her death is brought to us.’
                  ‘Proof?’  Beatrice looked up at him.
                  ‘Her gown and the chain and cross of gold I gave her and placed about her neck on the day of Christ’s Mass last.’
                  ‘Yes, I remember,’ Beatrice said.  ‘She loved that necklet, Tomas.  If someone brings that to us it will be proof.’  She gazed up into his face.  ‘Am I wicked, Tomas?    Do you know what I have done