Free Captives by Emily Murdoch Page A

and their people. Should not our Queen Matilda receive such a gift?”
    There was an intake of breath in the room, and Fitz was unsure whether he was alone in it or whether he was joined by others in a medley of shock. A coronation ring?
    Fitz looked at William, waiting for his King to speak, but to his surprise it was a female voice that broke the silence.
    “I thank you, Osbern, for your kind thoughts and words,” Matilda’s voice was soft, but there was a power within it that made Fitz relax. “I think that you are right to suggest a coronation ring. But let it not be one as great as our King’s – instead, a more simple one would be appropriate. Is that possible, my King?”
    The more formal phrase was clearly intended to appeal to her husband, and judging by the smile on his face, Fitz guessed that she had succeeded.
    “One day,” the King said, “I will be able to refuse you something. But today, I offer you whatever you want, with my blessing.”
    Ealdred stood slowly, his bones creaking in a way that made more than one person flinch. “I apologise, my King, my Queen, but I must retire. An old man such as myself cannot help but feel his age when the stars are bright.”
    Matilda rose. “Sleep well, my lord Archbishop,” she said, “and I apologise for keeping you awake for so long.”
    “It is high time we each returned to our chambers.” William rose, and placed a protective arm around his wife. “Let the preparations commence tomorrow, at first light.”
    Ealdred, Osbern, and Fitz all bowed as their monarchs exited the room.
    “I shall speak to you once the sun has returned,” Ealdred said to the two brothers. “Until then, my lords.”
    Fitz watched the elderly man leave the room, but before he could say anything to his brother, a figure walked through the doorway.
    “My lord?”
    “Marmion.” Fitz relaxed. It was unnerving, being in a place with too many corridors, full of places for men to hide and hear information never meant for their ears. “We are not finished, I shall return shortly.”
    Marmion reddened as he looked at the two men. “I am sorry, my lord,” he said gruffly. “I did not mean to disturb you. It is only – I saw our King leave, and I wanted to speak to you about the coronation.”
    Fitz looked at Osbern, who shrugged. Fitz turned back to Marmion. “Speak, Marmion – and do it quickly; my brother and I are quite exhausted.”
    Relief emanated from Marmion’s shoulders as he breathed out a large sigh. “My lord,” he said, addressing Osbern, “I did not realise that you were also of the house of FitzOsbern. It is an honour to meet you, and –”
    “Yes, yes,” Osbern waved a hand. “To your point, my man. We have been talking these few hours.”
    Marmion blushed again, and Fitz wondered once more how a man that large and powerful could ever be embarrassed.
    “I had a thought, my lords, on the coronation. A way to increase the spectacle, to make it memorable – to make sure that no one doubts our King William and Queen Matilda.”
    Fitz smiled. “And you think that you can organise this idea? Will it cost much?”
    “Nothing at all,” Marmion said eagerly. “And if you do not wish to be named as a part of it, I shall take responsibility for the outcome myself.”
    “Then we are agreed; make your plans,” Fitz said quietly. “Now go: I have one final piece of royal business to discuss with my brother.”
    Marmion bowed, and left the room. Fitz waited until he was completely sure he was out of earshot before speaking.
    “Is it really necessary…” Fitz started, looking around to ensure that they would not be overheard. “Is it really necessary to go to all of this trouble for Matilda?”
    Osbern shook his head. “Without this coronation, Matilda is no queen. Without Matilda, William is no king.”

 
    Chapter Ten
     
    Matilda was dressed in the most elegant dress that Fitz had ever seen. Her shoulders were covered in a rich fur cloak, and gold was