Free Fatal Truths (The Anarchy Medieval Romance) by Anna Markland Page A

beside her and gathered her into his arms. This outburst could mean only one thing. The hostages were not who they purported to be. If Maud discovered the subterfuge, she would order their deaths. That might cost Maud the alliance with King David.
    Even Alex’s life and Montbryce castle could be at risk if Maud and her husband Geoffrey thought he was part of the conspiracy.
    He rocked Elayne in his embrace, stroking her hair until her tears subsided. It was not the scene before the hearth he had envisioned, but it was something.

CHAPTER NINE
    ALEX PONDERED WHAT TO DO with the dangerous knowledge he’d acquired. As a sworn supporter of Maud he should immediately reveal the deception perpetrated by King David. But Elayne and her children might suffer death or imprisonment. The latter was the more likely given that Maud would destroy any alliance with the Scottish king if she executed his grandchildren, even illegitimate ones.
    Maud might imprison them at Montbryce—an intolerable possibility. If she incarcerated them elsewhere, their departure would break his heart. They had filled his empty life with happiness and joy.
    He hadn’t slept after escorting Elayne to her chamber following her revelations the previous evening. At the morning meal in the Hall, Romain and Laurent had both remarked on his sullen preoccupation. Whatever he decided would affect them and the castle they all loved. It was his duty to include them in the discussions. He summoned them to the Chart Room, quickly explaining the true identities of the Scots.
    Romain folded his arms across his chest, leaning his backside against the heavy chart table. “I had a feeling there was more to that woman than met the eye.”
    Laurent slapped Alex on the back. “Now you know she’s a noblewoman perhaps she can be more than just your mistress.”
    Alex shrugged away. “She’s married.”
    “Married?” Romain exclaimed.
    Alex motioned them to the wooden chairs around the chart table. “Sit. We must decide on our course of action.”
    “But how can she be married?” Laurent insisted.
    Alex clenched his jaw, glowering at his siblings. “I didn’t summon you so we could discuss Elayne’s marital standing.”
    “But where is her husband?” Romain asked, drawing his chair closer to the table.
    Alex slammed his fist down on the table. “Enough. What is your opinion?”
    Romain came to his feet, braced his hands on the table and leaned forward. “I will give you my opinion, mon frère . I think you care deeply about Elayne and her children, and turning them over to Maud would destroy you.”
    Alex put his hands on his hips and looked up at the rafters. “My personal feelings don’t enter into the matter. We must consider the well-being of this castle and our estates and the people who dwell therein.
    “ And let’s not overlook other Montbryce holdings. Geoffrey of Anjou is greedy. If he succeeds in getting his hands on this castle, he’ll want control of Domfort, Alensonne and Belisle.”
    Romain sat, shaking his head. “ This is exactly why I have said before that King Stephen merits our support more than Maud and her husband, and Laurent agrees with me. I am not in favor of putting Elayne and her children in the hands of our dear Empresse . She’s vindictive, and we mustn’t forget Geoffrey’s role in Gallien’s near murder.”
    The more Alex considered breaking his father’s oath to Maud, the clearer it became he had to take that road. It was true that, driven by lust for Gallien’s wife, Peridotte, Maud’s husband had conspired to get rid of their cousin.
    “Gallien will help us protect Elayne and her children,” Laurent suggested. “We can hold Montbryce, but we should get them away from danger.”
    That jogged Alex’s memory. “At least Marguerite has decided to return home. She informed me this morning.”
    “Good,” Romain exclaimed. “One less thing to worry about.”
    Laurent scoffed. “You mean thirty less things. Her