A King's Betrayal Read Online Free PDF

‘Some have already declared for Bolingbroke but others hold fire.  If Richard can raise the people of Wales many of the barons will go over to him.  If they do not…’  He shook his head and sighed.  ‘He may lose everything.’
                  ‘Why do they not see him for the wonderful, intelligent and cultured man he is?  He has done so much for art and he loves beauty and music, poetry and learning.  Where do these wicked stories of insanity come from?  They are all lies.’
                  ‘Yes, I know they are lies,’ Tomas agreed.  ‘Richard is as sane as you or I but he hath a temper, which you have not seen, sister.  Those that have felt his wrath have some justice on their side.  I am and shall ever be for Richard, but I see their complaints and I know they have some reason for rebellion.  At times Richard goes too far if he would keep the love of his people.’
                  ‘Can you not speak to him, make him see that he should listen and perhaps grant some of their requests?’
                  ‘You should know that Richard never listens,’ her brother said.  ‘I must leave you for the moment, sister.  I shall dine with you this evening, but I must speak to my men and make sure they have all they need.’
                  Beatrice watched her brother stride from the hall, his boots ringing on the flagstones.  She turned to her husband anxiously.
                  ‘Do you think we shall be attacked here?’
                  ‘Perhaps, though we are of little importance.  Much depends on how things go with Richard.’  He hesitated, then, ‘I have thought we should go to my lands in Wales.  The people are loyal to me and you might be safer there, Beatrice.’
                  She hesitated then shook her head.  ‘I shall stay here in the castle Richard gave me.  If I went elsewhere it might anger him.  He promised to come to me as soon as he returned from Ireland.  I must be here waiting when he comes.  He will want to see his son.’
                  ‘Have it your own way.’ Tomas looked at her from narrowed eyes.  ‘Do not expect Richard yet.  He has more important things on his mind than you or your child, Beatrice.’
                  ‘He has written to me.’  She broke the seal eagerly and scanned the message inside.  Richard had created her Countess Beatrice of Craigmere, the name of her castle – and her daughter was to be known as the lady Elspeth.  Elspeth was to have lands and money, which would be held in trust by her uncle, Sir Hugh de Bracie, until she was of an age to wed. There was no mention of her unborn child.  ‘No!  No, this is not what he promised.’
                  Beatrice crumpled the parchment in her hand.  Her eyes flashed with temper.  Richard had honoured their daughter, but it seemed he was not convinced that her second child was also his.
                  ‘You expect too much,’ Tomas said when she pushed the document into his hand, her own shaking with anger.  ‘I have told you before, Beatrice.  If you wish to hold Richard’s love you must be accepting and grateful for what he does for you.  Do not tell me again that he seduced you.  I have heard it many times.  He is a king and a man.  I dare say he has bedded more than a few women, many as well born and as lovely as you.  You gave him what he wanted too soon.  Had you been more virtuous he might have wed you then.’
                  ‘Damn you, Tomas!’ Beatrice flew at him, striking at his cheek with her nails, but he caught her wrist, his strength preventing her from her achieving her aim.  ‘I hate you.  Do you hear me?  I wish I had never wed you.’
                  ‘I am sorry for it,’ Tomas said coldly.  ‘I think I have more reason to regret the marriage than you but I do not let