The Heir (The King's Cousins Book 2) Read online

  The Heir

  A Medieval Romance

  Book Two of The King’s Cousins Series

  By Alexa Aston

  Copyright © 2019 by Alexa Aston

  Kindle Edition

  Published by Dragonblade Publishing, an imprint of Kathryn Le Veque Novels, Inc

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

  Books from Dragonblade Publishing

  Dangerous Lords Series by Maggi Andersen

  The Baron’s Betrothal

  Seducing the Earl

  The Viscount’s Widowed Lady

  Governess to the Duke’s Heir

  Also from Maggi Andersen

  The Marquess Meets His Match

  Knights of Honor Series by Alexa Aston

  Word of Honor

  Marked by Honor

  Code of Honor

  Journey to Honor

  Heart of Honor

  Bold in Honor

  Love and Honor

  Gift of Honor

  Path to Honor

  Return to Honor

  The King’s Cousins Series by Alexa Aston

  The Pawn

  The Heir

  The Bastard

  Beastly Lords Series by Sydney Jane Baily

  Lord Despair

  Lord Anguish

  Legends of Love Series by Avril Borthiry

  The Wishing Well

  Isolated Hearts

  Sentinel

  The Lost Lords Series by Chasity Bowlin

  The Lost Lord of Castle Black

  The Vanishing of Lord Vale

  The Missing Marquess of Althorn

  The Resurrection of Lady Ramsleigh

  The Mystery of Miss Mason

  The Awakening of Lord Ambrose

  By Elizabeth Ellen Carter

  Captive of the Corsairs, Heart of the Corsairs Series

  Revenge of the Corsairs, Heart of the Corsairs Series

  Shadow of the Corsairs, Heart of the Corsairs Series

  Dark Heart

  Live and Let Spy, King’s Rogues Series

  Knight Everlasting Series by Cassidy Cayman

  Endearing

  Enchanted

  Evermore

  Midnight Meetings Series by Gina Conkle

  Meet a Rogue at Midnight, book 4

  Second Chance Series by Jessica Jefferson

  Second Chance Marquess

  Imperial Season Series by Mary Lancaster

  Vienna Waltz

  Vienna Woods

  Vienna Dawn

  Blackhaven Brides Series by Mary Lancaster

  The Wicked Baron

  The Wicked Lady

  The Wicked Rebel

  The Wicked Husband

  The Wicked Marquis

  The Wicked Governess

  The Wicked Spy

  The Wicked Gypsy

  The Wicked Wife

  Unmarriageable Series by Mary Lancaster

  The Deserted Heart

  Highland Loves Series by Melissa Limoges

  My Reckless Love

  My Steadfast Love

  My Passionate Love

  Clash of the Tartans Series by Anna Markland

  Kilty Secrets

  Kilted at the Altar

  Kilty Pleasures

  Queen of Thieves Series by Andy Peloquin

  Child of the Night Guild

  Thief of the Night Guild

  Queen of the Night Guild

  Dark Gardens Series by Meara Platt

  Garden of Shadows

  Garden of Light

  Garden of Dragons

  Garden of Destiny

  Rulers of the Sky Series by Paula Quinn

  Scorched

  Ember

  White Hot

  Hearts of the Highlands Series by Paula Quinn

  Heart of Ashes

  Heart of Shadows

  Heart of Stone

  Highlands Forever Series by Violetta Rand

  Unbreakable

  Undeniable

  Viking’s Fury Series by Violetta Rand

  Love’s Fury

  Desire’s Fury

  Passion’s Fury

  Also from Violetta Rand

  Viking Hearts

  The Sins and Scoundrels Series by Scarlett Scott

  Duke of Depravity

  The Unconventional Ladies Series by Ellie St. Clair

  Lady of Mystery

  The Sons of Scotland Series by Victoria Vane

  Virtue

  Valor

  Men of Blood Series by Rosamund Winchester

  The Blood & The Bloom

  Table of Contents

  Title Page

  Copyright Page

  Books from Dragonblade Publishing

  Prologue

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Epilogue

  Excerpt from The Bastard

  About the Author

  Prologue

  Blackstone Castle, Sussex—1325

  Adelard de Blays watched his seven-year-old son slip out the postern gate at the rear of Blackstone Castle. Quill took a few steps and then looked over his shoulder, unsure if he should continue.

  “Go ahead, Son,” the earl encouraged, his heart breaking, knowing it was the last time he would see the boy.

  Quill ran back and hugged him tightly. “I don’t want to go,” he said, his voice quivering.

  “You must. I told you why. Go,” he ordered. “Now. Before it’s too late.” The nobleman’s voice cracked on the last word.

  His oldest child gave him a long look. “I won’t forget you, Father. Ever.” Quill released his grip and hurried away.

  “Goodbye,” Adelard said softly as darkness gobbled up the boy all of Blackwell knew as his bastard.

  Now, he must do what he could for his other two children before the royal troops arrived to whisk him away to the Tower.

  Adelard picked up the lantern and hurried back to the keep. Landon and Katelyn would be in bed now, probably begging Sybil to tell them one more story before she blew out the candle and urged them to sleep. At least she had been a good mother to his other two children, though she’d done everything in her power to make Quill’s life unhappy. Still, he owed it to his countess to warn her of his impending arrest.

  As he made his way across the empty bailey, Adelard’s thoughts turned to Cecily—his true wife. He had loved Cecily Elyot with every breath he took. Each time they’d coupled sent him to the heavens and beyond. He’d been ready to bring his bride to Blackstone Castle when his father’s missive arrived in London, informing Adelard of his oldest brother’s untimely death. As a third son, Adelard had been quiet and submissive any time he was in the presence of his father. The title and lands would never be his and so he kept his head down and stayed out of sight
as much as possible, a shadow in the background who avoided his father’s ire.

  The missive changed everything.

  By the time Adelard arrived at his family’s estate, he found the castle’s occupants in mourning for not one but two sons. Bardolf, the earl’s heir, had died from a sudden fever, which had swept through Blackwell lands and taken a dozen other lives at the castle. Gunter, the middle son, had died in a fall from his horse, the result of a foolish bet accepted while he was too drunk to know any better. Their steward had told Adelard that Gunter had drowned his sorrows from his brother’s death in drink. Knowing how close his brothers were to one another, he had wondered if Gunter died on purpose.

  And so, Adelard, by default, had become his father’s heir.

  Immediately, the earl announced that Adelard would wed Sybil, Bardolf’s betrothed. The couple would have married in a month’s time. With a few adjustments to the betrothal contracts, Adelard’s name replaced his brother’s. He had no experience in standing up to his father and had obediently gone ahead with the nuptial mass, sick with dread and worry. Shame filled him as he pledged before God Almighty and all gathered to bind himself in holy wedlock to a woman he had never met—thus abandoning his one true love and wedded wife.

  Adelard entered the keep, passing the great hall where many had bedded down for the night. He ascended the steep stone steps and paused before the children’s bedchamber. His heart racing, he pushed the door open. As he’d expected, Sybil sat next to Katelyn’s bed. His false wife looked like a Madonna.

  And was the Devil Incarnate.

  Sybil de Blays had made his life miserable from the moment Adelard brought Quill home to Blackwell. In some ways, she was more intimidating than his father had ever been. The earl succumbed to apoplexy a mere week after Adelard and Sybil wed. If only he’d been strong and stood up to his father. Told him that he already had a wife he’d gotten with child. It might have made all the difference—then and now.

  Regret washed over him anew as he ignored Sybil and moved toward the bed where his daughter slept. Katelyn’s dark lashes stood out against her pale skin. Adelard brushed a lock of raven hair from the five-year-old girl’s face and then kissed her cheek. He ached, knowing he would never see her beauty blossom, nor see his grandchild in her arms.

  Katelyn stirred and blinked. “Father?” Her green eyes lit up.

  Of his three children, he favored her most because of her spirit and zest for life. Ever curious, she followed her brothers about and demanded to do everything they did—and usually succeeded.

  Adelard bent and kissed her brow. “Go to sleep, my little love.”

  “Can we go riding tomorrow?” she asked, her eyelids already beginning to droop again.

  “Aye,” he said, knowing for him there would be no more tomorrows.

  “Good,” she murmured and grew still. Her small rosebud mouth parted slightly as her breathing became even.

  Tucking the bedclothes around her, he looked to the empty bed next to Katelyn’s.

  “Where is Landon?” he asked his wife softly.

  Sybil eyed him with suspicion. “He went downstairs to retrieve his sword. He left it in the great hall. You know how he takes it everywhere with him. I could not get him to climb into bed unless I allowed him to fetch it.”

  Adelard knew his time drew short and he still wanted to see his boy but he said to Sybil, “I’ve done something terrible. At least, that’s what others will say. You and the children will be the ones to suffer for it.”

  Her brows shot up and he saw the hatred for him glittering in her dark eyes.

  Before she could deride him, he said, “I won’t tell you what. The less you know, the better it might go for you. Just know that the king’s men are coming for me. They will be here shortly. Do your best to guard the children.”

  Adelard wanted to slap the satisfied look from her face. Knowing Sybil, she would be like a cat and land on her feet, even if it used up one of her nine lives. He only prayed to the Blessed Virgin that she wouldn’t sacrifice Landon or Katelyn while trying to save herself.

  “Farewell,” he said. “I am sorry I was not a better husband to you—but, in fact, I was no husband at all.”

  He watched as understanding dawned in her eyes with his parting blow.

  “What?” she hissed.

  “No one knows, except for Walter,” Adelard said, a calm descending upon him as he finally spoke the truth in their last moments together. “He witnessed my marriage to Cecily Elyot in London. Quill is my legal son. Landon and Katelyn are the bastards.”

  Sybil sprang from her chair and slapped him hard. Before he uttered another word, she raked her claws across his stinging cheek. Adelard grabbed both of her wrists.

  “Enough,” he said harshly. “I know you will do what it takes to shield our children. No one need ever know.”

  Her eyes blazed at him. “And your . . . other son?”

  “Gone. You’ll never find him.”

  With that, Adelard released her and strode from the room. He hurried down the dimly lit corridor, his heart racing at having finally told Sybil the truth. Returning downstairs, he spied Landon swinging his wooden sword just outside the great hall and stopped to watch him. Already, the boy had an athleticism and grace, moving as one with his toy weapon. Sadness and regret filled him, knowing he would not see this strong, sturdy boy grow to manhood.

  Adelard grabbed his son, one he loved as much as his firstborn, and held him close as tears filled his eyes. His actions would cost this boy his earldom and all the Blackwell lands. He released Landon and then knelt, placing his hands on the boy’s shoulders and squeezing tightly. Landon winced and tried to pull away, but Adelard held firm.

  “You will hear many things about me in the coming years. Some of it even true. But whatever else, there’s only one thing you need to remember to the end of your days. I loved you with my last breath.”

  Landon smiled. “I love you, too, Father.” Adoration was plainly written on his youthful face.

  “Look after your sister,” Adelard urged and then tightened his grip. “And whatever happens, don’t tell them about your brother. Ever.”

  “I promise. I’ll never tell, Father. Never.”

  He withdrew the ruby brooch he’d taken from Sybil’s box of jewels and placed it in his son’s palm. Shaped as a dragon, it reminded Adelard of the stories his grandfather used to tell him about his pirate days on board Dragonstar. The brooch had been Godwin’s wedding gift to Melisent, Adelard’s grandmother. How he’d loved his grandparents and missed them every day since they’d passed over a score ago.

  “Take this,” he instructed. “Keep it safe always. When the time comes, give it to the woman you love.”

  The door to the keep slammed open and the king’s men marched in. Adelard kissed the top of Landon’s head and rose, a hand still on his son’s shoulder. Someone bellowed out orders as soldiers dispersed in every direction, flooding the great hall and racing up the steps. Two knights latched on to Adelard and tore him from Landon.

  As they dragged him away and a representative of the king announced the charges against him, Adelard risked a last look over his shoulder.

  Landon stood in the midst of the chaos, tears running down his cheeks. His son raised his toy sword high in a final salute. Adelard acknowledged the gesture with a nod and then turned away.

  Chapter One

  Landon huddled in a corner of the king’s rooms, making himself as small as possible. He hoped the monarch would stay gone for the rest of the day. He’d heard one of the servants say the king and Despenser went hunting. If so, that would give him hours to be left in peace.

  He’d been at the royal court four days now but it seemed like a lifetime. The soldiers who’d invaded Blackstone Castle had taken him and his father with them. He hadn’t been allowed to tell his mother farewell. Even now, Landon wondered what had happened to her and Katelyn.

  And Quill.

  Adelard de Blays’ last words had
warned his son never to mention his half-brother. Landon would keep his promise. If the king and his men treated Landon this poorly, he couldn’t imagine what they would do to a bastard son.

  That seemed like such an ugly word for such a good boy. Quill was not only Landon’s half-brother but his closest friend. Quill had a generous nature and shared anything he had freely with Landon and also Katelyn, when she accompanied them about the estate. Quill was kind and patient. Everyone liked him. Except for Landon’s mother. She never allowed Landon to even speak Quill’s name aloud. He understood that, somehow, his father had lain with another woman before his marriage and Quill was the result. It still didn’t make sense to Landon why his mother would hate Quill so much. When they were together, he made sure they stayed out of her way to avoid her wrath.

  He missed his little sister more than he could have imagined. Katelyn followed him and Quill wherever they went. At times, Landon might hesitate trying something, whether it was making his horse run faster or jumping across a narrow portion of a brook. Katelyn proved fearless, no matter what the circumstance, and would bravely plunge ahead. He could keep his silence about Quill but he didn’t have a clue how he could protect Katelyn when he didn’t even know what had happened to her.

  Landon did know what would happen to his father. The earl had done something terrible to offend the king—and Hugh Despenser. The man was always in the king’s company, eating with him and telling him stories. Landon didn’t like Despenser and the feeling was mutual. He’d humiliated Landon each day in ways small and large. It was why Landon now hovered in a corner. He hoped when the king returned with Despenser that neither of them would see him.

  He wasn’t allowed to leave. He’d been told to stay. That they would soon decide what to do with him. Twice a day, a servant would take him to the garderobe so he could empty his bladder. Other than that, he had to remain where he was. They had given him something to wear since he’d been in his bedclothes when he arrived. They were filthy after the journey from Sussex to London.

  Landon had caught a glimpse of his father after they’d passed through the city gates. Adelard de Blays was bound hand and foot and tied to a horse. He couldn’t see his father’s face and was glad. The knight Landon rode with had pointed to the earl and told Landon the next time he saw his father, de Blays would be a headless, disemboweled corpse. He hadn’t known exactly what disemboweled meant but he knew it couldn’t be good. Inside, he said prayers to the Blessed Virgin that death would come swiftly. He couldn’t bear the thought of seeing the man he worshipped suffer.