“Do you mean to say that we shall use the engagement feast as a trap?” Evelyn asked. Serenity nodded, slightly apprehensive. Would Evelyn object and kick up a fuss? She thought the young Norman would enjoy the chance to aid in the capture of someone who had caused such harm to her family and the man she obviously loved.

“What a wonderful idea! Serenity, what a gift to be able to play some part in capturing a man who threatens the King and has done such harm to Aelfwine people. Tell me, must I do anything? What’s the plan?”

Serenity smiled at her. It was good to know that her instincts were so close to the mark. If she had the time, she suspected they she and Evelyn would have become close friends.

“Well, though I do not know all the details, I can try to explain the general plan. It shall begin with a feat at mid-day, that way we have all morning to be ready. Though most of the men Lord de Montfords allies have brought will be returning to their own lands and homes, a good number will remain to protect their liege lords. These men will be patrolling the walls and watching the guests for anything suspicious.”

“Are you hoping to catch him as he enters?”

“No, quite the opposite. We want him to enter so that we can close the gates and have him trapped so he can’t flee as he has so many times before.”

Evelyn thought about it, her nose scrunched in concentration. “So what happens then? You could close the gates and he’s not yet inside.”

“As I said, the celebration will start with the mid-day feast, followed by the recitation of one of the epics. You’ll have to choose which one you want. Then, there’s the signing of the contract of engagement which we’ll follow with the dancing and toasting and, finally, we end with the gift giving.”

“But what about the trap?” Evelyn asked.

Serenity reached over to gently squeeze her hand. “Evelyn, we have no intention of ruining your engagement day. The gift giving will end when we all go outside to see Lord de Montfords gift if two prized horse. You must parents to be surprised.” Serenity joked. “Once we’re all in the courtyard, the doors to the hall will close and the man ceased.”

“But how will you know who it is?”

“That’s why were doing it at the end. It’s to give our men enough time to identify the culprit and manoeuvre him to a position where we can easily apprehend him. We believe it is the best way to get him. What do you think?”

Evelyn nodded, “It seems logical to me. You know, you don’t have to worry about the celebration. I’m just happy father is allowing it.”

“I know but if we can give you and Aelfwine a perfect celebration, we will.”

Evelyn surprised her by lunging forward and enveloping her in a fierce hug. She seemed to suddenly realise what she was doing and hastily released Serenity. She stammered in her embarrassment.

“I-I-I’m sorry L-lady Neville-“

“It’s alright Evelyn.” Serenity tried to reassure the young woman who suddenly seems very young indeed, pulling her back in a brief hug. She looked into her eyes, searching for what had broken Evelyns normal poise. “What is amiss? You have handled this all so well, even when it seemed your father would reject Aelfwine.”

Evelyn heaved a delicate sigh. “I think I am a little afraid. Aelfwine and I come from very different world and it was always an almost impossible dream to be together. It feels like a dream and I am afraid to lose him. I’m sure I’ll feel better once the contract is signed, then father will not be able to change his mind so easily. I want this so much but I have so little control.”

Serenity nodded in understanding. “Be brave. I’m sure all will be well. After all, the hardest part is over, your father has agreed.” Evelyn smile at Serenity, her happy mood seeming restored. Serenity continued, “Now have you chosen a dress for the feast? We don’t have time to sew a new one but I’ll help you sew decoration into one of your current wardrobe.”

Evelyn agreed and hurried to pull out her choices. The two spent the rest of the morning working on the dress and other preparations to give the happy couple the perfect engagement celebration.

***

After so long cooped up doing fiddly finger work, Serenity was received to stretch her legs. She and Evelyn had eaten together and accomplished much but Serenity wanted to look for Osgar. She hadn’t seem a great deal of him lately and though she had always planned to put some distance between them, hopping it would make her leaving less upsetting for him, she still missed the boy and wanted to assure herself that he was doing well.

She eventually found him with a few older boys watching the knights train. Robert was also there, watching the progress of his knights and answering all the questions that Osgar threw at him. The two seemed to comfortable standing side by side, bonding. She was reluctant to intrude. But she felt a little selfish too. She wanted a few more happy moments with the pair. If the feast trap was successful, she would be leaving soon.

The decision was taken from her when one of the boys spotted her and sketched a hast bow. The observers all turned and followed his example, even Robert and Serenity laugh in delight. She curtesy back and joined them. It was a beautiful afternoon and Serenity simply enjoyed being with her friends, cheering the knights and listening to Robert offer advice. It was a small slice of peace in an otherwise hectic, stressful time. In that moment, there was no threat, no Wick, no Jumps, no heartache. Eventually the boys ran off to find their fun else where and a comfortable silence fell between Serenity and Robert.

“I have some good news to tell you.” Roberts voice was low and gentle, serenity turned and found a smile of his face. It was good to see. She waited, watching his face and enjoying the view. “I have officially adopted Osgar. The confirmation arrived today with all the appropriate seals and signatures. He cannot be by heir nor inherit but he is considered£ mine and I will ensure he has every advantage.”

Serenity didn’t even think, she just threw herself forward and wrapped her arms around Roberts neck, tears tried to leak out but she idiot let them. Squeezing tightly, she couldn’t make herself let go, she was just so relieved that Osgar had some guarantee of safety and stability. Arms wrap gently around her back and finally, Serenity was able to relax. They separated, putting a little space between them though still close, and both grinned happily.

“I take it you are happy my Lady?” Robert teased. Serenity huffed out a laugh and nodded.

“Have you told him yet?”

“Yes, though I’m not sure he truly understands. I will never replace Father or mother but I think I was able to convey that we were family now and he would always have a place here.” Robert had a grin on his face. It was clear that p, whatever his many reason for pursuing an adoption, he was genuinely pleased to have Osgar in his family and in his home.

“How did you sell the idea to the King? To be honest, I’m concerned with the Kings edict. Do you think there are others that are influencing him? Just one has been very dangerous for us and we haven’t caught him yet. I don’t think we can cope if he is not alone.”

Robert seemed to think on this. “... I don’t know. The King has been... overly concerned ever since he won the crown. With so many challenges and battles and even his own people back in Normandy questioning his legitimacy, he is jealous of his throne and his power. I fear he sees enemies everywhere, even among his own a Barons. I hope there is not another but if there were, we cannot do much about it.”

They mulled that over. He as right in that there was no use in borrowing trouble. They needed to deal with Wick, anything that came after could wait.

“To answer your question, I emphasised to the recent treaty with the Saxons and the benefits it brings to him and the Kingdom. I made the point that having a Saxon award would strengthen that treaty and ensure it lasted. Whatever he may think, the King does not want to continue with battle of attrition with the rebels. If they fall inline, he won’t it question too much as long as they no longer cost him money and resources.”

“Good idea. If the integration of Normans and Axons is willing, perhaps the Saxons will be allowed to keeps some of their culture. Just be careful Robert, the further from his centre of power we are, the more suspicious he will be. Take care of yourself.”

“I will do all I can to stay safe and ensure my home is always here for those who need it.”

She heard the hidden message there. Wherever she ended up going, she would always be welcome back in his home. She ducked her head but quickly raised it again, looking into his eyes, seeing him. And she tried to show in her eyes that she understood.

“It is almost time for the evening meal. Will you join me my Lady?”

“Of course.” Together, they turned and entered Roberts home, the great hall meeting them with delicious smells and jovial sounds.

***

It was dark and Serenity was wearing her work clothes, easy to move in and light. She didn’t notice the cool night air as she worked on her sword skills and the training area. Everyone was asleep except for the guard who looked out over the curtain wall, searching for any threat.

She had needed to practice, though she knew neither Robert nor Gwain would be happy about it. There was a persistent feeling in her gut that something was coming and she needed to be ready. Not that wielding a sword would do her much good, despite her practice, mastering a weapon was a long process that she had barely begun. But it at least had the benefit of working out her nerves and whiling away the long sleepless nights. A great deal was happening and yet they were all stuck in a waiting game. It was maddening.

“You’re not supposed to out here m’lady.”

Hearing the voice, Serenity whipped around, sword raised and stance balanced. Gwain waited just outside her reach, watching for her reaction. He seemed to like what he saw and gave an approving grunt.

“Gwain, you startled me. What are you doing here?” Serenity dropped her sword, walking to the edge of the training area to return it to its place.

“I should be asking you that. Aren’t you the one who was taken not so long ago. Why would you leave the safety of your rooms?”

“Are you worried about me Gwain? We’re still within the castle walls after all.”

“Yes but this man has managed to get into some pretty secure places. It better to not take the risk. But you know that don’t you. So I ask again, what are you doing Serenity?”

“I can’t pull one over on you can I? I really did need a little exercise. I hate waiting.” Gwain just huffed and stared at her, waiting. She looked away. “Part of me thinks that if he just wants me, then I can lure him away and the rest of you will be safe. But I know it’s it true. He has plans here. Another part of me just wants to face him again and beat him. Because I’m sick of him taunting us and plaguing us. I just want it to end. Like I said, I hate waiting. And then there’s part of me that wants to taught him back. ‘Look, here I am and you can’t have me. You’re going to lose’...”

Serenity trailed off, not realising how much she had been feeling. She heaved a sigh. “I need some sleep.”

Gwain hopped up and sat on a spare barrel. “I’ll wait until you’re ready. Getnit all out and you’ll sleep better. You’re not the only one feeling like this you know. It doesn’t get any easier, but you do get used to it. We all find ways to cope. Next time, just don’t come out here on your own Albright?”

She nodded. “Alright Gwain. And... thanks.”