She straightened her dress awkwardly, with unpracticed movements, and lifted her chin. She did not look at him. He could not reconcile this stiff woman beside him with the eager softness that greeted him in bed. The ripe mouth that had kissed him and gave sweet, feminine gasps in the black of night was the same mouth she set now in a firm and serious line. Delicate flower petals drifted to her strong wide shoulders. Long, silky lashes framed eyes that roamed over the curtain wall to assess the keep’s defenses.

Hard steel and soft heat. The lady of this keep, of these people.

He lost himself in that thought, staring at her face, her hands, the boisterous crowd. Finally, he shook himself out of the reverie. Ceremony. It would require some ceremony. He caught her hand and held it aloft until the noise died down.

“My lady wife, you may see the great joy it gives that you are come at last to Morency. I say you this, and on my lifeblood swear it be true: this is your home, all within it is yours to command. These people are sworn to you as to me, and they shall cherish and esteem you all their days.”

Perhaps he should have given more thought to it and said a prettier speech, but it was enough. A great cheer went up, and the steward stepped forward, sinking into a low bow.

“Lady Morency, God save you and bless you. The honor of this house is made yet greater by your presence. I am Hugh Wisbech, steward of this keep and ever humbly your servant. We give you welcome without end.” With this, he offered her the great ring of keys with ceremonial gravity.

She hesitated, wide-eyed, and Ranulf witnessed a thing he had not thought possible. She was daunted. She who did not recoil from gaping wounds, or shy from crossing swords with a battle-seasoned man, nor flinch in the face of the king – she blanched when presented with the keys to Morency.

He nearly opened his mouth to assure her that there was naught in the buttery that was worthy of such alarm, but her palpable dread stopped him. Perhaps there was reason to fear. This place had ghosts enough.

But just as quickly as it had come into her face, the unease vanished. He felt, rather than saw, the great effort it was. What a will she had.

She accepted the keys, and nodded at Hugh. “May God protect and reward you for the safe keeping of this hold, and may all who dwell in it be so blessed.”