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kinghas killed my father and dispossessed me so that he may give Kempston to his French mercenary, Rolfe d’Ambert, that black wolf of the devil’s. No wonder he is called that! He is a ravaging beast. I was not even allowed a trial!” Alain wailed.
    Leonie was fired by Alain’s rage. She had known him all her life. They had played together as children, and she had even thought of marrying him. But the weakness of his character showed itself as he grew older, and she knew he would not make a good husband. But they were friends, and the king’s injustice was appalling—worse because Alain did not have the courage to fight for himself, and there was no one to help him.
    “If you want to make a stand, Alain, you know I would call up my men.”
    “No,” he stopped her nervously, “I know you would aid me, Leonie, but I cannot ask it of you. The Black Wolf is too powerful. He comes even now with his army to take Kempston. If the king were not behind him—” He let the thought linger, as if the king were the only thing that kept him from fighting.
    “Where will you go, Alain?”
    “I have a cousin in Ireland.”
    “So far?”
    “I must. If I stay in England, the Wolf will find me and kill me. It is true, Leonie,” he insisted. “It is not enough that Henry has given my home to the Black Wolf. The bastard wants me dead so that I can never claim Kempston. I cannot tell you the stories I have heard of him, for they would make you fear your new neighbor. But you should know he is like Henry in that he never forgets an ill, nor relaxes a hatred. Step carefully with him, Leonie. Be warned.”
    She should have heeded Alain’s warning and triedto be a peaceful neighbor. It was too late now. He never forgets an ill, nor relaxes a hatred .
    A feeling of dread crept over Leonie. She had caused Rolfe d’Ambert trouble, and he had reason to hate her.
    “You have nothing to do, Leonie?”
    Leonie swung around to find Judith in her room. “There is naught that needs my attention, madame.”
    “I am glad to hear it. I was afeared you would balk.”
    Leonie smiled tightly. “As to that, madame, I can say only that the king’s choice is not acceptable.”
    “I do not blame you, my dear. If I knew my future husband was interested only in controlling my land, I would not like it either.”
    So that was it! “You know that?”
    “D’Ambert tried to buy Pershwick, you see. Of course William had to tell him he could not sell it, that it was part of your dowry. Then he asked for you, but your dear father would not give you to a man interested only in your land.”
    “My father refused his offer?”
    “Of course he did. But you see what came of that. The man went straight to the king, and now d’Ambert will have you, will you nill you.”
    “No, he will not. I said he is unacceptable. I mean it. I will not marry Rolfe d’Ambert.”
    Judith’s eyes gleamed for a moment. “But you will. In truth, I wish you had a choice, Leonie, but with the king involving himself in this matter, you must see you do not. It would break your father’s heart to have to force you, but force you he would. He cannot ignore the king’s order.”
    “I can.”
    “Do not be a silly chit!” Judith snapped, visualizing a scene between father and daughter that might reveal too much and ruin everything. “Henry cares nothingfor any wishes but his own, and it is his wish that you marry d’Ambert. Your father will not defy the king, nor will you.”
    Leonie jumped to her feet, her temper flaring. “Leave me, Judith. We have no more to say to each other.”
    “But we do,” Judith replied grimly. “You will swear to me by all that is holy that you will wed the present lord of Kempston.”
    “I swear I will not!”
    “Fool!” Judith spat. “You bring this on yourself. Richer!” Judith shouted, and the man Leonie feared stepped into the room. “You know what must be done,” she told him. “Do not leave her until she has sworn.”
    With that