Page 25 of Highland Guard
“No, it is a necklace. The wearer can ask any question and will be told only the truth in return.
“I must have it. I can question our subjects and they cannot lie to me,” Matilda replied.
“There is a problem.”
“What do you mean?”
“It only works if the wearer shares the blood of the chosen, the goldsmith who forged it.”
“Then how would we find such a person?”
“I have been told of an Italian lass raised in a Scottish abbey. The same one run by your nemesis, Murdina. I had a woman within those walls who kept an eye on her.”
Matilda replied, “I have visited that abbey. Tis a pity I did not know you had eyes inside because it would have saved me the trip. Who was your contact?”
“Sister Ines. A cousin twice removed. She sent me monthly reports on the girl before her untimely death.”
Matilda began pacing the room. “What happened to Sister Ines?”
“I hired a cleric to push her off a cliff.”
Matilda paused and cried out, “FitzOsbern, you are so ruthless. But why?”
“Because she kept asking for more money, the greedy bitch.”
“So, I take it you no longer know where this lass is?”
“On the contrary, I know exactly where she is.”
“Then I charge you to move heaven and earth and bring her to me.”
“But of course, Your Grace. I live to serve. However, I ask a boon of you.”
“Oui, what is it?”
“If she wields such power and has the amulet, I want your approval that the baron, Guy of Brionne, will wed her.”
“Whatever for?”
“So the lass becomes a subject of the duchy of Normandy and therefore under our control. I would marry her, but my wife Adeliza de Tosny would not approve, and neither would the church. You know how obsessed they are with that pesky ‘one wife’ rule.”
“But wouldn’t Guy get in the way?”
“No, the man is too stupid to realize when he’s being used. He will see it as a step up in rank if the order comes from you. Then, once she is within our grasp, I shall take over her training. I can make her my mistress and Guy need never know.”
“You are very cunning, FitzOsbern. That’s why I like you. But would you not grow weary of her? I have heard your tastes are varied.”
“Why do you ask? Matilda. Would you like me to show you what my tastes are?”
“Careful now. The Duke of Normandy is a jealous man.”
“I apologize, Your Grace. I was merely jesting. Still, what you heard is true, but I believe she is young enough to learn my proclivities. I can be quite charming when I want to be.”
“Then why are you here? Go find that amulet.” Matilda made a ‘shoo-ing’ gesture with her wrist.
FitzOsbern replied, “You know I never do my own dirty work. I have already sent my men to capture her. I doubt she will be much trouble.”
Matilda eyed him with suspicion once more. It was true, FitzOsbern was a handsome man with a perfect physique of a Norse god. He had piercing blue eyes and chiseled features. Women fell into his bed and opened their legs with a mere flick of his fingers. Matilda and FitzOsbern had come close to coupling in the past, but she would never cheat on William because he would kill her if he ever found out. Just as she would slay any lover of her husband. Still, a woman could dream.
