Goddess of the Sea (Goddess Summoning #1)(86)

Two theatrically hesitant knocks sounded on her door.

"Come in!" CC didn't have to pretend the frustration in her voice.

"You summoned me, Princess?" Isabel said as she limped with obvious reluctance into the room.

"Yes, yes, yes," CC said. "Hurry up and close the door. I'm going to go work in the chapel, and I need help changing."

CC saw the old woman give the squire a frightened looked before she closed the door.

As soon as they were alone Isabel hurried over to her and the women embraced.

"You were spectacular!" Isabel spoke into CC's ear as she worked loose the intricate set of laces at the back of CC's outer garment.

"You weren't half bad yourself," CC whispered back, and the two women shared a grin. "But I can't sit here any longer. I have to stay busy, and cleaning the chapel will definitely keep me busy."

"I will bring your food to the chapel. It is well past midday." Isabel shook CC's shoulders. "You have missed another meal. How will you stay strong for your lover if you do not eat?"

"You're always so wise," CC said.

"And well it is that you remember it," Isabel scolded her fondly.

"What happened after I left?" CC whispered.

Isabel's hands stilled for a moment as she collected her thoughts. "The abbot wants to destroy you. That has not changed," she spoke grimly. "It is only the knight's influence, and the fear of retribution from the Vikings that keeps him from harming you."

"It seemed like Andras believed my story."

CC could feel the old woman's nod. "He covets King Canute's money, and he still desires you, but he is not a fool. He is sending for reinforcements from Caer Llion. He worries that even if you are returned safely to the Vikings, the king will decide to sack the monastery."

"Doesn't seem that there's much here to sack," CC muttered.

"Oh, you are wrong, Undine. The monks are well known for their fine wool and their fat, tasty lamb. Also, Abbot

William has several ancient manuscripts that Brothers, specially chosen by him, meticulously copy."

"I didn't realize all that," CC said thoughtfully.

"The knight is acting wisely."

"Well, I never thought Andras was stupid, just narrow-minded."

"I agree with you," Isabel said.

"It's about time."

The old woman snorted.

''Do you have to follow me into the chapel, too!" CC asked the guard, who was walking a little behind her, carrying two buckets brimming with clean water. "I'm going to be in there working."

"I must stay with you at all times, Princess," the squire said mechanically.

"While I work I like to pray. Your presence will be interfering with my prayer time." She shot him a knowing look. "Are you married?"

Caught off guard by her question, he was too surprised not to answer. "Yes."

"Do you have any children?"

"Not yet, Princess."

"Well, in my country there is a belief that the Holy Mother can gift couples with children and can make men especially potent." She paused pointedly and let her glance drift briefly down his body before continuing. " If they please her. And, of course, she can do the opposite if they don't. I can't believe that the Holy Mother will be very pleased by you interrupting my prayer time."

"I would never want to interfere with the piety of one so devout. I will await you outside this door." The squire suddenly looked very pale.

"Thank you. I'm sure your sensitivity will be rewarded," CC said sweetly. Taking the buckets from him, she entered the dim sanctuary and breathed a sigh of relief when the door closed firmly behind her.

The laughter of the goddess greeted her.

"Oh, Daughter! Threatening that poor man with impotency. Really, I think that was somewhat harsh."

Gaea lounged on the floor in front of her statue, looking radiant in a long gown of sheer, sparkling silk the color of ripe green olives. Her hair curled around her waist and seemed to pool in a glistening carpet all around her.

The enormous sense of relief CC felt at the sight of the goddess didn't stop the sharp edge in her voice.

"I'm tired of being followed and watched and kept under guard."

Instantly, the weight of the buckets disappeared as invisible hands took them from her. They floated inches off the floor until they came to rest just where CC would have placed them herself. She smiled her gratitude at Gaea and felt her mood lighten, too.

"Thank you, Mother. That helps. And I'm sorry I snapped at you."

"It is understandable, young one," Gaea said indulgently. "So the abbot has you under guard? What has happened?"

Quickly, CC brought Gaea up-to-date on the events of the day. By the time she finished speaking the goddess's eyes were glowing with pride.

"You have done well, Daughter. You have found your way by using your own wits. I am pleased with you."

CC felt a wonderful rush of warmth at the goddess's praise.

"And I have news for you. Lir will be in these waters on the third night. There he will hear your petition and render judgment."

"But how did he sound? Did you tell him about Sarpedon and Dylan?"