In Honor Bound (43 page)

He had laughed at the comparison, but she had only smiled and caressed his cheek.

A king made of legend and fancy could never have shone finer, my lord,
she had said, then she had smiled again.
My love.

She knelt to him now, and he gave her formal welcome as his queen, adding a quick warm kiss on her lips to the kiss on each cheek that the ceremony required. He lifted her to her feet, thanking God as he did for the profound steadfastness of her love. He knew Katherine would always be a part of his heart, but the pain was leaving the memory of her, and he knew in time he would be able to do as she had once asked– remember her love and forget all the rest.

He counted himself greatly blessed. He had been given a second love, as true and as pure as the first, a love he would cherish and thank heaven for so long as God lent him life. He took Rosalynde's hand and stood her at his side as once again the nobility came to pledge their loyalty.

Tom swore first, as nearest in blood, and as he knelt to seal his vow, Philip leaned down to him, clasped his shoulders and murmured a low, fervent thank you in his ear. There was a look of deep understanding between them, then Tom smiled at him and at Rosalynde, happy in their happiness, doubtless feeling his own drawing nearer. Peace was come at last, and his
Elizabeth
would be with him soon. There was contentment in his eyes as he, too, stood at Philip's side while the rest, one by one, great and small, came to acknowledge Philip as true king.

Even Margaret, again in widow's black, knelt before the throne and swore her allegiance, an unrepentant gleam in her eye. For Rosalynde's sake, and for the great mercy God had shown him, Philip had sent for his sister-in-law and pardoned her. She was accounted little threat now. Stephen was dead and with him the Ellenshaw aspirations. He had no heir, and there was no one now who dared stand against Philip. Heaven's approval was clearly upon his reign.

Even King William of Grenaver had sent his humbled emissaries to Winton, pleading peace between the long-time foes and surrendering all claim to the Riverlands, acknowledging his utter inability to stand against Lynaleigh united under God. Still awed himself by God's deliverance, still humbled by His majestic graciousness, Philip had felt compelled to be gracious in turn.

From my enemies I take the spoils,
he had written,
but with my friends I share. If it will keep peace between us, through brotherhood and not fear, then take the southern half of the Riverlands, leave me the north, and let us be at accord. The only surrender I ask of you is to God and His will. Then we shall be brothers indeed.

Tom had read it over his shoulder as he put his signature and seal to it.

"There will be grumbling over this, you know, if you give away half of what Lynaleigh's fought for for so long."

"Let them grumble," Philip had said, knowing his brother supported his decision. "I believe it pleases God for it to be so. It is just."

King William was in the cathedral now, coming last after all of Philip's nobles to bring his greetings and offer public assurance of lasting peace and goodwill. That done, Philip knelt once more and the Archbishop laid his hands on his dark hair, blessing him in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

"Great God of heaven and earth, merciful and mighty God, look graciously upon this Your servant. Keep his eyes ever upon You, and teach him to reign in Your strength and in Your wisdom that Your kingdom might be seen here in our land."

To that, Philip answered a fervent amen and the Archbishop raised him to his feet.

"Behold His Majesty, King Philip of Lynaleigh, of that name the fifth. Long may he rule over us in peace and justice, leading us before God in the way of faith and truth."

"Long live King Philip! God save the king!"

Philip drew Rosalynde to his side where she belonged, and listened to the growing anthem of praise that rose up through the cathedral.

"Non nobis, Domine, non nobis, sed nomine tuo da gloriam..."

He closed his eyes and joined in the song.