A Feast Most Foul (Ducal Detective Mysteries Book 2) by Sarah E. Burr

Author:Sarah E. Burr [Burr, Sarah E.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2017-07-27T18:30:00+00:00

Chapter Seven

Mesmerized by the creature’s beauty, Jax watched Maximus gather speed until the horse galloped beside her, Sir Antoine grinning boyishly in her direction. She knew the thrill of riding a Crepsta stallion at top speed, and it was nearly impossible not to smile. “He rides beautifully, Sir Antoine,” Jax complimented as she watched the beast thunder across the ground.

“You’re very good in the saddle, yourself, Duchess,” Antoine commented, noting her exquisite posture as he slowed down to trot beside her.

She laughed. “I wish my High Courtier could hear you say that. I was always a fan of riding with both feet in the stirrups as a child. He practically had to tie me to a saddle like this to get me to sit like a lady,” she shared, groaning at the hours Jaquobie spent ranting and raving about her inadequate equestrian skills.

“I can imagine you were quite the wild spirit as a child.” Antoine smiled, chuckling at the thought. “You are quite refreshing from the other ducal rulers I’ve dealt with in the past.”

Jax frowned slightly, hoping he was not implying that she was weaker than her male or more experienced counterparts in the realm.

He saw her expression and immediately backtracked. “What I meant to convey was that your open-mind and kind attitude is uplifting. I’m so used to listening to dukes drone on and on about themselves,” he added, rolling his eyes, then blushed, realizing that Duke Mensina was only a few feet away. “You seem to be genuinely interested in others around you. It’s nice.”

For the first time since they were introduced, Jax felt a rush of fondness for the knight. His elaborate and gaudy persona was just an act, a way to keep the mystery alive, now that he was no longer nameless. From atop his stately horse, Antoine revealed his true colors and what he valued. “Thank you, Sir Antoine. That’s very kind of you.”

“Wincaester! Take lead of the right column and I’ll go off to the left. We’ll corner the little devils in no time,” Duke Mensina’s harsh command interrupted their intimate conversation, causing Antoine to spring into action.

Having no desire to stay with her grandfather, Jax nudged Olive after the group Antoine led deeper into the forest. She had fallen behind, now that the chase was on, and she dallied at the back of the column with a few bannermen. Men she noticed wearing the colors of Savant.

Seizing the opportunity to learn more about the fallen knight, she edged her horse closer to the group. “I’m so sorry to hear about the death of Master Chalfant.” Jax said with sympathy, addressing the man nearest to her.

He did a double take, likely thrown by her being the Duchess of Saphire, and yet still speaking to them. “Excuse me, Your Grace? What did you say?”

Jax leaned in as much as the saddle would allow. “I said I’m sorry to hear about Master Chalfant’s death.”

The man looked at his other comrades, each of whom appeared spooked.

“Forgive me, did I say something offensive?” Jax couldn’t understand their odd behavior.

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