A Knight for Love by Westerling A.M

Author:Westerling, A.M. [Westerling, A.M.]
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: Books We Love Ltd.
Published: 2013-04-05T21:00:00+00:00

Chapter Thirteen

“Come with me,” Alyna cajoled the next morning while they broke their fast, determined to tear him from his responsibilities for a while. “Gerard can look after things for one day.”

“Nay.”

The single word cut through the air as if a blade of tempered steel and she recoiled slightly. However, she wouldn’t let his brusque voice or stern expression deter her.

“I’ve packed a lunch,” she pleaded. “Come, a break from your duties will do you good.”

“Nay, Alyna, I’m needed here.” His voice, however, began to lose its curt edge.

Sensing a softening in his features, she pressed on. “A fresh mind is a strong mind. Come, you will be all the better for it.”

Still he shook his head. “Nay.”

She lifted the corner of the cloth covering the basket of food. “See? Venison and turnip and—” She paused for a moment while she pulled out a small wrapped package and waved it in the air. “Goat’s cheese. Muriel gave it to me yesterday, ‘tis fresh. Come,” she coaxed him. “It’s your favorite and there isn’t enough to share with the others.”

“Nay.” But his voice had lost its convincing edge and she knew he weakened in the face of her coaxing.

“Aye,” she announced, sensing victory. “Come and I’ll show you the farthest corner of Caperun Keep holdings. You haven’t seen all of our lands yet. Surely seeing some of the riches we share can only aid you in your resolve to recover what is ours?”

And that, apparently, was the argument that pushed him over the edge for he threw his hands up in the air. “Enough, Alyna, enough. By the Virgin Mary, you can be a stubborn one, as stubborn as a dog holding a bone against its pack.”

She knew he teased her for she detected the note of mirth ringing through his words. Better yet, she had convinced him to accompany her.

A sudden surge of happiness made her breathless; she shook it off. She had no time to waste on such silliness. She and Warin were going to steal some time together.

“I’ll tell Gerard and Bennet.” She flashed him a smile. “And I’ll need to borrow your cloak again.”

Warin watched Alyna skip away like a small child following a jester. He snorted. What had he just agreed to? A tour of Caperun lands with Alyna as guide?

A grudging smile crept across his mouth. Alyna in full charm – eyes luminous with pleading, slender hands lifted, full lips puckered – was a sight to behold. A sight not to be denied, least of all by him.

Mayhap she had a point. Mayhap he should become more acquainted with the lands now his to defend.

Of course, the prospect of spending a pleasant afternoon in his lady wife’s company did not sway him. Not at all.

Laughter sprung from his gut. The day beckoned, full of promise.

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