A Knight's Temptation by Lana Williams

Author:Lana Williams [Williams, Lana]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Lana Williams
Published: 2017-11-06T18:00:00+00:00

~*~

Ilisa scowled, suspicion filling her, as she walked through the portcullis to the lists which had been set up for jousting the next morn. She’d seen Braden and Alec striding out of the gate, Alec practically skipping with excitement, and decided to follow.

Several of the other ladies had gathered under tall open-sided tents to watch the practice. Already servants were setting up platforms for those watching the competition on the morrow. Rather than join the ladies, she waved but walked toward the end of the lists closest to where Braden and Alec were.

Braden was speaking to her brother intently, and when he pointed toward the quintain, the pole that stood in the middle of the lists erected to practice jousting, Ilisa knew her suspicions were correct.

After a glance down the lists to be certain an oncoming horse wouldn’t trample her, she marched to where the pair stood.

“What are you about?” she demanded, not bothering to hide her displeasure.

Braden straightened, a single brow raised. “Teaching my squire to joust.”

Alec shifted nervously, looking everywhere but at her.

“Your squire doesn’t need to learn to joust.” She glanced about to make sure no one could overhear their conversation. “He’s not a real squire, nor does he intend to be one.”

Braden reached out to take her hand in his. “While we’re here, he is my squire. His duties include learning the art of jousting.”

She waited, almost expecting him to comment on a wife’s duties. Apparently, her expression had him thinking better of it, for he said nothing more.

“Ilisa,” Alec began.

Both she and Braden turned to glare at him.

“Or rather, Lady Cairstine, I asked to learn more about it.”

Ilisa didn’t want to hear that.

Before she could respond, he continued, “Many of the other squires are already quite accomplished at jousting.”

She tugged her hand from Braden’s, her emotions tumbling. “Alec, there are many other things you can do. You don’t have to become a knight. We’ve discussed this before.”

“Aye, but I might change my mind.” He glanced at Braden. “Sir Hugh has shown me a different side of knighthood.”

Her stomach tightened. She didn’t want to hear that either.

“How can I make a wise choice when I don’t have all the knowledge to do so?” At last he looked at her, his expression willing her to understand.

“A choice.” That was something few had. Lady Arabela came to mind. Then again, few women did. Alec’s comment made Ilisa wonder at her own decision. Had she made it because she truly believed taking her vows was for the best or had she decided to do so because she didn’t think another path was open to her? That was a question for another day.

“I don’t want to disappoint William when he’s released by becoming anything less than what he’d expect,” Alec said.

“I understand, but I don’t want you to base your decision on what you think William would want.”

“I won’t. But for now, I would like to try my hand at the quintain.” His gaze focused on the pole.

One arm of it held a stuffed cloth bag.

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