Facets of Fate by Amalia Dillin

Author:Amalia Dillin
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Novella anthology, fantasy with strong female characters Adam and Eve, near future science fantasy, 15th century france, contemporary fantasy romance alternating points of view
Publisher: Thorskona Books
Published: 2017-07-25T00:00:00+00:00

Twelve

Eve followed Robert out to the stables, her stomach too much in knots to eat. She’d had to forbid the manor servants from going into the village, and though Ryam had made up gifts of coins for all the children there, they would not be delivered. She did not even risk taking the task upon herself, for fear she might spread the disease, unwitting.

Her horse was waiting at least, and with food and blankets for the Dargys. She would only need to stop at the kennel on her way...

“My lady,” Ryam greeted her, already sitting atop his favorite horse. A striking black beast of a gelding, with feathered hooves and silken mane. “I thought to join you today.”

“Absolutely not,” she said, stepping around him.

He turned his horse, following her. “You’ll bring Robert, but not allow me to escort you properly?”

“I am bringing Robert only to take my horse back to the manor after I am done. It is too great a risk to allow him any nearer than the very end of the road.”

“Then I will wait for you there in his stead and escort you home again.”

She shook her head, sparing him the barest glance. He dismounted before she reached her mare and waved Denis off. She frowned, stroking her mare’s nose in greeting, and tried to ignore him. He checked the saddle, then shouldered in to examine the bridle.

“I am more than capable of handling my own horse,” she said.

“And as your husband, it is my honor to serve you.” He caught her by the waist, lifting her into the saddle. “Robert, go on to the kennel and tell them I sent you for my lady’s new ratter.”

She stared down at him. “You chose a dog?”

“As you asked of me.”

“And rose early this morning with the intent of accompanying me to the village.”

“As you see,” he agreed, his thumb brushing over her ankle as he fit her shoe into the stirrup. She shivered, and the mare sidestepped, sensing her confusion. Ryam’s hand fell away. “If the plague has come, it would be better for everyone if we gave the appearance of mutual support. They should see we are in union with one another.”

She rolled her eyes. “Are you more concerned with appearing to be in command of your wife, or with serving your people? I can never tell which is the force that motivates you.”

“Would it surprise you if I answered neither?”

Eve shook her head again and turned her horse. “You cannot come with me. The walk back to the manor is the most dangerous. I am diseased and you serve no one if you fall ill because of some noble intention.”

“Nevertheless,” he said, and when she glanced at him again, he had mounted. “And if it is as you say, I will clear the road for you.”

“Robert serves me well enough.”

“I am certain he does,” Ryam agreed again, bringing his horse beside hers. “Unfortunately, I must insist on taking his place.”

“If the plague has come,” she repeated, frowning at him.

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