Noble Hearts 03 - The Courageous Heart by Merry Farmer

Author:Merry Farmer [Farmer, Merry]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2012-10-29T07:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fourteen

Joanna lifted the cauldron of scalding-hot water from its hook near the fire. She lugged it to the area where the kitchen drudges were scrubbing pots from the midday meal. Her muscles ached and sweat dripped down her back. She’d never worked menial kitchen jobs in her life. Under any other circumstances she would be cross at the tasks she’d been given. She was numb.

“When you’ve finished that I’ve got a basket of yesterday’s bread that needs taking to the dungeon,” the second assistant cook called across the noisy kitchen.

Joanna blinked, setting the cauldron down among the drudges.

“But I’m not supposed to go to the dungeons,” she said. “I was hired to attend the king.”

The second assistant cook laughed at her. “Well aren’t we miss high and mighty. Do as you’re told, girl.”

Joanna shut her gaping mouth, taking up the basket that the cook shoved at her. Pennington would have her hide if he knew she was crossing his plan.

As soon as the thought hit her, dread like a hot stone sank into her stomach. She couldn’t be one of Pennington’s toads already.

“Yes miss.” She dropped a curtsy to the fat woman and turned to scuttle out of the kitchen.

“Hurry back,” the assistant cook hollered after her. “We’ve got supper to start and as usual the king is entertaining this evening.”

Joanna kept her head lowered as she rushed across the green. It was crowded in spite of the hour. She had to dodge a few loitering nobles on her way to the White Tower. As many times as she reminded herself that no one could see into her head, she knew each and every one of them suspected why she was there.

When someone bumped her as she reached the top of the stairs she gasped.

“Watch where you’re going!” a familiar voice shouted.

Joanna’s knees went weak with relief to see the maid Lucy glaring at her.

Lucy’s hard expression softened and she smiled. “Oh, it’s you! Here to spy on your master in the dungeon again?” She backed into the Tower entryway and drew Joanna with her to the shelter of the stairwell. Nobles passed by and ignored them.

“Lucy.” Joanna managed a smile. “No, I’ve taken a job in the Tower. I really do work here this time.”

“Smart.” Lucy winked. “Now that’s the way to keep an eye on your people.”

“Maybe.” Joanna glanced down the twisting stairwell, imagining the expression Crispin would wear if he found out what she was really there for. “I haven’t come here to spy on anyone,” she told Lucy, clutching the basket of bread. “I … I need money is all.”

“Ah,” Lucy nodded in understanding. “Well you’ve come to the right place then. The pay is good around here.” Lucy waited, lips twitching as she studied Joanna’s face. “I’ve been cleaning his majesty’s bedchamber,” she shared with a twinkle in her eyes when Joanna didn’t fill the silence.

Joanna was surprised to be impressed. “You’re allowed into the king’s private chamber?”

“Of course I am,” Lucy laughed. “It’s just upstairs, off the banquet hall.

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