Queen of Lost Stars by Kathryn Le Veque

Author:Kathryn Le Veque [Veque, Kathryn Le]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Medieval
Published: 2016-04-01T06:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TEN

MADELAYNE MADE HER way out into the ward where the soldiers were clustered around a scattering of bonfires that littered the yard. The sky above was black as pitch, littered with stars that gleamed brightly. It wasn’t particularly cold this night, surprisingly, and she was comfortable in her light woolen gown. Her feet seemed to have a mind of their own, taking her to the wall as she distractedly pondered Nicholas.

She also found herself thinking of Cairn and how her life had changed since his death. Mounting the narrow spiral stairs that led to the battlements of the eastern wall, she realized her heart still ached somewhat from missing her husband but she wasn’t regretful of the direction her life had taken. She was very lucky that Kaspian had decided to marry her. She felt as if she were embarking on an entirely new life.

The stars were brighter upon the wall where the wind blew softly and the trees in the distance rattled their dead leaves. She leaned against the stones, gazing at the countryside below, her thoughts turning from Cairn to Nicholas once again. Perhaps she should apologize for acting so abruptly, but she would not apologize for misunderstanding him. She knew she hadn’t, no matter how logical he made it all sound. And she, too, had noticed how Mavia had stared at him all evening and she was at a loss to understand why.

The world was growing more complicated by the moment.

“It’s a beautiful evening,” came a soft voice.

Madelayne started, whirling to Kaspian as he stood behind her. She patted her chest to calm her racing heart. “You startled me.”

He smiled and moved up beside her, leaning on the wall as she had been. “This was Cairn’s favorite spot. The man could stand here for hours, gazing out into the distance as if he could see things none of us could. How did you know to come here?”

“I didn’t. It’s simply a beautiful view.”

“Cairn thought it was the best view in all of Lavister.”

Madelayne studied his strong features in the moonlight. “You miss him.”

“Of course I do. He was my friend and a fine knight. Were he alive, de Dalyn would not be here and things would be considerably calmer.”

“But you and I would not be betrothed.”

“True enough,” he said. “But I cannot be glad for a man’s death, no matter how badly I want his wife.”

She shrugged, attempting levity. “You could have fought him for me, you know.”

“As a chivalrous knight, I would do no such thing.”

“I suppose I’m not worth it, then.”

“You are worth that and more. But honor is important and must be placed in each situation accordingly. ’Twould not have been honorable to battle my friend for your favor.”

“I would have thought less of you if you had.”

He looked at her and they smiled at one another. “I am pleased to hear you say that,” he said. “You are also, as I knew, a woman of honor.”

She leaned back against the wall, brushing against his massive arm and feeling bolts of excitement race through her.

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