The Conqueror's Lady by TERRI BRISBIN

Author:TERRI BRISBIN
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2009-09-04T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eleven

‘Did you swive her on the floor of God’s House?’ Brice asked under his breath as the lady walked by them on her way into the keep. Giles speared him a look that bespoke of the falseness of such a thought, but Brice shrugged. ‘You were in there a long time, Giles.’

‘In spite of what Soren might tell you, some things are not accomplished quickly, my friend. As you will discover in Thaxted, I am certain.’

‘Mayhap I will walk in and be lauded as the conquering hero? What say you then?’

‘I will add that to my nightly prayers to the Almighty, Brice.’ They laughed at his words and then Giles sobered. ‘’Tis like a boil was lanced—so much had built between us and needed to be released.’

‘A good tupping would accomplish the same release, my lord.’ Brice laughed and added, ‘Or so Soren would say.’

‘I pray it will be so, my lord Thaxted. Soon and often.’

They walked the rest of the way to the stables and mounted the horses waiting saddled for them. Ordering four others to await them at the gates, Giles waited on the lady. Glancing down at the ring he wore on a chain around his neck, he lifted it for closer inspection. Bertram’s ring bore a large red stone carved with his insignia—a raven and a river—and nothing else. Except, he noticed, a large dent-like indentation on the rim of it, cracking the edge of the stone, as though it had been hit with something. Was that how it had been removed from the old lord’s finger? No wonder Fayth became overwrought whenever she saw it.

She came through the door then and he rode over to her, leaning down and holding out a hand to help her mount. Her confusion was clear.

‘You will not walk into the village,’ he said, holding his hand out again. ‘’Tis not safe.’

She gathered her skirts, accepted his hand and, with a foot placed on his, climbed up behind him on the horse. Once she’d settled there and he felt her arms encircle him, he signalled to ride out. As they made their way out of the gates and down the road to the village by the river his heated body reacted to her nearness and soon the ride was more uncomfortable than he’d have wished it to be. They rode along the narrow path and it did not take long before he could feel her fidgeting behind him.

‘Hold there, my lady. Have you never ridden before?’ he asked.

‘You are too tall, my lord. I can see nothing past your shoulders as we ride.’ He thought that made perfect protective sense, but the lady seemed more interested in the sights they were passing.

‘Lady, I am not convinced that you are safe leaving the manor’s walls. Do not give me reasons to return there now.’

Brice smiled wryly at him, obviously enjoying the situation. No matter his friend’s reassurances that no rebels remained on his lands, Giles could not pretend to be comforted by such reports.

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