The Maiden and the Warrior by Jacqueline Navin

Author:Jacqueline Navin [Navin, Jacqueline]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Fiction, Romance, Historical
ISBN: 9780373290031
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 1997-12-31T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fourteen

On the morn of Alayna’s second trip to the village, the wagons were already loaded and waiting when Lucien and his men rode into the bailey.

“I see you have not disappointed me, my lord husband,” Alayna said when he pulled his mount alongside hers. “Though you wait until the last possible moment.”

Lucien shrugged. “It could not be helped. Let us be on our way.” He kicked his horse past hers and led the group out through the castle gate, choosing to ignore her haughty look. She was spoiling for a fight this morning, but for once he was not up to it.

He had not meant to be rude to her. It just seemed to come, as it always did, when she flashed those green eyes and tilted her head at that intolerable angle. And why did she look so unaffectedly appealing, even dressed as she was in a simple gown of gray and her hair pulled back?

When they arrived at the village, they rode directly away to the marketplace. Lucien watched warily for signs of the rancor Alayna had met before, but was gratified to see rather hopeful expectation in the faces of the folk who watched.

“Bring the carts up, and get some help unpacking them,” he ordered. The crowd seemed to recoil at his harsh tone. Was he truly that intimidating? he wondered. He knew he was when he meant to be, but he intended no ill will here. Softening his tone, he continued, “There is much to be done. Each of you see to your assigned duties.”

He saw Alayna rush over to greet a woman who was holding a babe. She swept the child into her arms and laughed enchantingly as the tiny boy waved his arms. The woman followed Alayna and the child into one of the huts, leaving Lucien to stare like a dumbstruck fool after her.

He had never seen her laugh, he realized. Not like that, completely carefree and without any bitterness. She was never that way with him.

“It gets no easier, does it, friend?” Agravar smiled. Lucien scowled and the Norseman chuckled. “Why do you insist on this game when you have but to take her, and you will be relieved of this distraction?”

“Thank you for the sage advice,” Lucien snapped, “but considering your long acquaintance with women, you will understand if I do not become overly enthusiastic at your direction.”

Agravar winced as if wounded by Lucien’s retort, then immediately fell to laughing once again. Lucien only deepened his frown.

“My lord,” Pelly interrupted, “I have with me a man of the village who has requested a word with you.”

The man, a brawny fellow of perhaps two score and ten, waited nervously. Lucien made an effort to frown less. He wanted respect from these people, not the fear Edgar had inspired.

“My lord baron, several of the village men wish to speak with you,” the man said. His hands were busily wringing his cap. “Would you consent to join us in the gathering room above the tavern?”

Lucien indicated for him to lead the way.

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