The Rose and the Shield by Sara Bennett

Author:Sara Bennett [Bennett, Sara]
Format: epub, mobi
Published: 2010-01-07T07:37:54+00:00

As Rose turned away, Gunnar leaned back, feeling light-headed, his tired eyes stinging from the smoke that swirled about the hall. He was tired, aye, but not tired enough evidently. His body hardened, desire singing through him. She only had to look at him with those deep, dark eyes and he wanted her. And she wasn’t even aware of it.

One of the Somerford hounds slunk under a table, scrounging for scraps. It reminded him of Sir Arno—sly-eyed, groveling to the powerful, but always willing to turn on anything weaker. Like Arno, the creature would find little joy—food stocks at Somerford were low until the harvest was in and the animals that had been fattened over the summer could be killed in the autumn. Ivo would have to go out hunting again tomorrow.

His gaze followed the prettiest of the Somerford wenches, the cook, Eartha, as she made her way to Rose. Just now the woman’s ready smile was missing, as she bent and began murmuring in her lady’s ear with an intensity that spiked Gunnar’s interest.

The atmosphere in the hall had been merry verging on hysterical ever since Steven had come to share the good news. And it was good news. Gunnar was very glad to hear that Lily was well, and that Radulf and his wife now had a son to add to their little daughter. He had been puzzled at first as to why Radulf had sent Steven, his favorite young knight-in-training, but Steven’s steady gaze in his direction had made it clear enough. He was to let Steven know what was happening so that he could report back to Radulf. Even at such a moment as this, the King’s Sword was watching his enemies—maybe Lily’s safe delivery of an heir made him even more determined to keep the peace at Crevitch. Men like Fitzmorton and Miles de Vessey did not understand that—they lived for war.

And just as well, Gunnar told himself bracingly. If there were no wars and no squabbles between the great of this land, he would be without a job. And it seemed as if he would be needing work now that his dream of owning his own land was receding. Maybe Radulf could keep him permanently at Crevitch? Then he would be close by Somerford, if—Gunnar cut the thought off there. No, to stay would remind him of all he might have had. It would be better to get as far away from Somerford as possible, into the north, and forget he had ever seen the Lady Rose.

Eartha was still whispering. Rose nodded, head bent, her grave, beautiful face in shadow. Gunnar could not help but examine the graceful curve of her neck, the hollow near her jaw where he had kissed her last night—one of the many places he had kissed her last night. Was there a faint blue bruise against the pale honey of her skin? Had anyone else noticed? He would have to be more careful next time…

Gunnar almost groaned aloud. Next

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