Whispers of Desire by Amanda Mariel

Author:Amanda Mariel [Mariel, Amanda]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Ariston nodded to Lord Smyth. “My lady will be most pleased with your aid but foul-tempered over waiting for the dawn of a new day.”

Lord Smyth took a nonchalant sip from his goblet. “I will handle the Lady Isabel, worry not. She will see reason.”

Lord Smyth clearly lacked knowledge of Lady Isabel, for the wench proved more stubborn than any man Ariston had ever known. It was likely she would take herself off to Almerry under the cloak of night with no mind for her safety and no army to assist.

After all, was that not the way of it the night he’d met her?

“I will see my men briefed and properly prepared before I send them off to battle. You shall remain at Willbridge this eve,” Lord Smyth said.

“Aye,” Ariston agreed, unable to argue with the lord’s logic, for it was indeed the best course to take. He massaged his forehead with one hand as he searched the great hall for Isabel. She would likely make an appearance soon, anxious to know the outcome of their discussion. As well as to break her fast. Lord Smyth had sent her an invitation to rejoin him for the evening meal.

Heat flared in his loins when Isabel reentered the great hall. Gone was the mail she’d worn, replaced by a flowing green kirtle embroidered with gold thread. Her shining raven hair hung down her back in inky ringlets, bouncing with her movements. He saw naught but her in the crowded room as she advanced to take her seat. The woman was a true beauty, more alluring than the sweetest mead.

Regret weighed heavily on him when their gazes met, for he knew she was about to be displeased. All the same, he returned her warm smile. How could he not?

“I trust my knight has brought you up to date on our circumstances,” Isabel said.

Her voice warmed Ariston, waking a primal need deep in his soul.

Lord Smyth lifted his goblet. “Indeed, and I have pledged my men to your cause. Let us toast our continuing allegiance.”

Ariston looked between Lady Isabel and Lord Smyth, his stomach in knots. He did not care to see the lady crestfallen, but alas, he could do naught about what was to come.

She lifted her own goblet. “Very good, my lord. Almerry thanks you for your kindness.” She offered a pleasing smile. “I wish to gather the army and depart at once, my lord.”

Ariston swallowed down the lump forming in his throat and looked at Lord Smyth.

“My lady, it will take time to prepare my army. Willbridge will provide you and your people shelter for the evening. Your knight will depart with my army at first light.” He turned his attention to the trencher a servant placed in front of him.

Ariston watched the soft lines of Lady Isabel’s face turn hard, yet she gave no argument. He could only imagine what mischief was dancing through that pretty head of hers. “My lady, if we were to take our leave this evening, we would not reach Almerry before tomorrow evening.

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