The Ward’s Bride by Cecelia Mecca

Author:Cecelia Mecca
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Publisher: 0
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

7

If it was uncommon for a woman to shoot a crossbow, it was even more so for one to shoot a longbow, considering the back and arm strength that was needed. It was only after much cajoling that Cora’s father had allowed her to even try. From the moment she first heard the tale of the Welsh longbow arrow that had killed Edwin, the son of the King of Northumberland, Cora had been determined to master the skill. It had taken her years of practice to reach the target, and even longer to shoot with accuracy and speed, but she had never lacked determination.

Once she’d proven herself, her father had supported her interest in the longbow, arranging for lessons with his cousin, the greatest archer in England, and commissioning a specially designed bow for her. Though her father had initially refused to allow her into the training yard with the lads, she’d worn him down in time, and the entire clan loved to watch her shoot.

After all of her practice, there was none better than she.

At home she had trained every morning and before dusk. Her mother hadn’t understood. Her sister had thought she was mad. But to Cora, there was no greater pleasure than forgetting everything in the world save the feel of a bowstring on her cheek, taut, waiting for her command.

“I choose a test of skills,” she said now, looking into Adam’s eyes.

He held out his hand and stopped her before they left the keep. “Cora, you cannot—”

“Adam,” interjected Richard, “allow the woman some space. How will she walk with you hovering so?” With that, he took her arm and escorted her outside. This was working out beautifully. Although it was still early and her stomach grumbled for lack of food, Cora could not be happier. Her husband would be properly appalled and she would be one step closer to her goal without actually embarrassing him in front of Sir Richard.

For some reason, she was hesitant to do so. She knew Richard’s approval meant more to Adam than anything. And at first she’d thought to use that fact. But after last night, she felt a tug, a softening, for her husband.

She couldn’t look him in the eye, so she was glad Richard had taken her arm. After what happened between her and Adam last eve, Cora wasn’t sure she could ever look at him again.

They entered the yard, which was quiet at this hour save for a few soldiers who had either opted not to break their fast or risen early to start their workouts. The armorer, standing in front of the small external armory, gave Cora a curious glance when she asked for her longbow.

“‘Tis not yew, my lady?” The bearded man handed her the weapon.

“Nay, ash,” she replied. Cora was proud of the weapon, which had been made to match her height. He handed her practice arrows and then pointed her toward the targets at the other end of the training yard.

Anxious to begin, Cora

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