Page 14 of One Knight
“Here you are.” He gestured to the bedrollclosest to the fire. Another was at least a pace away.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. We leave at dawn’s first light.”
“Traveling light and fast?” she asked.
“Yes, my lady. I suggest you get as much rest as possible. It will be another long day.”
She lowered herself onto her bedroll. “Oof,” she whispered as she winced.
“My apologies that this is necessary. I truly do not have any intent to cause you pain.”
“Is it necessary? Couldn’t we simply have waited for Brother Benedict? He comes at least every other fortnight.”
With the firelight flickering on his features, the planes and shadows were even more highlighted. His blue gaze seemed to glow.
“Trust me when I say, I would much rather have you comfortable and well rested for what I have planned. But, no, we couldn’t have waited. My orders were to secure these lands with all due haste, irrevocably.”
Heat, not from the fire, bloomed in Elisande’s body. “So, this isn’t about Hilda.”
His gaze was frank. “Not anymore.”
CHAPTER 7
The second day was worse, and the morning of the third was awful. Elisande had never been so sore. All she wanted was a hot bath and a real bed, preferably behind solid walls.
“If I die before we reach the priory, just bury me wherever I land. Don’t bother to bring me back. My bones can’t take it.”
Geoffrey laughed as Henry raised an eyebrow.
“You’re not going to die. And no one is leaving you anywhere.”
“I am not made for this. I feel one hundred years old.”
“You don’t look it,” Geoffrey replied, which earned him a sharp glance from Henry.
“We are almost there. You’ll be fine.”
“Says the man who has worn metal as clothing most of his life.”
Geoffrey laughed again. “She’s funny, you must admit.”
Henry let his smile free. “Yes.” He looked to Elisande. “Are you quite done?”
“I’m not being dramatic. I promise. This is awful.”
“Try the guilt for putting you through this on for size.”
She met his gaze and realized he meant it. “You actually care?”
“Have I not done everything I can to help you through it?”
“Yes,” she admitted.
“It wasn’t because I don’t care.”
“I thought it was simply because you had things planned for me.”
