Page 10 of One Knight
“I have you.” Sir Henry placed her on the ground, not releasing her until she found her footing.
“Thank you,” she said as she shook out her legs.
“You ride well. You keep pace.”
“And my body feels it.”
A whisper of concern moved across his expression. “We can slow down, if you require it.”
“Why?”
“Why what?”
“Why are you being kind to me?”
His brow furrowed. “Why wouldn’t I be?”
“You’re a man.”
His countenance darkened. “Who treated you so poorly to make that your impression of men?” Then he paused. “Ah. Your brother, the coward, who may be dead or soon will be.”
“He’s never shown the least concern for anyone but himself.”
“Perhaps we will overtake him as well.”
“Is that our true purpose?”
“To find the baron?”
“No, Lady Hilda.”
Light brightened his blue gaze. “So, you will admit you sent her to the priory?”
“Of course I did. Where else would she be safe from you?”
“You really do think I am some kind of monster, don’t you?”
“Perhaps I did.”
“Did?”
“Your character has surprised me thus far, I must admit.”
He smiled, and it removed years from his face. “Then I am happy to surprise you. Come, my lady. I will escort you and keep watch.”
His mixture of gallantry and his clearly defined purpose of being a deadly warrior was at odds in Elisande’s mind. He was not a vicious beast, like the rumors had said of William’s berserker knights.
Perhaps … perhaps rumors had been wrong. So far, it seemed like that could be possible. Or perhaps this one knight was the exception. Or perhaps she was wrong, and if they overtook Hilda and Alger, his true character would shine through. Either way, as Elisande slipped into the trees, she was grateful for the reprieve from horseback. Whatever happened, she was glad to be out in the open air, rather than experiencing any of the possible fates she had envisioned yesterday morning.
After several more hours in the saddle, however, Elisande was ready to recant her earlier thoughts.
“Oh my word,” she said as she was lifted off her seat at nightfall.
“Come, my lady. We will make a bed for you.”
“A bed …” she said with longing in her heart and soul.
He chuckled beside her. “You have never ridden astride all the way to the priory before?”
