Page 105 of The Noble Servant

She smiled, his oft-spoken phrase sending a jolt to her heart.

“Let me hold the baby.” Steffan reached for the precious bundle.

Magdalen helped transfer her to his arms, carefully making sure her head was supported.

Steffan held her against his chest, staring down into the baby’s face. “We will be good parents, do you not think?”

“I think so.”

“I think so too.” Avelina came up behind them.

The four of them, plus the baby, walked down the stairs.

Steffan looked around the Great Hall, where his great-grandfather’s sword and battle-ax were prominently displayed, as well as the banner and shield bearing his family’s colors and coat of arms.

Steffan was back in his familiar place at the head of the table. Lord and Lady Thornbeck and Magdalen sat in the nearest seats around him, while Alexander and Agnes, who had been released from the dungeon, sat at a lower table with Lenhart.

How strange it was that Alexander, the person who had seemed his biggest enemy, had decided to help him and actually had a hand in saving their lives. Steffan’s cynical side said it was due mostly to his knowing that Lord Hazen would not get away with what he had done, and Alexander had helped Steffan and Magdalen in an effort to save himself. But now that he knew what it felt like to bein love, he couldn’t help believing that love had played some part in Alexander’s decision to do the right thing.

Thinking of love made him turn his eyes on Magdalen. She was radiant in a pink gown and pink ribbons in her hair. She smiled nearly every moment, but that was mostly due to having Lady Thornbeck here with her. But when Magdalen turned her glowing countenance on him and touched his arm, he somehow felt taller.

Steffan had Lenhart brought up to the dais, and he stood beside him and announced that he had something to say to all their guests—the Baroness of Mallin, Lord and Lady Thornbeck, and all of the knights and guards they had brought with them.

“This young man, Lenhart”—Steffan set his hand on the boy’s shoulder—“risked his life in loyalty to his mistress, Lady Magdalen. He was able to explain, even without the ability to speak aloud, all the treachery that was taking place in Wolfberg. He is the one who brought help, and Lady Magdalen and I will always be grateful to Lenhart.”

Everyone cheered, and smiles beamed on every face. People congratulated Lenhart as he walked back to his seat, clapping him on the back and raising their cups of wine in salute.

When the meal was nearly over, Steffan leaned closer to Magdalen as she gave him her full attention.

“What will happen to Lord Hazen, Erlich, and Alexander and Agnes?” she asked. “Have you spoken about it?”

“Yes. Lord Thornbeck and I discussed it—your mother also had an opinion. We will send Lord Hazen to the king’s castle in Prague to let him decide his punishment. It could be some time before the king returns, as he is visiting the pope in Avignon, but he should be secure in the king’s dungeon until then. We will have Erlichbanished, and we will ask the king to pardon Alexander and Agnes since they helped us. If the king strips Alexander of his property in Arnsbaden, I will make sure he is not destitute, at least.”

“That is kind of you. What did my mother think should be done?”

“She thought Lord Hazen should be made to walk in leg irons all the way to Prague and that Alexander and Agnes should be locked in the dungeon until the king pronounced their punishment.”

“Oh my.”

“You are not much like your mother, are you?”

“No.” She giggled. “And Katrin?”

“She’ll be sent back to Arnsbaden with most of Lord Hazen’s other servants—unless you have another preference.”

“No, I don’t want her to be punished, even though she did betray us to Lord Hazen. At least she warned us.”

He smiled and caressed her cheek with his thumb. “I want to ask you something.”

“Oh? Another interesting proposal like the one from earlier today?”

“Yes, as a matter of fact.” He cleared his throat. “The guests who are coming in a few days will be expecting a wedding celebration.”

“Shall you let Alexander and Agnes have their wedding celebration after all? That is generous of you.”

He opened his mouth to protest, then saw the smile on her lips. “You are very amusing. I was about to ask you ...”

“Ask me what?” A twinkle glittered in her eye.