Page 96 of The Noble Servant

Magdalen held Steffan tight. He was just the sort of man she would want to marry—kindhearted enough to embrace her and comfort her when she cried, and honest enough to admit that he was struggling to trust his cousin’s word.

Wanting to comforthimmade her cease crying as she patted his back and rested against his warm, solid chest. His soft, linen shirt smelled so good—she drew in a deep breath of it—like outdoors and a particular warm smell that was distinct to Steffan.

She cared so much for him. Should she kiss him on the lips to let him know how she felt?

She lost her breath at the thought. She wasn’t sure she could be that bold, nor did it seem very wise. Perhaps she should say nothing and enjoy their friendship. But if they were friends, should she not be able to tell him anything?

“Steffan.” Her breath deserted her again and made it difficult to speak.

“Yes?” He caressed her shoulder.

“Everything is about to change, when Lord Thornbeck arrives and all the guests come. What will happen then?”

“What do you want to happen?” The intense note in Steffan’s voice made her lift her head to look up at him.

“I ... I don’t know.” But it was not the truth. She did know, but how could she tell him?

She stared into his brown eyes. He wasn’t looking at her with that soft, sweet look he sometimes had. It was more of a bracing-for-the-worst expression. Her heart stuttered. “What is the matter?”

“Nothing. Go on.”

“I ...” This was foolish. He had already rejected her once. She would not humiliate herself by forcing him to reject her again. She blurted, “What shall we do with Alexander and Agnes when we are in our rightful roles again?”

She had an uncomfortable feeling inside, almost as if she had lied. But she’d only avoided saying what was truly on her mind. And it was a good question for both of them to consider.

Steffan lifted his head, his eyes suddenly alert. He grasped her arm.

A sound drifted in from outside. Steffan hurried toward the window and she followed.

They looked out, staying far enough back so no one could see them. A group of people were entering through the gate. Was that her mother riding on a horse? Mother said a lady should never take a long trip on horseback.

“It is my mother! My mother came.”

Steffan’s arm pressed against her shoulder. “Ja, and Lord Thornbeck is just behind her. Look.”

Lord Thornbeck was a tall, brown-haired, broad-shouldered man on a large black horse, and riding beside him on a smaller brown horse was his wife. “Lady Avelina!”

They looked magnificent, with the bright-colored trappings covering Lord and Lady Thornbeck’s horses. His knights also wore the Thornbeck colors. Mother and her few men looked drab compared to them.

“They’re coming to help us.” Magdalen’s heart swelled. “Thank you, thank you, Avelina and Lord Thornbeck,” she whispered, tears in her eyes. “See how angry my mother looks?” She stifled a nervous laugh. “I can hardly wait to greet Avelina. Do you think it’s safe now to go downstairs?”

“We should wait a few minutes. We don’t want to risk getting seized by Lord Hazen’s guards before our friends are inside the castle.”

“Oh, that makes sense.”

They watched out the window until everyone had passed through the gate. Steffan’s arm pressed against hers. He gently pulled her shoulder around so they were facing each other.

“Magdalen, I have something to say to you.” His eyes were so intense, staring straight into her, it seemed. His forehead was creased and his mouth tense.

She raised her hand to touch his beard. A lump in her throat forced her to swallow, while her heart beat erratically. She moved her gaze from his lips to his deep-brown eyes.

He bent his head closer until their foreheads were nearly touching. “I’ve been waiting for the right time to tell you, and I don’t want to wait anymore.”

“This is a charming sight.”

They spun around. Lord Hazen stood in the doorway with three guards.

Chapter Thirty-Four