Page 43 of Fortress of Snow

When they were outside, Mazy decided not to tease him about the woman. Sir Berenger fetched his horse and they walked back to the Swan.

“I never thought much about how women in London face so many dangers. That is, until Delia said you were here.”

“You were worried about me?” Was she flirting—the way she smiled at him, the tone of her question? Was she as bad as that woman at the Sword and Shield? She suddenly knew how that woman felt—longing for Sir Berenger’s approval and attention. Well, she would not let herself hope. She was beingfoolish, much too foolish, to hope for anything more than friendship.

“I was worried, but I thought Sir John was looking after you. It sounds as if he hasn’t been looking after you at all. It sounds as if you’ve been on your own for the last two years.” His voice was quiet but deep, almost tender. There was no longer even a hint of a smile on his face, and his gaze was intent on her. “I’m sorry you had no one to watch over you.”

“I do have someone. I have Ro and her father, and strangers have intervened on my behalf. But mostly I take care of myself.”

“I know. And God, no doubt, is watching over you, helping you. But... would you mind if I came and checked in on you from time to time? And if you ever need anything, anything at all, I will come to your aid. Of that you can be sure.”

“That is very kind of you. But I have John. I can always send word to him if I need help.” She didn’t know why she said that, why she refused his offer of help. Except that she was afraid. And for some reason she almost felt angry that he was so adamant about offering his help. What could he do, after all, if she were being attacked? And why was he so eager to take responsibility for her welfare? She was not his responsibility.

“Of course. But in the event of an emergency, if you need me, I am not far, at least for now. I am sorry for all the evil men who have tried to hurt you.”

“None of that was your fault. They did not succeed, and it increased my confidence when I was able to defend myself.” She lifted her shoulders, realizing the truth of her statement. She didn’t need him or any man.

Where was this defiance coming from? Sir Berenger was only being kind.

He smiled again, that sweet, gentle smile of his. “You impress me, Mazy. Knife Girl. And what is it Sir John calls you? Maze Queen?”

“He always had pet names for me.” When she was a child, she thought it meant he cared for her. Now she no longer believed he did. A brother who loved his sister did not ignore her the way John ignored her.

“Will you unlock the door,” he asked, “just so I can make sure no one is lurking inside, waiting to attack you?”

“Very well, but if the door is locked...”

“I promise I will go as soon as I’ve seen that all is well. Humor me.”

Mazy unlocked the door. Sir Berenger went in first, looking into the corners of the small room, then going to the bottom of the stairs and gazing up the staircase.

“See? All is well. No one is here.”

Sir Berenger gave her a crooked smile, staring for a moment before saying, “Fare well, Mazy, and stay safe.”

“I shall, if God so wills.”

Sir Berenger hesitated, but then he turned to leave.

“Fare well,” Mazy said, suddenly noticing the way the muscles in his back rippled against his shirt. She felt a shiver across her own shoulders, her feelings for him almost overwhelming her.

Pushing those feelings aside, she said, “Thank you for supper.”

“I shall see you soon,” he said over his shoulder. “Don’t forget to lock the door.”

With that, he closed the door and she locked it. But the sound of the key clicking in the lock was the last she heard before Ro burst in from the main room of the alehouse.

Thirteen

“What happened? What did he say? Did you kiss him?”

“Of course not.” Mazy shook her head and rolled her eyes to the ceiling. “We ate supper at the Sword and Shield—”

“Yes?” Ro clasped her hands together.

“He walked me home—”

“Yes?” Ro jumped up and down.