Page 91 of Fortress of Snow

“Martin Fisher? Oh yes, he’s been after Mazy to marry him for at least a year now. He has money too.” Ro raised her brows and nudged Mazy’s arm. “He is handsome enough, and he seems kind.”

“You could do worse,” Anselm chimed in. “Me, for instance.”

Ro said to Anselm, “I saw Muriel Finch eyeing you yesterday like you were a side of beef.”

Anselm shook his head at her. The two walked back to the counter with Anselm muttering, “You’re just jealous.”

Surely Mazy didn’t love this Martin Fisher.

Berenger wanted her to be protected and loved, but thethought of her marrying anyone besides him made him feel empty and numb.

Dear God, help me be able to give her more than Martin Fisher ever could.

Twenty-Six

Berenger set Juliana on the bench between him and Mazy, then handed her the cup of water Ro had brought for her.

“How did your meeting with the king go today?” Mazy stared straight into his eyes. “Well, I hope.”

“Not so well.” Berenger briefly explained what the king had said, trying to speak softly and not too explicitly, lest Juliana understand and repeat his words.

“This is not good.” Mazy’s cheeks turned pale, her eyes widening. “Let me speak to the king. I can explain everything, as I was there with you.”

“No offense intended toward you, Mazy, but the king probably would not grant you an audience with him. You’ve never been introduced—”

“We can tell him I am the daughter of Baron Wexcombe and the sister of one of his knights. He doesn’t have to know thatWarin cast me off. He listens to nobles, does he not? I know I am a woman, but—”

“I cannot let you endanger yourself for me.” The very thought of her in danger made him sorry he had told her any of this.

“I can at least try. I will not be endangering myself just by talking to him and telling him what I saw and what I know.”

Berenger knew how capricious the young king could be, but he didn’t argue with her.

“All may yet end well,” Berenger said. “After he thinks it over, and perhaps discovers more information about a certain child’s parentage, the king may realize I am telling the truth and Lady Bristow is lying.”

“I know you are accustomed to helping other people, not accepting help, but I do wish you would let me try to help.”

He didn’t speak as he thought about what she said.

“Please. Let me try.”

“The truth is, I can’t abide the thought of you coming to harm, but especially if you are hurt because you were trying to help me.”

She sighed. “It is not a sin to let someone help you, someone who wants good things for you.”

“I could give you the same advice. Did I not have only your welfare at heart when I offered to hire a guard for you? You should accept my help—if you trust me.”

“A woman shouldn’t accept assistance from a man who is not her relative nor her husband.”

“I am someone who cares for you. It is the same as—”

“Very well, very well. I suppose you are right.” She gave him a wry grin. “I won’t argue with you. I don’t want to make you angry.”

“I am not angry, just tired. I should probably try to sleep.”

“You should eat first.” Mazy nodded at the bowl in front of him.

He didn’t feel hungry, but he ate a few bites of the stew so as not to upset her.