Page 56 of The Darkland

Mara tried not to lash out when Lady Lily le Vay turned her pretty smile in Kirk’s direction. And she further kept her mouth shut when the graceful young woman took his arm and escorted him into the great hall of Quernmore’s tall and block-shaped keep where a lavish table had been set. With Niles as her escort, Mara’s spirits continued to sink as she watched Lady Lily tend to Kirk hand and foot.

The fare served by Lord Lionel was premium. He was a very wealthy man, having gained much of his wealth in shipping so close to the sea. Roast beef, ale, vegetables and sweetcakes filled the lengthy dining table as Niles helped Mara to her seat. The fair-haired knight served her himself but Mara had little appetite; her bright blue eyes were riveted to Kirk as he politely responded to Lady Lily’s attentions.

He met Mara’s piercing stare, several times, winking reassuringly at her. But Mara refused to respond to his gesture, instead, glaring headily at the lovely young woman so obviously infatuated with him. Even after Kirk introduced Mara as Edmund’s sister-in-law, she maintained her grim mood in the face of Lady Lily’s bubbling personality.

She seemed to be nice enough, but Mara could hardly see past her own jealousy. Lady Lily’s ladies-in-waiting joined them for the refreshments and Mara found herself contending with not one, but four women all eager to speak with Kirk. Her cheeks flushed but she said nothing, as hard as it was for her to control herself. She had promised Kirk that she would behave and was determined to keep her promise no matter what the circumstance.

Kirk did not seem particularly interested in the women, his gaze mostly on Mara or on his food. She had long since stopped glaring in his direction, instead, focused on her trencher lest she be forced to break her promise. Next to her, Niles’ voice lifted in greeting and much to her reluctance, Mara found herself pulled into the conversation.

Lifting her gaze, she found herself staring into the pale blue eyes of a very large, very blond knight. He was a handsome fellow with a wide, toothy grin and he took Mara’s hand chivalrously.

“Sir Spencer de Shera, my lady,” he kissed her fingers gently, his eyes never leaving her. “At your service.”

Mara was a fast thinker. Gazing into the face of the handsome knight, she suddenly saw the opportunity to make Kirk pay for Lady Lily’s attention. If she could only make him jealous enough that he would shun the woman and drop to his knees to beg Mara’s forgiveness, then she would ask no more. Smiling brightly at Sir Spencer, she gestured him to sit between her and Niles.

“A pleasure, Sir Spencer,” she scooted over to allow the man room. “Would you share our meal?”

Spencer continued to grin, practically shoving Niles to the ground in his haste. “’Twould be an honor,” he sat heavily, his scabbard pinching Mara’s thigh. She yelped and he was mortified. “Forgive me, my lady. I should have been more cautious!”

She rubbed her leg, smiling weakly, wondering if Kirk was watching the exchange. “No harm done, truly,” she removed her hand from her throbbing thigh, collecting her chalice. “Tell me; how long have you served at Quernmore?”

“Six years, my lady,” he could hardly eat with such a beautiful lady by his side. “Lord le Vay knighted me personally and I have been commanding his troops ever since.”

Mara acted as if truly involved in their conversation, hoping Kirk was beginning to boil. “How splendid. Where were you born?”

“York. My mother was Scots, royal by blood.”

“Is that so?” she could see Niles’ expression over Spencer’ shoulder and she imagined that he looked rather on-edge. And she could guess the reason. “Very impressive. I have had several uncles that have served various kings, but I have no direct blood relation to the crown. Is your mother still living?”

He nodded, warming to her and feeling like a giddy squire. “She and my father reside near Alnwick Castle in Northumberland. I have six younger sisters that they are trying to marry off as we speak.”

Mara laughed. “If the ladies are anything like their brother then I am sure your parents will have little difficulty,” his freckled cheeks flushed profusely and she laughed again. “Your modesty is astounding, Sir Spencer. Surely you have been snatched by some fortunate lady?”

He shook his head. “I have not,” his voice softened, his pale blue eyes intense. “Are… are you spoken for, my lady?”

Mara never had the chance to reply. Kirk was suddenly between them, cleaving any further conversation. Spencer glanced up, startled by the abrupt appearance.

“Sir K-Kirk,” he stammered, leaping to his feet. “An honor, my lord. I did not want to interrupt your conversation with Lord Lionel, else I would have greeted you already.”

Kirk struggled to keep from wrapping his hands around Spencer’ throat. He was a good knight, intelligent and strong, and Kirk liked him a great deal. Or at least he had until the man turned his interest on Mara, who did little to discourage the attention.

“If you will notice, Lord Lionel has left the room to tend to a brief matter,” he was growling. “Now you may properly greet me. And you will vacate this seat immediately.”

Spencer did as he was told. Mara was sorry she had caused the man trouble, but the end result was what she hoped for; Lady Lily was alone at the head of the table. And Kirk, even though he wasn’t begging forgiveness for allowing another woman to occupy his attention, was nonetheless standing by her side.

“I… I apologize, my lord,” Sir Spencer said respectfully. “I was not aware that I was offending anyone.”

“You were not,” Mara said, rising from the bench. “I enjoyed meeting you, Sir Spencer. Mayhap we can continue our conversation at another time.”

Kirk gazed down at her, suspecting what she had been up to and greatly perturbed. He was about to remove her from the room and explain his displeasure with the palm of his hand to her buttocks when Lord le Vay re-emerged into the great hall. Motioning to Kirk, the knight had no choice but to go with the man and deliver his message privately.

But not before he looked to Mara and then to Niles. “Take her in hand, Niles,” he said deliberately, ignoring Spencer altogether. “I shall trust you and you alone.”

Niles nodded, watching as Kirk passed a heady glare at Spencer before departing. And Spencer, normally mild-mannered and quite congenial, glared in return. Without benefit of spoken word, Niles realized the battle lines had already been drawn.

Mara, too, wasn’t oblivious to the intense expressions between the men and it was oddly flattering. Not that Spencer had any possible chance in pursuing her; still, it somehow made her feel more secure. As long as Kirk was willing to obviously establish that she belonged to him, then she was satisfied.

As Kirk marched away, she called after him. He paused, waiting as she caught up to him. His expression did not soften even when she smiled.