Page 27 of To Protect

“Elara,” Amalia repeated, grateful to have a friend here. “If you are returning to the keep, I will accompany you. These are dry enough that I can bring them into my bedchamber.”

“Let me assist you,” Elara said, picking up an item of Amalia’s clothing.

That she was of noble birth yet aided her told Amalia more of Elara’s character than anything. Evelina would like her very much.

“Thank you,” she said, the still damp items now folded in Amalia’s arms. The two women made their way from the garden toward the keep just as a group of recruits did the same, coming presumably from the training yard.

The women stopped. Elara whispered to Amalia as they strode by.

“The one in front with the blond hair. His father is the king’s royal messenger and has disavowed his son for being here and supporting Matilda.”

Amalia watched as the man joked with another next to him. Covered in dirt, it appeared as if he’d bathed in it, but still he appeared affable, laughing as he strode by.

“Sir Gareth’s friend,” Elara said, “Sir Darien. A new recruit, and with the king captured, perhaps one who will never see a mission. I’ve not seen him on the training field yet, but am told his skill with the bow and arrow is unrivaled. Except,” she added, “by her.”

The sole female recruit. Hood up, she walked alone.

“I’ve not met her yet.”

“Lyra is quiet. She says little during our instructions. Also a new recruit, and an archer. I know little about her and have tried to befriend her, but she speaks seldom. Never takes meals in the hall.”

They saw him at the same time.

Amalia’s heartbeat raced as Roland looked their way. At first, it appeared as if he would break apart from the others to come to them, but instead he simply nodded in acknowledgment.

“Oh dear,” Elara said. “I fear my warning to you may have come too late.”

And just like that, he was gone.

“Why do you say so?” Amalia asked.

“Because I know that look well. Roland has set his sights on you, and I cannot recall a woman who has ever resisted him.”

Amalia stuck her chin in the air. “You have now,” she said, determined.

Elara did not appear convinced. “Aye?”

“Aye,” she responded more confidently than she felt. Resisting Roland de Vere would not be an easy task, but it was one Amalia was resolved to. The alternative was unacceptable.