Page 29 of To Protect

“Aye, friend. She is well-regarded by Sir Eamon, as you know. The maid is kind and loyal, not a woman to be trifled with for your fleeting pleasure.”

Elara was not holding back, so neither would he. “Amalia is a woman, not a girl who must be told who to speak with. Perhaps she should decide what company she keeps?”

“De Vere, you forget I’ve known you for many years. And while I commend your accomplishments and have no doubt you’ll play a prominent role in the protection of our Sacred Oak as she is crowned queen, your reputation in other areas precedes you. Clearly Mistress Amalia has affections toward you. I ask only that you do not abuse them.”

He would have smiled and asked how Elara knew of those affections, if his instructor was in the mood for jests.

“She did not know of your betrothal.”

His head snapped back, and their eyes met. “You spoke of that with her?”

“I did.”

Goddammit.

“Lady Elara, I wish you a good day.”

Turning on his heels, Roland walked away, not caring if he’d been dismissed. He outranked her and would not defer to a woman who clearly had no liking toward him. A family friend, he’d never taken issue with her in the past, but certainly did now.

Elara said nothing as he stalked away. Her point, he supposed, was well made. So she would play mother hen to Amalia, having recently befriended her. At least Roland now knew what the two had spoken of earlier when he saw them together coming into the keep.

She did not know of your betrothal.

They’d shared nothing more than a kiss, but even so, he had to find her. Had to explain. Surely Amalia believed the worst of him at this moment, and he could not blame her. Unfortunately, as he rounded the corner and peered into the hall, the evening meal already underway, he found the very lady he sought. Amalia sat across from Darien at their shared table. The two spoke easily, Amalia seemingly in good spirits, until she spied Roland at the entrance to the hall.

Her expression changed immediately.

He could not speak to her now. Not in front of the others. So instead of seeking her out, Roland turned and made his way to his chamber. He would procure a change of clothing and head to the nearby lake that he and the other men used to bathe. They had been told on the first day there would be no tubs filled with hot water here. Too many recruits, too few servants to be wasted on such a luxury.

Afterward, he would persuade a kitchen maid to offer a late meal. And then he would find Amalia. Alone. For a much-needed discussion.