“‘Tis what he ordered,” Denys said defensively.
“Aye, but I can’t wait to see his face when he enters this fray.”
Denys nodded as if understanding whatever it was Simon meant.
Emily on the other hand was quite lost.
Denys inclined his head to her. “Well then, if there is nothing else, I shall get back to work. Supervising and...” Denys looked to Simon, “and more supervising.”
Simon excused him, then brought his arms from around his back to show Emily the fresh loaf of bread he held in his hands. “I swiped this from the baker’s cart. He brought it with him from the village, and I thought you might like it more than what you have.”
She thanked him as he set it on the wooden trencher and sliced her a bit of it. “It smells wonderful.” She took a small piece of it and placed it in her mouth.
And it tasted even better.
Swallowing the bread, she watched Simon as he looked around the hall.
“Why is it you think your brother won’t be pleased?” She was dying to know.
“He’d rather have this place fall in upon his ears than see it—” he broke himself off as if catching his words. “Did I say that aloud?”
“Aye, you did.”
Simon quirked his head. “Then Draven is right, I should better counsel my tongue.”
“I say you should counsel it less,” she teased. “For I would like to know.”
“And I would like to keep my tongue in my head. Should Draven catch me spilling out his thoughts, like as not, I shall find it quickly removed.”
She could well understand his wish not to make his brother angry. From what she had seen, Draven could indeed cause much damage to someone should anger possess him.
“Now, milady…” Simon gave her a curt bow. “If you’ll excuse me, I should like to get this armor off for it chafes in places I cannot mention in mixed company.”
Unsure of what she should say, she watched as Simon made his way through the bustling scrubbing maids and workmen.
“This is a strange place, lady,” Alys said when they were again alone.
“It is indeed.” Emily shared her bread with her maid. “Why do you think Lord Draven refuses to have a table?”
“I cannot imagine. Perhaps for the same reason you are breaking bread with your maid?”
Emily smiled gently. “You are more family than servant, you know that.”
“Aye, but don’t you think Lord Simon thought it strange that you sit here with me?”
She nodded. “No doubt he found my habit as strange as I find Lord Draven’s. But I doubt Lord Draven thinks of servants as family. From what I have seen, he keeps his own company.”
Nay, there was much more to his lordship. Things she couldn’t even begin to fathom.
“You know, milady…” Alys drew her attention. “Lord Draven has given you a perfect opportunity to seek him out.”
“I was just thinking that.” Emily smiled. “After all, the least I could do is thank him for his efforts.”
“A kiss should do as a nice thank you.”
“Alys,” she scolded. “I could never be so forward.”
Alys laughed so hard, she choked on her bread.
