“My goodness,” she breathed, “I forgot you were holding me.”
If only he could have forgotten. “I thought it best you be back on your own horse before we entered the outer bailey. He would never taint her good reputation.
Stifling yawn, she nodded.
Draven dismounted with her, then placed her on her own horse. Her warmth clung to him for a full minute before it evaporated and left him longing for it again.
Mounting his horse, he led her into the castle.
When they entered the hall, there was a banquet fare spread out that would rival one of the king’s feasts.
“At last, you return,” Orrick said in greeting.
Draven frowned. “What is all this?”
“Simon said you would leave in the morning, so I thought we’d have a farewell for your journey.”
“It smells wonderful.” Emily crossed the few feet that separated her from Christina.
Draven eyed the dais with hatred. In truth, he preferred his meals in private. But there was no way to decline the offer lest he offend his host.
“I tried to tell him not to,” Simon said in a low voice as he came up behind him. “He wouldn’t listen.”
Draven noted Simon’s obvious limp as he paused next to him. “How’s your ankle this evening?”
“Better.”
“So I see.”
“What do you mean?”
“This afternoon when I left, ‘twas the other foot you favored. Perhaps it wasn’t your feet you injured, but rather your head.”
A wide smile split Simon’s face. “You caught me. “Well, at least I no longer have to worry about hobbling about.” His gaze dropped to Draven’s chest. “Nice cloak pin. Did some demon possess you that you would buy it?”
Draven glanced to where Emily talked with Christina. Pain stabbed his heart and he sighed. “‘Twas but a bit of foolishness. If you’ll excuse me, I need to speak with my squire.”
Emily frowned as she saw Draven leave the hall.
“I wonder where he goes?” Christina asked from her side.
“I can’t imagine.”
“‘Tis just as well, now I don’t have to worry about him overhearing us.”
“Overhearing what?”
Christina turned to face her with a determined set to her jaw. “Emily, as there is a God in heaven above, we have to find some way for you to get Lord Draven to the marriage altar.”
Ten
Emily stared in disbelief of Christina’s declaration. “What brought about this change in you?”
“Oh, Em, he’s wonderful!” she practically gushed. “What he did for Orrick... I can’t tell you how afraid Orrick has been all this time over what would happen to him when Lord Draven came. And then taking you to the fair...” She paused as if another thought occurred to her. “Did you have a good time with him?”
“Aye, but?—”
“But nothing,” Christina said, interrupting her. “I have hired several of the musicians from the fair to play tonight. There shall be dancing and you will have to entice him.”
