Simon rolled his eyes. “I have no interest in the sack as well you know. ‘Tis the lady I speak of. Can you believe the daughter of Lord Big Nose, Horse Face was so comely? I can’t recall the last time I saw a lady so well-formed.”
“She is the daughter of my enemy.”
“And the woman you’ve sworn to protect.”
Draven looped the sack over the horse’s head. “Why do you bother me with trivial facts I already know?”
Simon had a devilish look about him, and if it were any man save Simon, that teasing quality of his would have been laid to rest long ago.
But Draven put up with Simon’s unique idiosyncrasies. Why, he had no idea, but for some reason he had always given Simon latitude he allowed no other.
Simon grinned at him. “You know, I so seldom get to see you squirm that I rather enjoy the novelty of it. It makes you seem almost human.”
Draven stroked Goliath’s forehead, then moved to retrieve his saddle and saddlebags from the ground before heading back to his men.
He paused by Simon’s side. “Whatever humanity ever existed in me, I can assure you was beaten out long ago. You of all men should know that. I will protect her because my king ordered it. Beyond that, she will not exist for me.”
“As you say.”
Draven narrowed his gaze. “It is as I say.” He headed toward the fire.
“One day, I hope you learn, brother, that you are not a monster borne of hell, and that there is happiness in this world that doesn’t bring tragedy.”
Draven ignored Simon’s whispered words. In truth, he envied his brother’s optimism. It was a rare gift their mother had given her younger son. But he had not been so lucky, and fate had never been kind to him. Holding on to dreams and hopes only emphasized just how vacant his life had always been. He wasn’t a fool to think anything would change.
It never had and it surely never would. This was his lot and he would survive it just as he had always survived every blow dealt him.
Two
The wee hours of the morn found Emily alone in her bower with her sister as they finished packing Emily’s things. Disbelief still filled her—at long last, and for the first time in her life, she was leaving home.
“I can’t believe you’ll be gone in just a few hours,” Joanne whispered, her voice filled with tears.
“Nor I. I know I should be afraid, but?—”
“You’re excited.” Joanne gave her a tenuous smile. “I would be, too. Imagine leaving this place for an entire year. I know how much you’ve always wanted to.”
Emily nodded, her heart pounding at the thought. It was true. While she loved her father, she wanted her own life. “I fear I lacked the courage you had to make father allow me to marry.”
Joanne’s face became a mask of horror. “Nay, I would not wish my experience on you. I daresay I thought father would kill Niles and me after he found us.”
“But at least it got you the husband you wanted.”
Joanne reached out and touched her hand. “I know father is difficult. But it is only his love for us that makes him so protective.”
“Loves us so that we are treated like the birds in his mews. Forever kept locked in a cage, without hope of freedom.”
Joanne squeezed her hand. “He is a harsh, unyielding man, but his heart is good. You can’t fault him for that.”
Emily cocked an eyebrow at her sister’s words. “This from the woman who railed against him just months ago when he refused Niles’ offer for your hand?”
Joanne smiled sheepishly. “You are right. I hated him then, for I knew if Niles got away, there would be no other man to offer for me. I am long past a marriageable age.”
“And I am fast passing it myself. How many men would have a bride at a score-and-two years?”
“Not many,” Joanne agreed.
“Aye, not many.”
