Even the crowd outside dispersed as the watchers made their way to their own beds.
Finally, Emily had a brilliant idea. She and Callie made platters, then took them outside where their husbands were still fighting.
Someone, most likely Draven, had ordered rushlights lit around the list so that they could see each other even in the darkness of night. In spite of the lunacy of their actions, Callie did have to admire them. They were both extraordinary fighters, especially given the fact they had been at this for many hours.
“Mmmm…” Emily took an exaggerated whiff of the roasted venison in elderberry sauce. “Callie, you must take a bite of this. ‘Tis the best venison our cook has ever prepared.”
The men slowed a bit as they craned their necks to see.
Callie took a bite and moaned in exaggerated bliss. “You are right. ‘Tis marvelous. Delicious.” She cast a sideways glance to see the men stopping. “The best I have ever eaten.”
Sin’s stomach rumbled at the thought of the banquet the ladies held. He hadn’t eaten much of anything that day. But Satan’s throne would freeze before he ceded this battle to Draven.
“You’re looking a bit weak,” Draven taunted. “Methinks you need a bite to replenish your feeble strength.”
“My strength is nowhere near as feeble as your brain.”
They began hammering blows again.
Callie and Emily exchanged annoyed glares. Men!
They looked to Simon, whose platter was almost cleared of food. “What?” he asked innocently.
“What are we to do now?” Callie asked.
Simon shrugged and finished his food.
Emily set the platters aside and thought the matter over for several minutes. “My maid Alys once told me that if you flash a little ankle, a man will follow you anywhere.”
Simon snorted. “Trust me, ‘twould take more than an ankle to dislodge those two.”
Emily loosened the top laces of her gown. Simon discreetly turned his back while she went closer to the men. “You know, Callie, ‘tis rather warm out tonight. Perhaps I should dampen my kirtle until it’s sodden and hangs transparent against my skin.”
Draven stumbled at her words.
“Is that what you English do when you’re warm?” Callie asked as she joined her. “At home we merely remove our plaids and walk about...bare.”
Sin snapped his head toward her.
Callie fingered the pin on her shoulder. “It only takes one brooch to remove the entire thing.”
Draven growled and rushed Sin, catching him about the middle and knocking him back.
Sin roared and attacked full force.
Emily sighed as they continued their battle. “I think we only made it worse.”
They turned to look at Simon who was now poking around the other two platters and eating the food from them.
“What?” he asked again as he realized he held their full attention.
Emily put her hands on her hips. “Is there truly nothing you can do?”
Simon dropped the food in his hand and straightened. “Should I do this, then I want both of you to promise me you will grab your husbands before I am gelded.”
“We will,” they promised in unison.
“You had better.” Straightening his tunic with a tug, Simon moved closer until he stood just a little way from the other two men. “Draven,” he said, his voice falsetto, “what a big, strong warrior you are. Why it makes my heart pound the way you move. You’re such a great hero.”
