Surprise and disbelief came over the spectators like a cloud.
“Where did he come from?”
“Who is he?”
Elora heard the questions whispered from the nobles standing around her. She imagined even Edward was wondering the same thing. Her gaze remained focused on Julian. Tall and gallant in his chainmail coat, sitting confidently in his saddle. Remarkable. Impressive.
Another pass. The knights galloped down the lists, Julian scoring a hit to Garrett’s shield again, and Garrett missing Julian completely.
The murmuring of incredulity grew around Elora. A small smile crept across her lips. Sir Garrett was somehow missing Julian. Unless Garrett unhorsed him, Julian would have another win. Her back straightened in anticipation of the final pass.
The riders charged down the field. Julian leaned forward, holding the lance still. This time, Julian’s lance struck with incredible power. The impact against Sir Garrett’s shield lurched him back and up out of the saddle. For a moment, Garrett was suspended over the ground, and then fell heavily to his bottom in a cloud of dust.
Cheers erupted from the spectators. The nobles around Elora spoke in loud disbelief and confusion.
“Who is he?”
“Remarkable.”
“Unheard of.”
Julian had won!
Julian pulled his helmet from his head, his gaze swinging to meet Elora’s.
She wanted to cheer. She wanted to shout in excitement. She trembled and clapped her hands. Sheer delight bubbled inside of her. She could barely contain her exuberance. He was stunning, and her heart pounded madly. She wished she could rush onto the field and embrace him.
Instead, she stood stiffly like a proper lady, her adoring gaze locked on Julian. She shifted her head to the side to see Edward’s fierce stare upon her. Her joy burst. She swung her eyes to the nobles behind him. Their stares were also focused on her; some even whispered behind raised hands.
Elora quickly looked back at Edward. His lips thinned. He would want to speak with her. He would want an explanation of how she knew Julian. She swiftly searched for Julian, her only refuge in the coming storm. She expected him to be riding from the field. Instead, she saw him trotting his steed toward the stands.
She wrapped her arms around her hips as dread clawed her insides. What could she say to Julian without first speaking to Edward? Without explaining to Edward? She quickly weaved her way through the spectators from the stands, having to gather her blue velvet skirts to move faster. She made it to the grass when Edward’s commanding voice called, “Elora.”
She paused, collecting herself, and turned to face him, fearful he would see through her calm demeanor.
“I shall escort you back to the citadel,” he said, following her. “I assume that is where you are going.”
“Of course,” she agreed, quite aware every eye was upon her. Some nobles even leaned around the wooden gate to observe the interaction.
“Ellie?”
The tone of Julian’s voice sent wonderful shivers through her. She turned slowly to find him atop his chestnut steed. Every time she saw him, it was like a breath of fresh air, as if seeing a brilliant surprise. A smile crept across her face.
“Julian.” The sigh escaped her lips. For just a moment, she had forgotten herself. She had forgotten Edward stood behind her. She had forgotten her peers watched with judging eyes. She quickly composed herself. “I congratulate you on your win.”
“I told you I would win,” he said softly.
And so, he had. His confidence was daunting.
“Thank you for your favor,” he said with a gentle grin.
Edward stepped up close behind her.
Julian’s brow furrowed until his eyes widened in recognition. “Sir Edward, it is a pleasure to meet you finally. But with all due respect, I believe you are crowding the lady.”
Elora bowed her head to keep Edward from seeing the grin. Julian was protecting her from her own brother!
Edward straightened. “You should exit the field so the next joust can proceed.” His voice was low and dangerous.
