Elora’s smile vanished.
Julian nodded. “I will, certainly. As soon as you move away from the lady.”
Elora ran a nervous hand over her cheek and opened her mouth to reply, but Edward cut her off.
“She is my sister and is under my protection,” Edward said in clipped tones.
Julian’s eyes widened. His mouth dropped somewhat before he quickly snapped it shut. He glanced at Elora. “I see.” He bowed slightly from atop his horse. “My apologies.”
Elora’s heart broke. Now, he knew who she was. He would speak to her differently, with more courtesy and… He wouldn’t make her laugh any longer. He would be as stoic and boring as the rest of her suitors. She scoffed. Even if that were the case, Edward would never allow her to see him again!
She had been silly, believing she could keep her identity a secret from Julian. Slowly, she felt the crowd growing around them as more of Edward’s friends congregated around her brother for support and curiosity.
Elora stared at Julian, a heavy feeling in the pit of her stomach. He didn’t know what he had gotten involved in. Nay, whatshehad gotten him involved with. The complicated intricacies of politics and siding with the right men.
“Julian!” Gilbert called, racing toward him across the field. “This way!”
Still, Julian hesitated, locking gazes with her.
Elora’s heart pounded until she thought it would burst from her chest. What could she say to him? Devastation swept through her like a cloud of dust. She wrung her hands. Her name dictated that she remained aloof, in control. She felt excited, distraught, elated, frustrated—every emotion but in control.
“I would like to call on you later,” Julian said. “Perhaps dine with you.”
A smile tugged at the corner of her lips. She would love to dine with him. She began to nod.
“Lady Elora dines with me,” Edward said firmly.
“Hmm,” Julian murmured, his gaze quickly sweeping over Edward. “I meant no disrespect.” He glanced at Elora. “It was a pleasure seeing you. And again, thank you for your favor.” He pulled the reins of his horse toward Gilbert.
Elora felt a tidal wave of desperation drowning her, sweeping her away. She didn’t want to lose him. She wanted to call after him, to talk to him, to say… something. But Edward stood at her side. She would have to explain everything to him. Her freedom would be curtailed; she was certain. Would this be the last time she saw Julian?
“Sir Julian!” The words exploded from her lips.
He stopped his steed and pivoted in the saddle to look at her.
Magnificent.His chainmail armor covered his strong, muscular body. His dark hair was plastered to his head with sweat. But it was his eyes that captured her breath. They twinkled in the sunlight.
“Congratulations on your win,” she said, containing her sadness.
He inclined his head before trotting his horse away.
She let out a small sigh she hadn’t even realized she was holding. Then she turned to Edward. His dark frown did not bode well for her. Not at all.
“Osmont,” Edward called. When their cousin pushed his way through the surrounding crowd, Edward continued, “See Lady Elora back to the castle. I will catch up in a moment.”
Elora glanced at Osmont, then at Edward. She lifted her chin, picked up her skirts, and marched right by Osmont’s outstretched arm.
Edward watched his sister walk by the wooden stands toward the citadel with Osmont behind her. He crossed his arms and made his way to the side of the stands, away from the large crowd. Mace followed him as did another friend, Sir Thomas. Thomas was a thin man with long red hair who carried a sword almost as big as he was. They were his most trusted friends. He glared after Julian, watching him exit the field of honor. “Find out who this Sir Julian is.”
Mace glanced after Julian. “We know he is a spectacular jouster. He beat me and Garrett.”
“Sir Julian beat Osmont in his first tournament,” Thomas added.
Edward’s lips tightened. “Why have we not heard of him?”
“Osmont would never tell us about him. His pride was too wounded when he was unhorsed by him,” Thomas explained.
“Mace,” Edward said, “go. Befriend him. Find out more about him.”
