Then, everything changed as Julian entered through the tall wooden doors. Time seemed to stop. The music fell away into soft tones. The laughter and talking around her faded. Everything seemed to slow.
Julian turned his head, scanning the room. Even his movements were slow and poetic. The dark hair around his shoulders swayed as if in a soft breeze. And then he locked gazes with her.
She gasped slightly. Tingles peppered her arms. It was just the two of them across the expanse. He started toward her, but a short man intercepted to speak with him. Julian cast a glance at the man before focusing on her.
“Elora!”
She blinked and found Edward staring at her with a furrowed brow. She was startled to realize she was standing. She desperately looked back at Julian, finding a small group of men surrounded him. The moment was lost. She slowly sank down into her seat, adjusting her skirts.
Edward followed her gaze down the aisle.
She couldn’t help looking for Julian. Her heart ached with longing. He was being led away to another table. Her stomach swirled in disappointment. She looked down at her metal plate and the venison and peacock. Although the food Lord Yves had prepared for his guests looked delicious, she wasn’t hungry.
She listened patiently to Sir William as he droned on about how the chords of a dulcimer differed from that of a harp. When he had finished, she looked at him. “Do you find the basilard or dirk dagger more appealing?”
He studied her with a raised brow for a moment before a frown slowly replaced it. “I have armed men for protection. What would I need a dagger for?”
She knew in that instant he was not the man for her. Well, she had known long before, but his statement about daggers only solidified her opinion. As he started in on a critique of the ballad of Alan-a Dale, Elora looked away, hoping to find Julian again across the mass of guests. No matter how hard she searched, she couldn’t spot him from her seated position. People entered the room, servants scurried to attend the guests; jugglers weaved in and out of the standing visitors congregating in groups. Why was she looking for Julian so desperately? Perchance because Sir William was so boring. She wanted to dash to the door and escape, but she was very aware of Edward’s harsh scrutiny.
She met Edward’s stare, her lips thin, her eyes shooting flames at him across Sir William’s uninterested, small eyes. Sir William barely noticed. He was too wrapped up in his tale.
Edward shook his head. “Pardons, Sir William. My sister appears quite weary. Please accept my deepest apologies, but I must escort her to her room.”
Relief lessened the tension in Elora’s shoulders.
William looked at her, slightly startled. “Of course. Of course. I shall continue to enlighten you on the ballad of Alan-a Dale when I see you again.”
Elora choked back a gag. “Yes. Next time.” She rose and took Edward’s offered arm. Together, they began down the main aisle. When they were well away from their table, and out of earshot of William, Elora leaned toward Edward. “You can’t fool me. I know you were as bored as I was.”
“I’m sorry,” Edward whispered, grinning and nodding a greeting to another guest. “I had no idea. He came highly recommended.”
“From whom?”
Edward grimaced. “Mace.”
Elora lifted an eyebrow. “I can’t see Mace sitting through one of William’s critiques of ballads.”
“Nor can I.” Edward chuckled.
“He must have been playing a prank on you. Or trying to punish me for giving my favor to Julian.”
“I’m certain that must be it.”
They exited the Great Hall and started down the stone corridor. Ensconced torches lit the way. “Please do not take your friend’s recommendations,” Elora pleaded.
Edward chuckled softly. “I promise not to again.” He guided her into the spiral stairway leading to the guest chambers.
Elora glanced at him. “How did the jousts go today? I’m certain you won each one.”
“Of course.”
Osmont rushed into the stairway after them, exclaiming, “He won them with ease! I also won.”
“You did well, cousin,” Edward complimented.
Elora peered over her shoulder at Osmont. He was always chasing after Edward, following him everywhere. “I’ve heard you have only lost to two knights in your entire jousting career. Sir Edward and Sir Julian.”
Osmont ground his teeth. “I shall rectify my defeat to the second knight during this tournament.”
