She tilted her head and crossed her arms. “Or for any other reason.”
Edward nodded contently and departed.
When the door closed, Elora sighed. She knew Edward didn’t mean for her to stay locked up in her chambers in such a glorious castle. But she still felt like a prisoner. She could pass the time by embroidering, or…
She spun around, searching for something to do.
…Her knives! She hadn’t taken them out since she arrived here.
A knock sounded at the door.
Elora rolled her eyes. She had told Edward she would not leave. What else did he want from her? She went to the door and opening it, said, “I swore I wouldn’t leave, Edward.” Her voice left her, and her mouth hung open.
Julian stood in the doorway.
Chapter Thirteen
Elora’s heart skipped a beat.“Julian,” she gasped. Sarah stood just behind him, a mischievous grin on her lips.
“Pardons, my lady,” he said, his gaze sweeping over her. “I wanted to–”
Elora looked down the hallway, first one way, then the other. The corridor was empty of everyone: no servants, no knights, no Edward. She glared at Sarah. “If Edward finds out—”
“You can go to the gardens. I’ll stand guard. He was asking for you,” Sarah whispered. “Rather persistently.”
“I don’t want to get you into any trouble, nor compromise you. I understand the etiquette for ladies,” Julian said.
Elora looked at him. He had been asking for her. She melted; her stomach fluttered. She couldn’t be angry with Sarah, not for bringing Julian to her. She began to grin, but then remembered her responsibility. Her growing grin quickly turned into a scowl, and she cleared her throat. Now was her chance. She could explain to Julian that she could no longer see him. That it was impossible for the two of them… She inhaled, ready to force the distasteful words from her mouth.
He stood beneath an ensconced torch; warm, flickering light washed over his brown hair, bathing him in a golden glow. Her breath caught. He gazed at her for a long moment, sending delightful tremors through her. She swallowed in a suddenly dry throat. What was wrong with her? She cleared her throat again.
He ran a hand through his hair. “I’m sorry for inconveniencing you. I just…” He stared at her again.
The intensity of his inviting blue eyes liquified her entire being, sending wonderful, warm goosebumps up and down her arms.
“You are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen.”
A breathlessness swept through her. She blushed from head to toe, heat suffusing her cheeks. “Thank you,” she murmured shyly, unable to meet his gaze.
“To the gardens,” Sarah whispered in exasperation, motioning them to follow.
The gardens.What a splendid place to be with Julian! She mentally shook herself.Yes. The gardens.It was a perfect spot to explain that she could not see him any longer. Edward would understand her leaving the room if that was the reason. Finally, she nodded, stepped out of her chambers into the corridor, and closed the door behind her.
Julian offered her his arm.
Elora couldn’t resist touching him. She laid her hand against his arm. It was warm, and the sinews of his muscles relaxed beneath his tunic. Despite the anticipation and excitement sweeping through her at being close to him, she knew it was wrong. Edward had told her not to see him again. And yet… it was as if Edward had asked her not to breathe.
“I just wanted to make sure you were well,” Julian explained. “I didn’t know you were Sir Edward’s sister, and I put you in a precarious position when I asked for your favor. It was not my intention.”
Elora grinned. He was protecting her again. “Edward was not pleased.” They moved down the corridor, following Sarah.
“I’m sorry.”
She looked up at him, lingering on his intense blue eyes. The rich smell of outside on a pleasant night reached her. His scent. She inhaled deeply. Her shoulder brushed against his arm as they walked. Warm. Solid. Strong.
“Why did you do it? Why did you give me your favor?” Julian asked.
Elora’s gaze swept his face from his square jaw to his straight nose and brilliant blue eyes. Her breath quickened. “You asked for it.”
