“Wait,” she called half-heartedly.
Osmont hesitated in the doorway. He turned.
Oh, how she hated him. Contempt oozed from every pore of her body. At least, she could buy herself some time to figure out what to do.
“I’ll do it. I’ll try to find a way for you to beat Julian.”
Chapter Fifteen
The next morning shortly after sunrise, Julian clutched his lance as he stared down the field at the two small rings Baldwin and Gilbert had set up for him, with two on the return. Four circular rings. The most he had managed to spear was three, which was good, but not good enough for him. He vowed to do it this run. Storm sat stoically beneath Julian. Both rider and horse were calm. Steady. He took a deep breath and spurred Storm. They sped down the practice field, and Julian lowered his lance, couching it beneath his arm. He focused on the first ring, aiming his lance steadily. The tip pierced the center, and it slid onto his lance.
The wind blew his hair from his face as he aimed the lance for the next ring. Smaller than the first, but not a challenge for him. His lance speared the loop. He turned Storm toward the last two rings on the other side of the practice field without breaking stride.
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Baldwin standing near the last ring, closest to their camp, with his arms crossed. Gilbert stood beside him. But what caught his attention washer.
Ellie was here! She wore her hooded cloak, but he would recognize her anywhere.
He missed the third ring and was off course for the fourth. But he didn’t care. His focus was on Ellie and her friend, Sarah, standing next to her. He tossed his lance down and dismounted Storm before he had completely stopped. He jogged two steps to her side. “Are you well? Is everything alright?”
Baldwin was shaking his head in disapproval; his lips clenched tight.
Gilbert raced after Storm into the field, catching his reins.
Ellie nodded; her stare focused on Julian. “I had to see you again.”
Julian frowned. He didn’t mind at all seeing her again, but he knew it was risky for her to come out here. He narrowed his eyes slightly. “Are you sure you’re well?” His stare shifted to her temple injury. Was the bump on her head causing her irrational behavior? “You shouldn’t be here. Someone will see you.”
Her full, lovely lips turned down in a pout. “I’ll go if you want me to.”
“Ellie,” Julian murmured, gently taking her hand. “I only wish no distress on you. If all is well, I would like nothing better than for you to remain.”
She smiled radiantly. “Then, I shall stay.”
Baldwin grumbled and threw up his hands.
Goosebumps of suspicion danced up Julian’s arms. “What of Osmont? Did he tell your brother?”
Ellie shook her head. “Edward never came.”
Something was not right. Julian glanced over his shoulder at the handful of knights practicing in the field. “Then, we should leave. He might see you.” Julian led them all toward his tent. “Ellie, do you think it wise to risk your brother seeing you with me?”
Elora pulled her hand free. “I’m sorry. You’re right. I shouldn’t be here. I should go.”
Julian faced her quickly, inspecting her beautiful features. Her large blue eyes clearer than a bright sky and her full lips so ripe for kissing. But her brow furrowed with indecision. As she continued past him he caught her elbow. “What is it, Ellie? What’s happened?”
She placed her arms over her stomach and looked around at the others. “Can we talk?”
“Of course.”
Baldwin grunted and stalked off. Gilbert gently took Sarah’s hand and led her closer to the tent to give them some privacy.
Elora waited until they were out of earshot. “I feel I should treasure every moment with you because I never know if it will be the last.”
Julian heard the agony in her voice, and his entire being responded, wanting to comfort and reassure her. He cupped her chin and lifted her face to his. Her beautiful blue eyes were sad and reserved. “I will win you. I promise.”
She shook her head, pulling free of his hold. “Don’t make promises you can’t keep.”
“You don’t believe me? Iwillwin this tournament, and then I will ask for your hand.”
