“You need to concentrate. You are not thinking of winning.” Baldwin pointed to the citadel. “You are thinking of her! You can’t win like this.”
Julian sighed. Hewasthinking of Elora and the plan he had for their picnic.
“Again!” Baldwin commanded.
“Sir Julian!” Adam, the young town’s boy Julian had befriended, raced through the field to Baldwin’s side. He was gasping for breath. “Sir Julian!”
Julian grinned. “Is it ready?”
Adam nodded, his eyes wide and full of excitement.
Julian glanced toward the stone walls of Gracious Hill. Tingles of eagerness raced up his spine. The picnic was ready. He was so grateful to Adam and Heather, the leather maker’s wife. He couldn’t wait to see the picnic area. Or Elora’s reaction to it. He reached down for Adam’s hand.
“Julian!” Baldwin stated fiercely. “You can’t just go riding off. You have to practice. You have an important joust on the morrow.”
“I’ll be back,” Julian promised as he pulled Adam up onto Storm and situated the boy in front of him. He spurred Storm forward, hearing the echoes of Baldwin’s muttered curses fade behind him.
He rode through the open gates and into the town. Shopkeepers were calling out to passing patrons. A cart of colorful fabric was positioned against one building. Merchants haggled over the pricing for their wares.
Adam guided Julian down streets, pointing the way until they came to the leather maker’s home. Julian stopped Storm and helped Adam down. Then he dismounted and entered the house.
Julian halted, stunned. He stared at the room, and a smile slowly inched over his face. They had pushed the table against the wall. Strung white flowers looped from one side of the room to the other. Threaded white blossoms dangled over each wall. Julian smiled. Candles lit the room with warm light.
Martin, the leather maker, was busy in town. Heather was stirring a black pot over a small, warm fire. She cast him a glance, and a secretive grin slid over her lips before she turned back to mixing.
“What do ya think?” Adam asked, standing beside him.
Julian ruffled the boy’s brown hair. “Well done,” he murmured. “Well done, indeed.”
He scanned the table. Beautiful white flowers laid on top of it. Two chairs were pushed against it. He let out a slow breath, puffing out his cheeks. It was remarkable, but what if Elora didn’t like it? He had thought since she was a noble, she might enjoy this more than sitting on a blanket on the ground. He wiped his palms on his tunic. He couldn’t recall a time when he had been more nervous. Even facing an opponent with a sharp sword did not make his stomach flip like this. He placed his hands on his hips.
He looked down at Adam. The boy stood beside him with his hands on his hips, an imitation of Julian. He couldn’t have organized this without the child... And Heather and Martin. And Adam’s mother, who had turned out to be one of the cooks in the castle. He owed them all a debt of gratitude.
The door behind him opened quickly. Heather’s children rushed inside. “She’s coming!” the girl squealed.
The boy shoved her and closed the door.
Adam locked eyes with Julian and grinned.
Julian took a deep breath, grabbed one flower from the table, and left the house, closing the door. He looked down the street. Villagers moved by the intersection. In the distance, he heard calls of merchants hawking their wares. He clutched the flower, twirling it absently as he searched for Elora.
When she appeared, she took his breath away. All sound fell away except that of Julian’s breathing. Elora walked toward him with Sarah at her side. Even the hood she wore could not hide her gorgeous golden waves. They peeked out as if desiring to see the sun. He glimpsed a sapphire silk gown below the cloak around her feet. Julian released a breath of awe. She was beautiful.
Her gaze moved from person to person until she alighted on him. Her entire face altered, lighting up with a warm, happy glow.
He couldn’t take his stare from her. He was afraid if he blinked, she would vanish. There had never been a more stunning woman. He self-consciously smoothed down his tunic as she stopped before him.
“I thought we were picnicking,” she said.
Her voice was melodic, like that of a pleasing lute. He nodded and held the flower out to her. “I thought this might be better. I didn’t want to risk anyone discovering us.”
She accepted the flower.
Was she disappointed? Unease spread through Julian. “I mean… the last thing I want to do is cause you any trouble.” She stared at him, her intense look moving through him like smoldering fire. “If we picnicked and someone saw us… I just…” He glanced at Adam.
Adam waved him inside.
Julian nodded. “I’m hoping you enjoy this just as much.” He swung the door wide.
