Something inside him twisted and hurt, but he gritted his teeth until his jaw ached. His throat constricted, and he fought against the feelings he had buried long ago. Feelings of resentment and anger toward his father surged to the forefront. He would do it! He’d show Baldwin. Just like he’d show his father. He didn’t need them! He didn’t need either of them!
He stormed inside the tent and stopped short as his eyes settled on the empty spot where Baldwin’s sleeping mat used to be. Nausea churned his stomach, but he pushed the remorse aside. He gripped the pommel of his sheathed sword tightly.
He heard laughter from the campgrounds in the distance, and in his mind, they were laughing at him, mocking him. No one thought he could do it.
Suddenly, he was a boy again, alone. Uncertain. He trembled with rage and doubt. He wasn’t a child. He was a man. He straightened; his lips tight. He was a man capable of winning. He knew he had the skill to win this tournament and make something of himself. He had already defeated Osmont and a handful of other knights to advance in the tournament. Yet still, his mentor, his friend, didn’t have faith in him. What did he have to do to prove himself?
He paced as restless, angry energy burned inside of him. He shoved the tent flap aside and emerged into the bright sunshine.
Storm whinnied and nudged his shoulder. He rubbed a hand along Storm’s snout.
He couldn’t believe Baldwin was gone. He dropped his gaze to the ground and saw the pile of lances he had accumulated during the day. Gilbert had brought lances from lords who wished to sponsor him and knights who admired him or were eliminated during the tournament. All were wishing to gain favor with him.
Favor.He reached into his tunic and pulled out Elora’s favor. The material sparkled softly in the bright sunlight.
Ellie believed in him. She had to. Because if she didn’t, he had no one.
Resolve filled him. He set his jaw and looked toward the field of honor. His muscles tightened in determination. He would show them all. He would win the tourney. Then he would go to Edward to seek Elora’s hand. He would marry Ellie.
Chapter Twenty One
Elora thanked Gilbert for escorting herand Sarah back to the citadel. Then the two women hurried in silence through the hallways toward her chambers. She hoped Baldwin was well. She had asked Gilbert, and he’d told her Baldwin was unhurt, but Gilbert appeared distracted and uncommunicative.
She had plenty of time to think. Hope had been alive within her when she discovered Julian had lands and a title. She thought that was the answer, and Julian would gladly agree to return to his heritage so they could be together. When he had flatly refused, she was stunned and devastated. She knew he and his father had a falling out, but the solution seemed so rational. So logical. Now the future was bleak. Her heart was heavy, and she was tired. So very tired. She didn’t know what the answer was. She didn’t know how they could possibly be together now.
Sarah opened the door to her chambers and stepped aside to allow her entrance.
The heavy curtains were closed, and the fire in the hearth cast a red glow over the dark room. Movement near the window caught her attention, and she gasped.
Edward stepped into the firelight. “Where have you been?”
Chills peppered her arms, and she searched desperately for an answer.
He strolled toward her, inspecting her riding cloak with a curled lip of distaste. “What are you wearing?”
Her mind worked, but she could not come up with an answer. Her chest spasmed. Her mouth opened and then closed with a sigh. She just couldn’t lie to him any longer. “I went to see Julian.”
A thick, tense silence settled over the room.
Elora didn’t break the unreadable gaze he bestowed on her.
“Alone?” Edward demanded, his voice tight with anger. “Unescorted?”
She hesitated. She didn’t want to get Sarah into trouble. She cast a glance at her friend in the darkness across the room near the bed. “No,” she finally admitted. “His squire was with me.”
“Elora!” Edward roared. “Do you have any idea how dangerous that is? What if robbers had descended on you? Who would have protected you? Who would have kept you safe?” He took two steps and then whirled on her again, his face a mask of horror. “Did he compromise you?”
Outrage pierced Elora, and she lifted her chin. “Julian is honorable. He would do nothing to hurt me.”
Edward came toward her, his fists clenched, his jaw tight, his eyes flashing. “You put our family name in jeopardy. There could have been a scandal!”
Hot anger flared through her veins like lava. Heat pulsed through her body. “Is that all you are concerned about, the family name? What about my happiness?”
Edward reared back. “I have been patient with you, Elora. I gave you the option to pick a husband so youcouldbe happy!”
“Yes, but you required a husband with lands and titles. Julian would make the perfect husband. He is—”
“If he would make the perfect husband, why did he not come to me to seek your hand? Are you certain he intends to wed you?”
