Page 68 of The Noble Servant

“Of course. I know how to ride a horse.”

“I hadn’t thought of that.” She tapped her chin, then remembered that was something Avelina used to do when she was thinking.

“Has Agnes said anything else about Lord Hazen being suspicious?”

Magdalen took a deep breath and let it out. “He came to speak with me today. He knows Agnes is not me. And he knows—or thinks he knows—that I am Magdalen. He’s threatening to get rid of Agnes and force Alexander to marry me.”

They both glanced up and down the corridor to make certain no one was nearby.

“That changes things, then.”

“What do you mean?”

“I don’t think I should leave when you’re in so much danger.”

“I’m not in danger. That is, I don’t think I have anything to fear from your cousin. He’s in love with Agnes, as strange as that seems.”

“Yes, but my uncle ... Who knows what he might do to you?” He leaned closer. “You could come with me.”

It was not her life but her heart she was worried about. “I think I’d better stay here.”

“But are you sure Lord Hazen won’t do you harm?”

“He wants his son married to Lady Magdalen. Agnes is in more danger than I.”

“I can protect you.” He took a tiny step closer to her.

She leaned away from him. “I believe you. I think.” She smiled to try to dispel some of the awkwardness of the moment. Why was he getting so close? They weren’t Agnes and Alexander, and Steffen did not care for her.

He seemed to catch her hint and took a step back. “I don’t want anything to happen to you. I will try to find a courier and come back so I can watch over you. But I am not sure if I’ll be able to.”

She wanted to tell him he needed watching over more than she did. His lip still looked swollen and the cut over his eye was still healing.

He looked down at the floor.

“You are very kind to want to protect me. I already know what a courageous man you are.”

He lifted his head, and the corners of his mouth quirked up. “You think I am courageous?”

Yes.“Sometimes.”

“You are very good-hearted. Some women in your position would have stabbed Agnes in the heart while she slept, but you actually seem to feel compassion for her.”

Magdalen covered her mouth to stop the smile that spread over her face at the thought of stabbing Agnes in her sleep.

“And you have been most kind to me, even though I’m not sure I deserved it.” He continued to stare into her eyes. “You certainly did not owe me anything.”

“Well, your brown eyes and smile are hard to resist.” It was true, but she probably should not have told him that. A spark seemed to light up those brown eyes.

“I suppose I should prepare for my journey tomorrow, if you’re certain you are safe.”

He had a vulnerable look on his face, as if he was hoping for something ... a word from her? A gesture? She just watched him. Such a strange man.

“I shall pray for you.”

“Thank you, Magdalen.”

The way he said her name ... She backed away from him, said, “Farewell,” and went into her room.