Page 43 of Veil of Winter

Sir Gerard drew his sword as Sir Oswalt joined him.

“It is all right. I’ll scream if I need you.” She tried to smile.

“I don’t like it.” He took a step closer to her.

“I know, but I need to find out what he has to say.”

“Then let us come with you. He can’t object. He has over a dozen guards behind him.”

“Very well.” It hardly mattered. If Rodrigo wanted to kill them, there would be nothing she could do about it. But she didn’t think he would. He was too cowardly.

The three of them walked toward Rodrigo.

“Whatever you have to say to me,” Elyce told Rodrigo, “you can say it in front of these two men.”

“Who are they? Your father’s guards?”

“No, they’re—”

“We are English knights in service to King Richard. We’re here to protect Princess Elyce.”

“And King Richard knows you’re here?”

“He does.” It was not a lie, exactly. Surely Delia’s letter had been read by the king, or Queen Anne had informed him of Delia’s plea.

“The matter I have to speak to Princess Elyce about does not concern you, and only she can make the decision.” He stared hard at Elyce. “I know you do not wish to marry me, so the only other offer I can make you is that I will allow you to disappear. You tried to make everyone think you were dead, did you not? My uncle found the vial that you drank the potion from, and his physicians guessed what you had done. So go, wherever you wish, and I will tell everyone that you died on the journey toPrague—as I can only assume that is where you are going—but you must never come back to Montciel or Valkenfeld. I will even send you money to live on, the dowry your father gave me to marry you.”

Of course she would never comply with either of his offers, but she was curious. “Why would you do that?”

“Because, as charming as you are, I do not wish to marry you either.” He smirked.

She could see Sir Gerard’s body tense. From his narrowed eyes to the way he held his sword, he looked as though he’d love to run Rodrigo through. But that would only lead to Rodrigo’s men attacking.

Elyce smiled. “I am happy to hear that I am not breaking your heart by running away.”

The prideful half smile on Rodrigo’s face made her want to say something that would hurt him. But he wasn’t worth getting upset over. She had to stay calm so she could think clearly.

The only way to get away from Rodrigo was to tell him what he wanted to hear. It was the only way to keep herself and her loyal friends safe, and the only way she would have any hope of helping her people.

God, forgive me for what I am about to say.

“I do not intend to go back to Montciel to be subjected to my father’s and your uncle’s controlling ways, if I can prevent it.” That was true, that she did not intend to be subjected to their control. “I intend to stay in Prague under King Wenceslaus’s protection.” Stay, but only long enough to secure his help.

“And what will you do there? Will you give up your privilegesand honor as a princess just so you do not have to listen to your father?” He raised his brows. “Are you lying to me?”

She had to convince him. Sir Gerard and Sir Oswalt would be in danger if she couldn’t. Her heart beat hard as an idea took hold in her thoughts.

“I have a better reason, the best of reasons, to leave Montciel and never return. I want nothing else to do with the life of a princess. I will not listen to my father because... he opposes my marriage to Sir Gerard.”

Elyce turned toward the English knight, her heart thudding, and closed the gap between them. He stared at her, looking as if he were about to say something. So she quickly slid her hand behind his head, stood on her toes, and kissed him on the mouth.

Was it her imagination, or did he lean into her and kiss her back? Her whole body and mind came alive, as if for the first time. Her first real kiss! How strange and wonderful. But it also felt wrong. Was she too bold? What would Sir Gerard say?

The kiss ended as abruptly as it started. Their eyes met for a moment. She imagined she saw a spark in their blue depths.

Was he repulsed? Or even angry? Or amused?O God, what have I done?

Her lips still tingling from the kiss, she deliberately pasted on a smile and reached for the knight’s hand.