Page 63 of Veil of Winter

“No, but he has been informed about my mission here.”

“And what is your lineage?”

“I am the second son of the Earl of Dericott, and my older brother, Edwin, recently inherited the title upon the death of our father. I am here with the earl’s blessing.”

The count’s expression seemed to change subtly. He regarded them both for a moment, then said, “I will consider your request. In the meantime, you may stay in the castle.” He flicked his hand at the nearest guard. “Have Frau Louisa show them to two rooms.”

“Thank you, Lord Württemberg. We appreciate your help.”

“I will consider it. Good day.”

The guard hurried them out, and Elyce held her head high, her breath nearly coming in gasps at the coldness of the count’s treatment of her.

The guard left them while he went to fetch a house servant, and Elyce whispered to Sir Gerard, “We need to speak about this in private.”

“I agree,” he answered. By his slightly narrowed eyes, lowered brow, and hard set of his jaw, she could almost read his thoughts.

A moment later a woman came hurrying toward them. She sank into a curtsying bow and said, “Please follow me to your rooms. We will bring food and drink, and if there is anything else you require, please tell me or one of the servants.”

“Thank you. Will you have our two companions, Ysabeau and Sir Oswalt, shown to our rooms?”

“It would be my pleasure.” The woman bowed and hurried away.

At least this woman seemed well-mannered, not condescending like her master.

As soon as the woman was out of sight, Sir Gerard came into Elyce’s room with her and shut the door.

“What do you know about this man, Count Eberhard? I don’t trust him.”

“I had never met him before, but as you know, King Wenceslaus recommended we come to him for help.”

“How do you know he has not already formed an alliance with King Claude?”

Elyce felt the blood drain from her face, and her stomachsank. Her thoughts raced through everything she knew of Count Eberhard.

“I know that he is very warlike. He has attacked and conquered several cities and claimed them for himself, including Böblingen and Calw. But if he has allied himself with King Claude...” They were doomed.

“It seems likely he is only interested in helping himself. And if he has no quarrel with Claude, he is just as likely to side with Valkenfeld as with you and the people of Montciel.”

“Why would King Wenceslaus tell us to go to him?”

“Let us hope he knows something we don’t about Count Eberhard.” He was staring hard at the wall. “But I don’t like it. I don’t like waiting to see if he’s going to help us, especially when he was so disrespectful toward you. I wanted to punch him in the face.”

Elyce laughed, a quick sound, before covering her mouth. “I was surprised at his rudeness and suspicion. Why do you think he behaved that way?”

Sir Gerard shook his head. “There are many reasons he might.” He folded his arms across his chest. “If you want, we can leave tonight and go elsewhere for support. Although, now that he knows our plans, he could inform King Claude.”

“Are we just being mistrustful? After all, he hasn’t done anything to threaten us. He was only rude and suspicious. I think we should stay and see what he will do for us.”

Sir Gerard was still scowling. “Very well. But I don’t trust him. Say the word and we will leave this place at once.”

“I don’t know what to do. What do you think?”

Sir Gerard’s chest rose as he took in a long, noisy breath, then blew it out. He finally looked her in the eye. “I have learned that people often have secret intentions, and when someone seems unkind, then they are unkind. Unless he has a selfish reason for assisting us, more than just not wanting to anger King Wenceslaus, he will not help us.”

“Perhaps you’re right.”

She suddenly wished he would put his arms around her. Part of her wanted to run away with him, to live an ordinary life with this English knight with the handsome face and kind eyes that made her melt inside.