Page 39 of Lord of Misrule

“So am I,” she said, pulling her son close to her, still not able to believe Tolin had just left them here like this. What she would give right now to be back in the hot kitchen warming her bones, baking something to fill their bellies.

“Are we going to have to stay out here all night?” asked the boy.

“I’m afraid so.” She watched Oliver and Jarvis unloading the supplies from the horses.

“Is this part of my punishment?”

“I’m no longer sure,” she told him. “It might just be another game that the Lord of Misrule decided to play with us. Either way, we’re going to have to make the best of it, so we will. Come, Parker. Help me find some wood for the fire. We’ll be warm and have something to eat very soon, I promise.”

“Why did you bring Kit and Parker along on the hunt?” asked Raven, as the hunting party rode to an area where they would be sure to catch prey.

“To cook and to serve us,” Tolin answered.

“I know that is what you what everyone to think, but now I want the real answer.” His sister was too observant. He might be able to fool his brothers, but Raven was not going to settle for any answer but the right one.

“All right, I admit it. I wanted to spend some time with Kit. It is too hard to do so at the castle. She has too much work to do and there are too many prying eyes.”

“Ah ha! I thought so.” Raven smiled. “Why did you bring the boy? There is no reason for him to be here.”

Tolin hesitated. When Raven kept staring at him as they rode, he figured he’d better tell her everything after all. “I knew Kit would never leave her son, so I figured if I commanded him to be here, she sure as hell wouldn’t stay behind. I have to admit I am growing fond of the child and realize he could never be a thief as he was accused of being.”

“You’re playing your silly games again, Tolin,” Raven warned him.

“Games? What do you mean?”

“Why don’t you come right out and admit to Kit that you want to spend time with her? That you like her?”

“I couldn’t.”

“You could, but you won’t. You’re afraid it might make you seem weak, aren’t you?”

“Nay. I don’t think that at all.” He was afraid Kit wouldn’t like him back, and that was the reason he hadn’t told her. Tolin didn’t do well with rejection.

“I’m sure she’d like you if you gave her a chance.”

“I have given her a chance. Several.”

Raven scowled at him. “I’m not sure dragging her and her child out here in the cold to wait on you hand and foot is a good attempt at courtship.”

“Huh?” His head snapped up with a jerk. “Who said I wanted to court her?”

“You didn’t need to say it. I’m a woman. I know these things.”

“Raven, she’s a commoner and I’m a noble. I’m not looking to court or even marry beneath my status.”

“Oh, like I did?” She raised a brow.

“I didn’t say that. Jonathon is a great guy and a talented blacksmith.”

“Kit is a wonderful, strong woman and an excellent baker. There is no difference. Where love is concerned, status doesn’t matter.”

“Love? Slow down. I barely know the wench.”

Raven’s eyes narrowed. “If you at all want her to like you, then I suggest not using the word ‘wench’ when you refer to her or talk to her.”

“I didn’t mean anything derogative by it.”

“Tolin, if you don’t tell her soon that you are attracted to her, then I am going to do it for you.”