Page 76 of Lord of Misrule

Chapter 20

“You did what?” asked Rook the next day, as he and Tolin oversaw the servants setting up for the outdoor snowball fight that would take place today as part of the Christmas festivities. It had snowed overnight enough to make not only snowballs and snowmen, but also forts. The best snowman would win a prize and the winning team would get extra wine as well as the right to smash the losers’ fort.

“You heard me. I said I asked Kit to marry me.” Life was changing so rapidly that it made Tolin’s head spin.

“I knew it!” Rook clasped his palms together. “I told you it was only a matter of time and you’d be marrying a commoner too, just like me and Raven and most of your cousins. Join the club, brother.” Rook chuckled, reaching out and shaking Tolin’s hand. “Wait until Father hears about this. He’ll burst a vein in his neck since he’ll be so upset.”

“Now, wait a minute. I didn’t say she accepted.”

“What?” Rook made a face. “What do you mean she didn’t accept your proposal? A commoner getting the chance to marry a noble is a dream come true. Why in heaven’s name would she turn you down?”

“She didn’t turn me down, but neither did she accept. She wanted to think about it.”

“So what is there to think about?”

“I don’t know. Mayhap because we not really in love?” Tolin shrugged.

“Nobles seldom marry for love. That comes later.”

“I told her that. But she is a headstrong woman and likes having a business and taking care of everyone, I guess. Everyone but me, that is.”

“Tolin? Is this just about the sex?” Rook gave him a disappointed glare.

“Nay, that’s not what I mean at all. It’s just that I think I have feelings for her even though I’m not sure they are love. Yet. Kit, on the other hand, I don’t think seems to feel the same way about me.”

“You think? Or you know? This part is important.”

Tolin threw his hands in the air. “When it comes to Kit, I know nothing.” He plopped down in his dais chair and stretched out his legs, placing his feet on the table. “Nothing ever seems to go my way anymore. I am used to winning, but lately I feel like I am always losing.”

“Are you talking about the fact that you had to use your food to lure the dogs back to the wagon?” Rook laughed aloud. “The knights and even the kennel grooms will be talking about that stunt for quite a while to come.”

“It wasn’t my idea to bring the dogs. I swear since I gave the boy that bean, my life has crumbled and turned upside down.”

“Hear ye, hear ye,” called out Jarvis from the other side of the hall.

“What the hell is my squire doing?” Tolin narrowed his eyes and stretched his neck to see what was going on.

“I don’t know,” said Rook with a shrug. “Did you tell him to make some sort of announcement for the upcoming festivities?”

“Nay. Not at all.”

“The Lord of Misrule would like to give another command,” shouted Jarvis.

“Oh, hell no,” complained Tolin, wishing he could hide. He was already expecting the worse. He pictured himself shoveling horse manure in the stables next. But when he heard what the boy said, it actually pleased him instead.

“I command Lord Tolin to kiss my mother under the mistletoe,” Parker called out loud enough for everyone to hear him.

Tolin slowly stood, seeing Kit peeking out from the kitchen. Had she possibly told Parker to request this? It would please him immensely if he thought it was true, but how could it be? She never even gave him an answer when he took a huge risk and asked her to marry him.

“Well, go on,” said Rook with a jerk of his head. “Go kiss the girl. I know you want to.”

“I’m a little hesitant,” said Tolin.

“What the hell for?”

“Because if I kiss her, I’m not going to want to let her go. Ever. But if she doesn’t want to stay with me, then there is nothing I can do to keep her from leaving.”

“Would you just get over there and kiss the wench? And stop worrying about winning or losing. Just live for the day, brother.”