Page 35 of One Knight in the Forest

Magdalen dared to glance down at the gown’s low-cut bodice. Holy Mother of God. She’d never imagined that her bosom could be made to look so…provocative.

“What’s wrong?” Dyane asked with a frown. “Are the bindings too tight, milady?”

Magdalen shook her head, all too aware that Cyn was likely listening to the conversation. She wasn’t going to give him one reason to leave her behind. “They are fine.”

Dyane wrinkled her nose, muttered to herself, and then ordered Magdalen to sit and have her hair braided. Then Dyane picked up a cloak from the side table. She draped the garment over Magdalen’s shoulders, stepped back, and looked her over from head to toe. Nodding, she shouted, “Milord!”

He strode through the doorway. Magdalen caught her breath as his gaze fell upon her. His eyes widened, his strides slowed, and he whistled softly.

“What?” A heady thrill, chased by mortification, wove through her. How she longed to snatch at the cloak and hide her bosom, but if she showed any aversion to her disguise, he might refuse to take her with him.

His gaze shifted to Dyane and then back to her. “You look…perfect, Magdalen.”

“Of course she does.” Grinning, Dyane winked at him. Her ample hips swaying in invitation, she crossed to his side. “I borrowed the gown and cloak from a maid who works in me brother’s tavern. I do know what I’m about.”

Cyn smiled back. “Of course you do.”

She laughed, the sound deep and throaty, as she brushed against him, practically thrusting her bosom in his face. “Ye did say ye’d reward me well fer me services, milord.”

Magdalen quickly glanced away. Jealousy crackled in her veins, but she vowed to ignore the foolish emotion. While Cyn had confided his dark secret to her, kissed her, and slept beside her, he hadn’t made her any promises for the coming days. He was free to accept Dyane’s seduction if he chose.

Magdalen retrieved her leather bag and checked through it to ensure she had all that she needed for the journey ahead.

Footfalls warned her that Cyn approached. Dyane, still in the room but looking disgruntled, was now with Borden, who handed her a tied leather bag that clinked as it settled in her palm.

Magdalen met Cyn’s gaze.

He handed her a small, sheathed knife. “Tuck this into your gown.”

“Are you sure I will know how to use it?” she asked, more tartly than she’d have liked.

“I am sure.” The corner of his mouth ticked up. “I trust that is not jealousy I hear in your voice?”

Magdalen scowled. She thought of lying, but she and Cyn had developed a special trust, and she’d rather not ruin that confidence. “Dyane was speaking very coyly with you—”

“—as she always does. However, she well knows that she and I will never be lovers.”

“Does she?”

Chuckling, Cyn shook his head. “Later, Fair Maiden, we will discuss this matter at greater length. Right now, you are to hide this knife within easy reach. We must be on our way as soon as possible.”

***

A lively melody of lute and pipes drifted on the breeze wafting down the narrow dirt street of two-story buildings, leading Cyn and Magdalen to The Merry Hen situated on the outskirts of the town.

Magdalen tightened her hands on the reins of the dappled gray Borden had loaned her. Her belly fluttered with disquiet, for she had an awful feeling the evening wouldn’t unfold as expected; yet, she wasn’t going to turn back now. As she’d promised Cyn, she’d do all she could to stop the attempted murder and ensure the traitors were captured.

Her gaze rose to the tavern’s painted sign a short distance ahead. She’d never been to The Merry Hen before; respectable ladies didn’t frequent such haunts. She’d heard of the place though. Rumored to have the best ale and fare in the county, ’twas situated close to a main thoroughfare and also offered rooms for nightly rent, and was thus was a favorite stop for travelers.

Cyn slowed his horse so that her mount came alongside his. He, too, was garbed in a plain cloak with a deep hood that was raised to conceal his features. As their gazes locked, he asked, “Changing your mind?”

She forced a bright smile. “Not at all.”

His face in shadow, he studied her. “You do not have to prove your courage to me. I know how brave you are.”

“Good. Then you also know I will not fail you this eve.” At least she’d have plenty of excitement to convey in her next letter to Aislinn. “I do hope all will turn out well,” Magdalen added.

“I, too, hope for a good outcome, although I realize it may not be so.”