Page 56 of The Guardian's Witch

“Sir.” Gareth came forward.

Alex searched the man’s face for an indication of what he would say. He saw none. “Yes, Gareth.”

The soldier stood in front of Lisbeth. His face broke into a wide smile. He knelt in front of her, clasped his hands, and stretched them out to her.

She reached down to help him up but Alex stopped her. He rested his hand on her shoulder for all to see he was her protector—for all to see they were united.

“M’lady, I pledge myself to you as I did to your mother. When your husband is not near you can count on me.”

Alex saw the tears glisten in Lisbeth’s eye.

“Gareth, I accept you pledge.”

“And me!” One by one soldiers from Alex’s army as well as Wesley’s men knelt and announced their allegiance to Lisbeth. The hall was filled with the sound of benches moving as the soldiers rose, only to kneel before her.

Alex watched her scan the faces of each man. Pride welled up in his chest.

“I accept the pledge of every man in this room. And I repeat, for all to hear, the pledge I made to my husband.”

Alex schooled his face to remain unreadable. He had no idea what she was about to say.

“As my lord husband has pledged to do all in his power to protect us and keep us safe so we shall prosper, so will I.” She touched Gareth’s hands.

He stood and turned to the men. “Lady Lisbeth!”

The men all rose and in one unified voice shouted, “Lady Lisbeth!”

Alex squeezed her shoulder. “Well done, Lisbeth. You have brought them all together.”

His gaze went from face to face, and he addressed his men. “I thank you not as your lord but as a husband for your fealty to my wife. I will rest easy knowing such honorable men stand ready to protect her.”

* * *

The meal over, Alex and Lisbeth were surrounded by their men and family. All wished them well.

“Your husband has always given pretty speeches,” slurred Fayne. He planted his hand on his youngest brother’s shoulder.

“My speeches are more coherent than yours,” said Alex with a broad smile.

Fayne gave a slight bow and lifted Lisbeth’s hand to his lips. When he straightened she saw his eyes were clear and not nearly as befuddled as she’d first thought.

“Welcome to the family. I’m the fun one. The others are all so serious. Especially your Lord Alex.” He pounded Alex’s back.

“Thank you, Fayne,” she said, and felt the corners of her mouth tug.

“That’s enough,” demanded Alex of his brother.

Fayne dipped his head to Alex and teetered just a bit. He gave Lisbeth a chaste kiss on the brow. “I wish...” He flashed a brilliant smile. “I wish for some more ale.” He turned and searched the crowd. “Where is that boy?” He spied Peter carrying a pitcher and hurried after him. “Boy, here.”

“Lisbeth, the meal was delicious. The berry glaze on the duck was superb.”

Lisbeth basked in the compliment. “Thank you, Mother Celeste. It’s one of my favorites. I plan to serve it for the king.”

“He has a sweet tooth. I’m certain he will enjoy it.”

“I thought you and Father were retiring? Have you changed your mind?” asked Alex.

“We would like to, dear, but protocol requires that you and Lisbeth leave first.”

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