Page 79 of The Sword and the Damsel

Helping her up, he pulled her into an embrace and kissed her hair. “Do you feel well enough to ride?”

“I think so.”

“Then let’s go get our horses and head back to the castle.”

Chapter Thirty-One

Alais clutched herermine stole as she and Victor returned home from Christmas mass. A cold wind howled, but she didn’t care. The Christmas feast was one of her favorite events of the year, and she could hardly wait to show off the new velvet gown she’d commissioned in Canterbury.

But Victor was fidgeting. Something was off. What could have him so worked up on Christmas Day?

“You aren’t worried about next month’s visit to your aunt, are you?” she asked, putting a soothing hand on his shoulder.

“What?” He looked genuinely bewildered. “Of course not. Why do you ask?”

“It’s just that you’ve been restless all morning. Something is on your mind. Is it something to do with the negotiations with the archbishop’s representative? I thought you said those were going well.”

His brow furrowed. “They are.”

“Then what’s eating at you? There’s definitely something.”

“Has anyone ever told you that you are altogether too perceptive?”

Alais’s heart fluttered at his words. It was so delicious to get compliments that had nothing to do with her looks.

“Only you.”

He smiled his adorable, endearing half-smile.

“You still haven’t answered my question,” she said, squeezing his arm.

“All shall be revealed very shortly,” he said, waggling his eyebrows and giving her a cryptic smile.

What was he up to?

As they entered the castle gates, Victor pulled her aside just as she was about to go in the front doors.

Mark from the stables came running up.

“Is everything ready as I asked?” Victor asked.

“It is, my lord.”

Victor heaved a sigh of relief and turned to her.

“I have a gift for you, my love. Come with me.”

A gift? That was what this was all about?

“Victor, I already have more silks and jewels than I know what to do with.” Really, it was too much. He didn’t need to spoil her like this.

“This is better than silks and jewels,” he said with a sly grin.

“Better?” What had he done? It was with a mix of excitement and trepidation that she followed him as he led her into the stables.

“Definitely better,” he said coming to a halt in front of the stall next to Socorro. “Meet Ventus.”

Alais gasped as she looked at the gorgeous and powerful chestnut horse before her. The same size as Socorro, Ventus stamped and whickered as if ready for a race. He held himself like a prince among horses, proud and powerful. Victor placed an apple in her hand.

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