Page 8 of The Sword and the Damsel

“Hmm? Oh no. Quite satisfied. Just thinking too much.” He pulled on his clothes, left his payment, and headed back to the castle, bracing himself for another dinner with the lovely de Veres.

Chapter Four

Lady Alais stormedout of the castle toward the stables, sending piles of red and gold leaves swirling in her wake. Moments later, Victor came chasing after her.

“Lady Alais,” Victor yelled, jogging to catch up. “Lady Alais, I can’t let you leave without me. Lord and Lady Carenza were clear.”

“I don’t need a nursemaid,” she snapped at him. She entered the stables. “If you would be so kind as to saddle Snow and Bella?” she asked the obviously smitten groom in her sweetest voice.

“Saddle Socorro first,” Victor barked, determined not to let Lady Alais have a chance to escape on her horse before he was mounted. He glanced back at the castle to see a lady’s maid who must be Dora watching the interaction with keen interest, ambling along in no hurry to catch up with either of them.

“My lady, do Ilooklike a nursemaid to you?”

Lady Alais glared at him and turned her back. So far, this was going even worse than he expected, which was saying something.

There was a soft pressure on his arm, and he turned to see Dora smiling up at him. “I take it you are Sir Victor? It’s nice to meet you. I’m Dora, Lady Alais’s maid. I must say having you here makes my job so much easier.”

“Dora,” Lady Alais complained, giving her a betrayed look.

“A pleasure to meet you. You can call me Sir Fly Swatter. I’m here to smash anyone who buzzes too close.” He said it loud enough for the groom to hear and was satisfied to see the man jump. “Aside from my fly-swatting duties, I plan to leave the two of you alone.”

Dora patted his cheek and looked delighted.

The groom brought out a powerful bay courser first, avoiding Lady Alais’s gaze as he handed the reins to Victor. At least the man had the good sense to know which of the three of them could break his neck.

Lady Alais gave Victor a resentful look but kept glancing surreptitiously at his horse. Finally, she gave up her pretense of disinterest and walked over.

“What’s his name?”

“Socorro.”

“Help?”

He nodded. “He’s saved my life more than once.”

She sauntered all the way around for a thorough look. “He’s beautiful.”

“He’s a trained war horse, and he bites.” He smiled coldly.

She cocked her head as if he’d just issued a dare. “Hello, Socorro,” she said softly and reached out her hand slowly to let him sniff before petting his nose. Socorro nuzzled her hand shamelessly. She giggled and gave him an apple she had tucked away. “You’re a sweet boy, aren’t you?”

“Socorro, since when are you a sweet boy? You’re supposed to bite my adversaries, remember?”

“Am I your adversary?” She gave him a sultry smile.

“You’re not my friend. I know that much.”

She straightened and narrowed her eyes at him. She must not be used to men resisting the effects of that smile. He wasn’t exactly immune, just wary.

“Lord Daniel asked me to keep you safe when you go out, and I gave my word of honor that I would,” he said quietly. “I’m not your nursemaid, and I’m not your friend. I’m only a guard. Pretend I’m not here.”

The groom came out with Snow and Bella and carefully avoided Lady Alais’s eyes as he handed over the reins. Soon everyone was mounted, and they were wending their way down Castle Street, past merchants and peasants going about their daily business. Eyes followed Lady Alais wherever she went. Fortunately, she ignored the attention she drew.

Lady Alais turned toward Winchelsea’s southern gate when they reached Fish Street, weaving through the dockworkers, sailors, and fishermen who openly gaped as she passed. Was he going to have to decapitate anyone before they even left the town? Fortunately, his forbidding glare seemed to be sufficient to make them keep their distance.

He breathed a sigh of relief as they passed under the stone arch of the southern gate. They ambled along the ancient Roman road with grassy hills on one side and the shore on the other. It was a clear, crisp day, perfect for a ride. The sun was shining. The birds were singing.

Victor was almost starting to enjoy himself when Lady Alais abruptly veered off the road, and broke into a gallop, darting out of sight into the nearby woods.

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