Page 17 of Enamored
Ansgar had gained renown four years ago when the Ice Men had attacked farms and towns in the moors and plateau. During the months of defending the land, he almost single-handedly put an end to the invasions. He became popular for his valor and fierceness in battle as well as his compassion and loyalty. When he also saved the king from an attack, he won the king’s favor.
His rise to leadership as Grand Marshal had caused dissent among the older Knights of Brethren, so much so that two had schemed against Sir Ansgar. Rasmus had uncovered the plot, and the king had sent the two knights to their homes in disgrace.
The scent of roasting venison filled the air, and my stomach gurgled with hunger.
Upon hearing it, the queen pushed a platter toward me. “Eat more, Maxim.” The abundance of the Norvegian harvest was on display with grapes, apples, plums, and pears along with several types of cheese including the brown goat cheese Norvegian farmers produced in abundance.
“Thank you, Your Majesty.” I plucked a ripe pear. As I sank my teeth into the sweet fruit, from the corner of my eye, I could see Kristoffer speaking with Elinor. I’d learned that he, along with Torvald and Sigfrid, were three Knights of Brethren who had been chosen to participate in the courtship.
Kristoffer was a decent-looking man of wealth and influence. While I didn’t know much about him or any of the other king’s knights, I did know that as firstborns they would inherit their families’ estates and titles. They had much more to offer the princess than most men.
After watching the Knights of Brethren most of the afternoon, including those who weren’t a part of the weeklong competition, I had no doubt they were everything a knight should be: strong, brave, honorable, dependable, kindhearted, chivalrous, and more. They were about as perfect as a man could get. Truthfully, they were so perfect I’d found myself irritated at the fact, mostly because I wasn’t half as good.
So far, the princess hadn’t found a heart match with any of the chosen noblemen. While she seemed to be making a good effort, her strained attention, stilted smiles, and short conversations made clear that none had yet captivated her. Rasmus need not have brought me to Vordinberg to thwart the courtship. The princess was doing that well enough for herself. But why?
I’d pondered the perplexing problem since we stopped to rest. Yet I hadn’t come to any conclusion other than forming the hypothesis that Elinor had a secret love interest elsewhere, a man who had already captured her heart.
“So, Maxim.” The queen studied my face. “You have not yet spoken of whether a young maiden has caught your attention. In all your traveling, surely you have met many women.”
At the queen’s question, Elinor tilted her head our direction. Though the noblemen swarmed around her, talking to one another and vying for her attention, could she hear our conversation from where she stood? What if she’d purposefully positioned herself nearby so she could listen?
“You’re right, Your Majesty. I have met many women.” Did I dare fabricate a story to make Elinor more curious? As soon as the thought came, I put it from my mind. With Rasmus pressuring me to help him foil Elinor’s interest in the noblemen, I was already having to be more deceptive than I would like. I couldn’t add more guilt to my conscience.
Nevertheless, I took heart that her interest in me was growing. How much longer before she came and sat down? One minute? Two?
“I admit,” I continued, “I haven’t yet found anyone special.”
The queen reached over and patted my hand. “One so kind and wise and handsome as you, Maxim, will surely find your heart match in due time.”
Truthfully, I had not thought about taking a wife. Perhaps in seeing how my mother’s death had so affected Rasmus, I’d resolved subconsciously not to have my heart broken the way he had.
“Good afternoon, Your Majesty.” Elinor ducked under the canopy, leaving Kristoffer behind but bringing Torvald with her. “I trust you have enjoyed the hunt along with the refreshments.”
Less than a minute. Apparently, Elinor’s interest in my relational status matched that of the queen.
The queen scooted over and motioned to the cushion beside her. “Please join us, Elinor. Torvald. We are having a delightful afternoon.”
“You are radiant with happiness, Your Majesty.” Elinor smiled at the queen. “I have not seen you this happy in a very long time.”
Until now, I’d yet to see Elinor smile, and the sight of her lips curving up did something strange to my chest. A tightening, as if I didn’t have quite enough air in my lungs. She was already lovely today, her cheeks flushed from the fresh air, her eyes bright, and her hair kissed by the sun. Now, her smile made her more beautiful, if that was even possible.
The perfect gentleman, Torvald assisted Elinor to her cushion before he lowered himself to the place beside her. Again, I worked at trying to have balance in my expression, one of welcoming Elinor and one of mild indifference.
The tactic seemed to have been effective so far, and now if I displayed too much enthusiasm, she would surely see through my duplicitous behavior. I couldn’t forget just how brilliant Elinor was and that she noticed and understood things on a deeper level than most people.
“Maxim, this is Lord Torvald Wahlburg.” The queen gestured toward the nobleman.
The solidly built giant-of-a-man nodded at me, but the movement was perfunctory. One did not have to be an expert in body language and facial expressions to realize Torvald was reluctant to be here, clearly had no aspiration to be king.
“Maxim is the son of His Excellency Rasmus,” the queen said. “After many years away, he has returned to Vordinberg to finish his training to become a wiseman.”
I nodded at Torvald. “My lord, you are indeed a skilled hunter. I was surprised when your prey slipped away.”
Perhaps no one else had noticed, but I’d realized at once that Torvald had purposely slowed down and lost the challenge today.
“’Twas unfortunate.” Elinor slid a narrowed look at Torvald, one that led me to believe she was also aware he’d foiled his hunt.
A servant approached with goblets for both Elinor and Torvald, and for several moments the queen chatted with Elinor about the afternoon’s events while Torvald and I sipped our cider and ate in silence.
