Page 31 of Chivalry in the Meadow
“Yes,” Sir Alaric said. “Quite dangerous. I’m glad you weren’t injured or worse.”
“Why was it so close to my tent?” She frowned, worrying that it might happen again.
“It shouldn’t have been,” Sir Alaric said, sending a glare to Air Sir Cedric.
“Yes, Sir Cedric.” Sir Elias crossed his arms and gave him a stern look. “You know it’s against the rules to ride our horses through here. So why were you breaking that rule?”
“I was on the practice field and realized I’d forgotten my sword,” Sir Cedric said. “It’s in my tent. Everyone is usually gone to breakfast by now. So, no one should still be in their tents.”
“You’re damn lucky you didn’t hurt her,” Sir Elias said.
“Milady, where were you headed, when this oaf nearly ran you down?” Sir Alaric asked.
“To the village to have a late breakfast with my friend Lilly,” she said. “If any is left and they haven’t already stopped serving.”
“Ah,” Sir Cedric interrupted. “Breaking thy fast. May I accompany you?”
“No,” she said, shaking her head at him. “I wish to dine alone, if not with my friend.”
“If you should so, please,” Sir Alaric said. “It would be my pleasure to escort you safely there.” He bowed to her and then held out his arm.
Despite how dark and dangerous he’d appeared to her during the parade of champions, this felt right, so she took his arm. “Thank you, good Sir,” she said.
“Tis my pleasure, milady,” Sir Alaric said. “They will still be serving breakfast, and if they’re already closing the grill, I’ll speak to the cook. You need not fear going hungry.”
She placed one hand on her belly. “If I can eat,” she said. “I’m feeling a bit, unsettled.”
“You had quite a scare.” He patted her hand which was holding his arm. “Once you’re seated and still for a bit, it should ease.”
The other knights dispersed, except for Sir Cedric, who still sat on his horse, watching her walk away, the sun lighting his hair and his costume.
She turned her attention away from him to focus on Sir Alaric, her escort.
“Well, man, are you going to get your sword or not?” Sir Elias challenged Sir Cedric.
“Yes, of course,” Sir Cedric slowly rode his horse over to his tent.
Mia did not turn back to see what he did afterward.
“We haven’t been properly introduced,” Sir Alaric said. “I am Sir Alaric of Ravenwood. And may I have the pleasure of your name, milady?”
“I’m Mia Louise Harkness,” Mia said.
It occurred to her that in all the conversation last night with Sir Cedric, he hadn’t once asked her anything about herself, not even her name.
As Sir Alaric walked beside her with her arm in his, her frightened nerves slowly began to calm down.
In his presence she felt safe, and just a bit lighter.
It was a beautiful morning, and she looked about and enjoyed it. She noticed the colorful striped tents of all colors, some with pennons and flags bearing coats of arms, waving lazily above in the early morning breeze. Where before she’d been more focused on herself and the scare she’d just had.
“Every merchant has some kind of flag,” she said.
“Yes, it helps the fairgoers to find them,” he said.
Then they were to the cafeteria, which wasn’t far, as it was on the edge of the public area and close enough for the workers.
“Mia!” Lilly rose upon seeing Mia enter the cafeteria on Sir Alaric’s arm. “What’s wrong?”
