Page 32 of Chivalry in the Meadow
“How do you know anything is wrong?” Mia asked.
“You look pale,” Lilly said.
“She needs to eat,” Sir Cedric said. He pulled out a chair for Mia.
She sat. “Thank you.”
“Sit still and relax,” he said. “I’ll fix you a plate.”
“The eggs have gone cold,” Lilly said. “But the bacon and sausage links in the warmer are still good.”
“Not to worry,” Sir Alaric said. “If you want eggs, I’ll tell the cook. She’ll fix you some.”
“Her favorite breakfast is pancakes,” Lilly said. “But those got eaten up.”
“Are there any breakfast foods you don’t like?” he asked Mia.
“No,” she shook her head. “I can eat whatever is easiest.”
“Hmm,” he said, gave a nod, and left to talk to the cook.
“So, tell me, what happened?” Lilly asked. “And how did you end up being escorted here by a handsome knight?”
Mia took a deep breath and began. “Sir Cedric almost ran me over with his horse.”
“No!” Lilly exclaimed. “How did that happen?”
“I stepped out of our tent and his horse was galloping toward me. But he snatched me up just in time, so I didn’t get run over.”
“Oh my!” Lilly placed her hand over Mia’s. “I’m glad you’re all right!”
“Me too,” Mia said.
“You were rescued from certain death and dismemberment, by a brave, dashing knight!” Lilly said. “Now that is likesomething out of one of your romance novels. Why aren’t you with him now?”
“It wasn’t nearly as exciting and swoon worthy as it is in romance novels,” Mia said. “For one, it was terrifying. For another,” she put her hand over the bodice. “My ribs are sore from wearing this thing. These aren’t meant to bend, or to be a thing for a man to grab hold of to pull you onto his horse.”
“Oh, no,” Lilly said. “Are you bruised?”
“I’ve no idea,” Mia said. “But Iamsore.”
“Maybe we can find you a different dress which would feel better,” Lilly said.
“No, I don’t want to be a bother,” Mia said. “I’ll be okay.”
“So,” Lilly grinned. “You were on his horse with him. What did it feel like to sit way up there, next to him?” Lilly asked.
“He sat me on his thigh,” Mia said in a quiet voice.
“His thigh?” Lilly squeaked, her eyes lighting up. “That big muscular thigh?”
“Yes.” Mia’s face heated.
“Now we’re getting to the juicy parts,” Lilly said. “Was it romantic? And kind of sexy?”
“Not exactly,” Mia said with a wince, as she realized she couldn’t slump down wearing the thing but had to sit up straight. “Sir Cedric wouldn’t let go of me, or put me down, and he and Sir Alaric started fighting over me.”
“Ooh!” Lilly clapped her hands together. “Two knights vying for your hand, now that’s exciting! Tell me more!”
