Page 45 of Knightfall
Bloss—
I’ll find a way to get you released from that spell. I promise. Just give me a few days—
Bloss—
I—my thought was cut off. Because suddenly, Quinn’s lips skimmed mine. My heart galloped like a war horse.WHAT?
He gave the slightest peck at the corner of my lips and pulled back to meet my eyes.I don’t want to be released from that spell.
If he hadn’t been holding onto me, I might have fallen to the floor. His words left me dazed. So much so that I forgot to speak in my thoughts. “Oh. Really?”
You’re adorable when you’re flustered.
Queens aren’t adorable.
You aren’t a queen yet, Dove. You’re just my reluctant princess. Now, go turn down Willard. Tell him four husbands are more than you can handle. But do it politely, please. Make a concession or two.
Quinn pulled open a door handle I hadn’t even noticed because I’d been so trapped by his damn irresistible eyes. He opened the door and released my arm in the same moment.
Don’t you have to come in?I cocked my head.
Just stay near the wall so poor Willard gets the illusion of privacy. I think he might be about to piss himself.An image of Willard in bright red breeches with a wet spot over his crotch popped into my head. Willard reached his hands together to cover it and his lips popped into a little surprised circle.
I bit my lip and shook my head, but my eyes danced with mirth.You’re awful,I told Quinn.
I know.
Willard was already in the room and he stepped forward to bow and kiss my hand. He was wearing bright red breeches. I had to swallow a smile. Quinn was on point.
“Your Highness, thank you so much for taking the time to see me. My mother was so pleased when you agreed to this meeting the other day,” he mumbled, coming forward as Quinn pulled the door shut behind me.
I noticed his hair was thinning as he bowed over my hand. Not that thinning hair mattered in arranged marriages. But, my mother had seemed to happen to find handsome men for me. I’d never thought too much of it, busy as I’d been planning my escape. But, for a second I wondered how many other candidates she’d turned down. I was sure Lady Agatha had approached her. Willard was the lady’s only child. She’d never been able to carry to term again. This couldn’t be Willard’s first attempt to attain knighthood. So … why now?
“Lord Willard, we’ve known each other since childhood.”
“Yes, Your Highness,” he squeaked. He looked to his left, away from me. A bead of sweat rolled down his forehead. And he breathed through his mouth.
I blinked, reminding myself to keep my face neutral. “Your family is very important to this kingdom. You’re very important.”
“Thank you,” he gritted his teeth together, and his face turned an odd blotchy red.
Was he embarrassed by a compliment? I wouldn’t have been surprised if Quinn’s prediction about the piss came true. I tried to take a surreptitious step back. “Your mother has suggested you be added to my contingent of personal knights.”
“Yes,” Willard wheezed.
“This suggests your family has needs of a very delicate nature, that you’d like the crown’s help, but perhaps … you feel those needs won’t be met by someone who is only your monarch. Are your lands in danger?”
I said be polite!
I ignored Quinn and focused on Willard’s uncomfortable fidgeting. His eyes flashed to mine only briefly. Defiance and a bit of anger seemed to flicker there, though his nervousness quickly outpaced other emotions.
“Willard. I’ve been married four years and have obligations to my current knights. They have been kind enough to wait for me as I tried to put the country’s needs before our own. I cannot accept you into my contingent—”
Willard gulped and wiped his forehead with a handkerchief.
I took his hand and continued, “But I would like to offer you something else. Something that will allow you to trust me. I’ll offer a mage oath.”
Willard gasped.
