Chapter Nine

R eynard sat at a long table in the great hall eating his meal. Those closest to him sat at the same table with Elysande and her captain at the far end. She was far enough away that she would not be able to hear their hushed conversations unless they wished to make them audible by raising their voices to include her. But still… she was close enough that he could still watch over her, not that Hawke wasn't capable of such a deed. Reynard frowned, confused by his own protectiveness. Why he was bothering worrying over the woman when she was certainly protected by a knight who had been performing such a duty for many a year? The lady did not need him, and he could only ponder his stupidity for making such a vow.

But the deed was done, and Reynard now felt obligated to carry out his words. Whilst joining the rest of the team that would head to Winchester come the morn, Elysande would barely come within arms distance to him, or so he presumed. But that was of little import. There were enough knights here to ensure her safety as they traveled. He would not need to be directly involved.

Her laughter rang out and drew the knights nearby to gaze upon her as if they were moths flying into a flame. The sound was infectious, causing Reynard to steel his heart against falling under her spell. Aye… she was casting her magic toward every male around her whether she knew it or not. Reynard could already see for himself that Kingsley hung onto her every word. He was certain 'twould not be long before Blake did the same if his cow-eyed attention to the woman was any indication as to where his feelings could lie.

Richard gave him a nudge, and Reynard turned his attention back to the man seated next to him.

"You did not hear a word I said," Richard stated with a frown. "'Tis clear you have been besotted with the young lady since we caught up with you at Blackmore. Get your head out of the clouds and pay attention."

"I am not besotted," Reynard grumbled before taking his eyes from the black-haired beauty sitting at the far end of the table.

"Aye, you are, mon ami . You do not have the time to indulge in a frivolous affair with the lady. We already accommodated you for the extra days you spent convincing her to leave her home. We must needs leave for Winchester come the morn. Even now, we are two days behind schedule." Richard took a sip from his chalice, but his worried frown never left his brow.

"Have no fear, Richard. There are no plans hatching inside my head to have an affair with Lady Elysande now or in my future. She is only under my protection until I can deliver her into the empress's keeping," Reynard replied taking a drink of his wine.

"I was concerned. She is almost too similar in her features to that of Lady Johanna. The lady from Blackmore could be your lady reincarnated."

Reynard almost choked on his wine as he set the chalice down. "You see it, too?" he asked in a hushed whisper. This alone was reason enough for Reynard to stay as far away from Elysande as humanly possible.

"'Tis hard to miss the resemblance since I also knew of your affection for the young lady in your youth. I know how much Lady Johanna's death left its mark on you," Richard said pointing a two-pronged fork at Reynard. "But you need to think clearly for whatever may await us in Winchester. Do not lose your head to a pretty face and a shapely body."

Reynard glanced momentarily at Elysande before returning his attention to his meal. "You expect trouble upon our arrival at Winchester?" he asked not taking the bait to comment on the Lady Elysande's beauty. Anyone with half a mind could see for himself the woman was indeed attractive.

"'Tis hard to say. I would like the prisoner exchange to be peaceful, but one never knows what to expect where King Stephen is concerned. Let us pray that we can hand him over and in return take the earl and escape with our heads still attached."

"The sooner we leave Winchester the better. I cannot imagine there is much left to the town after the bishop finished setting fire to the place," Reynard dryly commented.

With their conversation done, he ate his meal in silence. His mood plunged with each bit of laughter that rang out from the other end of the table. Obviously, the men were enthralled with their conversation with the lady who continued to keep them entertained. But as the hall began to empty when the hour grew late, Reynard stayed where he was until Elysande stifled a yawn. She apologized to those around her and finally stood, causing Reynard to do the same. He could not miss the glance she gave him before she began bidding each man a good night.

When the lady came to stand next to him after dismissing her captain, Reynard was not sure if he was surprised or mayhap a bit mystified. He was about to ask how he might be of service when she spoke her thoughts.

"Will you walk with me, Sir Reynard?" she asked in a breathy whisper. She placed her hand in the crook of his elbow giving him no chance to decline.

"Where would you have me escort you, my lady?" he asked as curiosity got the better of him.

"Perchance a quick walk outside in the garden before retiring for the eve?" she suggested. "I understand the night is not too cool so we may enjoy a short stroll."

He nodded his acceptance of her idea and led her out the keep door. A short while later, they were strolling in the moonlit garden area. The path was neat and pleasant enough, although the flowers had all but died for the season.

"Is there a reason you asked me to accompany you instead of your captain?" he asked breaking the silence that stretched between them.

"My conversation with Hawke earlier had me thinking I was mayhap too harsh in my assessment of you." Her fingertips traced his arm, and he was certain she was not aware that she was causing his skin to tingle from her touch.

He cleared his throat, taking a moment to get his thoughts in order. "I thought your plan was to hate me," he responded with a slight chuckle. They came to a stone bench, and she went to take a seat, motioning toward him to do the same. This brought him far closer to the woman than he would have wished. Aye… she was weaving some sort of spell around him, and he was unaware how to get out of this situation without losing his head.

"As I said… mayhap I was overreacting just a bit." The smile she gave him was that of an innocent, and he was certain that if he could see her in the light of day, a rosy blush would be rushing across her cheeks.

"In the end, you came to see reason on how dire your situation was, so how you think of me hardly matters," he said quickly. She reached over to take his hand causing his eyes to widen at the contact.

"Mayhap we can start anew?" she asked. Those blue eyes held such promise… but Reynard could in no way give her hope that they had a future together.

"Elysande—"

"—and perchance you will forgive me for this…"

He was completely unprepared when she quickly leaned forward to place her lips upon his own. 'Twas a chaste kiss and showed Reynard how inexperienced this young lady truly was. He should have stood and escorted her back into the keep and up to her bedchamber. He should have told her they had no future together. But as a part of him rose to prove to Reynard just how attractive he honestly found the lady, he could not help himself from leaning forward to kiss her once again.