Dark One Rising(128)
“Sir Alastair. I am looking for Sir Tomas, from the ranks of Lachlan. Is he among you this evening?”
He bowed low. “Yes, Your Highness. He’s inside the supply house with another knight, making sure everything is in order for their departure in the morn. Is there something I can do for you?”
“No, Sir. I would like to speak to him if that’s permissible.”
“Of course, Your Highness, anything you require.” He turned to young squire Henri and snapped. “Fetch Sir Tomas and tell him to present himself outside immediately.”
“Yes, sir!”
Henri scurried away. Melenthia nodded to Alastair. “I’ll be over in the stables. Send him there.” Alastair eyed her suspiciously; she understood where his thoughts were. She pursed her lips. “There’s something I need to speak to him about, and would like to speak without other ears bending to my every word. Do you have a problem with that?”
He cleared his throat, embarrassed at his presumption. “No, of course not, Your Highness. I meant no disrespect. I was just taken aback for a moment. Her Highness has permission to do what she pleases.”
“Good. As you were.” She turned on her toes and headed toward the stables to await Tomas.
After a couple of minutes, he strode into the stables but stopped in his tracks when he saw her there, rubbing the nose of her bay mare, Lila. She turned to him and smiled. He waited until called.
“Come in, Tomas. Don’t lurk in doorways.”
He approached her and bowed deep. “You called for me. What can I do for you, Your Highness.”
She got closer to him. When she was almost touching him, she stood on her toes, leaned over and kissed his cheek. When she pulled back, he stared at her, his hand on his cheek where it was still wet from her mouth, eyes wide.
“What was that for?” His tone was one of amazement, with a slight embarrassed shake to it, all manner of respectful speech gone.
“I never got to thank you. I wasn’t even sure I would ever see you again. I owe you, as well as Lucan, for my life. If not for you, I would not have made it passed Gerard and the other guards. You have always been kind to me, and I wanted to thank you for all the times you stood up for me, covered for me when I was late and made up stories to keep me from getting in trouble. You have always been my friend, and before things are desperate and we’re all fighting for our lives, I wanted you to know how much it meant to me to have you on my side. I wish you luck, Tomas, and I hope this won’t be the last time we ever speak. My prayers will be with you and all the other knights that will be protecting my brother and our kingdom.”
“You’re welcome, Your Highness,” he said bowing low. “I was always under your spell. Like Lucan, you charmed me with the first smile and kind word. I’m here to do my duty to you and to His Majesty, always.”
There was scuffling in the gravel coated entry to the stable, and Tomas turned in time to see Dain headed in their direction. Tomas’ face turned deep crimson; Melenthia could see him shaking ever so slightly.
“Charming even the stalwart knights I see, Melenthia. It hardly seems fair that you have put this poor man in such an awkward position. How can he go about his business and do his duty when you have rattled him so?” he said to her, then looked at Tomas and nodded. “Fear nothing from me, Sir Knight. I too have been ensnared by her charms and beauty. I don’t think there’s anyone in this kingdom who has not fallen in love with her.” He looked back at her. “And you said there were no men in your life besides me.” He sighed. “Alas, I suppose I should have known I would have to share.”
Tomas bowed to her and then to the king. “Are there any messages you require me to carry home, Your Highness?”
“Tell Lucan I miss him.”
He bowed. “It will be done, My Lady.”
He turned on his heel to go, but she called after him. “And Tomas. Keep Kevaan safe. Promise me he will reach home safely.”
He turned to her and again bowed deep. “I swear it on my life.”
He left the stables. Dain leaned down and kissed her on the lips.
“You really do have men wrapped around your finger, don’t you my love?”
“Not really.”
“Come, come now, my darling. If ever I saw a man who was enraptured by your charms it was he. And with good reason. You are very hard to resist.” He kissed her again, lifting her slightly off the ground. “Dinner is ready and our company awaits. Let’s have an evening full of laughter and peace before we are all wrapped up too much to even breathe. Shall we?”
They went hand in hand back into the castle.