Nicole cast a surprised glance at Reese, which transformed into a victorious grin. She whirled and raced into the hallway after her brother’s new wife. “Jayce!”
Jayce didn’t stop at Nicole’s cry. She stormed down the hallway, her fists clenched.
Nicole caught up to her and seized her wrist, bringing her to a halt. “Jayce!” She smiled. “You were wonderful! I couldn’t have done better---” Her words died on her lips as her gentle eyes focused on Jayce’s face. Only then did Nicole realize Jayce’s cheeks were wet with tears, and her trembling wasn’t from anger, but from misery. “Oh, my dear,” she murmured, pulling Jayce into an embrace.
Chapter Seven
The great hall was silent that night. Where there was once raucous laughter and loud music, there was now only muted conversation and the plucking of a few harp strings. Many of the peasants and servants cast Reese tentative looks as he sat in his chair on the raised platform that filled the west end of the room.
Reese met the stares with a harsh glare. He refused to feel guilty about returning Jayce to her father. He did not love her.
Still, he had to admire her courage and conviction. No woman had ever stood up to him, spoken to him in such a manner. He was angry, and he knew he should have been insulted. But he wasn’t. Instead, he found himself admiring Jayce. Most other women would have slunk away sobbing to their fathers without saying two words to him. But not Jayce. Her eyes had sparked like the hottest part of a flame.
She was right. And that thought angered him the most. He had only thought of himself; not once had he considered how she felt. He hadn’t even attempted to speak to her. And because of these damnable guilty feelings, he had allowed Nicole to invite Jayce to dine in the great hall before she left in the morning. Jayce sat on the opposite side of Nicole, only two seats away from him. He could feel her presence there; tingles tickled the nape of his neck.
A movement at the far end of the great hall caught Reese’s attention, and he swiveled his head to see Dylan McNaught approaching with the usual spring to his step. Dylan was an eager, innocent, naive young man who had been recently knighted. Reese had hired him instantly, seeing in him the excitement and youth he had missed. Dylan had worked for Reese for a year now and they had become friends. His blond hair and large, boyish, brown eyes promised that in time he would break many women’s hearts. He marched up the center aisle, heading directly for the head table.
Reese watched as he greeted Nicole with a bright smile. “It’s good to see you safe, m’lady,” Dylan said with a slight bow.
Nicole returned the smile. “Thank you, Dylan,” she answered.
Reese started to rise, but froze as Dylan turned his eyes to Jayce.
“You must be Lady Jayce,” he said, reaching across the table to take her hand. He bent and pressed a kiss to her knuckles. “I am honored to have you as my lady.”
“Dylan,” Reese called, trying to correct him.
But Dylan’s eyes alighted on Jayce’s face, and dread pierced Reese’s stomach. He opened his mouth to stop Dylan’s words, but knew he wouldn’t be quick enough.
“I vow with all my heart to protect you and serve you as I do Lord Reese,” Dylan promised Jayce, a smile crossing his lips.
Reese groaned and sank back into his chair, shaking his head. Dylan’s grandiose sense of honor was going to cause him untold trouble. Dylan was not a man to break his vow easily. But this was one vow that would have to be broken.
Dylan turned to him. “Lord Reese!” He moved to stand before him. “The border lands are secure. I’ve—“
“Dylan,” Reese said, lowering his voice, “we can discuss business after the meal.”
“Of course,” Dylan replied, rounding the table.
In the face of Dylan’s youthful vibrancy, Reese suddenly felt old and tired.
*****
It was late when Reese finally meandered up to his room. He paused before the door to his chambers. Jayce was in there. He couldn’t bring himself to kick her out of his room, too. He returned to the great hall, moving toward the hearth. It was quiet; all the servants had finished their tasks and were preparing for bed. He stopped in the middle of the room, finally noticing the room’s sole occupant.
Jayce stood before the hearth, her hands folded before her, staring into the fire. Reese walked toward her. He stopped two strides behind her as a waft of roses met his nostrils. He knew he should leave, but then he suddenly found himself speaking. “I’m sorry about all of this,” he said quietly.
He watched as she drew herself up. “So am I,” she finally answered in a curt voice.