KIND
EYES AND A LION’S HEART
CHAPTER
THREE
After finding a
much-the-worse-for-wine Theodore in a rather squalid taproom, bringing him back
to the castle and putting him to bed, Melvin stayed in his chamber until the
evening meal. He didn’t want to see
anybody who’d been in the courtyard that morning, and he didn’t want to
encounter Barengar, especially if Barengar meant what he’d said in his drunken state.
He even considered going to the kitchen
and trying to get something to eat there rather than joining the company in the
hall, but that would be too unusual and likely cause unflattering comments
about his odd behavior, so he reluctantly went to the hall for the evening meal.
Tonight,
though, he chose an out-of-the-way seat half-hidden by a pillar. Nobody of rank sat near him and he began to
hope that morning’s events had been forgotten, until one of the maidservants
set down a basket of bread. He thought
he saw her smirk as he reached for a small loaf. He quickly withdrew his hand and decided to
eat as little as possible, no matter how excellent the meal.
At
least the chair beside Lady Viola remained empty. Perhaps, and for once, Barengar had realized
he’d made a disgusting spectacle of himself.
Apparently
not, however, for a short time later Barengar came strolling down the center of
the hall as if he’d done absolutely nothing wrong. He was also smiling at Lady Viola as if she
should be thrilled he had deigned to appear.
Melvin
looked down at his trencher and stayed in that attitude until after the grace
had been said and everyone had taken their seats. Only then did he risk another look at the
high table -- to find the steadfast gaze of Lady Viola trained upon him. Even more astonishing, she was smiling.
Blushing
like a lad, he quickly looked away. A
moment passed before, emboldened, he raised his eyes again. He wished he hadn’t when he saw that Barengar
was again seated beside her, regarding her with every appearance of sincere
remorse, and this time, she was listening to him.
Was it
possible he was apologizing to her? He’d
never known Barengar to apologize to anyone before, for anything.
Maybe
he really did want to marry Lady Viola.
If he did and her family approved, there was little chance for anyone
else.
But to
think of Lady Viola spending her life with a fellow like Barengar, who would
never appreciate what a prize he had…
Melvin
pushed away his trencher and left the hall without tasting a morsel or saying a
single word. He was too disgruntled and
upset to try to sleep, so he headed for the wall walk instead. He could go up there, look at the stars and
try to convince himself he would get over his disappointment.
He
climbed the steps and leaned against a merlon, looking out through the gap
between them at the village and wood beyond.
“Sir
Melvin?”
He started
and turned. Lady Viola stood in the
shadow of the nearest tower. She moved
toward him, her hands clasped, her gaze searching his puzzled face.
Chapter Four begins on June 22.
This work is protected by copyright. See sidebar for notice.
Note: This novella is PG13. With the exception of GWYNETH AND THE THIEF
and THE WASTREL, my books are usually steamier.
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