Page 29 of These Violent Delights

“Sounds like fun,” Yarbo said.“I will help you fight her.”

“You're not married then?Oyon asked.“No one waiting for you back home?”

Zelda frowned at the woman.She could not have asked a worse question.

“No.”Yarbo said.“I've asked Lady Zelda to marry me.”

Ozzy stiffened.“I've also asked the lady to marry me.”

Yarbo pierced him with a violent stare.“I have a prior claim.”

“I told you both no,” Zelda pointed out, exasperated.“Many times.”

They ignored that.Obviously, she'll choose one of them.Each is convinced that it’s going to be him.

“I have a granddaughter,” Oyan announced, like a merchant joining a bidding war.She eyed Yarbo.“l want to introduce you.”

“I'm spoken for,” Yarbo said and turned his attention back to Ozzy.

“You're not, actually,” Zelda pointed out, annoyed.“The girl has as much claim on you as anyone.”

He stared at her, unmoved.“I am spoken for,” he said with slow deliberation.

It was impossible not to feel a thrill at such obvious devotion.Unfortunately, she knew he was all wrong for her.He lacked a sense of humor, for one thing.Everything was deadly serious, and he was inflexible.

Exactly like the castle.Every day would be a battle if they disagreed.Ozzy would at least...

She quickly shut down that comparison.Now was not the time.

“My granddaughter will be here in a few days,” Oyan said, standing up.“My lady.Would you mind walking me to the door?”

Now that was an awesome exit plan!Zelda almost forgave her for starting a war at the dinner table.She stood up happily.“Of course.The castle can be moody.”She sent a warning glance around the table.“Make sure you don't set it off.”

Zelda linked arms with the old woman.As soon as they were out of earshot, Oyan patted her hand.“It's not really about you, you know.Men have to sort these things out.Alpha dogs, you see.”

Zelda sighed.“I know.”

Oyan glanced back at the table.“Still, the grandbabies he could give me!I can't wait to introduce him.”

“He was very popular,” Zelda cautioned her, not wanting her to get her hopes up.

“Of course he was!But you haven't seen my granddaughter.”Oyan winked.“I'll be off, then.Enjoy your evening.”She smirked, undoubtedly expecting fireworks.Feisty old wench!

The guests dispersed after that.Yarbo and his friends were given private quarters in the barracks.There was no way she could house them in the castle without giving the wrong impression.

Ozzy hung back, as she knew he would.What she didn't know was what he would say.

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