Page 93 of Pippa of Lauramore
“This is not a joke,” I say, moving forward. “He’s threatening to have Archer hanged if I do not.”
The laughter dies, but they still don’t look terribly bothered.
“On what grounds?” Archer asks.
Everyone in the tent knows about us except for Bran, and I feel uncomfortable announcing it out loud. I look away and then meet Archer’s eyes.
“He knows.” I feel my cheeks go scarlet. “He says attempting to seduce a princess promised to the tournament is treason to the crown.”
The tent is silent. Bran opens his mouth as if to say something and then closes it, looking confused. Galinor’s gaze drops to the floor.
“He has no proof,” Leonora argues after a few awkward moments. She comes forward and sets her hand on my shoulder. “And goodness, Archer didn’t seduce you. Who would believe that?” She laughs. “If anything, people are more apt to believeyouattempted to seducehim.”
I shake my head, at a loss for words. “He says rumors are already spreading. People know about us.”
“He’s right about that.” Irving stretches out his wrapped leg, gritting his teeth as he moves. “It’s on the wind.”
“You would know,” I say.
“Yes.” His eyes are sharp. “I would.”
“This is ridiculous,” Archer says. “Tell us exactly what happened.”
I explain the events of the morning, and Galinor’s eyes go wide when I get to the part where I jumped off thewall. Apparently, he didn’t believe me when I told him I occasionally cliff dive.
Archer, though—there’s no disbelief in his expression. His eyes are hard, murderous. “Did he touch you?” he demands, stepping forward. “Did he hurt you?”
I shake my head.
“How confident are you in the joust and hand-to-hand?” Irving asks Galinor, who glances at me.
“They’re my best events.”
Leonora nods. “Percival says Galinor’s one of the best he’s ever seen.”
Irving shrugs. “Then do what Lionel wants. What’s two points?”
“Two points can decide the winner,” Archer argues. “And I’ve seen Lionel fight all my life. I’ve practiced against him myself several times—he’s good. These are his best events as well.”
The competition is too close. I can’t give him those points. But what choice do I have?
“What do I do?” I rub my fingers over my throbbing temples.
“I don’t care what he threatens to do to me,” Archer says, coming forward. “You will not give him those points.”
I toss my hands in the air. “Do you think I would let him do that to you? You think I would let you be hanged?”
He’s in front of me now, one hand on my good shoulder and the other soft on my cheek.
“I faced a dragon for you, Pippa,” he says, and though his voice is quiet, I know everyone can hear him. His eyesplead with me. “I would do it again—over and over. I would search the ends of the land for any item anywhere, no matter how dangerous. I would fight for you—even though I can’t be with you. You would die a slow death married to Lionel. I would rather die a quick one if it keeps you from that end.”
I’m shaking, but somehow, I hold the tears back. I will not cry. I nod slowly, even though agreeing hurts. Relief washes over his face. He rests his forehead against mine, only briefly, and then pulls away.
Our audience is quiet. Tears pour down Leonora’s face, and Marigold’s eyes glisten. Irving, Bran, and Galinor look uncomfortable.
Archer gives me one last long look, almost as if he’s debating pressing a kiss to my lips, and then steps past me.
“Where are you going?” I ask just before he steps out of the tent.
