Page 64 of Pippa of Lauramore
“How can you tell?” I ask, not sure I want to hear her answer.
She flashes a knowing grin. “The garden maids are complaining he doesn’t smile at them anymore, but instead he looks distant all the time. The knights are saying he’s surly and abrupt?—”
“He’s always surly and abrupt,” I say, interrupting her.
Leonora laughs, but she keeps her voice down. “With you, perhaps, but not with everyone else.”
I sit up straighter and open my mouth to argue.
“Don’t be offended, Pippa,” she says, her voice soft. “He’s simply reeking of unrequited love.”
I glance at Archer. He can’t hear us, but he narrows his eyes at Leonora as if he knows she’s speaking of him. Quickly, I look back at her before she notices.
“You know him better than anyone, Pippa. He’s with you constantly. Who do you think it is?”
I must look as guilty as I feel, because her eyebrows twitch and her mouth drops open. She glances sharply around us and then leans closer.
“Pippa?” she whispers, her voice incredulous.
I shrug, helpless.
“Oh, no,” she says, sitting back.
“Are you feeling ill again?” I ask when her hand settles on her stomach. She does look a little pale.
She shakes her head and turns her body toward me, doing her best to block Percival from our conversation. “What of Galinor?”
“What of Galinor?” I ask, my voice quiet but sharp. “He will win the tournament, and I will marry him.”
“But Archer?—”
“I can’t be with Archer.” This is impossible to discuss with Leonora, who married for love. How fortunate for her and Percival she was born into the right station and in our own kingdom no less. I fight back bitter feelings. It’s not her fault she was born a lady any more than it’s Archer’s fault he’s not a lord.
Leonora looks stricken, and I feel horrible for my harsh words.
“Father will never allow me to marry Archer.”
“Do you love him?”
My throat tightens again, a feeling I’ve become accustomed to in these last few days. “Yes.”
Stupid, worthless tears begin to build in my eyes.
“Oh, Pippa…”
I shake my head. I can’t discuss it anymore.
Leonora stands and turns toward Percival. “I’m not feeling well. Pippa is going to escort me to our rooms.”
The briefest look of concern flashes over his face, but she leans down and kisses him softly. I look away, their moment too personal and my heart too raw. I only look back when I hear her say, “I am fine.”
Archer watches us rise. We both know he’ll be gone in the morning. I want to tell him one last goodbye, tell him I love him, but I can’t—not in this crowd. So I say it with my eyes, and he nods in reply. It’s the slightest movement, but it warms me.
As we reach the archway to leave the great hall, I glance back at the room. Just as I suspected he would be, Rigel watches.
CHAPTER 16
Iwake before dawn. I pad softly to the balcony, my feet bare against the cold stone floor. The sky is just beginning to lighten in the east. If I hurry, I can catch Archer before he leaves and say my goodbye. A real one.
