Page 30 of Promises Made at Midnight
Bridgette leaned her head back on the wall behind her. “I’d be more than happy to have such a conversation with him. It’s extremely difficult if he will not give me a moment or two of his time. He has refused to be alone with me in fear Lord Dristan will have his head on a pike outside his gates… Ulrick’s words, not mine,” she fumed in frustration.
“You worry about getting Ulrick alone and let me worry about Dristan. You are not the first lady who has gone to unconventional methods to ensure love finds its way into the heart of their knights. I have the feeling you will not be the last.”
“He won’t like it,” Bridgette said, before leaning forward, resting her forearms on her thighs and clasping her hands together.”
“They generally do not know what is good for them. A good woman will change all that for the better,” Amiria replied, before standing. “Shall we return to your training? I fear Dristan will only allow me a short period to continue upon the lists before he feels this activity might harm our babe if I continue. ’Tis best to take advantage of the time we have. There is still much for me to teach you.”
Knowing their short reprieve was over, Bridgette was thankful for the break while she followed Amiria back onto the field. She walked right past Ulrick without giving him even a short glance. His grunted annoyance only caused Bridgette to smile. She was done playing games. He made her a promise and by God he was going to keep it!
CHAPTER20
Ulrick made his way across the inner bailey and observed Godfrey leaving the healer’s hut. He motioned for the knight to join him.
“Well?” he inquired, his words lingering in the air between them. He would see if the young man had enough sense to guess what was required of him.
Godfrey shuffled his boots in the dirt beneath his feet. “I apologize for my earlier indiscretion relating to the ladies, Sir Ulrick. ’Twill not happen again.”
Satisfied with Godfrey’s reply, he was about to speak when Lady Amiria and Lady Bridgette passed by. They laughed with one another whilst they continued on their way. ’Twas not hard to notice Godfrey’s hungry gaze following one particular woman until they were near the keep. Amiria’s children ran to their mother, who kneeled down to hug them both.
Ulrick folded his arms across his chest, irked that another obviously had feelings for Lady Bridgette. The boy needed to be reminded that the lady was under the protection of their liege lord.
“You continue to ogle Lady Bridgette. Why?” he asked, attempting to hide the annoyance from his voice.
Godfrey heaved a sigh before returning his attention to Ulrick. “I cannot explain it. I know you have an unspoken interest in the lady but, for some reason, I feel drawn to her.”
“You would be wise to refrain from any infatuation with the lady. She is spoken for,” Ulrick warned.
“I had not realized your relationship had progressed so far.”
“’Tis none of your business what my relationship is with the lady. Suffice to say, you have enough to worry about with your training and proving your worth to Lord Dristan, instead of wasting valuable time attempting to dally with a woman,” Ulrick said gruffly. “If you do feel inclined to seek a lady’s hand, choose another.” He began making his way toward the keep. Godfrey decided to walk with him.
“I will heed your advice, Sir Ulrick,” Godfrey said, although Ulrick could see for himself ’twas done reluctantly.
Ulrick stopped to stare at the younger man before he nodded. “You may just pass Lord Dristan’s inspection after all.”
Godfrey beamed, apparently pleased he had earned Ulrick’s praise and respect. He had come a long way from the cocky lad but weeks before. As they neared the women, Ulrick slowed his pace, hoping he might have a private word with Bridgette. Her eyes roamed all over his entire visage before falling upon the man at his side. She frowned and Ulrick wondered what bothered her about Godfrey, as he realized she had never told him her reason for being leery of him.
“Sir Ulrick. Sir Godfrey,” she murmured quietly, before she once more turned those green eyes in Ulrick’s direction. A sensation of utter disbelief fell over him as if the woman held him spellbound. He was unsure he would ever get used to the feeling.
“My lady,” they answered in unison, further increasing Ulrick’s scowl.
Amiria stood and began ushering her children toward the keep. “I shall see you at the evening meal, Bridgette,” she said.
“Thank you for the lessons today, my lady,” Bridgette replied, before once more turning toward Ulrick.
“Do you have some place you need to be, Sir Godfrey?” he questioned, with a raised brow.
“Aye, of course,” the young knight replied with a bow, before taking his leave and heading toward the Garrison Hall.
Ulrick waited until Godfrey was gone from their side before he gave his own slight bow. “Lady Bridgette… did you enjoy your training with Lady Amiria?”
“Yes.” Her reply was short, but he watched in fascination whilst her eyes sparkled like the brightest gem as she gazed upon him.
“You did well today,” he replied, attempting to draw some kind of response from her. “I could see for myself how you have improved.”
Her smile lit her entire countenance. “Thank you, Ulrick, for noticing.”
“Might I ask you a question, my lady?”
