Page 4 of Knight of Havoc
“Mayhap not, but their snobbish ways bother me now,” she fumed with a stamp of her foot.
“I am certain you will put them in their place by the time we see you again,” Reynard teased her, noticing the determined look that filled her eyes.
“You, too, will regret leaving me to my own devices. Why, I shall flirt my way through all the men left here at court. ’Twillteach both you and Richard a lesson for leaving me behind,” she said batting her eyes at him and ruining the brief bit of pity he had for her.
Reynard went to her and kissed both of her cheeks. Returning to his horse, he settled into the saddle before reaching for his leather gloves and donning them. He took up the reins. “Do as you must, Beatrix, but in the end, you are the one who will pay the price for your ruination.”
“Who said I will be ruined? I am looking for a husband,” she fumed, her tone sounding on the brink of hysterics. “I do not know why I am having to explain myself to you anyway. We are of the same age, and I hardly answer to you anymore than I answer to your brothers.”
“We have always kept your best interest in our hearts, and you know it, Beatrix. Continue on as you have claimed, and you will find yourself with a babe in your belly if your plan is to flirt your way through court. In the end, you will not have a husband to claim but a bastard child,” he replied whilst giving her a look of the importance of his words.
“Then do not leave me here!” She stomped her foot once again.
“Your attempt to threaten us to keep us from leaving you here is useless. The empress herself has asked you to attend her but there are plenty of reasons like your safety to not travel with us into the unknown. We have no idea what may lie ahead for us in Bristol and Winchester.”
“Bah!” she said with a wave of her hand. “I would be far better off traveling with you and my brother, and you know it, Reynard,” she said. She placed her hands on her hips. “Say the word and I will have my horse saddled to ride with you.”
“I will not gainsay your brother or our empress, whom you must answer to, Beatrix. As Richard told you, behave yourself until we see you again at Oxford. Surely you can keepyourself respectfully amused until then. I am certain you will be complaining about us keeping a watchful eye over you in no time.”
“You are just as mean as my brother. I hate you both. Begone with you then,” she scolded before turning her back on him and walking away.
Reynard sighed before pulling on the reins of his horse and setting the beast into motion. The other knights who were to travel with him were already making their way through the barbican gate.
He kicked his steed into a trot to catch up to where Richard rode in the procession of knights. There were three others whom he had fought besides during the rout of Winchester: Blake Kennarde, Oswin Woodwarde, and Kingsley Goodee had also sworn their allegiance to the empress and Reynard was happy to have them as additional company on their travels.
The morning gave way to early afternoon as the party continued to make their way toward Bristol. As soon as they had the false king in hand, they would continue on to make the prisoner exchange in Winchester. Reynard continued to keep his eyes upon the road and watch the trees for a possible ambush, but all was far too quiet.
Oswin finally inched his steed closer to Reynard. “Did you survive her sharp tongue?” he teased as though they had only just left Beatrix behind.
Reynard smirked. “That girl will need someone with a fair amount of patience to deal with everything that is… well… Beatrix.”
Blake’s horse trotted forward, and he looked over his shoulder to stare upon the men with a wicked smile. “I would be happy to take up the challenge.”
“Aye! Richard’s sister is a beauty,” Kingsley chimed in.
A low growl-like sound left Richard. “You shall all stay away from my sister,” he warned, causing the men to laugh.
Reynard looked ahead, trying to keep a straight face but failed. “They are all worthy of her. Titled with lands to call their own. What more could you want for Beatrix?” he asked, curious as to Richard’s answer.
“A stable life with someone who is not following an army might be a start,” Richard said, casting a warning glance toward those who rode nearby.
“And what about love? Do you not wish her to find love, Richard?” Oswin inquired with a knowing smile.
Richard nodded. “That would be ideal but knowing my sister I would be happy if she could find a common accord with this unknown man and not want to scratch his eyes out. She has quite the temper when provoked.”
Blake laughed. “Again… sounds like a challenge,” he taunted which earned him a warning glare from Oswin. “What? Do you fancy her?”
Oswin became quiet whilst the friends all stared upon him.
“God’s Blood! He does care for the fair Lady Beatrix,” Kingsley called, causing his voice to echo into the distance.
“Sod off, Goodee,” Oswin huffed before kicking his heels into the side of his horse and trotting ahead.
“I guess I must beg off in pursing her, then. I certainly do not wish to get in the way of Oswin’s claim,” Blake replied in a tart retort.
Richard scowled. “No one is pursing anything where my sister is concerned.”
“Best let the matter rest, men,” Reynard finally chimed in knowing Richard was barely holding onto his temper. “I shall go scout ahead.”
