Page 12 of Lord of the Castle
“It is,” he agreed. “But Felix and Fauna are unique war horses. They have sired many foals, and we often sell them to back to the kingdom. The profit helps me retain my grounds and staff, but they are growing older and the foals are born later and later each year. Twins this year is a good omen.”
“They are beautiful,” I breathed. “I haven’t been fortunate enough to buy my own horse, yet I’ve often longed for one.”
“They are worthy companions.”
In one swift move, he planted his staff in the ground and, using it as leverage, swung up on the horse.
I gaped, and he held out his hand to me. “Come, Mistress Mariel. Unless you’re afraid.”
There was an insolent question in his deep set eyes, and even though my long skirts were not made for riding, I took the dare, and gripped his hand.
My skin tingled from the contact and he pulled me up as though I weighed nothing. I’d expected to ride astride like a man behind him, but he placed me in front of him. My skirts fell mid-calf to maintain my modesty, but I sucked in a deep breath as the heat of his body pressed against me. His arm stole around my waist. I squirmed, but his hand was firm. His low voice whispered near my ear.
“Felix is a feisty horse, you will not want to fall off.”
I gave in, letting him hold me, letting myself enjoy it even though my mind screamed at me to escape this folly.
Felix broke into a gallop and my hands closed around Lord Cedric’s arms, my thighs squeezing the horse’s back to keep my balance. I thought I heard another chuckle from Lord Cedric, but the wind streamed out behind me, whirling my short hair into my face as we bounded through the wood. Felix gathered himself and leaped over the looming gate.
A cry of pleasure burst from my throat as we galloped down the hill, and the sensation of freedom surged around me as the forest whipped past. A grin split my face and laugher burst from my throat. Lord Cedric whispered in soothing tones, calming the horse.
We slowed down into a walk, and I leaned back, chest heaving. “That was magnificent,” I said, releasing my grip on Lord Cedric’s arms to tuck my wild hair back into place.
This time he did laugh, a deep throated laugh. His chest expanded against my back, and I leaned back, no longer caring that I should hold myself away from him.
“I wasn’t sure whether you would enjoy it or scream,” he said.
“A shield-maiden does not scream with terror; she walks boldly into terror and fights.”
Lord Cedric snorted. “So you do have a sense of humor.”
“They don’t beat it out of us,” I retorted.
“Why a shield-maiden?”
I chewed my lower lip and spoke quickly. “As the daughter of a harlot, there are not many options for me. My father was an inventor for the King, but the Sisters of the Sword thought it would be better to train me.”
“And your mother, what did she think?”
I frowned. “She was killed when barbarians raided the brothel. The children were spared and sent to the Sisters of the Sword. I was only five at the time, but my father would visit me, take me for a few days. We did not get along. He is a quiet man, given to thinking, not action, and others took advantage of him. Standing up for those who cannot stand up for themselves is why I wanted to fight, and becoming a warrior is the most appropriate way for those of low birth to give back to the kingdom.”
“And now what? Will you go back after this?”
“I was sent here as punishment, and I cannot do as they asked. They will not have me back. I don’t know what I want.”
“To protect those who cannot protect themselves,” Lord Cedric said.
His arm about my waist tightened, then relaxed.
“What about you?” I asked. “Why do you stay here?”
“Whispering Vine is my birthright, the castle has been in the family for generations. Even though the kingdom would like to station an army here, draw higher taxes, and force me to go to court, I will not let them. The wildwood calls. I belong here and have no reason to leave.”
“But, isn’t it lonely?” I spoke without thinking. “The large empty castle, the servants, your gardens and your war horses? Don’t you get lonely without a companion?”
“Are you suggesting that I need a companion to be complete?”
His hand moved lower, and a tingling sensation went up my spine.
