Page 7 of Raven's Rise
She went downstairs, wondering what she was supposed to do that evening. Otto rarely called for her attendance for any events when visitors came to Dryton. He preferred her out of sight and out of mind. Yet he called for her specifically tonight. Why?
In the great hall, she saw the group of men who’d ridden into the courtyard earlier. There were four in total. So they weren’t simply travelers asking accommodations for the night. They were important enough for Otto to invite to table. Interesting.
The black-haired man was just as handsome as he’d seemed at first glance, perhaps even more so. He looked around the hall, and when his eyes met hers, he smiled warmly, as if he knew her already. Angelet quickly looked away. She didn’t want to encourage anything, especially from a knight likely to be as arrogant as he was good-looking.
Unfortunately, there was another arrogant man in the room, and he was walking directly toward her. Her brother-in-law Ernald Yarborough was a thorn in her side. He had a knack for finding her at the worst possible times, and she hated the way he looked at her.
She greeted some people as she made her way to her usual seat. The men in the hall looked at her, and most didn’t bother to hide their appraisal. The villagers and servants about the manor were circumspect—the difference in class was ingrained from birth, and very few of them would ever dare to insult a lady by a too-blatant appreciation. But the men-at-arms were different. Rough in personality and manners, they thought nothing of staring at her, and even muttering a few choice words that only she could hear.
Angelet didn’t even respond to them. Instead, she moved past as quickly as she could, finding the nearest group of people to protect her by their presence. She’d learned to keep an eye out while pretending to notice nothing. She always knew where it was safe to walk and what hours she should remain in her chambers or with other women of the manor. No one taught her this—no one cared enough to do so.
But Ernald was different. He was unavoidable.
“Look who’s come from her tower. Angelet the visionary. And with such jewels!” her brother-in-law said. “You’re asking for attention.”
“Lord Otto wanted me to attend,” she murmured coolly. She wasn’t asking for attention, and she certainly wasn’t asking for Ernald’s.
“Then you’ll sit by me.”
“I will not.”
“No point seating you by a guest,” he said, glancing about jealously. “What will you discuss with those men? Embroidery? Or do you think yourself so pretty you don’t need to say anything?”
Angelet was used to such remarks and paid them no mind. “Enjoy your supper. I will find my place at the table.”
“Your place isn’t for you to decide.” Ernald stepped closer, his expression turning ugly. “If you won’t act as part of this family, you should take your meal in the kitchen. Or better yet, the courtyard, with the beggars and freaks.”
Then, with no warning, the black-clad knight appeared between Angelet and her tormentor.
“Such comments are not polite,” he said flatly. “Apologize to her.”
“Or what?” Ernald asked, amazed that anyone would speak to him like that in his own home.
“I’ll decide it’s a matter of honor,” the stranger said. He didn’t seem the least bit taken aback. Did he not understand Ernald’s rank? “You definitely look old enough to have been taught the concept of honor by now.”
“What doesthatmean?” Ernald snapped.
“It means we’ll fight. And lately, every man I’ve fought has either surrendered or died. I care not which it will be for you.”
Ernald inhaled, puffing out his chest in offense. “I am the only living son of Lord Otto, to be a lord in my time. You’re nothing more than a soldier. Who are you to teach me lessons in manners?”
“Sir Rafe. I’m also called the Knight of the Raven.”
That name had some effect on Ernald and the others standing within earshot. Angelet didn’t know what special meaning it held. All she knew was that no one had come to her defense in nearly ten years.
Now that defender turned to her. “My lady? What is your wish? Should I press this matter for your sake?”
She looked at the sweating Ernald, picturing him bleeding on a field, and finding a perverse and primal joy in the image. Then she sighed. “No, sir knight. He is my brother by marriage, and I would not wish to be the cause of his death.”
“His own stupidity and rudeness would be the cause,” the knight argued.
“Nonetheless, I humbly beg you to overlook his rudeness and stupidity,” Angelet said. “Trust me, no amount of education will repair those flaws.”
The knight smiled slightly at her words, and Angelet felt a stirring of satisfaction in saying them. For once, there was someone whoheardher, if only for a moment.
“I am Sir Rafe,” he said, bowing. “Whom do I have the pleasure of defending?”
“My name is Angelet,” she replied, warmth spreading through her. Up close, the man had truly beautiful eyes, and she found herself blushing at his attention.
