Page 13 of A Crown Without Mercy

“I’m sure they will,” Sylvana replied.

“Do you have an escort to see you back to your manor?”

“No, milord.”

“You’re not thinking you can travel alone, are you?”

“I can stay with Muriel. It’s down the road from the market.”

“I don’t think staying with Muriel is an option. I’m sure her father has received word of her whereabouts by now.”

“I assume he wouldn’t care. According to Muriel, he spends most of his time drinking and gambling.”

“And you’re comfortable putting yourself in the home of a besotted male?”

“No. I was hoping I could stay with Lenora. Obviously, it’s not an option. Honestly, I don’t know what I was thinking.”

“I will see you get home safely.”

“Milord, I appreciate the offer, but I will be fine.”

“Milord is so formal. Call me Nicolai.”

“Yes, milord.”

Nicolai looked down at her and raised an eyebrow.

Sylvana looked up at the intimidating warrior towering over her. “Yes—Nicolai.”

“Much better. Since we have that settled, what brings you here? Other than drinking where you shouldn’t.”

“I deliver goods to the kitchen.”

“Why would they need you? It’s beneath you, is it not?”

“Everyone tells me so, but it pays well.”

“I didn’t realize your family was in need.”

“We’re not—” she began.

“Then why do a Helot’s job?”

It’s not like I can tell him the truth about my mother.She thought, having cloaked it from Nicolai. “I like to earn my own wage.”

“Respectable, I suppose. Although, if you were to take a mate, you wouldn’t have to.”

“They will not mate me off so I can go from relying on my father to relying on a mate.”

“What does your father think?”

“A lot.” She chuckled.

“I’m sure he does. I heard you had a bit of trouble in the fields today.”

“It was nothing more than a couple of beggars. I’m used to it.”

“I also heard you sent one head over heels. Why didn’t you drain him?”

---